Stephanie Sittnick - Director of Sales 860 227 8199 adver tising@ink ny com
Carol St Sauveur Ferris, K aren Richman, Chandler Stevens, Vanessa G Ahern, Rona Mann, Joseph Raucci
Adirondack Winer y, Blue Ledge Farm
The season is upon us and the end of 2019 is near The holiday spirit is in the air swirling all around us, creating the feeling of love and excitement I t is a festive time for gif t giving, holiday par ties and family gatherings.
I t is also the season to give back to those who may not be as fortunate Grab those extra canned food items while you’re at the grocer y store and leave them in the food donation box O ffer your help at a local soup k itchen Purchase ex tra p e t food, a warm blanket, or a fun squeak y toy and donate to an animal shelter
Whether it is offering time or mak ing a donation, it makes a difference. This ac t of k indness is the greatest gif t giving experience of all and on top of that, it also feels amazing!
From all of us at IN INK New York , we wish you all a safe and happy holiday.
Stephanie Sittnick Founder / Publisher
IN INK Magazine 587 Grand Ave Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 w w w.InInkny.com
Rachel Isadora: A Ballerina On Canvas pg. 4
Saratoga’s Menges and Cur tis Apothecar y Welcomes You pg. 12
Little Lady, Big Work The Genius of Contemporar y Ar tist, Lady McCrady pg. 20
Jewel Of The Nor th Countr y The Hyde Museum pg.
Rachel Isadora: A Ballerina On Canvas
by Rona Mann
“Your feet will bring you to where your heart is” ...Irish proverb
En pointe The moment you encounter that whirlwind of talent all wrapped up in one delightful package, you know she is firmly en pointe It’s a ballet term, meaning on your toes, something dancers strive many years to perfect It takes generally two to four years of strong classical ballet training before the goal of fully supporting all the dancer ’ s weight on their toes is properly achieved A long time ago, Rachel Isadora mastered the ballet en pointe, however she has since gone on to master it in drawing, painting, writing, and living her life fully, simply by embracing and perfecting the five positions of ballet
A native New Yorker and fiercely proud of it, she was raised amongst the delicious melting pot of ethnicities, races, and cultures on the lower East Side, where she took modern dance and readily offers, “I danced
w
a
i s t and pianist, her sister a modern dancer, and her uncle a famous artist who never failed to provide both support and guidance throughout her journey.
At approximately age eight years of age, Isadora’s mother took her to see a performance of Swan Lake at the City Center in New York “That
was it,” Rachel says “I was hooked After that, I never wanted to do anything else I loved ballet, and I wanted to be part of it ”
First Position R
k h e r for an audition at the School of American Ballet where she immediately garnered a Ford Foundation scholarship. “Ballet a
T h e School of American Ballet was founded by perhaps the foremost dancer-choreographer of our times, George Balanchine, also dubbed The Father of American Ballet This Russian born and classically trained dancer only wanted those students who were technically strong and could be
i n e i m mediately recognized her innate ability, and took her under his wing “He oversaw my life and my career, ” Rachel adds
Second Position
From this time forward, Isadora attended the Professional C h i l d re n ’ s S c h o o l , a l t e r n
L i n coln Center and back again, almost always within the same day. Extraordinarily bright, she graduated high school
a t a g e 1 5 , h
s e cured a position with the New York City Ballet.
Not long after, she was injured, and the dancing stopped for a while While still a teenager, Rachel married a soloist from the New York City Ballet and moved to Boston, where she immediately became a member of the Boston Ballet Slowly she began to once again enjoy her art until yet another foot injury felled her, this time permanently A respected Russian teacher who had endured the pain of never being able to dance again after the Nazis had crushed her legs during the war, told the crestfallen Isadora, “You will always love it, even if you leave ” This became Rachel’s mantra as she now realigned her body, took a jete’ (leap), and assumed
Third Position
I t w a s t i m e f o r a c a re e r c h a n g e , a n d s h e w a s re a d y t o c h a n nel her considerable talents in a new direction “I was a l w a y s d r a w i n g m y w h o l e l i f e , s o m y m o t h e r t h o u g h t p e r h a p s I s h o u l d l o o k i n t h e Ye l l o w P a g e s , i d e n t i f y
s o m e p u b l i s h e r s , a n d s e e i f a n y w e r e i n t e r e s t e d i n m y
i l l u s trations.” Her mother ’ s advice proved correct as Macmillan Press asked Isadora to bring her p o r t f o l i o t o
t h e i r o f f i c e s a f t e r h e r i n i t i a l i n q u i r y. N o t
h a v i n g a n y k i n d o f f o r m a l p o r t folio yet, the newly minted artist “ s c h l e p p e d ” a b a g o f
d r a w i n g s t o t h e p u b l i s h ing office one
l o o k , a n d t h e y s i g n e d h e r o n a n y w a y
S h e m e t , a n d i m m e d i a t e l y c l i c k e d w i t h ,
c h i l dren’s book editor, Elizabeth S h u b w h o
s i m p l y i n q u i r e d o f t h e y o u n g i l l u s trator, “What do you know about?”
When Rachel told Shub of her lifelong passion for ballet, it became patently obvious as to what she was meant to do “I loved sitting by myself a n d j u s t d r a w i n g , ” R a c h e l a d d s H e r u n c l e , t h e artist, intervened with a valuable piece of advice, “Never go to art school ”
So Isadora drew on her love of the dance, and slowly the work evolved Watercolors, pen and ink drawings, pastels, oils - these were, and still remain, her media of expression. She depicts dance like few other artists because she knows not just the beauty of ballet, but the accurate physicality of movement, fluidity, and stance. “So few artists paint dance,” Rachel says, “and nobody who was a dancer does it, so often the bodies and the movement are misaligned ”
Fourth Position
I s a
o n e that took her to South Africa for a period of ten years. “ I t w a
s a y s . So Isadora began to paint the faces and movement of South A f
b
f o r e you
But this artist was not to be pigeon holed nor labeled for just one thing Yet another jete’(leap) “I found my passion in writing as well as illustrating, so I started to both write and illustrate children’s books ”
protagonist of her first children’s book about a young boy who realizes that by studying ballet he can become a better baseball player The book was a hit, so Isadora kept Ben in m
“ B e n ’ s Trumpet,” a book that went on to win the prestigious C a l d e cott Honor Award It has since been translated into many languages worldwide and adapted for both video and ballet To date, Isadora has written and illustrated more than 200 children’s books, most of them published by Macmillan and Greenwillow publishing houses. She also adapted many well loved fairy tales for the African audience during the decade she spent on that continent.
