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 B. Richer, Crystal Cobert Giddens, Nellie Ackerman-Vellano, Kristina Watrobski
Chef Armand Vanderstigchel
COVER
Glass Shells for Hermit Crabs. Shoals Marine Lab Artist - Robert DuGrenier
Spring is one of the best seasons of the year. It's time to get outside and enjoy the milder weather that will only become warmer as the days go on. Embrace spring in the garden as plants and flowers begin to bloom or venture out to a flower festival, farmer’s market, or other live events popping up all over the Capital Region. Spring just makes you feel happy that the cold winter is behind us and there are adventures to be had in the new season.
Welcome to the April issue! This issue is packed with creativity, passion, and unyielding dedication to the arts. We showcase the diverse talents, achievements and journeys of each one of these extraordinary artists.
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. Enjoy!
Stephanie Sittnick Founder / Publisher
The Intersection of Glass, Science, and Time
Robert DuGrenier, Glassblower/Designer pg. 6
Joseph Deuel - A Legacy in Saratoga Photography pg. 16
Making Art is Just Her Nature
Cadence Giersbach, Artist pg. 26
Samuel Leone: Young Artist, Old Soul, On the Cusp of Success pg. 34
Nostalgia
What’s So Special About April? Answer: I Am!
“Joe”
The Intersection of Glass, Science, and Time Robert DuGrenier, Glassblower/Designer
by Carol St.Sauveur Ferris
What do the Statue of Liberty, the MTV awards, chandeliers, hermit crab shells, and gourmet cuisine have in common? Glass of course. Sounds like a stretch, but in reality, they have all been studied and reimagined in the artistic hands of glass blower/designer, Robert DuGrenier...and the results have been nothing short of spectacular.
Robert’s story starts in Haverhill, Massachusetts where he was born and raised. He was one of three kids with a traditional stay-at-home mom and an inventor/entrepreneur father. As far back as he can remember, he loved to do creative things including photography, painting, ceramics, and stained glass. But it was a family trip to Montreal’s Expo ’67 that introduced him to the wonders of glass. Despite more than a 3-hour wait in line, 12-year-old Robert had to see the Czechoslovakian Glass Pavilion filled with wall-to-wall displays of glass in all forms. The wait was worth it. By the time he walked out the door, an awestruck Robert knew that working with glass is what he wanted to pursue.
After high school, he attended the Philadelphia College of Art for two years then went on to Hornsey College of Art in London where he earned his BFA in Design, Goldsmithing and Glass in 1977. He returned to the United
States and earned his MFA in Sculpture with a Glass Concentration at Illinois State University (ISU) in 1979.
Robert moved to New York City right out of ISU and took a job doing artistic, sculptural builds and water features for rooftop gardens for an English artist who lived in a Soho loft. His demonstrated skills led to doing loft renovations in several other area buildings. No doubt, it was Robert’s art background, plus his experience doing lighting and stage sets in high school, that came in very handy during that time. And lest we forget, being the son of an inventor father who he describes as having a “genius mechanical mind,” Robert inherited a knack for figuring things out along with his artistic sensibility and talent.
Divan Taksim Hotel - Istanbul, Turkey. Red lobby chandeliers.
Soon after, in 1980, opportunity knocked at his door or more accurately, rang the doorbell of Robert’s Tribeca’s loft. When he answered the bell, a man with a heavy French accent was ad miring the building and noticed the DuGrenier name on the wall, which means “of the loft” in
French. When questioned, Robert explained that it was actually his last name but coincidentally there was a loft for sale in the building. The Frenchman asked to see it and purchased it on the spot.
His name was Thierry Despont and he was an architect from France with an enviable client list that included Oscar de la Renta, Calvin Klein, Bill Gates, Jane Wrightsman and more. What was a serendipitous meeting at Robert’s front door led
to a lifelong friendship and many incredible glass collaborations worldwide for the duo including unique, one-of-a-kind chandeliers and sculptures to grace private homes, hotels, jewelry stores, and restaurants.
One particularly noteworthy collaboration was the restoration of the Statue of Liberty in anticipation of its 1986 centennial celebration. After nearly 100 hundred years exposed to the elements, the entire statue was in desperate need of repair. At the
1986 Centennial Restoration Project for the Statue of Liberty NYC
Tiffany & Co. Lighting sculpture, Seattle, WA
time, Robert just happened to be working on a project in Colmar, France so he visited the Musee Bartholdi which is dedicated to the works of French sculptor, Auguste Bartholdi who designed the Statue of Liberty. During his visit, he discovered that Bartholdi, following a trip upriver to see the statue in New York, did not like its green patina which is a natural occurrence as copper ages. When Robert shared his discovery with Despont and those in charge of the restoration, the decision was made to fabricate a new flame made out of gold-leafed copper. He was then commissioned to design the new flame and proceeded to sculpt a 1:12 scale, clay model, based on early photographs. That model was used to fabricate the flame that sits on the torch to this day.
“I’ve always wanted to put together a list of the thousands of awards I did and who owns them. They were for the best athletes, the best actors, the best musicians … the list of people who own my sculptures actually blows me away.”
From there he met a grandson of L.C. Tiffany who worked in the fragrance industry. The grandson asked Robert to design a limited edition, hand blown, glass bottle for a new fragrance he wanted to launch. Unfortunately, because of business conflicts, the fragrance was never launched, but Robert’s beautiful blown glass designs and reputation gained recognition in yet
After seeing the restored Statue of Liberty, MTV executives contacted Robert to have him replicate the iconic flame for their awards. While that was not possible, he convinced them that he could design a custom award that would be uniquely theirs and what followed was an unexpected design niche that kept him very busy. He went on to design and fabricate the MTV Movie Awards, the Nickelodeon Kid’s Choice Awards, the VH1 Honors Awards, and so many more for other industries.
an other niche, perfume bottles, which kept him busy in the fragrance industry.
His career trajectory has been magic, but life hit him hard one day in 2015, when the ca.1810 barn at his Southern Vermont home burned to the ground. Walking amongst the ashes, he grabbed his favorite shovel from the excavator clearing the debris and began to rescue many other pieces including nearly 50 lanterns from his wedding. It was therapeutic, and of course, those rescues were eventually reimagined in glass.
“I wanted to capture a moment in time so I stuck the shovel into some glass I was inflating, and it became this beautiful heart shape. The
next morning when I opened the kiln it had a crack that started going around it and I thought, that’s my broken heart.”
Later he poured glass over the lanterns thinking they would crack as well but somehow they didn’t. Robert later figured out that the coating of carbon left on the lanterns’ metal frames from the burning wood in the barn, worked like graphite and prevented the glass from attaching itself to the lanterns and allowed it to shrink independently. From this devastating experience came his “Out of The Ashes” glass collection and new insight into glass techniques and the fragility of single moments in time.
“My work has always had an element of time in it. It starts and it ends. That’s something I’ve always been fascinated with. If there’s a theme through my work, it’s that I create something, time comes in and influences it, then I stop at a moment in time when I feel the piece is finished.”
Another of his many collections speaks to the environment and how we treat it. The inspiration came from enjoying a day at the beach and ob serving a strange creature attempting to crawl across his blanket. It turned out to be a hermit
“Lights Out” Out Of The Ashes collection “Handle
“Double Burner” Out of the Ashes collection
crab living in the broken neck of a Coke bottle. Robert was struck by the fact that we eagerly collect beautiful shells for our homes yet leave our ugly trash on the beach for these poor creatures to live in. He went back to his studio, and after many attempts, was successful in blowing beautiful glass shells that crabs could actually call home. These unique shells are now in schoolrooms, aquariums, and private homes around the world.
