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Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Adirondack Art: OK Slip Falls Inspiration

by Sandra Hildreth

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I climbed steadily over rocks and boulders, some the size of large pieces of furniture, for half a mile as I worked my way up OK Slip Brook. Sometimes in the thick growth along the shoreline, sometimes rock-hopping right up the brook itself. After a good 30-40 minutes, I came around a bend, crossed several sections of the brook at a gravelly section, and the falls came into sight ahead.

OK Slip Falls – around a 250 foot drop – sun coming in from the side, dark rocks, a small drop visible at the top, then the water comes over a ledge and drops almost the entire way, cascading into a pile of jagged boulders at the bottom. The sound of the graceful curtain of water dropping down was mesmerizing. A gust of wind brought a flurry of golden leaves fluttering down into the steep walled ravine, glowing brightly as they passed in and out of bands of sunlight. » Continue Reading.

Thursday, September 26, 2013

With Fall Foliage Reaching Peak, It’s Artist Studio Tour Time

by Sandra Hildreth

This weekend marks the 7th Annual Artist at Work Studio Tour (Sept 27-28-29) in the northern Adirondack region. Nearly 50 artists in the communities of Saranac Lake, Lake Placid, Wilmington, Jay, Au Sable Forks, Bloomingdale, Onchiota, Rainbow Lake, Paul Smiths, Gabriels and Lake Clear are participating.

Some artists have taken part every year; there are 12 “new” artists; and 2 other artists are in new locations. There are painters, photographers, potters, mixed media artists, fabric, jewelry, glass, wood and metalworkers, printmakers, and more. » Continue Reading.

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Photographer Seneca Ray Stoddard As Boat Historian

by Anthony F. Hall

The eccentric preacher and writer who became known as Adirondack Murray may have been the first to trumpet the region to tourists, but Seneca Ray Stoddard was not far behind.

In fact, Stoddard’s photographs, maps and guidebooks had a more lasting and more salutary influence than anything penned by Murray. Without his photographs and maps, for instance, it is unlikely that the Adirondack Park would have ever been created.

For Reuben Smith, the owner of Tumblehome Boatshop in Warrensburg (Warren County), Stoddard’s photographs are not merely of antiquarian or aesthetic interest. » Continue Reading.

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

ADK Shakes Expands Into The ‘Off-Season’

by Editorial Staff

The Adirondack Shakespeare Company (ADK Shakes), a professional theatre troupe that has been entertaining summer audiences for the past four years, is now expanding their programming into the fall and spring season. The first foray will be Shakespeare’s early comedy, Love’s Labour’s Lost, which will be presented at four venues, all brand new to ADK Shakes.

ADK Shakes is known for its “Shakespeare IN THE RAW” method of performing with no sets, few props, minimalist costuming and incredibly shortened rehearsal period. Artistic Director Tara Bradway will be directing the first fall show and is excited about the company she’s assembled. “This is the largest ensemble we’ve ever worked with,” she says. “Usually our productions employ a cast of twelve, but this show features fifteen incredibly talented professionals. We are really looking forward to see what they do with this too-often overlooked play!” Although you may recognize several veteran performers who are returning to the ranks, the show also includes many newcomers. » Continue Reading.

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Video: The Recovery Lounge in Upper Jay

by Josh Clement

Meet brothers Scott and Byron Renderer, owners and operators of Upper Jay Upholstery and The Recovery Lounge in Upper Jay. Together they created a unique space with which to share their passion for music, theater, and visual art.

My friend and colleague Sophie Blackburn and I recently visited The Recovery Lounge. Not only did we get a sense of the unique atmosphere the historic building provides, we also got to see a spectacular evening concert. Renowned roots, blues, and soul singer Alexis P. Suter and her band electrified the packed house of attendees, many of whom traveled some distance to descend on this hidden gem of a venue in the Adirondacks. » Continue Reading.