Harlequin IV oil on canvas 36" x 60"
Tango oil on canvas 30" X 40"
Dancer XVII oil on canvas 30" x 40"
Cygne oil on canvas 30" x 30"
Fifth Position
So many dancers who can no longer perform, athletes who have s u s t a i n e d i n j u r y a n d b e e n f o rc e d t o re t i re - s o m a n y w h o h a v e encountered misfortune - have become bitter and withdrawn, angry that some force of nature has taken away their dream and the one thing they could do well Not so with Rachel Isadora! No force of nature has robbed her of her joy she is herself a force of nature, constantly inventing and reinventing herself and having the most wonderful time in the process Her oil paintings capture her passion for dance, her books allow her to still be that wide-eyed child dreaming dreams on New York’s Lower East Side She exhibits her art worldwide, her books are printed and reprinted for a new young
audience constantly discovering Ben; and through the work, she continues to dance; for each illustration, each stroke of pen, pencil, or brush, is the dance When Rachel Isadora paints and draws, there is a ballet She is therefore always en pointe, achieving a releve’ (lift) with each stroke, each time ascending higher and higher
And so, the ballerina soars, her feet never touching the ground
Visit www rachelisadora com
I Duncan oil on canvas 20" x 40"
Swan XX oil on canvas 24' x 30"
Saratoga’s Menges and Curtis Apothecary Welcomes You
By Carol St Sauveur Ferris Photos by Stephanie Sittnick
Saratoga Springs, NY is known for many things including its racetrack, mineral springs, Skidmore College, and the Whitneys It is rich with history and architecture dating back to the early 1800’s when this community of 1900 residents was incorporated as a village I n 1 9 1 5 t h
y and has continued to grow - welcoming race enthusiasts, wellness devotees and tourists alike And as it has grown, the integrity of that early village has been retained, revived and restored. With a current population of nearly 30,000, one only needs to walk down Broadway to feel the energy and witness its beauty. Vintage and antique storefronts from times gone by still grace the avenue, while wide walkways encourage outdoor dining and evening strolls And if you happen to be taking your dog for a walk, Saratoga’s shop and restaurant owners welcome them with special treats and bowls of water
There is so much to see no matter what direction you choose but go north and you won’t be disappointed At the four corners of Broadway
and Lake Avenue, you will find several large buildings housing the Post Office, City Hall and Adirondack Trust Co , a local bank
Holding court on the fourth corner is the Ainsworth building which is the oldest of the four and houses Menges and Curtis Apothecary In fact, the apothecary came first and has stood proud at this corner for more than 150 years and is one of the oldest compounding pharmacies operating in the country The new owners, Jennifer and Scott Lamb, intend to keep it that way
To appreciate the products and services Menges and Curtis Apothecary offers, a brief peek into the history of medicine would be helpful. The earliest known record of the art of apothecary dates back to 2500 BC in ancient Babylonia where one highly revered person was the combination of
priest, pharmacist and physician for the village or tribe Over time, centuries actually, areas of specialization came into play separating the three which led to stand-alone apothecaries appearing in many countries And as colonies were settled in Canada and North America, p h a
a
i n d i g e nous to the areas they now called home In 1852 the American Pharmaceutical Association was launched and continues to serve the industry today
Soon after, in 1860, Fred Menges opened his doors a couple of blocks south on Broadway in Saratoga Springs, New York It wasn’t long before he realized the city was expanding and decided to move his apothecary a few doors north to the new Ainsworth Building on the corner of Broadway and Lake Avenue. Ownership of the Menges and Curtis Apothecary remained with generations of Menges and Curtis families, then passed through several others before finding its way into the caring and competent hands of the Lambs.
At its inception, Menges and Curtis Apothecary compounded medicines for humans while offering ice cream sodas and other confections at the marble-topped soda fountain at the front of the store It was a time when your pharmacist really got to know you and your family and knew the local doctor as well Enter big Pharma and the connection between patient, pharmacist and doctor became less personal Most prescribed medicines are typically dispensed in a one size fits all format and rarely compounded to address a patient’s unique needs Now the industry is slowly coming full circle with the advent of functional medicine and Menges and Curtis Apothecary is positioned as one of the few compounding pharmacies able to address these needs in the area
m
d i cine has not adequately addressed Conventional medicine is fantastic for treating acute and emergency medical problems while functional medicine is focused on treating chronic illness Functional m
d
c tor, doctor and pharmacist, and pharmacist and patient It is a little slower process because it carefully addresses all bodily systems in a logical, sequential manner and requires the patient to be direct and forthcoming with their doctor For the pharmacist, working closely with the prescriber and patient is crucial This symbiosis of patient/doctor/pharmacist is very important to the Lambs so they have made it their mission to be steadfast in maintaining and strengthening those relationships
Long before Menges and Curtis Apothecary was in her life, Jennifer Lamb’s road to being a pharmacist was an interesting journey. As a freshly minted Shenendehowa High School graduate from Clifton Park, NY, Jennifer ’ s main interest was animal science and behavior. She attended Amherst College and worked closely with her advisors to put together a curriculum that included animal science, biology and other pertinent subjects that engaged her while pursuing her BA degree She graduated in 1999
In addition to her formal education, Jennifer went on to a post-graduate internship with the New England Aquarium’s Rescue and Rehab
y
s working at Benson’s Pet Center eventually working her way up to management
e n rolled in the Pharmacy program at Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences She graduated in 2012 with a Pharm D (Doctor of Pharmacy) which included an internship at the Cornell University Hospital for Animals in the in-patient pharmacy and extensive training at the Professional Compounding Center of America (PCCA) before beginning her career as a compounding pharmacist. She also married Scott Lamb, bought a house and welcomed Forrest, their golden retriever to the family. Jennifer has been blessed with
c o m pounding techniques And since compounding is both art and science, mentorship is an invaluable way to learn this specialty
T
o w n ers about perhaps buying what was at the time called Fallon Wellness Pharmacy of Saratoga A lot of thought and planning went into the purchase but the Lambs have not looked back With Scott’s business degree earned from West Virginia University and business acumen, and Jennifer ’ s Pharmacy credentials and a chance to fulfill
h
b e came the new owners of the re-established Menges and Curtis Apothecary on March 31, 2018
And it’s safe to say that Scott and Jennifer never dreamed they’d become an integral part of Saratoga Springs history but that’s exactly w h a t t h e y a re l o o k i
storefront, you are immediately struck by the beautiful stained glass sign, Menges and Curtis, which is original to the building. Jennifer is very proud at how they have retained and used all the original apothecary wall cases and marble top counters as well. Though the
original soda fountain no longer serves ice cream sodas, it is still
products Many other artifacts are currently stored in the basement
creating a living museum that customers can enjoy. From a vintage cash register and pharmacy scales used to measure ingredients to mortars and pestles of varying sizes and shapes, there will be much to see and learn. And amazingly, there are still a variety of vintage, hand written pharmacy journals from the previous owners that will be on display as well
In addition to the cases and counters, many of the other architectural elements are original to the building including the painted tin ceiling, wood moldings and penny hex floor tiles Intent upon keeping the history and appearance of the original apothecary, the Lambs have no plans to change these They genuinely appreciate and respect the long history imbued in this very special space
The apothecary is divided into three sections The front is set up for retail and showcases many wonderful products including Young Living Essential Oils and Pre de Provence Soaps and Lotions from France The Caswell-Massey product line is featured prominently, which has been a mainstay since the opening of the original apothecary
s
Lambs are the owners And not to be overlooked, there are a variety of nutritional and play products for your family pet as well
The middle section leans more towards vitamins and nutritional items. Here is where Jennifer spends a great deal of time explaining and counseling customers, one on one, about their benefits and use as
adjunct therapies to current compounded prescriptions An informed, healthy and happy customer is her objective
The back section houses the laboratory where the compounding takes place. If you are able to catch a glimpse of the pharmacist working diligently on the prescription at h
t h a t he or she is completely covered in special scrubs, cap, gloves and facemask
Maintaining a safe environment is imperative as one might expect but protecting the skin and airways of the pharmacist is important as well Working with so many loose powders and products that contain hormones or minerals, it makes sense that the pharmacist n e e d
a b sorbing the raw materials that go into compounding an oral or topical medicine
Today, Menges and Curtis Apothecary serves both animals and humans Each species of animals and each human being prescribed a medicine has unique needs, and that’s what the compounding pharmacist is here to learn The medicine and dosage that is helpful to a large dog may actually be harmful to a cat. And the hormone that works for one person may be detrimental to another. The compounding pharmacist works closely with prescribers to solve these and other problems by tailoring and providing innovative delivery methods, palatable flavors, and unique dosages that big Pharma does not provide It can be life changing for the patient
The future is bright and the Lambs have plans to reach out to their customer base and those who are not aware of what a compounding pharmacy can do for them
P
p h y s i cians to demystify the process and explain the benefits of compounded medicines and creams, they are committed to informing a n d s u p p o r t i n g t h e i r c u s tomers and engender old-fashioned trust that was fundamental to apothecaries
a
e members of the Saratoga Springs D
d i n tend to be strong partners with other businesses in the community for many years to come
When speaking to Jennifer, her passion and enthusiasm for compounding is palpable and refreshing She has the education, a wealth of knowledge, years of experience and the dedication to continue to enhance her customer ’ s experience There is no doubt that the Menges and Curtis Apothecary legacy will live on and the people of Saratoga Springs, NY will reap the benefits.