Robert’s latest endeavor is an unexpected and intriguing new way of cooking seafood and other culinary delights with Chef Alex Sorenson, while creating a unique one-of-a-kind dining experience. It involves Robert actually blowing glass tableside, pouring the molten glass on a steel surface, then pressing it into various shapes including dishes and domes. Chef Alex quickly steps in and places the raw seafood directly on the glass or under the dome to cook. The extremely high temperature of the glass instantly sears the food and cooks it to perfection as the molten glass cools. It truly is a unique dining experience that only a few have been fortunate to take part in, but one both Chef Alex and Robert hope to turn into a streaming series called Glasstronomy for everyone’s enjoyment.
So it is without question, since most of us can not participate nor savor this unique culinary experience in person, that we
are all looking forward to Glasstronomy streaming live on our big screens very soon.
Meanwhile, Robert continues to blow glass three days a week in his Vermont studio. The other days are filled with coordinating and as sembling glass sculptures. In his “spare time," he teaches a weekly Introduction to Glass class. Currently, he has three exhibitions going on including Glass Life Forms at the Pittsburgh Glass Center in Pennsylvania, the Sandwich Museum of Glass in Massachusetts, and the Spiralis Gallery in Easton, Maryland.
To view and purchase Robert’s glass creations, visit his studio/gallery at 1096 VT Route 30 in Townshend Vermont or visit his website at www.dugrenier.com.
Mobile Homes: Glass Shells for Hermit Crabs. Shoals Marine Lab
Dinner On Glass - photo by Kelly Fletcher
Custom glass pieces
The artistry of glassblowing with the nuanced finesse of gourmet cooking.
Shoals Marine Lab Underwater Kelp Sculpture. Appledore Island, ME
“I’ve been living with chronic eczema on my arms and legs for years. It’s at its worst during the dry, colder months. Having seen 3 different, highly rated dermatologists with no success, I accepted the reality that itchy, sleepless nights was something I just had to live with. Then I met Doctor Galay…”
Albany Resident Liam M. approached Katya Galay, DT CM as a “last ditch effort” to relieve his spotty ec zema symptoms. After consulting with multiple respected dermatologists, he believed his inflamed, itchy skin was an inevitable product of his genetics. But after regularly resisting the urge to scratch his arms and legs for years, he was desperate to try anything.
Dr. Katya Galay,
DTCM Expert in TCM dermatology
“Scratching is very hard to resist, but it is the worst thing you can do. Regular scratching traumatizes the skin and causes it to thicken," explains Katya Galay, Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine at Life Cycles Integrative Health in Latham, NY.
“Depending on the type and severity of the eczema, patients can experience con stant rashes, dry flaky skin, discomfort, difficulty sleeping, bleeding, weeping, and even infections. Living with eczema can be a very miserable existence.”
Lia m’s condition didn’t quite risk infection, but his flare-ups made it increasingly difficult to concentrate at work, enjoy time with his family, and sleep through the night. He never felt clear-headed or well rested. Sweating made everything worse. Peaceful hikes in the Adirondacks were ruined with constant scratchy distractions.
Every aspect of life with eczema becomes more challenging. It’s not just a continuous nuisance, it’s a vicious cycle. Itching leads to scratching, which can cause bleeding and more inflammation, which causes more itching — the cycle continues.
“As seasons changed, things would clear up for a little bit. Sometimes I’d even forget about the ec zema for a few weeks. Then it would come back — it would start as a rash, then an itch — and the more I’d scratch, the more it would itch, my body would be covered in bloody scabs…
I Finally Got The Itch I Couldn’t Scratch
I’d try creams, which would work for a little. But re lief was never permanent.” – Liam
“Emollient creams can be very helpful for patients with the dry type of eczema. They can help protect the skin and keep it moisturized. Topical steroid creams will re duce inflammation to a degree, but, unfortunately, can lead to skin atrophy and rebound flare-ups that come with vengeance. When we see the damp type of eczema, where skin becomes weepy and crusty, topi cals alone don’t do the trick,” said Dr. Galay.
“A friend told me about this specialist, so I went for a consultation. Dr. Galay told me that this would not be a quick fix, but assured me that she can help. I didn’t have high hopes. I mean, why would THIS help me, if nothing else could? She gave me a treatment plan, which involved medic inal teas, and a couple of creams: one to use during the day, and one at night. After 2 weeks my itch was almost entirely gone. Fast forward 3 months, and my rash was completely clear. It’s been a year since I finished my treatment. Still eczema-free!” – Liam.
“While symptoms might seem consistent from pa tient to patient, there’s no one-size-fits-all ap proach to ec zema treatment. To find the right treatment, you have to be part doctor, and part de tective. And sometimes the smallest details in a patient's history provide the big answers we need.” Dr. Galay mentioned.
These steady results seem to stem from a consistent method of eczema treatment that Dr. Galay uses at her clinic. She starts by interviewing the patient to identify root causes of the problem, followed by a series of pictures to accurately measure progress.
“Finding the right treatment often boils down to the specific type of eczema someone’s living with. With this in mind, we formulate special blends of medicinal herbs that are tailored specifically to
each patient, their ec zema type, and stage. The f ormulas are then ad justed according to the patient’s progress. The whole process takes a few months. But patients notice results within the first few weeks.” concluded Dr. Galay.
One major misconception is that all eczema is the same — it isn’t.
• If you’ve had eczema since childhood, and you also suffer from allergies, or asthma, you might have Ato pic Dermatitis.
• If your eczema rash is round or coin-shaped, you probably have Nummular Eczema.
• If your rash is limited to your hands, and your hands sweat a lot, you likely have Pompholyx Eczema.
• If your eczema is limited to you legs, and you have varicose veins, it may be Stasis Eczema.
“ I was so used to the constant itching, I had almost forgotten what it was like to be comfortable. To sleep throughout the night again. It’s hard to put it into words… I thought my eczema would just be part of my life. I am thrilled to be able to enjoy hik ing with my family again, and not hav ing to worry about the itch!” — Liam.
Picture: patient’s elbows
“Joe” Joseph Deuel - A Legacy in Saratoga Photography
By Lawrence White
“You don’t take a great photograph. You make it!”
...Ansel Adams
Few people are instantly recognizable simply by the mention of their first name. In Saratoga Springs, Joe Deuel is the man.
Born and raised with two sisters in Saratoga Springs, Joe learned to take responsibility at the age of 16 when his dear mother passed away. As the oldest child, Joe had to learn how to cook and maintain the household while his father, Joe Sr. was working to support them.
Joe was also quite young when he first connected to photography. His fa ther was a Saratoga Springs studio photographer who used Joe Jr. as his prime subject. “My father loved pho tography. In the 1950s, he bought a studio on Phila Street, and I became the most photographed kid in Saratoga,” Joe tells me with a big laugh.
“My father and George Bolster tried to form a partnership, but as a single parent he gave it up, sold his equipment to Bolster, and became the manager of the first bowling alley in Saratoga Springs.” With humor, Joe adds, “My father went from being the local studio
Arlo Guthrie on Phila St
Dave Van Ronk at The Parting Glass After Lena’s Memorial
Taylor Ashton at Caffe Lena
photographer to becoming the locally famous pro bowler.”
