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PUBLISHER / FOUNDER
Stephanie Sittnick
COPY EDITOR
Elisabeth Allen
WEBMASTER Tony Rivera
ADVERTISING SALES
Stephanie Sittnick - Director of Sales ( 860) 227-8199 advertising@518mag.com
CONTRIBUTORS
Carol St.Sauveur Ferris, Karen Richman, Rona Mann
Chandler Stevens, Lawrence White, Kirsten Ferguson, Alan Richer, Crystal Cobert Giddens, Nellie Ackerman-Vellano, Kristina Watrobski
Everyone here at 518 Profiles would like to send you very hearty Ne w Year’s wishes and we look forward to 2022! New Year is traditionally a time for resolutions. Make some goals, eat healthier, go to the gym, loose some weight….etc. Maybe going into 2022 we should set inten tions that not only make our life better but also spreads out to those around us. Be kind to others. Sometimes a simple smile can change someones day, whether you know them or not. When someone needs your help, be present for them and offer your time. Enjoy the moments with your family and friends. Spend some time at an Animal rescue shelter. These few ideas cost nothing but can move mountains.
In this issue, we have profiled amazing, passionate and highly creative people from all corners of the Capital Region. Their stories are inspiring and a wonderful addition to kick off this New Year.
We hope you enjoy the January issue. As always, our goal at 518 PROFILES, is always to focus on the good, the beautiful and the positive by publishing stories with heart and soul. We strive each month to deliver authentic and unique content about creative people and interesting destinations. Find a nice cozy spot and enjoy our publication!
Stephanie Sittnick Founder / Publisher
ENCORE
Jordan Flower Fine Art When creativity is rediscovered pg. 4
From Cradle to Grave and Beyond pg. 22 518 PROFILES
587 Grand Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
What Meets the Eye:
Artist Catherine Minnery, More than a Casual Observer pg. 32
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Saratoga Saddlery & International Boutique, Saratoga Springs
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M&P Gifts LLC / Merriman and Pfister’s Marketplace, Delmar
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DB TRENDS, Ballston Spa
'What a beautiful Magazine!! It’s a pleasure to display it in my shop... my customers love it! Stephanie is a delight to work with in all of the facets! I am very proud to be part of this publication which has not only brought me sales but has connected me with very loyal and devoted customers from all over our region!'
“As a photographer, and the the advertising and marketing director of The Alpine Sport Shop, a family owned business in Saratoga Springs, I appreciate the creative insight and thoughtful stories that 518 Profiles shares about local artists and businesses. The magazine is a quality resource and guide for its readers, on where to find what is interesting and unique in our area.”
“The Magic Moon is a small business that has grown with the community over the last 26 years, and as such, we ap preciate the efforts of 518 Profiles, a publication that consistently turns its spotlight on the lesser-known niche businesses in and around Saratoga Springs. From an ad vertiser's point of view, we're more than pleased with the personal attention we've received from the publisher, as well as the eye-catching presentation of the printed product each month.”
The Magic Moon, Saratoga Springs
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Jordan Flower Fine Art When creativity is rediscovered
by Carol St. Sauveur Ferris
The Photorealism Movement in the art world was a direct result of the invention of photography in the 19th century. Up to that pivotal moment, artists created works of art from live subjects, still lifes, and their natural surroundings. With the advent of the photograph, many artists ceased painting and became photographers. Others worked from photographs but did everything they could to hide that fact for fear of being considered imitators rather than artists. Fast forward to the 21st century with the acceptance of photography and other digital media as additional tools in the artist’s tool kit, and you will find the sought-after works of photorealistic artists like Jordan Flower.
Jordan Flower’s path to fine art is not a surprise but was certainly unexpected. His journey began in Iceland where he was born to an artistic mom and a career Navy Chief dad. At the age of two, the family left Iceland moving to Newport, RI then Granville, NY. By 6th grade, Flower had lived in San Diego, CA, Everett, WA, and Virginia Beach, VA. In between deployments, the family returned to NY where their extended family lived. Ultimately, everyone stayed in NY while Flower made Richmond, VA home.
Growing up, Flower’s interests included sports and art. He either had a soccer ball or a sketchpad in his hand in family pictures, but since soccer was not a viable career, illustration became his chosen pursuit. He attended Virginia Commonwealth Uni versity (VCU) and enrolled in their Illustration Program, but halfway through his junior year, he switched to Art Education. “Illustration is mostly commissionbased, so I realized how tough it would be to make a living and knew I didn’t want to work in a major department store doing it, so I switched to art ed.” His dad had gotten a degree in English while in the Navy, and he had an aunt and uncle who were teachers, so their positive influence was felt. Flower graduated with a bachelor’s degree in art education from VCU’s unique dual content program that prepares you to teach without a master’s degree.
“Idyllic “
Upon graduation, Flower moved back to Granville and did substitute teaching in the area for one year while waiting for a full-time posi tion. After a number of interviews in both VA and NY, an offer came from Henrico County Public Schools in VA which he accepted. That was in 200, and he has been there ever since.
From 2008-2014, Flower was happily teaching art education at Harvie Elementary School to kids in kindergarten through fifth grade. During that time, he never really picked up a pencil to draw or create for himself but the words of his VCU instructors began to speak loudly in his head. "Do not stop making art," they said, and Flower confirms the fact that “so many start teaching art and stop making art.” One day, out of the blue he suddenly realized that he needed to make art. “I grabbed stuff in the
classro om and dabbled." That dabbling led to lots of trial and error, explo ration, and discoveries. “I had never taken a painting class at VCU, so I putzed around on canvas.”
Given his love for drawing and illustration in charcoal and pencil over the years, it’s no surprise that he eventually worked from photographic references and began to create representational art. By 2018, he had started to take it seriously and felt confident with his work. Early on, he had to include every detail in a photograph but now sees some details as unnecessary to the overall composition. “I am not boxed in by the reference photo unless it’s a commission.” Commission work has a certain expectation or outcome, so the artist must keep that in mind at all times.
