Taylor and Catherine Ross Haskins, residing in Westport, New York, sought to enhance their small town’s cultural scene, which lacks significant artistic venues. With a population of around 800, they decided to transform their community into a hub for music and visual art after years of traveling to hear performances and view exhibitions elsewhere. Capitalizing on the wealth of empty buildings post-COVID, the couple purchased a dilapidated former grain mill and spent three years revitalizing it into an 11,000-square-foot arts center called “The Mill.”

Opened in 2023, The Mill features three art galleries, a speakeasy named the Knock, housing for visiting artists, and a standout performance space, the Listening Gallery, notable for its impressive acoustics and atmosphere. They had previously demonstrated community interest by hosting a successful concert series from 2014 to 2017, drawing audiences that rivaled the town’s population. This experience helped build a local audience and proved the viability of their arts initiative.

Taylor, a Grammy Award-winning trumpet player, curates the music, while Catherine manages the artistic aspects, creating an immersive experience through their combined efforts. The lineup has included diverse performances, reflecting their vision for a venue without genre constraints. They see their venture as a creative project rather than just a business, relishing the unpredictability of its future.

With immediate plans for art installations and events, like movie screenings and live performances, the Haskins aim to revitalize Westport, inviting visitors to cherish the arts and the town itself. As Catherine succinctly puts it, their goal is to make every experience memorable.