Joe continues. “During my teenage years, much of my time was spent at High Rock Lanes where the Strike Zone is now. I could bowl all day for free, and on Saturday morn ings, I would bring my friends, and we would bowl until our fingers bled. Then we would sit in the empty bar and watch car toons on TV, eat pretzels, and drink ginger
ale. I also became a pretty good pool player. There was a pool table in the building that I could reset for free and play as long as I wanted.”
Then, Joe spontaneously recalls an interesting personal moment in Saratoga Springs's history.
“Speaking of pool, one evening many years later, I was hanging out in Caffe Lena with Dave Van Ronk. He told me that he would go into town with Bob Dylan and Dylan would be hustling pool up and down Phila Street. I don’t think Dave was making it up, but it is a great story either way,” Joe says with a hearty laugh.
I ask Joe to tell me more about how he first got hooked into photography, and he tells me, “I had a darkroom setup when I was in the 8th grade.
I was gifted an Omega D-2 enlarger from har ness track photographer, Coleman Green for whom I had printed. I bought a variable condenser so I could use an array of lenses. I always had some sort of plastic or box camera so there were plenty of negatives to print.”
Reflectively Joe adds, “I think my father regretted leaving photography. He had a special love for it, so I think he was able to continue enjoying it vicariously through my accomplishments.”
The Figgs at Caffe Lena
Troy Puppet Theater
Albany Pine Bush Cloud
After a momentary pause, Joe continues.
“For years, I had this great 4x5 enlarger but no camera to create the negatives of that size.” Then, with a sense of excitement, Joe adds, “One day, I found a Pacemaker
Speed Graphic 4x5 camera advertised in the Saratogian for $100. I bought it right away. Then, a few years later I was going through a box of my Father’s old negatives, and I found the original receipt for his
The Meatmen - Philadelphia
Sneaker - NYC
Brian Melick at Caffe Lena
camera. It turned out that the camera I purchased for $100 had the same serial number as the camera my father owned.” Shaking his head, Joe concludes, “Life is an amazing adventure. I still own that camera today.”
In the late 1980s, due to his persistence in attending shows at Caffe Lena and his willingness to work the soundboard for no pay, Joe became the self-taught, in-house sound person for the venue. Every band I have spo ken to who plays the club has high praise for Joe. When highly re spected legacy folk musician, Tom Rush was in town, I asked him about Joe’s audio work, and Tom told me, “I always have complete confidence in my microphone when I play Caffe Lena because Joe takes good care of me.”
Ansel Adams is quoted as saying, “The secret to being a good photographer is knowing where to stand.” Joe immediately recognized that standing behind the soundboard provides an eagle’s nest view of the evolving cultural legacy that only a historic venue like Caffe Lena can provide. Having access to the parts of the club the public does not see makes Joe’s work even more interesting. After a life of photographing and printing for several well-known local photographers and publications, Joe’s im pressive talent range is at peak level in Caffe Lena.
Joe’s photos have been utilized by recording artists Dave Van Ronk, Rosalie Sorrells, The Highwaymen, The Figgs, and Chandler Travis, to name a few. His exhibitions include Saratoga Visual Arts, High Rock Review, Saratoga Arts, and Crandall Folklife Center.
Joe’s high level of attention to detail, and his accumulating knowledge of the science of capturing light, coupled with his skill as a fine art printer and his uniquely poetic vision have culminated in an immense body of work that is the very essence of photographic art.
With today’s phone cameras being ever-present, a common phrase you hear is, “Everybody is a photographer these days.” Joe proves that even though anyone can “take a picture,” it still takes an artist to create a photograph.
As powerful and historic as Joe’s work in Caffe Lena is, it is his portfolio of images from everyday life and his many travels that hold a fascination
for other photographers and those who understand and love the true art of light capture, manipulation, and display.
I personally have exhibited photographic prints alongside Joe’s. It is an honor to view my work on the wall with an artist of such vision and skill. Joe’s work is always alive with meaning that touches the viewer yet is never cliché.
To celebrate the opening of Caffe Lena’s 65th anniversary, Executive Director, Sarah Craig scheduled an evening of Joe’s projected photographs with the artist present to introduce each image, tell fantastic tales, and answer questions. The evening sold out almost immediately.
In announcing Joe’s show, Sarah Craig stated, “If you've been to a show at Caffe Lena, you know Joe Deuel as the man who creates the venue's pristine sound. When he steps out from behind the soundboard with his camera, he captures ten der and unique images of live performances, as well as life behind the scenes at America's Oldest Coffeehouse. Much of the 2013 coffee table book, Caffe Lena: Inside America's Legendary Folk Music Coffeehouse , comprises Joe's photos. He is a part of the Caffe Lena Legacy.”
At the start of the event, Joe and Sarah sat on the stage while Joe cracked jokes, and Sarah made comments about the impact Joe had on the venue and the respect she had for his powerful yet delicate photography.
At the end of her comments, Sarah recited a meaningful poem about Joe written by Saratoga Poet Laureate, Joseph Bruchac. As Sarah spoke the last line, “Joe, old friend, the truth is, we all love you,” the audience stood in unison and rocked the house with cheerful applause that was equal in enthusiasm and volume to that of any performer who has ever graced the stage at Caffe Lena. Bravo, Joe!
Link to Joe’s Caffe Lena event video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMD4H42qhf4 Joseph Deuel Photography https://www.josephdeuelphoto.com
Chuck Lamb at Caffe Lena
Making Art is Just Her Nature Cadence Giersbach, Artist
By Rona Mann
“Every artist dips his brush into his own soul and paints his own nature into his pictures.”
...Henry Ward Beecher
The first thing you notice, right off the bat, is her name. Cadence. It has a lovely tonal quality to it. It’s certainly different. It captures your atten tion. So does her work as an artist which commands your attention, and that attention just seems to grow. The name “Cadence” refers to a rhythm, a tempo, a flow. It also lends its meaning to the sounds that come from Mother Nature, and in this case, that appears to be a perfect fit.
Art is most definitely in Giersbach’s DNA as she is just one in a generational line of family artists representing painting, sculpting, even storytelling. Born in New York City where she still makes her home, Cadence grad uated from a specialized public high school that was then called The High School of Music and Art and is now the Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music and Art. Her diploma next took her to Vassar for undergraduate work and a degree with honors, then on to Rutgers where she earned a Masters in Fine Art. The education could have stopped there, but it didn’t. Her next stop was the summer intensive at the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture in Skowhegan, Maine, giving young emerging and talented artists like Giersbach the opportunity to
Cadence Giersbach at Lake George Arts Project photo credit John Terhorst
work within an experimental framework and share knowledge and skills with professional artists as mentors.
Cadence Giersbach is unique in that she readily states, “I make whatever I want to make. I have done public commissions, I have worked with different galleries, exhibited at non-profit spaces, and for the last seven years I have been revitalizing a garden in Sullivan County.” This garden is central to Giersbach’s work. It is a place both of solitude and inspiration, yet she is quick and grateful to admit, “I am fortunate to have good people around me who support my vision.”
How does this independent spirit, this lover of all things natural, this ongoing relationship between the rich soil at her feet and the sky above become her art? One needs to delve into the artist’s website both for some of the answers and to whet your appetite to learn and see even more. It’s not as simple as saying, “She’s a painter,” or “she sculpts,” for her medium is both. It is three-dimensional, it is not stretched on canvas, it is sewn and built. In her own words, “Like a quiltmaker, I piece and sew on loose fabric painted sections to represent abstracted birds, stars, and suns.”If she has a signature, it is that of a kite, but a kite that does not fly. It likens back to a kite she made with her father many years prior that was beautiful, but too cumbersome to float aloft. Her kite-shaped paintings recall this memory through geometric patterning and abstraction.