When looking at his finished pieces, there is so much to take in and that’s the way he likes it. The level of detail is mind-boggling right down
“D'Andreas”
“Around Town”
“Broadway in Bloom”
“Caroline and Main”
to power lines and building ornamentation. Flower first draws out his compo sition directly onto the canvas using photographs for reference. He works in a variety of formats from 6”x 6” up to 30”x 40” and recently discovered his new favorite is 14”x18." When asked how long it takes to complete his pieces, he shares that it varies based on size and also based on time of year. When Flower is actively teaching, it will take a bit longer than over summer break for instance. He works in blocks of time, so he calculates time spent in hours. Currently working on an incredible 30”x40” commission piece of the Nashville skyline filled with windows in all shapes and sizes and other building details, he estimates it will take approximately 100 hours.
Due to the time constraints of being a full-time teacher, father, and husband, Flower confines his actual painting schedule to a couple of hours a day after work to perhaps 8-10 hours straight on days off. Often, artists will find they don’t stop painting until a section is done or certain colors are added, but Flower sticks to the discipline of the time he has allotted. He believes that “after 8-10 hours the work just isn’t as good."
All of his canvases are purchased already stretched and gessoed to save time. To save money he buys inexpensive brushes admitting that he doesn’t take care of them and ends up tossing them after each piece is completed. And he uses Liquitex heavy body acrylics as his medium. After drawing all the precise de tails on the canvas to his satisfaction, Flower begins to paint with a color palette in mind. The paint is applied as thin washes, sometimes up to 10 layers, to build the depth of color. The finished piece is so deftly and delicately nu anced that people often think he works in oils. He doesn’t.
Most of his work depicts landmarks, buildings, and locations of interest to people in a particular region on which he is focusing. In Saratoga Springs for instance, Spa Fine Art Gallery sent him a file containing 15 photographs of scenes they wanted him to paint including the famed Adelphi Hotel. He has
painted five so far, and they have done very well. And in college towns like Lexington, VA where Washington and Lee University is located, he paints historic locations and buildings that are sought after keepsake pieces by the alumni and given as gifts by the parents of graduates.
Flower’s traditional teaching schedule has also allowed him to branch out into painting largescale murals. He has done many for residential baby nurseries over the years, but more recently his mural art can be seen on the exterior of a building all because of an 8”x8” painting of Slate Town Brewery that caught the eye of the CEO at Telescope Furniture Company of Granville, NY. She bought it and donated it to the brewery where it still hangs, then contacted Flower to discuss painting a mural on the side of the company building.
The idea was to paint a mural commemorating Telescope’s 100 years in Granville, depicting each decade, beginning with 1921 and ending with 2021. The scale of the mural is huge, but Flower was up to the challenge. It covers 4658 square feet and was completed over the summers
of 2020 and 2021. First, he drew the composition on paper and added color. He then overlayed a grid of squares on the drawing at a scale of ½” = 1.' From there, he meticulously drew in every detail of the mural, square by square, on the side of the Telescope Furniture Company building located at 82 Church Street. He painted for days from 6:30 AM to 8PM. It was exhausting work and the logistics of location, weather, and equipment made it even more difficult. Despite these challenges, he loved every minute of it. According to Flower, “It’s a much different process than studio work, but seeing the reactions from the community and people driving by and honking made it all worth it.” Having his work out there on such a grand scale for thousands to see and enjoy has been an admitted rush for him.
Flower has also entered and placed in several juried shows. He placed first in the Arts on Main Gallery Juried Show in Gloucester, VA where his artwork may also be viewed. Additionally, he placed first and second in the Crossroads Juried Art Show at the Crossroads Art Center in Richmond, VA. His work is also currently on exhibit at Spa Fine Art in Saratoga Springs and was recently hanging in Mountain Gallery in Glens Falls. And in Virginia, his work regularly hangs in Cabell Gallery in Lexington
Flower believes that “there is a piece of creativity in everyone." He encourages people to take the time and “find something
cre ative that they enjoy and just do it." With a portfolio that boasts everything from 6”x 6” smalls to a 4658 square foot mural on a building, it is clear that mak ing art is his passion, and that passion also comes through when teaching little kids what they can create and how to create it every day in the classroom. A ccording to Flower, there is nothing like “seeing the light bulbs go off and they get something they didn’t get before."
To be sure, though they may not understand it now, those same little kids will someday realize that there is nothing like having a teacher who inspires and cares.
Jordan Flower’s art can be viewed and purchased by visiting www.jordanflowerfineart.com
The Laffer Gallery
HAPPY NEW YEAR: Thank you for making 2021 a great year for The Laffer Gallery. We appreciate your ongoing support of our talented artists and the broader art’s community, and look forward to a 2022 filled with fun events, new artwork and fabulous friends.
WINTER HIATUS: Beginning January 10th 2022 until March 4th 2022 the Gallery will be CLOSED. We will return to normal business hours on March 5th with a new exhibit!
PLEASE NOTE: We will still be available for private consultations and framing during this time. Please call or email us to schedule a time that is most convenient for you.
Youth2, Youth Squared Where Saratoga’s future generation takes shape
By Lawrence White
"The future promise of any nation can be directly measured by the present prospects of its youth"
...John Fitzgerald Kennedy
It is tough to be a young person today. They are looking toward a future of great uncertainty with a staggering number of urgent, flashingred-light issues with which to deal. It is more than any one person, young or old, can fathom, so it is easy to burn out emotionally when it is considered all at once.
To counter this, a Saratoga Springs group, Youth2 (Youth Squared), offers young people a unique and constructive resource that en courages them to come up with their own ideas to help other kids and achieve positive results in tough times. It is quite impressive to
see how well it affects everyone involved on all levels.
The driving force behind Youth2 is founder Beverly Lazar Davis. She tells me, “This was a very personal beginning for me. Eighteen years ago, when I turned 50, I wanted to give something back to the community in Saratoga Springs. I wanted to create some thing mean ingful and lasting that had a pos itive impact on young people.”
“I reflected on the years I volunteered at Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis start ing when I was 13 years old. As a Candy Striper we were given a lot of responsibility that included delivering the mail to the patients and keeping their water fresh, but also trans porting them through the halls to x-ray and so on. The experience may have made others
uncomfortable but working in the hospital helping others gave me a good feeling, and it stuck with me through the years.”
Beverly continues, “I went on to earn a master’s degree in social work from SUNY Albany and became a licensed Clinical Social Worker
(LCSW). My first job was at the Saratoga County Mental Health Clinic which was em bedded in Saratoga Hospital and for twentyfive years that is where I worked. The comfort level of being with the hospital staff was very reminiscent of my youth and those experiences clearly had a dramatic impact on what I chose to do with the rest of my life.”
