ABOUT
iO Arts Center
Palisades, New York
iO Arts Center is a contemporary cultural sanctuary rooted in the historic 1858 Yonderhill building in Palisades, New York. Once a Methodist meeting house and later a beloved antiques center, the space has been reborn as a modern Temple of Art—home to exhibitions, concerts, performances, talks, film evenings, book signings, yoga, intimate gatherings, and private chef experiences.
Founded by Goran, a preservationist, engineer, and visionary entrepreneur, iO unites local and international artists in a shared celebration of beauty, diversity, and the human spirit. It is a place where creativity, community, and human connection naturally converge. With its soaring ceilings, original wood floors, and luminous windows, the center invites visitors to slow down, breathe, and experience art with presence and intention.
Our Vision
Our vision is inspired directly by
Goran’s purpose:
"We all have a purpose in life — this is mine:
A purpose to keep faith in humanity,
to remind people to love one another,
to share wisdom with children,
to see the beauty in every soul,
to respect the elders,
to create, to dare, to believe, to love."
iO is designed as a living environment—a Temple of Art—where hidden beauty is revealed, where the voiceless can speak, and where creativity becomes a pathway to connection and renewal.
We envision a space where art, music, conversation, food, and culture intertwine to elevate the human condition and to draw a new history—one that shapes a better future.
Our Mission
Our mission is grounded in Goran’s guiding philosophy:
"Those who dare to create history
will own the future."
iO exists to uplift the human spirit through art, culture, and shared experience. It honors under-recognized and living artists, offering them a platform to be seen, heard, and celebrated in real time.
Here, art becomes a force for healing, unity, and truth. iO welcomes people from every culture, nation, and background, creating a sanctuary where stories are shared, voices are honored, and beauty is discovered in the presence of one another.
Our History
The story of iO begins with the land itself. The white-clapboard Yonderhill building was constructed in 1858 as a Methodist meeting house, later becoming a beloved antiques and auction center for decades. For years, it sat largely dormant—waiting for its next life.
Goran discovered it during one of his drives along 9W. The building “called his name,” he recalls, and he immediately recognized its potential as a cultural sanctuary. Drawn to its mystery and grace, he renamed it after Io, the Greek mythological figure whose transformation and resilience mirror the spirit of the place.
His career in historic preservation—including projects with the Smithsonian, Cooper Hewitt, post office restorations, and work at Floyd Bennett Field—prepared him to restore Yonderhill with deep respect for its architectural soul.
In 2024, iO Arts Center opened its doors with exhibitions, chamber concerts, talks, and community events, quickly becoming a creative heartbeat for Palisades and surrounding towns.
Looking Forward
iO Arts Center is only the beginning. Goran envisions a constellation of future iO spaces throughout the Northeast—each one rooted in inclusivity, artistic freedom, cultural celebration, and the belief that art can transform lives.
The Palisades location will continue to grow with an outdoor program, an art café, a store, and expanded cultural events, creating an ever-evolving destination for creativity and connection.
iO stands as a reminder that history is not just inherited—it is made.
And the future belongs to those who dare to create it.
WORKING HOURS
Wednesday - Sunday: 11am - 7pm
Monday - Tuesday: by appointment only
ADDRESS
iO ARTS CENTER
1 Closter Road Palisades, NY 10964
CONTACT US
201-790-05-39
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© 2025 All rights reserved. iO Arts Center