Cadence’s sculptures are fashioned from sculptamold, a molding agent that combines the best qualities of clay, plaster, and papier mache. Her sculptures reference flowers, birds, weather-worn rocks, the night sky above, and the earth below. Her depictions are not realistic nor meant to be, but rather a vision of nature, a place of memory, sensation, and thought. Actors call this “sense memory;” those who appreciate the earth-sky
dialogue Giersbach infuses in all her work, call it by their own individual superlatives.
“Through the Summer Garden” at the Lake George Arts Project, photo credit Jim McLaughlin
Garden in Cochecton, NY
“Gold Kite”
In 2006, the MTA (Metropolitan Trans portation Authority) Arts & Design Project commissioned Cadence to create a work for the ceiling at the newly remodeled subway station which is at the convergence of Myrtle Avenue (Bushwick Brooklyn)and Wyckoff Avenue (Queens). It was here that she created her breathtaking mosaic, From Earth to Sky a capping
of the ceiling with a canopy of trees. A map of New York City is at its center.
Additionally, Giersbach has made art for a dance performance, developed a series of paintings of Niagara Falls en compassing grandeur, tourism, and industry, and was invited to exhibit her work at the Lake George Arts Project. Just like an actor who auditions at an
“From Earth to Sky” Myrtle-Wyckoff Subway Station, photo credit Anthony Verde
“Through the Summer Garden” at the Lake George Arts Project, photo credit Jim McLaughlin
“open call,” Cadence submitted her work, and just like the more talented and lucky actors, she “won” the audition.
“I want my work to be seen so that people can get a sense of my expression, the feeling and sensibility of wonderment in the natural world. Wonder has the po tential to lead us to curiosity, understanding, and change. People need to take care of nature, not just take from it. We need to make this a better place.”
The balance of nature inspires creativity in many artists, certainly in the work of Cadence Giersbach. It also presents a harmony and balance for her representing
“Terra, we have not yet reached the stars” performed in Brooklyn, NY
“Five Kites”
“Through the Summer Garden” at the Lake George Arts Project, photo credit Jim McLaughlin
this by way of her colors, textures, and shapes all working together within a sense of calm. We are drawn to an evolutionary perspective from a deep-rooted connection with our nat ural world. Nature speaks to Ca dence Giersbach’s soul, it fuels her creativity, overflowing from the smallest to the largest details in nature. With her art, Cadence celebrates va riety with an array of shapes, colors, patterns, and textures to stimulate the senses. With each piece that she creates she not only grabs us by the hand and flings us into the realm of earth and sky, but offers her palette for the journey.
There is a beauty and complexity of the natural world that Giersbach found long ago and has inspired her as it has other creatives for centuries. It is that which the Van Goghs, the Monets, and countless other artists have created from an inspiration culled from nature.
Spending time outdoors in her precious garden in Sullivan County has given
with her father, that it came crashing down to the ground. It gave her a new kind of focus. In her artist’s statement on the website, Giersbach says, “My kites do not fly. They are metaphors for the potentiality and precariousness of life.”
After carefully studying the images she has displayed on her website, we take exception to Ms. Giersbach’s statement. We therefore suggest that you, the reader, visit www.cadencegiersbach.com and spend some time with the links labeled “Work” and “Exhibitions.”
In the section showing her varied work, the artist not only titles each piece, but lets you know what ma terials were used and in some cases, how the piece was assembled. Exhibitions will take you from a plastic replicating garden to a choreographic collaboration to painted images dissolving into abstraction and sculptures, ceramics, and even upholstered panels painted on vinyl.
both Cadence Giersbach the woman and Ca dence Giersbach the artist a kind of harmony and balance others may only wish for.
Actress Lauren Bacall once said, “Imagination is the highest kite you can fly,” so it really didn’t matter when as a child trying to launch that overly cumbersome kite Cadence had built
There was more to take in than just her kites, although the kites are surely dominant, front and center. But this represents an artist’s body of work with thought and feeling, patience and impatience, and ex quisite and purposeful detail throughout each piece. It is who this woman is, what she believes,
and how she lives and works; and although she may state that her kites do not fly, it is here where we truly beg to differ.
The work of Cadence Giersbach does not fly, it soars.
Samuel Leone: Young Artist, Old Soul, On the Cusp of Success
by Carol St.Sauveur Ferris
Seeing the world through the eyes of an artist is an adventure. Meeting them and learning of their journey is both fascinating and a privilege. You learn that most arrived at their success after years of honing their craft while dealing with what life threw their way. Unexpected twists, turns, and bumps in the road before being recognized is a common theme. Rarely do you meet an artist who is at the very beginning of their journey and get to see the world through their young eyes. A recent glimpse into Samuel Leone’s creative life at the ripe old age of 21 was both refreshing and fun.
Sam was born in Schenectady, New York. His parents soon moved the family to Charlton, New York where they later bought a farm when Sam was 10 years old. Both parents are working professionals. His Mom is an environmental science teacher, and his Dad is a ceramics engineer. Growing
up on the farm was a pretty special experience according to Sam, quite different from city life, and as a result, gave him a very different worldview. In fact, the pastoral setting instilled in him a love and appreciation for nature that would prove to be a central theme in his art.
Sam shared that he always had an interest in art although he recalls wanting to be a garbage man in kindergarten because of his fascination with the large arms on the trucks. But by first grade, he was adamant that he now wanted to be an artist, and that goal never changed. He recalls having drawing competitions with his Mom from the age of six or seven, and apparently, the jury is still out on who won those competitions. He also remembers one time in first grade when his class had to make pen guins out of clay. To this day he still thinks his were the best.
His parents were always very supportive of his interest in art. For many years, they sent him to summer camps that focused on drawing and painting. And in school, he took as many art classes as were offered and allowed. Then he discovered Bob Ross. Yes. That Bob Ross. The one so many of us grew up with, watching his Saturday morning painting show on PBS, showing us how to paint those “happy little trees.” Sam watched many of his videos and imitated his techniques as he learned how to navigate a blank canvas with a brush and paint from a young age.
“I started oil painting because of Bob Ross and his videos. That might be why I like doing landscapes so much besides having grown up surrounded by nature and the landscape. Then in high school I was always the art kid but kind of hid it.”
Sadly, as so many of us can attest to, the pres sure for boys to play sports is real, so Sam
hid his interest in art a lot as he played soccer, a little tennis, and did cross country. It turns out playing sports was not his forte so he was thrilled to graduate and attend FIT (The Fashion Institute of Technology) in New York City where he could pursue his passion without restraint. Unfortunately, at FIT, he discovered that his art education was a bit behind so many New York City kids who attended special schools focused on the arts. But rather than be discouraged, he just dug in and worked hard.
“At first, I was kind of behind everyone but I kind of liked that. You learn a lot from people around you and hopefully
get better because of that. It was intimidating and a challenge but also inspiring. And it was a very encouraging environment.”