Beverly then draws a direct connection to her current effort with Youth2, “It is a double benefit situation. The young people help others and provide positive energy where it is needed most while at the same time learning valuable skills and abilities in a professional setting that can become as important in their lives as it was in mine.”
Since Beverly’s 50th birthday, forty-five Youth2 grants have been bestowed to young people in Saratoga County. Their website points out that the process offers proposal development, website creation, fundraising ideas, collecting community resource information, distribution of volunteer resources, public speaking skills, publicity ideas, inter-agency networking, reading financial statements and net assets, program evaluation and assessment, school social club opportunities, interviewing skills,
mailings, youth philanthropy, recognizing and celebrating youth who give, writing press releases, and documentation of the impact of social ac tion. They also work with the young people on college applications and connect them with AmeriCorps to participate in government classes. Youth2 also presents a yearly volunteer Community Service Incentive Award.
Highly regarded Saratoga civic leader, Barbra Glaser introduced Youth2 to the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region. The CFGCR group helps people with fresh cutting-edge
ideas have a positive impact in their communities, and they agreed to provide the umbrella for Youth2 to work under.
Beverly further explains the Youth2 strategy. “We encourage local young people to come up with their own ideas to help other youth in the local area or anywhere in the world for that matter. When a young person comes to us for grant money, they must know who they are trying to help, and the funds raised must go to a nonprofit group. They also must have acquired guidance to help get other kids involved and be more impactful. We provide up to $500 seed money to help get their projects going.”
Beverly gives a few examples. “For instance, a 14-year-old young lady came to us who was dealing with alopecia areata and had lost all of her hair. She had been wearing a wig but finally got tired of it because it was not the real her. However, she found out that many people mistakenly thought she had cancer. She came to us with a proposal to host a 5K walk/run at Spa Park to raise funds for research and promote community awareness of alopecia areata.”
“We provided on-site help, donations for water, as well as promotional help in putting the event together and getting donors to attend. She used part of the grant money to purchase insurance for the event and spoke to the large crowd that participated. As a result, she gathered in $7,500 in donations that she gave over to the Alopecia Areata Foundation.”
Beverly organizing the benefit for the Youth2 event at Caffe Lena
“Two years ago, pre-COVID, a 12-year-old girl came to a proposal meeting, sat in the chair, kicked off her shoes, and said she wanted to make dirt. She was part of Camp Little Notch, which is in our community, and wanted to start a Vermicomposting system with 250 worms to begin with. So, we helped get it in stalled at the camp so that all the food scraps were turned into compost. We asked that the process be documented in photos and videos so that it could be used to inspire other kids outside the camp to do the same.”
Other examples of Youth2 activism include a young person who created a film “Plastic Ocean” on the damage microplastics is having on our oceans. Another created “mental health connection kits” during the pandemic that were used at the county health clinic. Another used pick-up basketball games with a concession
stand to attract a different group of kids and drive funds to Saratoga Hospital. Another came up with a donation plan that provided free bus passes to Saratoga County Mental Health, Shelters of Saratoga, Franklin Community Center, and Lifeworks Community Action Programs. Yet another traveled to a reservation in South Dakota to work with 140 Native American youth for 7 weeks to help improve their living conditions.
Youth2 also publishes the Book of Good Deeds, with over 100 ways young people can get involved in the community and make a real difference.
In September 2021, soulful acoustic musician/poet Scott Cook performed at Caffe Lena for the benefit of Youth2. During a break, he tells me, “It is a pleasure and an inspiration to take part in this event. Kids today live in a complex world, and I appreciate the opportunity to do something proactive to give them a hand at this time in their lives.”
While discussing the group's many achievements, Beverly points out that some people ask her
how this activism can make a difference when the prob lems we face today are so daunting. She responds, “It is amazing how helping these kids with their ideas and plans has helped a lot of other kids experientially, and that is our objective: to do as much as we can for as many kids as possible.”
Speaking of current events Beverly states, “When COVID hit Saratoga, we came up with the idea of the pop-up events where people can drive up and contribute. We have had days for dental supplies, female health supplies, and whole-grain cereals”
Still from film “Plastic Ocean”
Soil from worm compost
Above - Eliza Krackeler, Andre Culpepper-Wehr providing compost info on recycle day
Above - “Grateful Grains”, a cereal box collection drive. All collected cereal was donated to food pantries in Hadley-Luzerne, Ballston Spa, Clifton Park and Saratoga Springs
Below - Giving out home compost pots on recycle day
Youth2 board member, Andre Culpepper-Wehr, has been working with the group for nearly four years since he was in 7th grade. He tells me that he has seen the positive effect in the community firsthand. “When we are holding a recycling or composting event, you can see the numbers of people participating go up, and you can see the level of their commitment in creasing. Because we get to choose our own projects, we feel more involved and inspired which leads to better outcomes, and that just makes me want to do it more.”
Community diversity and anti-racism advocate Jean Fei says that she had been hearing that Youth2 had been doing good work for kids and was invited to hold anti-racism workshops. “I am amazed by what I see the kids doing, and what is happening in the community. I think they inspire us to build our capacity to consider others and to step up and take action.”
I ask Youth2 Board member, Eliza Krackeler how her experience working with the group has shaped her hopes for her future and she responds, “I have thought a lot about what lies ahead for my generation. Many young people these days do. I see the concern in the comments on social media and during private conversations. It is something that has put a damper on my
per spective at times That is why the positive feeling we get by staying active in the community and helping other people is so important f or young people to be involved with today.”
Andre adds, “I think you just have to put any negative feelings about the future aside and keep doing what you know is right with as many others as possible and rely on it having a lasting effect.”
In his wonderful book, Where the Sidewalk Ends, Shel Silverstein writes,
“Listen to the mustn’ts child. Listen to the don’ts. Listen to the shouldn’ts, the impossible, the won’ts. Listen to the never haves, then listen close to me. Anything can happen, child. Anything can be.”
So, yes, it is tough being a young person today. The good news is that the work of effective, proactive, positive groups like Youth2 gives us all hope for the future of our planet and those who will be its stewards.