Sunday, September 15, 2013

Center For Writing Creates Adirondack Literary Map

by Editorial Staff

Many famous works of literature have Adirondack links, some of them surprising. The Adirondack Center for Writing has created an Adirondack Literary Map that shows where these passages are all set. The map includes everything from a Nancy Drew novel set in Lake Placid and “The Spy Who Loved Me” in Glens Falls to classics like “The Sweet Hereafter,” celebrating the intersection of writing and place within the Park.

When Sylvia Plath broke her leg skiing at Mount Pisgah in Saranac Lake, she sent this telegram home to her family: “BRINGING FABULOUS FRACTURED FIBULA NO PAIN JUST TRICKY TO MANIPULATE WHILST CHARLESTONING.” Whether this was before or after she wrote scenes of “The Bell Jar” from the Adirondacks is up for debate. » Continue Reading.

Saturday, September 14, 2013

Loon Quilt Raffle to Benefit Loon Conservation

by Editorial Staff

The Biodiversity Research Institute’s (BRI) Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation will be holding its first-ever Loon Quilt Raffle. The hand-made quilt depicts a pair of loons raising two chicks on an Adirondack lake. The queen-sized quilt was created by Dr. Nina Schoch, Coordinator of BRI’s Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation, based on a McKenna Ryan design, and quilted by Susan Ochs of Saranac Lake.

“The proceeds from the loon quilt raffle will help support our loon research and outreach initiatives over the coming year. It was a lot of fun making this unusual quilt,” said Dr. Schoch, “and I hope the support it provides will enable us to continue to address numerous threats to Adirondack loons and the lakes and ponds where they live.” » Continue Reading.

Thursday, September 12, 2013

Guest Essay: Do Local Movie Theaters Have A Future?

by Guest Contributor

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What follows is a guest essay by T. J. Brearton, co-founder of production company ADK MOGUL and a project specialist at the Adirondack Film Society, a partner in the regional Go Digital or Go Dark campaign.

Einstein said that if you want to understand something better, try and explain it to your grandmother. The more I find myself talking about the digital conversion issue which faces independently owned theaters, the more feel like I understand it. But, it’s challenging. The topic is complex, and not black and white. And the rabbit hole, it seems, gets deeper and deeper.

In 2012, the Lake Placid Film Forum hosted a Panel Discussion called “Do Movie Theaters Have a Future?” The answer, I have come to believe in the months since, is a resounding Yes. And the road to success is one that literally takes a village. » Continue Reading.

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

A Ballerina in the Adirondacks: Ainana’s Great Adventure

by Naj Wikoff

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One of the lesser-known cultural jewels of our region is the Lake Placid School of Ballet. They offer their participants the kind of attention not often found elsewhere, but, if one thinks about it, is a hallmark of Lake Placid’s ability to churn out so many Olympic and World Cup champions across so many disciplines.

Lake Placid’s arts community provides an extra level of personal attention to budding artistic talents in equal measure to those in sports, and few better provide that level of coaching in any endeavor than Terpsie Toon and her talented roster of faculty assisted by the Arts Center staff. » Continue Reading.

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Rockwell Kent Day Celebrates The Artist’s Adirondack Roots

by Diane Chase

Though many famous artists have used the Adirondacks as the subject of their work, one artist stands out as a painter, activist and illustrator. Rockwell Kent was a prolific artist and through his seascapes and landscapes provided a window into the wilds of Alaska, Newfoundland, Greenland, Tierra del Fuego, the Adirondacks and beyond.

For the second year the Adirondack Interpretive Center (AIC) is hosting a Rockwell Kent Day on September 21^st from 10 am – 4 pm in Newcomb to celebrate this adventurer with strong ties to the Adirondacks. » Continue Reading.

Thursday, September 5, 2013

Adirondack Legends Headed to Bolton Landing

by Editorial Staff

They’ll be spinning Adirondack legends in songs and stories, but they’re practically legends themselves. Chris Shaw, Dan Berggren, Bill Smith, and newcomer Alex Smith, will be in Bolton Landing for a free concert in Rogers Park on September 15. Adirondack Legends: a festival of new and traditional Adirondack music and stories, will be presented by the Lake George Mirror.