“Beach House” 12x16-Miami
Foto Mural
“Flower District” 24x48-NYC
Sam’s early work in high school was all about skulls and birds, but that slowly changed when his aunt bought him a French easel. He used it a few times to do landscapes around the family farm then brought it to FIT. He admits he was a bit apprehensive to take it out and set up to paint somewhere in the city but found the courage to do it one day and went for it. He wandered around, found the perfect spot, and started painting. People came by, and for the most part, he got very supportive comments from passersby; that is, until a
group of high school boys yelled, “You need to paint better!” That was tough to hear.
“In the moment that hurts, but I still think about it a lot, and instead of looking at it as criticism, I took it as advice and thought, yeah, I should paint better.”
Undeterred, Sam continued to pack his gear and treks around the city until he finds the perfect view that he’s compelled to paint in the moment. He’s been to Central Park to catch the early morning sunrise, set up downtown to capture the city lights, and painted the Brooklyn Bridge. Because the city is filled with the hustle and bustle of people from all walks of life, Sam brings some completed
work to sell as well. Not only have they sold, but people have purchased paintings fresh off his easel and still wet!
Not long ago, Sam and two friends climbed Giant Mountain, the 8th-highest peak in the Adirondacks. It was quite challenging at times, not only hiking up rough terrain but also scaling nearly sheer rock face to get to the top. While his friends were unencumbered, Sam had 30 pounds of art supplies and canvasses in a backpack plus an easel. Not sur prisingly, he began to run out of steam lugging all that weight up the mountain and was ready to call
“Jumpin Jack's” 16x12-Schenectady
“Frozen Fog” 18x28 - CharltonNY
it a day before reaching the peak. Thankfully, his friends pushed him to keep going, and he did. Sam is so proud of his paintings from that ex hilarating and exhausting climb. Rightfully so. And needless to say, the descent was a whole lot easier!
Today, as Sam navigates his life and budding career, he subscribes to the philosophy of Pe trarch, a 14th-century Italian philosopher, poet, and scholar known as the “Father of
Humanism.” Humanism is a philosophy that emphasizes selfactualization. It believes that people have the power to shape and create their lives and in so doing, create a better society. Accordingly, it encourages individuals to value their personal experience which was a novel idea at that time. Case in point, Petrarch climbed Mount Ventoux in France just because he wanted to witness the view for his own enjoyment.
“I just learned about him in art history and what I take from him climbing the mountain is we should just do it. Whatever that is. So, I’ve been thinking about that a lot and really believe that you just have to do it. Like with my painting, I get an idea, and I just have to do it.”
Sam is currently a Resident Assistant at FIT which affords him more time to devote to his painting. Many of his peers have to work jobs outside of school which reduces the amount of their precious free time. He realizes how fortunate he is and has made good use of that
time working on his techniques and painting en plein air nearly every day and in the studio. Sam’s commitment to his painting has paid off. This dedicated and aspiring young artist had his first solo exhibition of over 50 paintings at Main Street Studio in Charlton, New York in July of 2024. It was a resounding success resulting in the sale of more than half of his pieces!
In 2026, Sam will graduate from FIT with a BFA in Fine Art. Before he goes on to earn his Mas ter’s Degree so he can teach sometime down the road, he plans to pack up his gear and travel across the country painting whatever he sees en plein air. He was inspired by another young artist traveling the world doing exactly that right now. His name is Marcel Boada who graduated from the Barcelona Academy of Art in 2021. Boada has since trav eled through South Asia and Europe, stop ping to paint en plein air to capture the beauty in the moment. But for right now, it’s one step at a time for Sam and his art while looking to a future full of mystery and promise that he welcomes. Just like Boada.
“Everyone sees my work differently, but I feel I have a responsibility to show them how I see it. I don’t know totally where I’m going with it, but I’m going somewhere.”
Without a doubt, many of us will be there for it.
Samuel Leone’s work was recently exhibited at Cupola Coffee in Burnt Hills, New York. If you missed it, you can learn of future exhibits, support him on his creative journey, or view and purchase recent work, by visiting his so cial media sites at www.samleone.art or on Instagram @sam_leone_art
“Giant's Peak Left” 16x12 Adirondacks
“Niagara Falls” 12x16
Question: What’s So Special About April? Answer: I Am!
By Karen Richman
April is just one of those months.
It comes as a welcome, long overdue guest on the heels of a cold, gray, damp winter. You want to trust it. You want to believe that there will not be another flake of snow, another cold north wind, another day of icy sidewalks and television meteorologists warning of highways with black ice, but no promises have been made, so promises are not likely to be kept.
Yet here and there someone is gleefully reporting that a crocus has stuck its head up above the ground when least expected, a little brown bunny has scampered across the front lawn, and the stores are awash in jelly beans and chocolate rabbits.
Easter and Passover frequently fall in April, sometimes together, sometimes not, but they always signal spring and rebirth and a return to green grass and warmer days.
So many years ago, because April was a month of uncertain transition, and you never knew what to expect, Miss Search felt it should be made special in some way. Miss Search was my second-grade teacher, and in addition to spelling and reading and simple arithmetic, she believed in teaching “special” every day, every month. Frequently, she would happily chirp, “It’s a special day!” When we would ask, “What’s so special about it?” she would begin her litany. “Well, we’re all here, aren’t we? And look, the sun came up again this morning and it’s big and bright and just waiting for all of you at recess to run and play and feel its warmth. You know what else is special?” Miss Search would ask. Hands would shoot up in the air because she had strictly taught us it was impolite to shout things out.
“I am special!” someone would gleefully say, and another would follow with, “Me too!”, and then another and another because long before April had come around, Miss Search had told us we were special. From that first day in September when we all sat at our desks with new school clothes, new pencils and crayons and notebooks, and more than a little nervousness, Miss Search had greeted us with a warm smile and something else. Something no teacher and no adult had ever done. She walked down each row, stopped at
every desk, and asked, “What’s your name?” instead of just calling roll from the front of the classroom. As each tiny voice would answer, nervously giving their name, she would say, “I’m glad to meet you, Karen (or Bobby or Michele),” and then she’d extend her hand and shake ours. From that day on, we knew we mattered to this teacher, and that this second-grade class would indeed be special because she had told us we were spe cial and never treated us differently.
You never knew what was behind her smile, but you always knew it was sincere. Sometimes she’d have a little surprise for us like the April day she came in with 30 brand new, freshly sharpened #2 pencils. “These are special pencils,” she began. I’m going to give one to each of you because when you use it you will be able to do special work. You will add properly, write your name clearly and legibly, and answer every question on a test with all the knowledge you have within. And why is that?” she concluded.
“Because we’re special!” came the happy chorus of second-graders.
By the time a student matriculates from kindergarten through high school, they’ve had a number of teachers. As the years go on and we continue with perhaps further
ed ucation, a work life, a family life, and memories tending to grow dim, there’s usually that one teacher we remember whose lessons extended far beyond the blackboard and the classroom and somehow gave us a life’s lesson not to be forgotten. Miss Search was that teacher because from an early age, she taught us what she already knew: that each of us was unique and a very special individual with little differences that made us stand out. It didn’t matter if we were fat or thin, wore big, thick glasses, had straight hair, a face full of freckles, or even had a stutter or a lisp, Miss Search pointed out our “specialness” to the whole class and made us realize that this was something positive. So no one was ever made fun of. There were no psychologists on staff or in the district in those years. While there might have been a need in some classes, there was none here because in Miss Search’s class, none was needed. Ever.
I don’t know why, but I think of Miss Search more in April than in any other month of the year. Maybe it’s because she told us to make April special like every other month and gave us a new pencil to ensure good work. It was a whole lot more than a new pencil. She let us know we were valuable.