Melody Basolt grew up in Rensselaer County on the Nassau/Sand Lake border close to the Crooked Lake Inn. The second oldest of six children, she helped care for her siblings, while her mom worked as a respiratory therapist.
The big influence in her life was her dad, Johnny, who owned an automotive body and engine repair shop. When Melody was six, her dad built his own garage and moved his business next to her home. Much like the character Mona Lisa Vito in the film My Cousin Vinny, Melody spent much of her formative years absorbing everything she could about the business, (partly because it was where the young guys hung out). She learned first by listening and then by doing. By the time she was 14, Melody could rebuild a carburetor, take tires off a rim, bang out a dent, and diagnose an auto problem. She became familiar with all parts of an engine, and excelled in auto body repair.
While Johnny was proud of his business, he truly demonstrated the pride he had in all his kids. He was a very good artist and passed on his talent to Melody.
She always participated in art classes but during the sixth and seventh grades, her art teacher was very critical, Melody didn’t realize that she had artistic talent. Years later, when she ran into her teacher, she learned that the teacher considered her a star student and was just pushing her.
After a failed marriage, Melody was working as a bartender at Kay’s Pizza on Burden Lake. Randy Howarth, a boy she had gone to second grade with, stopped by for a pizza. Randy also had a failed marriage. Both Melody and Randy each had a one-year-old daughter, Shannon and Jenai. Randy kept asking Melody out. She kept declining. It was only after her friends warned Melody tha t Randy would not keep asking her out, that she accepted his invitation to watch Blue La goon in the theatre. They started dating in 1980 and mar ried in 1982. After Melody’s mom died in 2014, while cleaning out her house, they found an old second grade class photo where Randy is right behind Melody. Like her late dad, Randy was an expert in automobiles and today he is a Professor of Automotive Technology at Hudson Valley Community College.
When illness prohibited one of Melody’s sis ters, Joan, from raising her daughter, Rachael, Randy and Melody took her in, at three weeks old, and eventually adopted her. They had a son, Joshua, together to complete their family.
Melody took courses in food service administration, then worked as a manager at a few different restaurants, including the Rexford Café and Pasture’s Tavern, around the Capital Region. The older girls were ten and Melody realized that continuing her career in food service would cause her to be away from the home, so at the age of 30, she searched for a career that would allow her to remain at home with her four children. She took courses in Interior Design at Hudson Valley, but soon realized that a career in this field would also require her to be away from home.
The Yesteryear Doll Museum had been in Sand Lake, Melody enrolled in a two-year program in Lifetime careers to learn about doll repair and then later attended classes at the Virginia Beach Doll Hospital. This started her artistic journey. Melody began restoring dolls in the galley kitchen in her small house with four kids and five dogs. Eventually, in 2005, they all moved to a larger home in Nassau. Her doll restoration business started locally, but soon her reputation spread. While doing doll restoration, Melody studied pottery, sculpting and other forms of art. One of her customers asked her to repair a ceramic piece. When Melody hesitated, the customer told her, “If you can restore dolls, you can also restore other types of art pieces.” Thus began the ceramics restoration business under the name Mel’s Belles Restorations.
Melody studied art history to determine not just the period in which various objects of art were made, but such other things as the materials used. Antique galleries soon heard about her, and, through the internet, she attracted na tional attention. Several high-end antique dealers in Hudson, NY called upon Melody to restore various ceramic pieces. She did work or consulted with such prestigious organizations as the NY State Museum, Cherry Hill, Albany Institute of History and Art, and the Albany Cathedral of All States. Melody learned so much that she was eventually able to teach courses in archeology at Schenectady County Community College.
Ten years ago, Melody was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and became concerned that her hands would become too unsteady to continue her ceramic restoration because of the intricate paint strokes involved in the process. Returning to Hudson Valley she earned a certificate in stone and masonry
conservation since the larger objects would require less fine motor skills of which she feared she would lose. She taught a class on gravestone cleaning and recognized a huge need in the conservation of gravestones. She has done work on statues and stones, and started a gravestone care and repair business. In 2016, Melody won a NY S tate contract to repair vandalized gravestones. Funding is provided by a NY State fund designated for vandalism of gravestones.
In addition to restoring ceramics and stone, Melody also restores papier mache, plaster, and
concrete. Because of her ceramic restoration background, Melody can fix anything. Art oozes out of every pore of her body. This restoration work involves the marriage of con servation and art. She has worked on restoring a mausoleum and gravestones. Her
current focus is to work on religious statues and will soon begin a project in a section of the Vale Cemetery in Schenectady moved from the Stockade area where early Dutch set tlers are interred. There are over 550 gravestones in very dire need of conservation.
M elody was contacted by an expert who appears on the Antiques Road Show television p ro gram. She restored 3,000-year-old Japanese pieces. She also has worked on pieces by world renowned sculptors, the late Arnie Zimmerman and Magdelene Odundo, that now are displayed in the Guggenheim Mu seum and the Metropolitan Museum, both in New York City
History and accuracy are also innate in her character. Not one to settle on her laurels, in 2011 Melody participated in an archeological dig in Massachusetts. She received training and took classes through SUNY and is almost finished with her BA in History and Archeology She established an archeological site on her
historic property. She created mock units for children where they each had their own dig area with a trowel, pail and screen. A professional dig site was established for older ages. She brought in eight archeologists and other pro fessionals from museums. This has been suspended during COVID.
Melody serves as the part-time Historian for the Town of Nassau. She explores local c emeteries, including the resettling of colonists, to help promote local history. She continues to study ceramic history and ties all her interests together in her role as a town historian.
So how does Melody manage all these different balls she has in the air? Jobs that involve outdoor work can only be done when the weather permits and many of the restoration materials can only be used when the temperature is at least 40 degrees. During other times of the year, she works on projects she can do inside.
Fortunately, the Parkinson’s has not progressed to the point that it interferes with her abilities to do smaller projects, and she does both. She has a team of free-lance artists that assist her, with an honorable mention of Cynthia Fiorini and Elizabeth Goodermote
Melody’s range of mediums evolve. Her trend has been to not just tackle new mediums, but to throw herself into learning all about them through education, training, and working with others before diving in.