Menges and Curtis Apothecary is located at 472 Broadway, Saratoga Springs , NY They can be reached at 518. 306. 5343 as well.
Jennifer Lamb
Little Lady, Big Work
The Genius of Contemporary Artist Lady McCrady
Sitting project p everyon artist in Her par Dad wa vocalist Count Monk
filled home A might their ca the fam around lot Stef piano d years o until h behind moved Indiana Connec to imag very up than dw p i a n o , a t t e n t i
e x p r e s
f i n gers she saw y o u n g o b jects
m e t h a t of things
was clear e m e rg i n g atch even a n d T h e Hartford She was eir High h o l a r s h i p e a g e r l y ded every nior year. n o t o r i o u s u s s c e n t s the halls ors open. t School d i f f e r e n t kes that, ere I got the scent rnish,” a n By age 21, Hartford e b y N e w painting of many al acclaim
l in West University
where she received her BFA from their School of Art, graduating Cum Laude She also spent her senior year abroad studying sculpture at the Sir John C a s s S c h o o l o f A r t i n L o n d o n , t h e n b a c k p a c k e d t h r o u g h
E u rope During her stay in London, her childhood nickname - Lady McCrady - became her artist’s moniker going forward, which seemed fitting at the time for a young lady living in the UK
After several years in London, it was off to Boston for a few more, then to Manhattan where she still works and exhibits today. Lady also attended School of Visual Arts, New York where she was a student in an Intensive Workshop taught by celebrated graphic designer, Milton Glaser. Throughout these
y e a r s s h e w o r k
i n cluding the New York Times, GQ, Redbook and the Daily News In addition, she authored 5 picture books for young children and illustrated 25 picture book titles for Alfred A Knopf, Houghton Mifflin, Dial Press, and William Morrow
When not creating illustrations for her clients, Lady continued to develop and create her own works of art i
g a l leries and shows In 1981, she crossed paths with Andy Warhol who attended an opening party she threw at her rooftop prewar studio where she installed 11 foot giant paintings of figures and fire The installation was t
e n tourage stayed for the evening and later attended her East Village gallery solo, “Enfer et Paradis” (Heaven and Hell) She was later profiled in his pop culture magazine,
merous parties in her water tower installation
Though she asked Warhol to introduce her to Jasper Johns, t never happened Instead she did meet Olivier RenaudClement, a prominent art dealer who organized and curated a show of her paintings at Galerie J et J Donguy in Paris She also met Martin Axon, a very talented and successful English
p r i n t
p ro duced two exceptional works of art, daughter and actor, Juliet Brett, and son and musician, Lovis Axon. If this were not enough, Lady pursued and received her MFA, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 1990 from New York Hunter College, a constituent college of City University of New York.
L a d y ’ s a r t a c u m e n a n d t
e x pertise in steel welding with mig acetylene torch; Shirret rug making, sewing and other fiber arts; high fire stoneware s
pastel, paint and ink drawings on paper, metal, and canvas; watercolor; oil and acrylic on canvas; and Cliché Verre, which is a combination of painting and/or drawing with photography Her collections and shows include figurative, geometric, color studies, etchings, and drawings Curated exhibitions of Lady’s work have been featured in many galleries and shows, from
To k y o t o N e w Yo r k ; t h
m a n y s t o p s i n b e t w e e n S
e x hibit of curated artists, while others can be seen in strictly solo e x h i b i t i o n s A n d m a
c o l l e c tions worldwide
From a layman’s perspective, some of Lady’s work captures the everyday person going about everyday life, while coexisting with t h e d a n g e ro
w o r k ers, manholes, crowds, men, women, traffic, buildings, fire, s m o k e , l i g h t a n d d
l e xperience, the ultimate lens, interprets it She effortlessly deconstructs what she sees and adds the parts back layer by layer, color by color, onto her canvas Each brushstroke carries intention The result is colorful, energetic, and insightful.
In her Cone Series of paintings, she interprets street scenes we pedestrians see every day, but to which we give little thought. While walking in the cities of London and Manhattan, Lady paused
p ro tective gear, placing orange safety cones and other barriers in the street, arriving, departing; each with a specific task and role T
f o r m ance art perhaps, that she thoughtfully translates to canvas
Bloomies Performance 60th and Lex - 47 x 47 inches - oil on canvas
She Smoke A Cigar, Light a Grenade - 22h x 30 inches - Luan on Canvas
Guilford, PS Gallery in Litchfield, Connecticut, and at many other galleries and solo exhibitions
Exuberant blues, oranges, yellows, and reds with lines and strokes that gesture and articulate the performers and their props invite you to see what she sees and feels
Many of her still life paintings are studies in color and composition They are tabletop scenes or tableaux with recognizable fruits, flowers, and dishware Vivid color shapes them, and negative space at times will articulate them Some are geometrics that she paints that have Rothko-esque qualities to them with mass, scale, a n d v i v i d re d s A n d t h
c o r porate logos of CBS and UTC, but with the colorful and the unabashed touch of a feminist, painted in reds and pinks
I n a d d i t i o n , t h e
m o ments she quickly captures in her art notebooks, providing context and reference for future work. They may be colorful and detailed or quickly scribbled before the “street performance” ends. And lastly, there are colorful sculptures of varying sizes and shapes, using a variety of media that depict or interpret pieces of street scenes she observes.
The titles Lady selects for her pieces are indicative of the premise o r i n s p i r a t i o n f o
a n
m e t i m e s t h e message she wishes to convey “Surveyor Performance,” “Bloomingdales Performance, 60th and Lex,” “Worker Performance, London Victoria Station Street Dig,” and “Worker Performance, Grand Central Street Dig” are just some of the names that hint at what you are about to see She is a prodigious and engaging artist with 583 works of art so far
Professionally, Lady is a guest lecturer, author, curator, as well as artist She is currently an adjunct professor at Eastern Connecticut State University, Department of Art and Art History; and on the f a c u l t y o f t h e G u i l f o rd A r t C e n t e r, a l s o i n C o n n e c t i c u t H e r work can be viewed and appreciated in New York, New Haven,
Lady is an ardent feminist and humanitarian Though diminutive in stature and soft of voice, her work speaks volumes, capturing the viewer and insisting that it be seen and understood Colorful, playful, strident, and strong, she is an artistic force with so much more to say
In 2018 she stated, “We are in an apocalyptic climate shift, and the human organism is suffering a psychic frailty. Manipulated by uncontrolled situations, we can fall into a confused vertigo and become mesmerized by power and light. Art making is a d i r e c t c o n n e c t i o n f r o m t h
,
g p r i m i tive materials. I create replicas of surprising experiences. Neu ro l o g i s t s t e l l u s
novelty We like to be surprised and caught off guard ” Lady goes on to say, “I make art because I crave the sensation of surprise ”
And it’s safe to say that we feel the same way too and look forward to seeing what new works will soon emerge from her busy studio
To contact or purchase her work, Lady McCrady can be reached at 212 603 9577 or online at lexiaxon com
Worker Performance, London Victoria Station Street Dig30"h x 22" - Flasche on paper
Sea Out, Red Tea - 22" h x 30" - flasche on canvas
A JEWEL OF THE NORTH COUNTRY
The Hyde Museum
by Joseph Raucci
G l e n s F a l l s , N e w Yo r k i s a c i t y o f 1 5 , 0 0 0 i n h a b itants that sits in the foothills of the Adirondack M o u n t a i n s a n d i s n o t a b l e a m o n g i t s o t h e r a t tributes for being the birthplace of two Governors of the Empire State. John Dix, a C i v i l Wa r G e n e r a
p o s t i n the 1880’s Charles Evans Hughes followed i n t h e e a r l y y e a r s o f t h e 2 0 t h c e n
u r y H e i s considered one of America’s greatest statesman
Glens Falls also holds the honor of being named Hometown USA by Look Magazine during the height of The Second World War Located almost midway between Lake George and Saratoga Springs, it is a short twenty minute drive from either of these world class vacation destinations Although the city of G l e n s F a l l s m a y n o t b e a s w e l l k n
w n a s i t s f a mous neighbors, it has the distinction of being home to one of the premier Art Museums in New York State known as The Hyde Collection For anyone spending time in the region, it is a must see, a visual wonder that includes works by many of the greatest artists of history.