Some lessons are never forgotten.
7 - Day Spring Detox Plan
By Crystal Cobert Giddens, LE, INHC
A Spring Detox is a wellness practice that typically involves cleansing the body of accumulated toxins, refreshing your diet, changing some winter habits and rebooting your health to match the energy of the new season. It’s about taking advantage of spring's natural renewal cycle to reset your body and mind. Detoxing doesn’t necessarily mean extreme fasting or restrictive diets—it’s more about gentle, sustainable habits that support your body’s natural detoxification processes. I’ve outlined a simple plan with suggestions to get you started:
Hydrate: Staying hydrated is the foundation of any detox. Water flushes out toxins, supports your kidneys and liver, and helps with digestion. During a detox, you want to focus on hydrating with nutrient-rich, naturally detoxifying waters.
Lemon and Ginger Water: Lemon is high in Vitamin C and helps stimulate the liver, while ginger aids digestion and reduces inflammation. Add a couple of slices of fresh ginger and slices of fresh lemon to a pitcher, add enough hot (not boiling) water to cover and allow to steep for 5 minutes. Add ice and fresh, cold water to the top of your pitcher and strain into a glass or your water bottle so you can sip this throughout the day. When I was studying at the Omega Institute, we made something called “Mystic Pizza.” I prefer to drink this first thing in the morning: Take a pinch of healthy pink or sea salt, raw honey to taste, a fresh slice of ginger and a fresh slice of lemon (leave the rind on) and a piece of cinnamon. Add all of this to a mug and pour hot spring (or filtered) water to the top and let steep for 3-4 minutes and enjoy!
Organic Mint Cucumber Water: Mint, particularly peppermint, supports healthy digestion, which is key to eliminating waste and toxins from the body, primarily through its ability to stimulate bile production and soothe the digestive tract. Cucumber helps with hydration and reduces bloating. Make a pitcher and keep it in the fridge, or better yet, make a water bottle with fresh mint and cucumber first thing in the morning and take it with you to sip throughout the day. You can add more water to your bottle as needed.
Support Liver Health with Herbal Teas: The liver is your body's primary detox organ, so supporting it during a detox is essential. Herbal teas are a gentle way to boost liver function and digestion. Drink 1-2 cups of herbal tea daily, preferably in the morning or after meals, to aid digestion and detoxification.
Eat Clean, Whole Foods. One of the simplest ways to support a detox is by eating nutrient-dense, whole foods that are rich in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins. These foods help your body eliminate toxins and provide the nutrients needed to repair and regenerate cells.
Leafy Greens (like spinach, kale, arugula): These are high in chlorophyll, which helps cleanse the liver and blood.
Cruciferous Vegetables (like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage): These veggies support the liver and increase detoxifying enzymes.
Beets and Carrots: Beets stimulate the liver’s detoxification processes, and carrots are rich in beta-carotene to help your skin glow.
Berries: Blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries are full of antioxidants that help protect cells from oxidative damage.
High-Fiber Foods (like chia seeds, oats, buckwheat): Fiber helps to promote digestion and eliminate toxins through the digestive tract.
Support Gut Health with Probiotics and Fermented Foods: A healthy gut is critical for detoxification, as it helps break down and eliminate waste and toxins. Probiotics and fermented foods support the balance of healthy bac teria in your gut, which enhances digestion and immunity.
Probiotics: Take a daily probiotic supplement or include more probiotic-rich foods in your diet like kefir, yogurt, and kimchi.
Fermented Vegetables: Sauerkraut, miso, and kombucha are excellent sources of beneficial bacteria that support gut health.
Limit Processed Foods, Sugar, and Alcohol: Processed foods, refined sugar, and alcohol burden the liver and digestive system. These can create an in flammatory response and slow down the detox process. Gradually reduce sugar and processed foods to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Focus on nutri ent-rich, whole foods that give you energy without the sugar crash. Eliminate alcohol for the duration of the detox. Opt for mocktails, fresh pressed juices or herbal teas instead.
Exercise to Boost Circulation and Release Toxins: Exercise is a natural way to encourage the body to release toxins through sweat and improve overall circulation, which helps in detoxification.
Morning Walk or Run: Aim for 30 minutes every day to promote circulation and just get your body moving, outside, in the fresh air.
Yoga, Stretching and Pilates: These “body kind” exercises help stimulate the lymphatic system and improve blood flow and reduce stress, which can slow the detoxification process.
Mindful Eating and Self-Care Practices: Detoxing isn’t just about what you put in your body but also how you approach eating and self-care. Mind fulness and stress reduction help optimize your body’s natural detox processes.
Practice mindful eating: Sit down for meals, chew slowly, and avoid distractions (like screens) to fully focus on your food. Incorporate meditation or deep breathing throughout the day to reduce stress.
One of my FAVORITE self care practices is Dry Brushing! Dry brushing is an ancient, self care ritual that helps stimulate the lymphatic system, exfoliate the skin, and promote circulation, all key elements in detoxification. Before showering, use a natural bristle brush to gently brush your skin in circular motions, starting from your feet and working upwards towards your heart. Focus on areas like the thighs, arms, and abdomen. This helps stimulate lymphatic flow and can leave your skin feeling soft and refreshed.
Sample 7-Day Spring Detox Plan:
Day 1-3: Focus on eating whole foods: leafy greens, fruits, and highquality protein (like grass fed beef or lamb, free range poultry, fish or legumes). Hydrate with detox waters and herbal teas. Try dry brushing each morning.
Day 4-5: Add in fermented foods like sauerkraut or kimchi. Begin including short daily yoga sessions or start walking to reduce stress and improve circulation. Aim for more fiber-rich meals.
Day 6-7: Gradually eliminate processed foods and sugar. Incorporate a morning walk and more hydration with lemon and ginger water. Focus on sleep hygiene, limit screen time and wind down earlier.
The key to a successful spring detox is listening to your body and making gentle, sustainable changes. You don’t have to follow an extreme cleanse— small, mindful adjustments in your routine can make a big impact on your overall well-being.
FACES of Saratoga triliftsaratoga.com
CULINARY DESTINATIONS: The Bread Alone “Empire”
By Chef Armand Vanderstigchel
In conjunction with our artisanal bakery series for 518 Culinary destinations, we now feature another innovator and ground breaking bakery company that entertains the realm of organic, healthy, unique, and seedlings of the pioneer spirit of bakery exquisiteness. Enter the evergrowing Bread Alone empire that reaches every corner of New York State with its Organic Sour Dough bread offerings. You might have purchased or held a loaf in your hand while shopping at Whole Foods in Albany, Market 32 in Clifton Park or Franklin Market in Saratoga Springs.
It is an exciting time for bread lovers with our excellent local and New York State based
arti sanal bakeries that we have featured in past articles such as Nightworks of Ballston Spa, Suzannes in Wilton, Leah’s in Round Lake and our January feature of Rockhill Bakery in the city of Glen Falls.
Bread Alone and all of them offer the consumer a beautiful piece of bread that is hand-rolled and includes the simple ingredients of Flour, Water, Yeast, and Salt. Unfortunately, too much bread these days are made in a rush and packed with mold inhibitors, which taste bad and make you feel unpleasant after consumption. The long fermentation of sourdough breads is nourishing, taste great and is good for the gut! For too long consumers have been pre sented in ferior breads that would never sell for a shilling in Europe against their simple high-quality breads with supreme ingredients and artisan care. It is no wonder we have a glutenfree epidemic in our country, almost un heard of in Europe. The long-term consumption of cheap factory breads are the underlying factors of these health-related issues.