From restoring children’s dolls, to gravestones, Melody literally goes from cradle to grave. Her work as both a town historian and a rche ologist take her beyond t he grave. If only the King had known about Melody, he need not have bothered with his Horsemen and Men, and Humpty Dumpty could have been put back together again.
Melody’s website is at www.melsbellesrestorations.com
She also has a Facebook page at melsbellesrestorations
Keira
Lemonis
Photography
What Meets the Eye:
Artist Catherine
Minnery,
More than a Casual Observer
by Rona Mann
Photo by Mike Lynch
Artists are a lot like snowflakes. There are no two alike; and although at first blush they may all seem to do the same thing, they are vastly different in how they approach their work and ultimately what they achieve. This is a story about an artist who is a keen observer of the landscape and guides us to our own conclusions through her eyes.
Meet Catherine Wagner Minnery, painter, observer, and a unique snowflake unto herself. Ask the artist what her medium is, and she will tell you she works primarily in oils but also works from time to time in watercolors and charcoal. A transplant to the Capital Dis trict from early years spent in the Midwest discovering and honing her talents, Minnery has earned her fine art chops with an education from both the University of Cincinnati and the Art Academy of Cincinnati. She first began working as a Production Artist for a department store, then moved on to become Art Director for a shoe manufacturer as she and her architect husband made several moves around the country.
Minnery freelanced as a graphic designer for small business when she and her family first moved to the Albany area, but in 1986 she de cided to seriously start painting again full time and threw herself into the pursuit. Working primarily from sketches with simple line drawings and photographs, Minnery "combines it with memory once I get in the studio. I'm an observational artist," she states. "Yet not constrained by reality."
From the time she was a child, Minnery has been taken with color
and texture and a lifelong appreciation of what nature offers and awakes each time she gazes at a landscape. It is that penchant for natural landscapes and the changing colors associated with them that have made her work outstanding and much sought-after by galleries, museums, and private collectors.
When she finally did allow herself the time to paint, the beauty of the work she created just started to flow. "Looking and observing is very important to me," Minnery says. "There is the drama of the sky, the dark and light and geometry of it all." Catherine looks upon her landscapes with the curiosity of a child, the same curiosity she had as a young child back in Ohio on her grandparents' farm, drawing and painting the horizons before her. Much of her work is painted in various tones of blue, giving light and an airy feeling in one piece,
then a more ominous feeling in another. They are simple, beautiful pieces of work, yet with a depth once you stare at them for a while and take in the observation as the artist intended for you to do. There is a certain serenity in the work, much of which is created en Plein air, as there is within the artist herself. She chooses her words care fully, her conversation more like strokes on canvas than a freeflowing conversation.
On her website, Minnery compartmentalizes her work into individual galleries: oil paintings/landscapes; small painting and sketches; drawings; interiors; still lifes and florals; installed work; original art
“You are Here #2” 30” x 30”, Oil on canvas
“Church’s View/Hudson Valley from Olana” 20” x 40”. Oil on canvas
not for sale but available as prints; water; and woodland and nature hikes. It is the latter where Catherine Minnery seems to shine, taking the viewer on her own personal journey. She seems to guide the walk, whether just on a trail and being curious about what lies ahead, or deep into the woods filled with mystery, yet the impressions you take away are decidedly your own. It appears she has no pre-constructed
ideas on how you should observe and digest her work, she just wants you along on the journey to experience the beauty of nature. Then you take it from there. Still, the journey is focused.
Although Catherine does not have a gallery open to the public, she divides her time and efforts between two studios, one in the lower
“Sunday Morning Reflections” 30” x 30”, Oil on canvas
“Cosmos #1” 12” x 12”, Oil on panels
“Gray’s Crossing #1” 36” x 36”, Oil on canvas
“Before the Falls” 30” x 40”, Oil on canvas
level of her home in Ballston Spa and the other within "a big studio in Schenectady."
She enjoys giving credit to other artists and curious quotes about their art. The late Bob Ross who loved nature as well and painted what he deliciously called "happy trees," spoke of never making mistakes as an artist, but having "happy accidents." While Minnery's work seems thoroughly intentioned at all times, there are times when her brush takes her in a direction she might not have planned, and the result is exquisite. She also alluded to another late artist, Neil Welliver, known for his large, expressive landscapes. In an interview in 1985, Welliver, when asked about how he
gleaned inspiration for his work, the artist replied, "I look real hard, and then I make it up as I go along!" Looking at much of Minnery's work, one senses a strong parallel, it's that observational, not constrained by reality piece that seems to drive Catherine's passion.
Ask Catherine Minnery the artist what goals lie ahead, what dreams she has yet to fulfill, and she, grows quiet and reflective." I just want to keep producing art," she pauses, "and to do better. I never quite figured out painting, so it keeps me searching; it holds my attention, and my hope is that my images pull people in."
Much like that first snowflake of winter that falls silently and beautifully upon the landscape capturing the attention of us all, pulling us toward a new season born out of the beauty of nature.
You can view Catherine Minnery's work on her website: www.catherineminnery.com or contact her directly at: (518) 852-1895
The work of Catherine Minnery will be featured during the month of January at The Wood Hill Gallery in Saratoga, 454 Broadway (518) 898-6976
Minnery is also currently represented in the invitational exhibit, "Winter in Action" at The View Cen ter for Arts & Culture in Old Forge, now on through March at 3273 NY-Rt. 28 (315) 369-6411
“What I See and Don’t See” 30” x 60”, Oil on canvas
“Gray’s Crossing #3” 36” x 36”, Oil on canvas
INSTINCTIVELY DIFFERENT>>
Nellie Ackerman-Vellano, Feed Me 518™
If you've ever heard the question, "What's a great restaurant to eat at in Colonie?" you will almost always hear, "Lanie's! as one of the answers, since it is often suggested by many people at the same time.
Lanie's Cafe is not just a Capital Region favorite, but it's one of mine too. It's just good food, consistently. I've never had a bad meal or a bad experience here.
In fact, Lanie’s owners, Joshua and Kelly Gallacchi had the best experience here. This is where, introduced by a friend, they met in 2015, and a few years later would get engaged and in Au gust of 2017 buy Lanie's Cafe.