Let’s take a look at how this Glens Falls landmark fulfilled the dream of an area couple that collected art on a grand scale. They turned their
lifelong passion into an art museum for all who likewise share this bent to appreciate and enjoy.
The Hyde property is located at 161 Warren Street where a wrought iron fence marks its entrance Behind it, the art treasures of the museum await
were successful in this effort by obtaining over three thousand examples from all over the Western World.
The collection was amassed by Charlotte Pruyne and her husband, Louis Hyde Charlotte was the daughter of Samuel Pruyne, the co-founder of Finch, Pruyne, and Company, a venture that b
p ro ducer of paper products Its main plant which has long since changed hands, can be viewed across the Hudson River from the Pruyne family residences Charlotte, along with her two sisters, built their homes on the same expanse of land in 1912. Her palazzo style villa now showcases the art that she and her husband acquired over a lifetime. Their goal was to accumulate a collection that included works from all the well known art periods and
For many years in the early 20th century, Mr. and Mrs Hyde opened their home to the public on occasion, allowing area guests to view the more important works of the collection
The year 1933 realized a dream come true for the Hydes For decades they had searched the art world for a painting from the brush of the great master Rembrandt They were made aware that one of his finest works, “Christ With Arms Folded,” was on the market The painting had issues due to vandalism and mishandling that had left the canvas in a state of disrepair The Hydes, aware of the problems associated
with the work, decided to purchase it without hesitation It has gone through painstaking restorations over the years to keep it as close to its original state as possible. This magnificent portrait of Jesus Christ is of such importance that the Louvre in Paris, France requested that the Hyde loan it for exhibition there; and in 2011, the painting was put on display for several months in the halls of the world’s premier art museum. Louis Hyde passed in 1934. Charlotte continued to build the collection until her death in 1963. The Hyde home and the entire art collection were then transformed into a superb art museum
In the year 1984, construction began on an extension of the museum
A modern building was erected that connected the Hyde residence with one of the other two properties on the site This would serve as the entrance to the museum and also house the original modern art section of the collection It also contains rooms that are used to present classes to students young and old alike who have a passion for the arts
Many of the finest works of the collection can be viewed in the former Hyde residence Visitors are greeted by a large indoor courtyard w
g a r dens and walkways. The park like setting served as a gathering place for family outdoor get-togethers. Decorating the courtyard is a
century B.C. and has the distinction of being the oldest work of art in the museum. Adjoining rooms feature the more spectacular paintings on display
distinct location for a vantage point They are spaced far enough apart to allow the guests to study them without being overwhelmed This as well allows for the works to be viewed up close and personal It is also notable that the furnishings in every room are of the same period as when the Hydes occupied the residence
The library contains works from the Old Masters of the seventeenth century Anthony Van Dyke and Peter Paul Rubens are both showcased here, a beautiful bronze sculpture of a horse by Edgar Degas stands guard in front of a rare book collection that was assembled by the Hydes, and adorning the walls are a trio of portraits created by Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres The early nineteenth century artist was a master of neoclassical painting The main attraction of the room and the entire museum is Rembrandt’s spectacular image of Christ To view it is an awe inspiring look into one of the greatest portrait paintings ever created
The tour continues in the dining room where a painting by Flemish artist, Hans Bol dominates the setting It is a breathtaking work of the Greek Mythology figures Apollo and Daphne, dating back to the year 1578. In a downstairs guest bedroom one can study the foremost American Impressionist, Childe Hassam’s “Geraniums.” It is widely considered one of the finest examples of his work. His signature blending of light and color highlight the canvas.
A few steps up to the second floor takes us to the green guest bedroom. H e re , a p a i n t i n g f ro m t h e p a l e t t e o f F re
A u guste Renoir greets the eye and is one of a series of works that the Maestro created of his son, Coco at a young age The next stop takes the visitor to the former bedroom of Mrs Hyde The Renoir theme continues here with a fine portrait of a young woman Close by, one can also view a painting by the legendary Pablo Picasso, titled “Boy Holding a Blue Vase ” A seascape by one of America’s most well known artists of the mid to latter 19th century, James Abbott McNeill Whistler, completes the tour of the room
A short stroll takes one to the music room where in this open area that overviews the courtyard, a superb selection of paintings from the Renaissance period take center stage Paintings by El Greco, Botticelli, Rubens, and a host of others are featured here Intricately woven tapestries dating to the same period adorn the walls of the room T
u p stairs bedroom, a portrait of an older woman by George Bellows, one of America’s premier artists at the time of his death in 1925, a t tracts t h e e y e A R i v e r S e i n e s c e n e b y G e o rg e S e u r a t , a P o s t I m p re s sionist painter of distinction, is also featured here Unfortunately, both of these immensely talented artists died at a young age Bellows passed at age forty two, Seurat lived only thirty one years
For those whose interest leans to modern art, it is time to explore that portion of the collection The Hyde Museum received a huge endowment in 2016 Werner Feibes and James Schmidtt were partners in a Schenectady architect
firm They began collecting art in the 1950’s Over a six decade period they assembled a collection of Modern and Contemporary art that reached a total of 165 pieces, valued at over $10 million dollars and i n c l u d e s w o r k s f ro
t w e n tieth century.