You have a choice to enjoy Old-school organic from regional growers & millers with real flavor from fermentation - or-
Conventional, with GMO & pesticide residue, unfermented white flour that is hard on your stomach that relies on sugar for flavor and preservatives for shelf life.
Back to Bread Alone-In 1983-Daniel Leader and his family moved from NYC to the Catskill Mountains to bake organic breads on the hearth of a wood-fired brick oven. A chef by train ing, Dan learned to bake naturally fermented, arti san breads touring bakeries in Paris. While in Paris, Dan met a 4th generation Parisian oven mason, Andre Lefort. Andre agreed to travel to the US and build two proper brick ovens outside of the original bakery.
Daniel Leader and his family, 1983
In 2018 to celebrate their 35th year, they renewed a commitment to tread lightly, kicking off a milestone with the launch of a groundbreaking 196 KW solar array on the roof of their Kingston HQ. Today, part of the energy is used to bake their core breads from the sun energy.
While many of their Breads are baked in their Certified Organic production bakery outside of Kingston, NY-the Breads, Pastries, and foods served at their Hudson Valley cafes in Rhinebeck, Woodstock and Boiceville are pro duced from their carbon-neutral bakery in Boiceville where you can watch their bakers produce Breads from the wood-fired brick ovens built in the 1980s. In 2024 the Boiceville location opened a weekend Pizza pop-up with spectacular wood-fired Pizzas, local Beer, and Cider.
visiting the nearby Mierbau Spa for pre vious magazine issue research. The café is a beautiful space enjoyed by the community of Rhinebeck with ample seating and an outdoor courtyard café. Popular pastries we enjoyed were the Chocolate/Almond Croissant, Chocolate Rum Cake and the more healthconscious Vegan Spelt Canelé and “The Geneva” made with Almond flour (Wheatfree). The Chocolate Eclairs are super-delicious! This Pastry originated from France with a long shape, made with Pate a Choux and filled with Pastry Cream and topped with Chocolate Fondant.
We visited the Rhinebeck café on Market Street while
In the café/lunch department a Grilled Cheese was enjoyed of Cheddar, Havarti, caramelized Onion, whole grain Mustard on Levain breaddelicious, crispy, and oozing with Cheese. An other great lunch offering is the open face Toast of Tuna & white Bean, Olives and pre served Lemonunique and delicious. The café partners with Irving Coffee which are a 2024 SCA sustainability award winner for climate work in their community and a cup of joe we greatly enjoyed as coffee connoisseurs.
A recent trip into Woodstock, NY brought us to their Mill Rd location downtown, in this colorful artist community brimming with unique stores and restaurants. In addition to a great cup of coffee, we enjoyed the savory Gruyere Danish-crackling and adorned with caramelized crusty Gruyere cheese. We purchased some exciting unique breads such as a loaf of their unique Einkorn Breadancient Grain 100% Einkorn Bread-nutritionally dense, a deep, nutty flavor, and made with 100% New York State grown and milled Einkorn and the Nordic Rye - in spired by the nutritious, flavorful Rye Breads of Denmark, made with certified organic, stone-ground Flour. Those who love a good Pie to take home will be thrilled with their delicious Apple Pie with fresh Apples and laced with Brown Sugar and Cinnamon.
It is not uncommon for folks to indulge in a slice of the pie before reaching home which I confess to be guilty of…….It is that good!
Einkorn Bread
Toast of Tuna
Canelé
Grilled Cheese
Chocolate Eclairs
April 1 - 12 - Lake George
Ario Elami: Numinous Altars. Iranian - American artist Ario Elami is a graduate of the School of the Museum of Fine Arts’ graduate program in Boston, MA. Elami’s pen, watercolor, and col ored pencil works on paper resemble myste rious prints or bookplates. They appear to be timeless, as if found from a remote past in a secret library. Each piece documents imagined temples, palaces, or sacrificial sites found in jungles, and not fully understood by those who discovered the ancient archive. Reflecting on these undefined architectural sites of relics or ruins allows us to visit dreamlike architectural places about to be overcome by nature. April 1 through April 12, 2025. The Courthouse Gallery, 1 Lower Amherst Street, Lake George, NY 12845 www.lakegeorgearts.org
April 1 - 13 Schuylerville
Th e Laffer Gallery is excited to hold a special exhibit featuring all artwork in our inventory. The show will run through April 13. Exhibited ar twork will be offered at a 20 percent discount. More than 60 artists are participating. Hundreds of paintings, sculptures, and pottery will be featured. The artists ar e as grateful for your support as we are at the gallery. This sale is ou r collective gesture of appreciation. Inventory Sale 518.695.3181 | 96 Broad Street Schuylerville, NY. O p e n s a t N o o n o n M a r c h 8. John Van Alstine Artwork will be available online as well as in the gallery.
April 2 Ballston Spa
April 1 - 26 Schuylerville
Syncretics: Crafting Identity. Three potters, Harrison Lev enstein, Turiya Gross and Andrew Sartorius, come to gether in this trio exhibition to explore the enduring rel evance of traditional wood firing methods and the in tricate relationship between maker, material, nature, and place, embodying a timeless dialogue that tran scends generations. Saratoga Clay Arts Center, 167 Hayes Road, Schuylerville, NY
Historian Tea Talks: Saratoga in the Gilded Age and the Lost Park. Come and enjoy a presentation given by the acclaimed local author and storyteller, Hollis Palmer, in conjunction with the Saratoga County History Center. Tea and cookies will be served. Registration is free and recommended, but a donation of $5 per registration, online or at the event, would be appreciated to support the programs of Saratoga County History Center. Wednesday, April 2, 3:00-4:30pm. Brookside Museum 21 Fairground Ave. Ballston Spa.
April 4 Ballston Spa
Well Dressed: Gowns of the 1770s –Public Program & Workshop by Emily Stringham. Learn about the importance of the garment that was worn by women of all classes. This program will cover the social history and construction of the garment as well as include an opportunity to view an original gown from the 18th century. This program is free and open to the public however registration is highly encouraged. Friday, April 4, 7:00-8:30pm Brookside Museum 21 Fairground Ave. Ballston Spa.