Founded in 2001 by Lanie and Dan Lansing, Lanie retired, selling the restaurant to her Gen eral Manager, Kelly and to her fiancé, Joshua. Kelly has now been at Lanie's for 14 years, and much of what she knows about the restaurant industry was learned here. Joshua, whose family has been in the industry since he was in college, started as a busser at Albany restaurant 677 Prime in 2009. He worked his way up to the banquet captain/manager at 677 until such time as he bought Lanie's.
With taking over Lanie's Joshua shared, "Our goal is to maintain the values and reputation that Lanie had built. This restaurant has become a staple in the community, and our biggest goal was ensuring it stayed that way while also evolving with the times. While everything continues to change in the world, Lanie’s strives to be the rock of our community, providing ex ceptional service and quality food daily."
Lanie's is a family restaurant, and the Gallacchi family understands that "Most families have members who like to eat different things. Our menu is designed to accommodate the entire family. That is why we have a little bit of everything, and why we make sure the portions are Lanie’s Size...HUGE!" Their meals really are generous-sized portions, and I've always had to get a to-go container for my leftovers when I dine here.
The Salads at Lanie's are definitely large, and they don't hold back on the toppings. Whether
you're coming for the Chopped Salad, Teriyaki Chicken Salad or Italian Antipasto served with their delicious house-made dressings, come hungry. Additionally, Lanie's also offers a Salad Bar.
My favorite Coconut shrimp in the 518 can be found at Lanie's. Jumbo coconut encrusted shrimp, lightly fried, accompanied with a piña colada dipping sauce, and dusted with toasted coconut. I could eat this sauce by the spoonful, it's so good.
The Kicked Up Bruschetta is a creative spin on a classic starter. This is a dish the whole family would enjoy with its "deep dish pizza" feel made with fresh mozzarella, spicy soppressata, and prosciutto stuffed in a tomato basil focaccia, topped with mozzarella cheese and baked until golden brown, finished with garlic and fresh basil tomato bruschetta, shaved Parmesan, and a drizzle of balsamic reduction.
The 10oz Black and Bleu Filet Mignon is a Cajun-spiced tender filet mignon smothered with a gorgonzola bacon sherry cream sauce finished with scallions and crispy onion straws.
I can't get enough of their Tuscan Chicken and Eggplant Panini made with sliced Italian mari nated grilled chicken, roasted red peppers, fried eggplant, fresh spinach, and melted moz zarella with a garlic aioli served on garlic toasted Italian bread accompanied with house marinara sauce for dipping.
The Chicken Riggis is a customer favorite, and I know why. It's delicious. I don't know what they do to their sauce, but it's all done right. Tender boneless chicken sautéed in a rosemary tomato cream sauce tossed with fresh broccoli, tomatoes, mushrooms, diced cherry peppers, and penne.
The Mediterranean Haddock is broiled fresh and topped with sautéed spinach, tomatoes, and sliced mushrooms in a white wine lemon butter sauce finished with crumbled feta.
The Prime Rib Dip is a thinly sliced tender prime rib with melted provolone, nestled in a garlic toasted hoagie roll and served with piping hot au jus for dipping.
I know that you will enjoy each visit you expe rience at Lanie's Cafe with friends or with family.
This special dining adventure is located at 471 Albany Shaker Rd, Loudonville, NY Happy Eating!
I wanted to be a big girl...... I yearned to be a big girl.
I knew I could do it like a big girl, but every year my parents wouldn't let me.
All I wanted to do was stay up until midnight on New Year's Eve like the big kids and grownups did. I longed to see that beautiful, bejeweled ball slide slowly down into Times Square announcing the New Year, watching the throngs hug and kiss and blow horns while a veritable mountain of confetti rained down upon them. That's really all I wanted, but my parents thought they knew better. Still, I knew I could prove them wrong. I knew I could do it. "Just give me a chance," I wailed each year, "and I'll stay up! I can do it. I can make it till Midnight."
So somewhere around my 11th or 12th birthday I finally won the annual argument, or they let me win it. This would be the year. My year. I could stay up, eat some hors d'oeuvres, prepare a ginger ale in a champagne glass with a maraschino cherry on top, toast with my mother and father, and listen to the music of Guy Lombardo and his Royal Canadians. Billed as "the sweetest music this side of heaven," Lombardo first played the Hotel Roosevelt Grill on New Year's Eve beginning in 1929 on the CBS Radio network and later moved to the NBC Radio Network. Then just about the time I joined the party, Lombardo moved to the fabulous Waldorf Astoria, which I thought was very grand. Beautifully gowned ladies with mink stoles and men in tuxedos seemed to float across the floor each time the TV cameras cut away from the crowds in Times Square. I knew I wanted one day to be one of those grand ladies securely in the arms of a handsome man twirling about as Guy and his band played. But for now, I was content to watch and wait for the big hour when the Royal Canadians would play their signature, "Auld Lang Syne" that officially ushered in the new year. I had no idea what "Auld Lang Syne" meant, but I knew it meant the start of a new year and grownups who were awake and still celebrating well after midnight, and that's what I was going to do.
During the day that lead up to the big night, my mother suggested I take a nap. It would be "insurance," she said. But I assured her I needed no insurance. I was much too excited. Besides, naps were for little kids, and tonight I was an adult. I was going to do this!
We had a light, early dinner around 5 PM because Mom knew there would be plenty of snacks throughout the evening. I could hardly eat, that's how excited I was. A few days prior we had gone shopping, and along with the requisite Wise Potato Chips and Lipton Onion Dip, Cheez Whiz, and Ore Ida Frozen French Fries (the popular snacks of the '50s), I convinced my mother that we had to have paper hats, noisemakers, and balloons. She drew the line at confetti because as she said, "I wouldn't have to vacuum the Waldorf, but I do here." I was going to point out that our house was clearly not The Waldorf, but decided against it. I didn't need a spanking, or worse yet, have her punish me with a New Year's Eve cancellation, so I just kept quiet and looked ahead with wild childish anticipation to what lay ahead.
Somewhere around 7PM, my Dad blew up the balloons. "Aren't five enough?" he asked half-heartedly? "No!"I wailed, "We need a lot of them like at The Waldorf!" He countered, "This is not The Waldorf." Ooh, again I was tempted but kept my mouth firmly shut. I had already asked a week or so ago if we could make a replica of the ball that would slowly descend into the bowels of Times Square, but that got a quick, loud, and double veto, so I had decided to be content with the battle won and not worry about minor skirmishes.