When James Schmidtt passed in 2013, Mr. Feibes donated the entire collection that he and his partner had amassed to the museum three years later in 2016 Additionally, Feibes also gifted one million dollars to construct a gallery that would display the acquisitions It was also stipulated that the new addition would only include Modern and Contemporary Art
Feibes decided on the Hyde Museum, recognizing that it would be a better setting than the larger metropolitan venues Here the collection w o u l d b e g u
p
r e s i dents and visitors to the area It was the perfect choice
The 1500 square foot Feibes and Schmidtt Gallery was open to the public in 2017 The endowment has proved to be an addition of major
significance to the museum It has given visitors the opportunity to view works by many of the most important artists of the twentieth century Included are those of Sam Gilliam, Dorothy Dehner, Adolph Gottlieb, George McNeil, Josef Albers, Andy Warhol, and Sol Levitt to name a few
T h e H y d e M u s e u m h a s u s e
v i s itor ’ s experience. One of these innovative programs is The Hyde Guide By Cell. One can take a self guided tour of the museum with t h e u s e o f a c e l l p h o n e . I n a d d i t i o n t o t h e i r p e r m a n e n t c o l
t h e museum is frequently introducing new exhibitions which include changes in subject matter, art forms, and artists An example is their c u r r e n t e x h i b i t w h i c h s h o w c a s e s t h r e e o f t h e m o s t f a m o u s
2 0 t h c e n t u r y m o d e r n a r t i s t s : P a b l o P i c a s s o , G e o rg e s B r a q u e , a n d Fernand Léger
The premises are also utilized for lectures, concerts, educational and family programs, open studio time with an Artist-in Residence, and an array of other art enthusiast activities
T h e H y d e M u s e u m i s a r e m i n d e r o f w h a t c a n
b e achieved when serious people take it upon
t h e m s e l v e s t o s h a r e t h e i r l i f e l o n g p a s s i o n s
C h a r lotte and Louis Hyde chose that road They
g a v e t h e i r h o m e , t h e i r f u r n i s h i n g s , a n d m o s t i m p o r t a n t l y, s o m e o f t h e f i n e s t w o r k s o f a r t o n
d i s p l a y a n y w h e r e a s a g i f t t o e n l i g h t e n a n d e n hance the lives of future generations to come
We would like to thank Rhonda Triller, Director of C o m m u n i c a t i o n s a t t h e H y d e M u s e u m . H e r
e x p e r t i s e a n d k n o w l e d g e p e r t a i n i n g t o t h e
c o l l e c tion, and precise answers to questions, were
i n s t ru m e n t a l i n g a t h e r i n g p e r t i n e n t i n f o r m a t i o n
re lating to this article
For further information, visit: www hydecollection org
GLASSBLOWING STUDIO & GALLERY
Going Out On A Ledge
This is Blue Ledge Farm
Story and photos by Blue Ledge Farm
Blue Ledge Farm is a goat dairy and cheese operation in Leicester, a s m a l l t o w n i n c
Ve
o f Burlington, the farm is nestled between the coast of Lake Champlain and the spine of the Green Mountains Hannah and G re g h a v e b e e n
s e v eral awards for their artisan creations, although neither of t h e m g r e w
d
t e r mined to be successful at it
Blue Ledge Farm began as a dream in Florence, Italy where Greg and Hannah, both graduates of Bates College, were studying the art and culture of Europe. In 2000, at the tender age of 23, the two began the work of transforming an old cow dairy farm back into production with goats The barn, which once housed 70 Holstein cows, would now be home to their Alpine and Lamancha dairy goats. Today they milk one hundred and twenty five goats and produce 50,000 pounds of cheese annually All of the goat’s milk produced on the farm goes into the production of eleven types of goat cheese, from very fresh chèvre, to semi-aged bloomy rind cheeses, to harder cheeses aged three months or more. They now have a small crew of dairy herdspeople and cheesemakers helping them run the operation Half of the milk processed at Blue Ledge Farm is cow ’ s milk purchased from an Ayrshire herd just four miles away. Farmers, Seth and Monika are able to milk an intimate herd of 20 cows, due to premium compensation from Blue Ledge f o r t h e Ay
r e ceive a delivery of this fresh, rich milk to process into a blue (Middlebury Blue) and a brie (Camembrie) cheese True to their mission, the focus at Blue Ledge is always on sustaining a high quality, consistent product with lots of attention and gentle handling.
pasture, and wetland Both the land’s diversity, and the exposed
a great candidate for a small, value-added farm. The couple has t
i n c e n tives to build their business and brand As Hannah and Greg state, “In 2004 we financed our cheese room construction by selling our development rights to the Vermont Land Trust, thereby ensuring that our land will always be open and never
d e veloped Did you
k n o w t h a t o v e r 2 0 % of the state of Vermont is conserved in this Land Trust? We were thrilled to participate in our small way to ensure a strong future for agriculture in the Green Mountain State In 2009, wetlands were identified as one of our great natural resources, a n d so we agreed to conserve our fifty acres of wetland and return them to their natural state as a valuable part of our ecosystem.”
The goats spend their spring, summer, and fall days browsing in the woods, return to the barn for 4 PM milking, and lounge around in a grass pasture as evening sets. In 2015, the farm adopted the Animal Welfare Approved label, which they trust will signify to customers that their goats are well treated Again, Hannah and Greg quip, “ our goats live a life of luxury, and as we run from job to job across the farm, we sometimes wonder who works for who!”
Reflecting back on a decision made twenty years ago to pursue a somewhat alternative career path, the couple wouldn’t change a thing. They say, “Our oldest child is about to go to college, and we can feel good knowing that we were present for her in every stage of her life ” Hannah remembers a conversation early on that has stuck with her. “When I was twenty-two and contemplating
going into farming, I asked a friend’s father, who was approaching
r e c o m mend it. He said, ‘I’ve had breakfast and dinner, and sometimes lunch too, with my family every day for twenty years. That’s worth a lot ’ I would agree that our life as farmers and e n trepreneurs, though extraordinarily busy, helps us prioritize family time and generally maintain a good balance Everyone is working very hard and we are no exception; but our world is our home, and it affords us time in a beautiful place ” Greg adds that in addition to that, “ we get to make a product that people enjoy, and that is another level of satisfaction ”
Blue Ledge Farm
2001 Old Jerusalem Road, Salisbury, VT 05769 www.blueledgefarm.com
S we et S we et
Nostalgia Nostalgia
Time Was ...The Sweet “Ghost” of Holidays Past
by Karen Richman
The hustle and bustle and the run up to the holidays always started the minute Grandma’s bone china turkey platter was hand washed, dried, and placed high upon the top shelf of the breakfront to wait out the time for another year before my mother would carefully take it down once again for our annual feast
My grandmother was the “boss,” organizing everyone, telling them that the holidays took everyone ’ s hard work and cooperation; that it wasn’t just about presents, but about working together as a family unit No one ever objected Not a complaint, whine, or rolling of the eyes occurred. Even though she stood little more than 4’10”, G r a n d m a w a s a f o rc e o f n a t u re w i t h w h i c h t o b e re c k o n e d ! I t i s i n teresting to note here that whether they were Italian, Jewish, Polish, Portuguese, or any one of a number of other ethnicities, years ago the grandmothers all seemed to be under five feet tall.
O u r p re p a r a t i o n w o u l d a l w a y s b e g i n w i t h t h e c l i m b i n g o
e rickety wooden stairs that led to the attic where it seemed everything was stored once there, we inhaled the telltale musty odor, made sure we walked with our heads down so as not to get bumped by the low hanging ceiling beams, and searched in great anticipation for those boxes and storage containers marked “Holidays ” Once found, friendly arguments would ensue about whose turn it was to carry t h e l i g h t s d o w n s t a i r s , w h o s e t u r n t o g r a b t h
l a w n o r n a ment, and who would carry down the brass Hanukkah menorah and ready it for a strenuous polishing
Yes, we celebrated both Christmas and Hanukkah in our family, and that made it all the more fun Double presents! Christmas was, of course, always the 25th o f D e c e m b e r, b u t w e h a d to look at a special calendar to see when the eight day Festival of Lights would begin since Hanukkah always starts on the 25th day of the month of Kislev i n the Jewish calendar, but that does not align with t h e G re g o r i a n calendar As a result, Hanukkah can fall a n y w h e re f ro m late N o vember to late December; it could even fall during Christmas! B u t we kids didn’t like when that happened because our haul of goodies would then be substantially reduced Having Hanukkah not long after Thanksgiving was always the best because we could s t r e t c h o u t o u r e n
( t r a d i t i o n a l potato pancakes), and sweet Hanukkah gelt (milk chocolate coins) - for a long time Then, before we knew it, it would be Christmas E v e , a n d our greedy little selves would get rewarded all over again
Our Christmas tree was always a b i g , f r esh one Although I dreamed of going out in the woods and cutting it down like in the movies, Daddy had neither the time nor the patience to do so, so we made do with a pre-cut tree each year from Old Sal’s Tree F a r m . O l d S a l a l w
a t a n t a lizing smell that made you want Christmas to last all year long. He would tie it securely onto the open trunk of Daddy’s car, a n d w
steaming mugs of hot chocolate topped with little tiny marshmallows.