Adirondack Legends was organized by Chris Shaw, the Lake George native who has made a career of singing Adirondack folk songs and telling Adirondack tales. His repertoire includes some of the region’s earliest songs, and the revived interest in the Adirondack Songbook of Marjorie Lansing Porter is one inspiration for the show, he said. » Continue Reading.

Thursday, September 5, 2013

Art Around the Adirondacks in September

by Sandra Hildreth

With September ushering in the relentless turn of colors that eventually becomes the black, white and grey of winter solitude, there is a healthy abundance of colorful art to treat the eyes. And some black and white too.

Of great significance is the fact that we once again have three new exhibits opening on Friday September 6 and more importantly, they represent, conservatively about 150 collective years of making art!

Jeri Wright, an accomplished photographer who lives in Wilmington, is having a retrospective exhibit of sixty-five years, yes, six and a half decades of photography. She must have started as a child with a Kodak “Brownie” camera! Has she made the transition to digital film – come find out! What an opportunity this will be, to see her life’s work. “Through the Years” opens Sept 6 at the Tahawus Windows Gallery, 2nd floor, 14234 Rt 9N, Main St, Au Sable Forks, NY. 646-734-7151. The opening reception will be from 5:30 – 8 pm, Sept 6, and the exhibit will continue through October 6. Jeri may also be contacted to make an appointment to see the show by calling 518-946-2658. You don’t want to miss this! » Continue Reading.

Sunday, September 1, 2013

Sandy Hildreth: Children and Art

by Sandra Hildreth

Several weeks ago, during the Adirondack Plein Air Festival, Aug 15-18, several things occurred which were wonderful to witness. First of all the event was very successful: 75 artists from all over the northeast registered; over 200 plein air paintings were on display in the Town Hall in Saranac Lake on the final day of the event and half the artists sold at least 1 painting; 55 little donated 5×7 paintings were auctioned off; over $4000 in awards were given out, including a “People’s Choice” prize of $100.

A lot of people came out to watch the artists at work at the various venues over the course of the event, and I know some were children accompanying their parents. It was a nice opportunity for them to witness “real” artists out creating original works of art. When the silent auction of 55 5×7 “Paint the Town” paintings were on display, I saw some parents actually letting their children bid on their favorite pieces! What a wonderful way to instill in children the concept of “collecting art”. The idea that it is worthwhile to purchase unique, one-of-a-kind items for personal enjoyment. The auction was the perfect place to do this because the art was “kid-sized” and the minimum bid was only $40. The parents, of course, probably had to pay for them, but it was a nice experience to provide to their children. » Continue Reading.

Monday, August 26, 2013

Hobofest: Saranac Lake’s Celebration of American Roots

by Editorial Staff

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The fifth annual Hobofest takes place Sunday, September 1, 2013 at the Union Depot in Saranac Lake. Hobofest celebrates American roots culture and the independent spirit with free musical performances from noon til late.

Chef John Varga of Eat and Meet will be at the grill. Blue Line Brewery will serve a signature “Hobo Brew” in the Depot building in the afternoon. Children’s activities range from Sunita Halasz’s workshop table to the Adirondack Carousel right next door. A large tent will protect the crowd from the weather, and Russ Feher’s Fine Line Audio will run the sound.

In addition to the main-stage offerings, Vermont Joy Parade will board the 1pm Adirondack Scenic Railroad and play a round-trip gig to Lake Placid and back. Upon their return they’ll join the Shamrock “regulars” for an inclusive “open jam” in the Depot Building. Attendees are invited to join the circle. » Continue Reading.

Friday, August 23, 2013

The Lake Placid Community Helps Build A Band Shell

by Chris Morris

Construction is set to begin this fall on a new band shell in Lake Placid’s Mid’s Park.

This community project, led by a small group of dedicated volunteers and supported by the generosity of countless full-time and seasonal residents, has been in the works for years, and the rubber is finally ready to hit the road, according to Bill Billerman of the Paul White Memorial Bandshell Fundraising Campaign.

The Lake Placid village Board of Trustees recently accepted a bid from Murnane Associates of Plattsburgh to construct the band shell. Billerman said the two sides are negotiating a contract, and work will likely start in September. » Continue Reading.