8 PM. The chips and dips are out, and I wasted no time getting into them. Potato chips were my favorites then and my #1 food group now.
9 PM. The French Fries emerge hot and salty, and I am beside myself with excitement. My Dad is thoroughly engaged watching TV, so I join him, snuggling up on the couch.
9:45 PM. I put an afghan around me and snuggle even more into those soft, welcoming cushions.
10:15 PM. I start yawning. My parents give each other a knowing look, and I straighten right up defiantly.
Somewhere between 10:30 and 11 PM. Gone!
11:55 PM. My mother gently wakes me and tells me it's almost midnight. I open my eyes halfway.
Midnight. I awake fully as I hear the noisemakers, see my parents kiss, and hear Guy Lombardo playing that old sweet song. I made it, I guess. Well, sort of.
12:05 AM. I shove the last of the chips in my mouth and pad down the hall to my bedroom. "There's always next year," I reason. "And I guess I did make it...with a little help."
To all our readers: May 2022 be the start of a more prosperous time with less stress and uncertainty and increased good health and good times. From all of us here at 518 Profiles, the very happiest and healthiest of New Years... and make sure you stay up till Midnight, but if you don't, I'll probably be snoring right along with you, a half-eaten bowl of chips by my side,
...Karen
New Year. New Resolution(s).
2021 is finally over, and now we face the odd ritual of making our New Year’s Resolutions. Resolution = Res-o-lu-tion = a FIRM decision to do or not to do something.
A New Year’s Resolution is a tradition most common in the western world in which a person resolves to continue or start good practices, change an undesired trait or behavior, accomplish a personal goal, or otherwise improve their life at the start of a new year.
But New Year’s Resolutions didn’t start here. In fact, the world didn’t celebrate the beginning of the new year on the same day. There was no one, universally accepted calendar. Various cultures practiced the beginning of their new year based on their local beliefs and traditions.
The Babylonians rang in their new year with an 11- day festival in what is now March. Ancient Egyptians celebrated the advent of their new calendar during the Nile River’s annual flood.
In 46 B.C., the Roman emperor, Julius Caesar moved the first day of the new year to January 1 in honor of the Roman God of Beginnings, Janus. It wasn’t very popular and most cultures continued to follow their own calendars.
In 1582, Pope Gregory XIII decreed that January 1st would be the beginning of the new year with the Gregorian calendar which we honor today.
The Babylonians are the ones that started the tradition of a New Year’s Resolution. They would celebrate and then make promises to the gods in hopes they would earn good favor in the coming new year. Their most popular “resolution” was to eliminate their debt. Sound familiar?
The problem with many resolutions is that they are hard to keep and tend to fall by the wayside usually around mid - February. There are several reasons this happens to us every year:
~ We tend to make ridiculously long lists of resolutions, and then we are overwhelmed with our long list.
~ We tend to keep our resolutions a secret or fear of failure, and then no one checks up on us to help us stick to it.
~ We tend to pick things that we really don’t want to do. It’s either difficult, timeconsuming, expensive, or tedious.
The success of your New Year’s resolution starts in your head. Find something that really matters to you, and then be specific about what you want and how you want it to play out. Then share that goal or resolution with someone and have them check in on you to help keep you on track.
Overly ambitious goals can drain your confidence when they’re not met. It’s a proven fact and a personally proven fact. I didn’t share my goals with anyone, and I didn’t put any plan in place for 2020. I have one accomplishment. Can you guess what it was? Here is my list:
1. Lose weight
2. Exercise
3. Drink more water
4. Implement a vegan day
5. Go to bed earlier
6. Only drink wine or cocktails on the weekend
7. Pay off credit card debt
Guess what happened next? 2020 was NOT the year to try a bunch of new resolutions…I think I managed to drink more water every day. That’s it. Why? Because life changed. Because my schedule changed. Because I was in survival mode and because I was home every day.
Everything else went out the window. I paid down some of my credit card debt because we were home every day, but honestly, I picked up a few bad habits after sitting home for six months.
Resolutions are hard. New habits are hard. Setting goals is HARD. It’s like we are punishing ourselves for all the things we don’t do, the things we don’t WANT to do, and the things that we will probably never do unless there’s an urgent need. We wind up setting ourselves up for failure because we really aren’t that interested in doing any of those things.
So what if we change that? What if we think of things we want to do or sound good to us and put a plan in place so that we can do some of those things? What if we:
- Perfect a recipe. Choose a recipe you love and truly master it. Memorize it. Make it so wonderfully delicious that you are known for it.
- Start a skincare routine. Work with a licensed esthetician to create a custom skincare routine or you can try and figure out your skin type, then use products that are suited for your type.
- Explore a new area within one hour’s drive from your home. Pick a direction, use your map app, and discover a new town or city.
- Make coffee at home whenever possible. Spend a little extra and get that French Press or that fancy Pour Over Carafe. Freshly made, really good coffee, is worth the effort and the initial expense, and it’s so-o-o yummy.
- Practice Random Acts of Kindness. It doesn’t have to be daily….maybe just once or twice a month, but making kindness a part of your life will change your life for the better, and it’s fun to do! We make coffee at home most of the time, but I have paid for someone’s latte, someone’s dog food, and even pre-paid for someone’s breakfast at a local bagel shop. Just because.
- Want to eat a little healthier? Try a local farmer’s market. Then talk to a farmer. Any farmer, just pick one. Or two. Find out about that heirloom tomato (that tastes and smells like a tomato), and find out how they are less acidic and better for you. Love cheese? Talk to the dairy farmer about the nine varieties of cheese they make from their grass-fed cows. Cutting out some of your carbs? Find out about the non - GMO grain that is naturally lower in carbs, better for you, and locally grown and harvested. We can’t cut out everything, but we can make better choices, right?
- Make a new friend. Building a strong community is key to a happy and healthy life. Having a couple of good friends keeps us connected, in tune with our community, and happy.
- Start collecting your family’s recipes and make a recipe box or journal. Do you know how to make Grandma’s famous coffee cake? Do you know what kind of butter she uses? (salted or unsalted) Vanilla(Mexican? Double or triple strength)? How about Uncle Rob’s barbecue sauce? What’s the secret ingredient in your mom’s fried chicken?