My very favorite decorations were the bubble lights You don’t see them any more; probably someone deemed them a fire hazard and scared off the retailers Bubble lights had a liquid filled vial that was heated and lighted b y a n i n c a n d e s c e n t b u l b B e cause of the low boiling point, the modest heat that was generated caused the liquid to boil and bubble, hence their name They came in all colors, and I t h o u g h t t h e y w e re t h e n e a t e s t t h i n g , s i t ting on the outstretched branches, bubbling away My brother loved tinsel; h e p o s i tively showered that tree with strands of it until Mom would cry, “We can’t see the green needles anymore!”
Sometimes when we were decorating, carolers, all bundled up to protect against winter ’ s chill with knit hats, scarves, and mittens, would come by our window No matter how cold it was, they didn’t ever seem to mind Their sweet voices blended in a harmony I can still hear to this day, and always they were invited in to warm themselves and join us for another mug of hot chocolate
Our stockings were indeed hung by the chimney with care, but stocking stuffers were quite different back then than they are now
T h e re w e re n o g i f t c a rd s ,
c h o c o lates They were simple and filled with love by those who loved us unconditionally, which made them all the more special Usually the contents consisted of an orange, an apple, a few candy kisses, and always a big candy cane that hung from the top of the
stocking. They were not extravagant, nor were the gifts under the tree, but they were always appreciated and wonderful and left us delirious Christmas morning in a happy sea of wrapping paper and ribbons More than any one gift, it is the oranges and candy canes and bubble lights and tinsel that I remember now so many years later It was indeed a time of being grateful for everything you got, a time of family, a time of wonder and joy
And then, the holidays were over as quickly as they had come Once the last of the eight candles in the menorah had b u r n e d o u t , t h e t o y s and clothes and stocking stuffers had been scooped up and relegated to the individual receivers’
r o o m s , a n d t h e l a s t
s p e cial holiday platter was put back, high upon the top shelf of the breakfront, it was time to carefully take down the ornaments. We wrapped them carefully in bubble wrap, put them into plastic bags, then into storage boxes, and carried it all back up the rickety wooden stairs that led to the attic There they would rest amongst the dust and musty smells for another year
Yes, the attic was the repository of our “things,” but the memories of the tree, Old Sal, the lights, the menorah, the decorations, the meals shared with others, the donations we were taught to give to others who had less than we did, the laughter, and the sheer joy of being together would always remain in the repositories of our minds from one year to the next Happily, they are still there
I
b e tween those holidays and these, but I am sure of one thing The memories crowding my head, although now a bit dim and all mixed up with one another, have never really faded
So when I look back, I smile in blessed remembrance. Happy Holidays To You All!
At This Library, You Won’t Need a Card, Just a Glass!
By Roberto Cruz photos by Adirondack Winery
Some people collect baseball cards Other people collect coins But to many wine lovers, there is nothing better than a dry varietal wine aged to perfection.
Recognizing this, wineries like Adirondack Winery in Lake George have recently introduced products known as Library Wines into their lineup to appeal to these customers.
So, what are Library Wines and why do wine enthusiasts care about them so much?
The term library wine can really refer to any unopened wine in your home’s wine cellar, wine refrigerator or wine cabinet It can refer to 20-year-old Cabernet you were given as a wedding gift, a bottle of Riesling you were given on your 21st birthday, or it can refer to a Pinot Noir you picked up at the liquor store down the street 20 minutes ago But that’s not how Adirondack Winery uses the term
A d i ro n d a c k Wi n e r y u s e s t h e t e
s c r i b e a handful of wines that have been stored on their side in their cool, dark wine cellar for several years And the winery isn’t saving any and every wine it produces – in fact, it is notably picky about which wines it chooses to tuck away for safe keeping before planning their triumphant return three to four years later
I t s w i n e m a k e r s c a re f u l l y c h o o s e w i n e s t
a t a re d e s e r
i
o f i t s p re s tigious library wine title, based on specific criteria
Criterion can include:
A) Taste – the grapes used to make this wine were stellar and the result was delicious
B) Quality – the grapes used to make the wine were the finest in some time
C ) Po p u l a r i t y – t h e
known early on that this wine would sell out
D ) L i m i t e d p r o d u c t i o n – a l i m i t
p r o duced, e i t h e r b e c a u
l
l i m i t e d batch
E) Award winners – when a wine racks up awards at national and international wine competitions, the winery takes notice and will set cases aside.
F) Discontinued wines – wines that were eliminated from the lineup for one reason or another (these wines are always a hit with loyal customers when they are brought back!)
“We want our library wines to be saved for a reason, ” said Sasha P a rd y, c o - o w n e r o f A d i ro n d a c k Wi n e r y, w
p o p ular vacation village of Lake George, N.Y. “Being selective about our library wines lets our customers know they can count on a truly special experience when they bring home a bottle from our wine cellar.”
Storing a wine on its side is important because it keeps the cork from completely drying out If the cork were to dry out, it will let air inside and oxygen inside the bottle can ruin the wine
Exposure to light and heat can also ruin the wine That’s why some vintners, including Adirondack Winery, use colored bottles, which act as sunglasses for the varietal Heat will essentially cook the wine and result in a noticeably worse taste
At Adirondack Winery, winemakers take extra special care of the library wines to prevent any damage to the wine during storage
In 2018, Adirondack Winery introduced five 2014 library wines to its lineup: Seyval Blanc, Dry Riesling, Semi-Dry Riesling, Chardonnay, Meritage and previously discontinued Syrah
T h e w i n e s
l o o k ing for a truly memorable wine experience
THE MERITAGE – Adirondack Winery’s artful blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec grapes – was especially popular, with a loyal fanbase already built around the winery’s most sought after and exclusive red wine (at the time this article was written, there were only 6 bottles left of this award-winning vintage). Known for its complex flavors of dark cherry, red berries and spice, the wine was originally aged in Vintage American Oak Barrels for 2 years before it was stored away for 3 years as a library wine
In the coming months, A d i ro n d a
l i brary wines, including an
B a c o Noir – a Double Gold Medal Winner at the New York World Wine & Spirits Competition in 2016 Its o a k y, s m o k y a n d p l u m p r o file makes it one wine lovers truly can’t miss
Enjoy!
