My husband and I have always taken our kids to art walks and gallery openings in and out of the Adirondack Park since they were very young. I want my children to be exposed to as much art as possible.

There are so many opportunities to explore art and nature around the Adirondack Park and now for the second year the Sacandaga Valley Art Network (SVAN) artists are opening their studio doors August 8-9 to showcase their original creations.

This self-guided studio and gallery tour is reminiscent of the St. Lawrence County Arts Council artist driving tour (November 7-8, 2015) and the Last Saturday Artists at Work Tour around Saranac Lake (August 29, September 26).

Over 30 artists are participating in the SVAN Art Trail. It is a unique opportunity to be invited into their studio space and perhaps see a demonstration. Some methods being used by this year’s Art Trail artists are eggshell mosaics, acrylics, ceramics, landscapes in oil, pottery, glass, photography, cement sculptures, custom furniture, hand woven textiles and drawings.

There is such a wide variety of talent and so much to see. Please note that not all artist studios will be open both days. Check the schedule to make sure your favorite (or soon to be favorite artist) will be available for a visit.

Maps for this event are located online, at the SVAN Art Center in Northville, the Fulton County Visitor Center in Broadalbin, the Northville Public Library and the Micropolis Gallery in Gloversville.

My kids were always asking how something was made and how things worked. I found art walks and studio tours to be a great resource to direct them right to the source.  Some people criticized when I would bring my kids along on these artist tours. I am glad I never listened. My children are older now, but can be seen doodling, building and creating. I believe that watching someone create something from nothing is a powerful tool. I also have fun adding to my Adirondack art wish list. Enjoy!

If you are still around Northville at 6 pm on August 8, stay for the free outdoor concert at Northville Waterfront Park.

Diane Chase

Diane Chase is the author of the Adirondack Family Activities guidebook series, Adirondack Family Time. She writes about ways to foster imaginative play through fun-filled events and activities in the Adirondack region.

From her home in Saranac Lake, Diane also writes a weekly family-oriented newspaper column for the Adirondack Daily Enterprise and keeps her own blog Adirondack Family Time. Her writing and photography has appeared in numerous newspapers, magazines, marketing companies and advertising agencies.

She even finds time to assist her husband with Adirondack Expeditions guiding families and young adults in the High Peaks.

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