- Get a puzzle of something you find interesting or beautiful and complete it. It’s meditative and quiet while also stimulating your brain.
- If it’s time for a pet, go to an animal shelter or contact your local rescue group and adopt. If it’s not the right time, area shelters, training programs, and adoption networks are always in search of volunteers. You’ll be helping local animals and spending time with other animal lovers.
The key is to find things you actually want to do and then work on doing them.
What about some of the bad habits we have? Pick one and try to work on it. If it really bugs you, tell yourself you are eliminating that bad habit. Bite your nails? Leave all the lights on at home? Go to sleep with your makeup on? Hit the snooze button 10 times before getting up in the morning? Pick one habit you really want to change, and go for it. Once you are successful, you can choose something else to work on.
Ok, now I’m going to share one of my New Year’s Resolutions with you. Re member, having someone help hold you accountable is one of the keys to success. Ready?
I want to learn how to successfully, easily, and flawlessly apply false eyelashes. It’s a thing again, and they really are pretty when applied correctly. Someone, please check on me to see if I can do it without looking like I have crooked caterpillars on my eyes!
xoxo,
Crystal Cobert-Giddens, FACES of Saratoga
JANUARY EVENTS
Month of January - Troy
Winter Salon 21'. Now in its 10th year, The Clement Art Gallery is proud to announce its end of the year wrap up exhibition of art with our Winter Salon 21'. Featuring a diverse array of works from artists both represented and new to the gallery, this is the perfect show to find that right piece for your col lection or starting a collection. Sarah Blakeman, Erich Getchell, Ken Wilson, Randi Martin Kish, Susan Story, George Dirlof, Takeyce Walters, Mary Ellen Riell, Jillian Platt, Marina Petro, Harry Orlyk, Jon Gernon, Matt Chinian.The Clement Art Gallery, 201 Broadway, Troy, NY 12180 518.272.6811
January 1-8 Glens Falls
North Country Arts presents "Cele bration" - art work in all media, through January 8th. Hours: Thursday - Saturday 125pm at North Country Arts Gallery #120, The Shirt Factory, 71 Lawrence Street, Glens Falls, NY 12801. For membership and show information visit: www. northcountryarts.org
January 1 - 9 Schuylerville
Upstate Artists. The Laffer Gallery’s 10th an nual juried group show was Ju ried by Richard & Stephen CuttingMiller. “Upstate Artists” features a diverse cross section of the Upstate New York arts community. Exhibit work was chosen from over 100 entries in re sponse to an open call for submissions to local artists. The Laffer Gallery 518.695.3181 | 96 Broad Street Schuylerville, NY
January 4-9 Albany
Empire ''Skate'' Plaza. The tremendously popular Empire State Plaza Ice Rink in Albany will be open to the public throughout the 2022 winter season. Rentals are available whenever the rink is open and cost $3 for children 12 and under and $4 for adults. A photo ID is required to rent skates. Every Saturday is Hannaford Free Skate Rental Saturday courtesy of Hannaford Supermarkets. Amenities include 25 cent locker rentals and refreshments in the glass pavilion adjacent to the rink. Tuesday, Jan 4, 2022 until Sunday, Jan 9, 2022. (518) 473-6299 Empire State Plaza Ice Rink, Empire State Plaza Albany, NY
January 7 - Glens Falls
An Evening With The Brit Pack. The most authentic British Invasion experience this side of the Atlantic. Formed in 2011 by British session musicians based in NYC, The Brit Pack take their audience on a journey through a dynamic blend of British classics known and loved by all, including The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Queen, David Bowie, Elton John, The Who, Oasis, Radio head, The Police, Amy Winehouse and many more. Doors: 7pm. January 7, 2022 @ 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm $25 – $30. 518.792.1150 www.parktheatergf.com The Park Theater, 14 Park Street, Glens Falls, NY
January 8 - Saratoga Springs Rees Shad and the Convo Combo. The Convo Combo's unique stylings harken back to a swinging and melodic era of jazz. The group intersperses sets of original material with interesting jazz interpretations of the modern American songbook. Convo Combo sit as comfortably in a nightclub or coffee house spotlight as they do when providing classy ambience for any occasion. Sat, January 8, 2022, 8:00 PM EST. Doors at 7:30 PM. Caffe Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY
January 15 - February 26 Glens Falls North Country Arts presents its Annual Event "The Sweetheart Deal" - original art for $99 or less. North Country Arts Gallery in The Shirt Factory, suite #120, 71 Lawrence St., Glens Falls, NY. Gallery Hours are Thursday-
Sat urday 12-5pm.For membership and show information visit:www.northcountryarts.org
January 25-30 Schenectady
Broadway's COME FROM AWAY is a Best Musical winner all across North America! This New York Times Critics’ Pick takes you into the heart of the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them. Cultures clashed and nerves ran high, but uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night, and gratitude grew into enduring friendships. Don’t miss this breathtaking new musical written by Tony® nominees Irene Sankoff and David Hein, and helmed by this year’s Tony-winning Best Director, Christopher Ashley. Newsweek cheers, “It takes you to a place you never want to leave!” Tuesday, Jan 25, 2022 until Sunday, Jan 30, 2022. MainStage at Proctors, 432 State St Sch enectady, NY 12305 Cost: $25.50 - $100.50
J anuary 27 - Feb 13 Cohoes Bright Star. A truly captivating, Tony-nominated score by Steve Martin and Eddie Brickell, BRIGHT STAR is inspired by a true story and tells a sweeping tale of love and redemption set against the rich backdrop of the American South in the 1920s and ’40s. When literary editor Alice Murphy meets a young soldier just home from World War II, he awakens her longing for the child she once lost. Haunted by their unique connection, Alice sets out on a journey to understand her past— and what she finds has the power to transform both of their lives. With remarkably beautiful melodies and powerfully moving characters, the story unfolds as a rich tapestry of deep emotion. An uplifting theatrical journey that holds you tightly in its grasp, BRIGHT STAR is as r efresh ingly genuine as it is daringly hopeful. Performances Play January 27 - February 13. Thursday through Saturday @ 8PM Saturday and Sunday @ 2PM. Cohoes Music Hall, 58 Remsen Street, Cohoes, NY, 12047
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