Roberto Cruz, Adirondack Winery
Shop Adirondack Winery’s e
adkwinery.com/library
Tasting Rooms:
285 Canada Street, Lake George, NY 12845
4971 Lake Shore Drive, Suite 2, Bolton Landing , NY 12814
DECEMBER EVENTS
December 1 Albany
G r e a t Tr a i n E
9
T h e Annual "Great Train Extravaganza" is set for Sunday, December 1 from 10:00AM to 4:00PM at the Empire
S
f
A d mission is just $7 for adults, and
a c cessories Numerous exhibitors showing off all kinds of pieces of railroad history and artifacts. Several operating model railroads in N, HO, and O gauges, LEGO, and larger A Roaming Railroad that will take you on a ride around the Empire State Plaza Concourse Operating layouts all scales 300+ tables: model trains, train sets,
m e m orabilia Educational and NMRA displays Roaming Railroad and giant Legos layout for the kids and grandkids. New York State Convention Center, Empire State Plaza Albany, NY 12242 For more information, visit www gtealbany com
December 1 - January 5 Glens Falls P
C e n tury Modern Masters. Picasso, Braque, &
M a s ters explores the three Modern masters’ s
e x h i b i tion of more than eighty prints by P
F e r nand Léger examines their relationships with Contemporary writers, playwrights, a n d
c re ating imagery that interpreted modern texts Organized by Contemporary and Modern Print Exhibitions, and sponsored by Marvin & Company, P C ; Mr and Mrs Karl E Seitz; Silverwood Home & Galleries; and Dr Shirley Ann Jackson Cost: $12
G e n e r a l A d m i s s i o n $ 1 0 S e n i o r s , F R E E C h i l d re n , S
F a m ilies Free with Identification Tuesday, Dec 17, 2019 until Sunday, Dec 22, 2019 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM The Hyde Collection, 161 Warren Street Glens Falls, NY 12801
December 5 Saratoga Springs
3 3 r d A n n u a l S a r a t o g a S
Vi c t o rian Street Walk & Tree Lighting Ceremony 2019 Kickoff the Victorian Streetwalk with the Saratoga Tree Lighting Ceremony! Thursday, Dec 5, 2019 downtown Saratoga Springs Santa and Mrs Claus will make an appearance, arriving by horse drawn carriage, they will visit with your
c h i l d re n T
c h o c o late and cookies with music But don't forget the most important part - the tree lighting! In front of Putnam Market, 435 Broadway
December 5 Saratoga Springs
Nutcracker’s Kingdom of the Sweets
Family Fun Night: The second annual Nutcracker's Kingdom of the Sweets F
D e cember 5th from 4:30 to 7:30 pm
There will be festive events all evening which include craft, raffle, candy bar, c
p performances by the School of the Arts!
Tickets are only $5 per child The Museum is an official trolley stop for the Victorian Streetwalk! The National Museum of Dance 99 S Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (518) 584-2225
December 5-28 Albany
The Selfless Preservation Series by N e w Yo r k a r t i s
Ar lene's Artist Materials is thrilled to open the exhibition The Selfless Preservation Series featuring work New York artist Mercita Buhner running December 5th to 28th 2019 The Selfless Preservation Series explores the effects and realities of both internal and external relationships as they relate to individualism and self-sufficiency Through an examination of shared living space, various forms of communication, and self-projection as a means of preservation, these works aim to communicate the space between people, that may often appear unseen and unspoken Through the process of exploring text and image, many of the works began with physically written self-reflective notes, that may or may or be evident in the end product The process of writing free-associative thoughts, drawing from communications, and listing what may otherwise seem mundane allows the artist to build on the everyday interactions that allow for continuance in personal relationships and self-growth The Artist Reception on Thursday, December 5th, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. It is free and open to the public Food and beverages will be provided Arlene's Artist Materials, 57 Fuller Rd, Albany, NY 12205
December 6 Ballston Spa
Ballston Spa Holiday Parade and Tree
Lighting The Ballston Spa Business & P
B
Holiday Parade and Tree
Lighting takes place The step off time
Av enue and ending in Wiswall Park on Front Street with Santa lighting the Christmas tree The parade has become a hometown-style holiday tradition, with fire trucks, floats, animals, kids and Santa parading down the main street of t h
c a m paign, in partnership with the Ballston Spa Community Emergency Corps, Saratoga County Sheriff Department and U S Marine Corps Volunteers from these organizations will be on hand to collect donations of new, unwrapped toys f
D e c 6, 2019 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM Milton Avenue to Wiswall Park, Milton Avenue Ballston Spa, NY 12020
December 7 Schuylerville HOLIDAY OPEN STUDIO.
H
i day Open Studio Saturday, December 7th from 10am – 3pm, where visitors can meet SCAC’s studio artists, see their studio spaces and purchase unique handmade pottery and gifts
e brate the season with us and get to know the 15 participating clay artists who call Saratoga Clay Arts Center their studio home Light refreshments will be served Admission is free Shoppers
Meet the artists and see where the artists make their work Also, visit Saratoga Clay Art Center ’ s Schact Gallery, which is hosting a solo exhibition featuring Massachusetts artist Chris Gustin’s woodfired vessels Saratoga Clay Arts Center, 167 Hayes Road, Schuylerville, NY 12871
December 8 Saratoga Springs
Skidmore Community Chorus & Vocal Chamber Ensemble. Directed by JaeEun Kim, Skidmore Chorus and VCE will present three choral m
and Rutter with the theme of Magnificat in different languages, musical styles and settings Cost: $8
S t u dents & Children Sunday, Dec 8, 2019 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM Arthur Zankel Music Center, 815 N Broadway, Skidmore College Saratoga Springs, NY
December 8 Saratoga Springs
Community Yoga Class at Spa City Farmers Market- December 8th at 12pm- Community Yoga with Brenda Reyna- a joyful + happy class geared towards connecting with ourselves and those in our community through yoga. Vinyasa inspired with simple flows + groovy tunes so you can truly enjoy the time on your mat relax the muscles, surrender to your practice, g
v e f u n a n d t a k e y o u r self and yoga less seriously. We l c o m i n g t o a n y a n d a l l y o g a p r a c titioners; with modifications for beginners but plenty of opportunity to invert and advance your practice BYOM (bring your own mat) Donation based: give what you can when you can. The National Museum of Dance 99 S Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (518) 584-2225
December 8 Troy 2
C e l e brate the holidays with family and friends at the 37th Annual Troy Victorian Stroll, the Northeast’s largest free holiday festival with more than 100 live performances throughout the day! Sunday D
j e w elry and gift boutiques throughout downtown Eat, drink and be merry at dozens of cafes, restaurants and food vendors in Monument Square and downtown Troy Whether you are a local resident or an out-of-town visitor, we hope that you feel welcomed, enjoy the events and share the holiday spirit We also hope that y o u n o t o n l y e
e x p e rience beautiful Troy and Rensselaer County again, no matter what season, to build your own lasting memories
December 11 Saratoga Springs
Brooklyn based Indie-Rock Band Rubblebucket will perform its latest album Sun Machine at the Arthur Zankel Music Center at 7 p m on Dec 11 Sun Machine, has been described as having airy melodies and lavish textures, dream-logic sensibilities and dancey rhythms. Sun Machine radiates the bright and joyful energy encapsulated in its title “It’s a reference to the sun as this abundant natural resource we all have available to us but it’s also about the inner sun, the magma in our hearts,” says Kalmia Traver, lead v o c a l i s t “ W
m o ments, and evolve and develop creatively " Tickets for the Dec 11 event are available online at www skidmore edu/zankel
December 14 - 15 Albany T
Ballet
w i l l present its 45th annual tour of The Nutcracker in Albany, NY on Dec 14-15
A
N u t cracker features magnificent principal dancers from around the country accompanied by 150-200 local area students per city in its youth casts The Nutcracker tells the story of a young girl, Clara, and the magical dream she has one Christmas Eve Set to Tchaikovsky’s timeless music, the story of The Nutcracker follows the adventures of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince as they conquer the Mouse King
DECEMBER EVENTS
December 14 Halfmoon 2019 Jingle Bell Run. The Arthritis Foundation’s Jingle Bell Run is the original festive race for charity It’s where you can strut your stuff in your favorite holiday costume and FEEL GOOD about DOING GOOD Together, we’ll jingle all the way to a cure – and have a fantastic time every step we take! Bring a team of friends, family and co-workers to run or walk Get your jingle on and spread the Spirit of Yes: Yes to having fun and celebrating what you love Yes to living life to the fullest Yes to conquering arthritis for good 100% of your registration fee and
Halfmoon Town Park, 162 NY-236 Halfmoon, NY 12065 Registration Required For more info, visit: www events arthritis org
December 14 - January 18 Schuylerville Saratoga Clay Arts Center’s Schacht Gallery presents its 9th Annual Members Juried Exhibition, running December 14, 2 0 1 9 - J a n u a r y 1 8 , 2 0 2 0 w i t h a n o p e n i n g r e ception on Saturday, December 14, 57pm T h e e x h i b i t i o n w i l l f e a t u r e c e -
r a m i c s c u l p ture, utilitarian and decorative works by 18 artists and SCAC Members, selected from a national call for entry by guest juror Leigh Taylor Mickelson Light refreshments w i l l b e s e r v e d A d m i s s i o n i s f re e
T h e o p e n ing reception is always a wonderful community event, as many exhibiting artists are from the region We will be awarding prizes, which will be selected and announced at the opening reception First Place $150, Second Place $100, Third Place $50, People's Choice $50 The exhibition features a wide range of one-of-a-kind works for sale, from l a rg e s c a
Lesley Black-Vogel, Patricia Collins, Emily Crawford, Karen Elem, Ann Ferguson, Neil Fryzer, Rachel Garrison, Dan Greenfeld, Carol Gundersen, Randi Kish, Nancy Niefield, Susan Nowogrodzki, Michelle O'Hare, Marilyn Richeda, Corinne Rosen, Rebecca Sparks, Audrie Sturman, Regina Wickham Saratoga Clay Arts Center, 167 Hayes Road, Schuylerville, NY 1287
December 14 Saratoga Springs
9th Annual Saratoga SantaCon
Once a year all the good little boys and girls of Saratoga Springs get dressed and full of cheer, because they know Saratoga SantaCon is here!