APRIL EVENTS
April 5 - 19 Latham Bank Job by John Kolvenbach. Two brothers pull off a bank heist, but their escape route through an executive washroom hits a snag. This comic romp explodes in h ilar ious, high-energy shenanigans, with a little romance thrown in. Show dates: April 3-19, 2025 Saturday Matinees: April 5 and 19. Curtain Call Theatre - 1 Jeanne Jugan Lane, Latham, NY 12110. Box Of fice (518) 877-7529. theatre.curtaincall@gmail.com
April 5 - Schenectady
The Capital Craft Beverage Trail is thrilled to announce our annual Drink Sch enectady, a pop-up New York State craft beverage market and tasting event. Join us on Saturday, April 5 from 6-9 p.m. at miSci, the Museum of Innovation and Science, in Schenectady. Tickets include a souvenir tasting glass and the opportunity to sample world-class libations produced right here in the Capital Re gion. In addition, many products will be available for pur chase by the can, bottle, and growler to take home. MiSci Museum of Innovation and Science, 15 Nott Terrace Heights Schenectady, NY 12308
April 6 - Saratoga Springs
Lojo Brown Feat. Logan Richardson, Joe Sanders, and Justin Brown. Three of the globe’s most innovative artists in contemporary jazz music—Logan Richardson, Joe Sanders, and Justin Brown—unite to form LOJOBROWN. Individually celebrated as visionaries who consistently push the boundaries of modern jazz, their collaboration promises a bold exploration of what's possible when three singular voices converge to create art.Together, they form LOJOBROWN—where innovation meets mastery. Sunday April 6, 7pm - 9pm. Caffe Lena, 47 Phila Street Saratoga Springs,
April 8 - Saratoga Springs
The Chuck Lamb Trio with Special Guest Wallace Roney, Jr. The JAZZ at Caffe Lena series is hosted by resident composer, pianist, and jazz master Chuck Lamb, with support from music producer Joel Moss. Each month, Lamb invites a top-flight jazz artist to join his trio on stage. Lamb, a member of the Brubeck Brothers Quartet since 2002, is not only an exciting and emotive pianist but also a prolific composer of jazz, fusion, classical, and world music. Joining Chuck Lamb as a special guest for this unforgettable night of jazz is Wallace Roney Jr., a rising force in the New York jazz scene. Tuesday April 8, 7PM. Caffe Lena, 47 Phila Street Saratoga Springs,
APRIL EVENTS
April 10 - Glens Falls
Jacob Jolliff Band. Jacob Jolliff is one of the world’s premier contemporary mandolinists. He attended Berklee College of Music on a full scholarship and in 2012, he won the USA’s Na tional Mandolin Championship. A fixture of the bluegrass community, he has collaborated and shared the stage with Bela Fleck, Tony Tr ishka and Michael Daves, to name a few. He’s also toured asa member of the groups Joy Kills Sorrow and Yonder Mountain String Band. His own ensemble, The Jacob Jolliff Band, is one of the most cutting-edge progressive bluegrass groups on the scene today. They’ve released three albums; the most recent of which, “Instrumentals, Vo l. 2: Mandolin Mysteries,” dropped in May of this year. They play a combination of complex original instrumental music and trad tunes. Improvisation is at the forefront. Thu. April 10 7PM. The Park Theater, 14 Park Street, Glens Falls, NY 518-792-1150
April 12 - Altamont
Victoria Acres Equine Facility 3rd Annual Barn Dance Gala. Please join us on April 12, 2025 for our 3rd An nual Barn Dance Gala that supports the many equine-assisted programs at Victoria Acres Equine Facility. DJ Robin will be playing country tracks, and we will have lots of line dancing! WTEN's Steve Caporizzo and KC Kantz will be the Masters of Ceremony. There will be many opportunities for bi dding on silent auction items donated by local merchants, as well as live auction bidding. All proceeds will benefit the equine-assisted therapy programs at the facility. Tickets are available for pre-order by April 1st and are $75 ($26 for chil dren under11) Saturday, Apr 12, 2025, 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM. Settles Hill Ba n quets and Events, 721 Old Settles Hill Rd, Altamont, NY 12009 (518) 813-8805
April 13 - Saratoga Springs
Greek to Me. Celebrate spring with the simple, seasonal, Mediterranean flavors of Greece. Join us for a transportive afternoon exploring Greek culinary traditions, with hands-on culinary experience led by Chef Annette Tomei.
Learn what’s special about Greek cheeses, olives, yogurt, and honey. Work with phyllo dough, roll your own dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), and craft the perfect taverna-style Greek salad. Enjoy these dishes afterwards in our studio kitchen space, or take them to go. Either way you’ll see why Greek cuisine—the original Mediterranean Diet—endures as a global favorite. Yassou! That’s “ciao” in Greek! Sunday, April 13, 2025 1:00 PM 3:00 PM. Franklin Square Market, 55 Railroad Place, Saratoga Springs,
April 16 - Glens Falls
Marty O’Reilly. Marty O’Reilly’s music feels timeless—like an old story told in a new way. His raw, soulful voice and gritty guitar playing form the foundation of a sound rooted in Americana. Drawing inspiration from folk icons like Woody Guthrie, blues legends like Howlin’ Wolf, gospel pioneers like Sister Rosetta Thorpe, and storytellers like Tom Waits, Marty’s music captivates and connects audiences. April 16th, 8 PM. The Park Theater, 14 Park Street, Glens Falls, NY 518-792-1150
April 17 Glens Falls
"Is It A Business Or A Hobby?" Seminar. April 17, 6:00pm - 7:30pm.Is it a business or a hobby? Many talented artists and craftspeople start creating work for fun and relaxation only to discover that others like and want to purchase their work. From there, they often believe they can create a prof itable business simply because they have a product or service to provide and have had moderate sales success. Our presenter, Bob Dillon, has been in marketing/advertising for over 50 years on Madison Avenue, the TV industry and small business consulting. He will help define the difference between “business and hobby” and offer advice on how to transition to a successful business if that is the desired path of choice. The 90 minute presentation is available in person and online. Cost: In person or online $10.00. Venmo @Tom-Myott, CC, or cash. In-person seating is limited to 20. Online: the Google Meet link will be sent to you upon receipt of payment. Reserve your seat today. Email: tmyottart@gmail.com or call 518.798.8431 Tom Myott Gallery, Suite 102, 71 Lawrence St. Glens Falls, NY 12801
April 18 - Delmar
Join a Class with our local Artists and begin the new year enveloped in Cre ativity! Spread the Word and gather at Merriman and Pfister's Marketplace for a warm and inviting lesson.
• Spring Floral Arrangement, Friday April 18. Presented by Hannacroix Hill Farm. A Spring gathering to design your own fresh Spring or Easter floral cen terpiece. All materials providedMerriman an Pfister’s, 340 Delaware Ave Delmar NY. Call or email to register. 518-588-7268. Or visit www.merrimanpfister.com for the newest classes.
April 19 - Glens Falls
Call for Art: Drop off Saturday April 19, 12-4pm, 2 pieces of original art, in any media, no larger than 48" on longest side. Submit entries to Studio #120 in The Shirt Factory, 71 Lawrence St. Glens Falls, NY Jurying fee: $25 for NCA members / $35 non-member, for 2 submissions. Payment by check or cash only.
April 25 Glens Falls
2025 Night At The Brewseum
Our 12th annual craft beer, wine and food tasting event is Friday, April 25, 2025, 6:30pm to 9:00pm, including the VIP Ex perience from 5:00pm to 6:30pm, at the historic Canfield Casino. This is not your standard brew fest. Our event features craft beers and ciders from local and regional brewers, and a great selection of wines from local shops and wineries. We also offer outstanding food from local restaurants and it's all included in the ticket price. Canfield Casino, 1 E. Congress Street Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
April 25 Glens Falls
On the Final Friday of each month, The Park Presents: Comedy After Dark - showcasing a Headliner along with a feature act, a host, and a guest comedian to make up nearly 2 hours of entertainment. Jim Tews has performed all over the U.S. and internationally. He’s been a part of several notable comedy festivals including San Francisco Sketchfest and Just For Laughs Montreal. His two live albums debuted in the top three comedy titles on the iTunes charts, and both receive regular play on satellite radio. He’s ap peared on NBC, FX, and more. He continues to perform mostly in New York but is willing to travel to whatever other cities, states, or countries will have him. Friday, April 25, 8PM. The Park Theater, 14 Park Street, Glens Falls, NY 518-792-1150