14th for the Biggest
We will be dressed up in all of our festive Santa Gear for a day of Santa, shenanigans, and beer The registration fee will be 5 or more non-perishable food items which will all go directly to the Franklin Community Center Last year we raised over 2800 LBS of food! First 300 Santas to register will receive a specials gift from Pabst Brewing Company! There will be drink specials at each stop provided by Pabst Brewing Company! Saturday,
Saturday, D e c
C
e State Plaza Albany, NY 12220 Cost:
info: AlbanyBerkshireBallet org/Nutcracker
DECEMBER EVENTS
December 14 Albany
Drawing at the Museum with Corey Pitkin Students will learn to draw a still life featuring the twenty plaster, marble, and bronze sculptures, and framed
A l bany Institute of History and Art Instructor Corey Pitkin will demonstrate his techniques and then guide students through creating their own masterpiece This workshop is best suited for artists with some drawing experience A supply list will be provided upon registration and supplies are not included in the cost of the workshop Sat, December 14, 2019 Preregistration is required to attend all classes and workshops at Arlene’s Space is limited so please register soon. Click the link to register online. Otherwise, please come into the store, at 57 Fuller Rd Albany NY, or call us, (518) 482-8881, to reserve your space 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM Albany Institute of History & Art, 125 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY
December 17 Saratoga Springs Rochmon Record Club: The Cars" G r e a t e s t H i t s " O n Tu e s d a y
D e c e m ber 17 The Rochmon Record Club will converge to listen and learn about The Cars’ “Greatest Hits” - A Selected Retrospective. It has become Rochmon’s tradition to take the last listening party of the year to look back at one artist who passed on but leaves an impactful body of work behind The Cars’ “Greatest Hits” - A Selected Retrospective begins at 7pm with a live audio & video presentation by Chuck Vosganian aka “Rochmon” A Rochmon Record Club Listening Party is m e a n t t o i n f o r m a n d d e e p
p e r formers, songs and the stories that went into the making of this classic album By listening together, we get to hear the music again for the first time We’ll listen to The Cars’ “Greatest Hits” - on Caffe’ Lena’s state of the art sound system Tue, December 17, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM Caffe Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY
December 21 & 22 Saratoga Springs
The Nutcracker: The Lewis A Swyer
S c h o
A
M u seum of Dance will
N
F u l l N u t c r a c k e r p ro d u c t i o n f e a turing 80 talented dancers ages 6- 18 years old, and special guest alumnus Sam Epstein Let the holiday magic begin as you join Clara a n d t h e N u t c r a c k e r P r i n c e o n t h e
j o urney to a delightful winter wonderland Performances will be held o n S a t u rd a y,
D
A
A u d i torium All ticket proceeds directly support the Lewis A. Swyer School of the A r t s , a 5 0 1 ( c ) ( 3 ) n o n p ro f i t o r ganization
December 17- 22 Cohoes
Annie. Annie the Musical - presented by Playhouse Stage Company Little Orphan Annie has been a musical family favorite for more than 40 years Join us as our students bring this delightful show to the Cohoes Music Hall stage just in time for the Christmas holiday! Cohoes Music Hall, 58 Remsen Street, Cohoes, NY 12407
D o n ' t m i s s y o u r c h a n c e t o s e e t h i s e x c i t ing holiday favorite! Maple Avenue Middle School's Trombley Auditorium, 515 Maple Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY
December 27 Albany Wi
Wa tercolor with Kevin Kuhne Learn or review the basics of watercolor as Kevin guides you through the steps of planning and e
w - covered landscape Unwind from the Holiday Pressure by Celebrating the Winter Landscape in Watercolor Learn or review the basics of watercolor as
covered landscape Especially good for total beginners, but still fun for the more experienced A supply list will be provided upon registration and supplies
a tion is required to attend all classes and workshops at Arlene’s Space is limited so please register soon Click the link to register online Otherwise, please come into the store, at 57 Fuller Rd Albany NY, or call us, (518) 482-8881, to reserve your space Fri, December 27, 2019 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM Arlene's Artist Materials, 57 Fuller Road, Albany, NY 12205
December 28 -29 Albany Dark Star Orchestra will recreate a 1977 Gratefukl
D e a d s h o w ! O f f e r i n g a c o n t i n ually evolving artistic outlet within the Grateful Dead’s musical canon, members of Dark Star Orchestra seek out the unique style of each performance era and offer their own interpretations and improvisations at each show Using entire set lists f ro m
O rc h e s tra recreates song for song performances straight from the set list of these h i s t o r i c s h
i m portance with DSO, which position the stage plot based on the year of Grateful Dead show to be performed, adapting phrasing, voice arrangements, and even arranges specific musical equipment for the various eras of Dead music performed At the end of each performance, the band announces the date and venue where t h e o r i g i n a l
i n carnation of the Dead, so most fans can “ see ” shows that happened long before they were born Dark Star Orchestra isn’t a cover band Its shows are not even meant as tributes What Dark Star Orchestra tirelessly strives for and achieves is a continuation of the spirit of what has now become over forty years of the Grateful Dead’s timeless music. Palace Theatre, 19 Clinton Avenue, Albany, NY
December 31 Saratoga Springs
F i r s t N i g h t S a r a t o g a 2 0 2 0
F i r s t Night Saratoga is New York's largest New Year's event outside of NYC! As one of the oldest and largest First Night celebrations in the country, First N
, a c cessible, family-friendly, safe and exciting way to spend New Year's Eve in the region On Tuesday, December 31st, join over 15,000 revelers as Saratoga Arts hosts dozens of regional and touring performing groups in thirty venues throughout Historic Downtown Saratoga Springs. Starting with the 5K roadrace at Skidmore College, culminating with the fireworks in Congress Park at midnight, and packed full of live music, dance, comedy and magic in between, this event will be a highlight of your outgoing year
HIGHLIGHTS
Live music from dozens of bands covering a full range of genres
Comedy from an array of the region's best stand-up acts
Mind arts featuring a mentalist, a hypnotist, a magician, and more Extended hours at shops and restaurants
Annual First Night 5K Run at 5:30pm First Night events kick off at 6:00pm Fireworks at midnight in Congress Park Tuesday, Dec 31, 2019 Downtown Saratoga Springs, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
