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
Saratoga’s Wedding Painter
Sharon Dwyer Bolton
pg. 6
Crafting “Apricots,” Tiny Beautiful Things “I don’t just set precious stones, I set memories” pg. 16
We lcome March! Within this issue you will read about the lives of amazing artists and entrepreneurs. Each of them following their passions and working hard to make their dreams come true.
What a great job we all have here at 518 Profiles. I consider it an honor each month to be able to share so many remarkable stories. Many of our readers tell us how they look forward to the latest issue and that they read it from cover to cover. I consider this the highest form of praise that a publication can receive.
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
Camp Stomping Grounds
Where Kids Can Just Be Kids pg. 26
The Artist With the Sea in His Soul
Meet Matthew Jay Russell, Contemporary Seascape Painter pg. 34
The Laffer Gallery
The Laffer Gallery is excited to hold a special exhibit featuring all artwork in our inventory. The show will run from March 8 - April 13. Exhibited artwork 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 are as grateful for your support as we are at the gallery. This sale is our collective gesture of appreciation.
John Van Alstine
Artwork will be available online as well as in the gallery.
Saratoga’s Wedding Painter Sharon Dwyer Bolton
by Lawrence White
“Every painting is a voyage into a sacred harbor.”
...Giotto di Bondone
Several times in my conversations with Sharon Dwyer Bolton, I attempted to break into topics of interest other than her wedding painting business. It never worked. She loves the work she does to the extent that she l iterally glows when speaking of it, so that is where we inevitably ended up.
I met Sharon in her studio, which is in a well-lit corner of a historic home just outside Saratoga Springs. She has several easels and a mid-sized table with her laptop brushes and palette. It is an ideal environment that provides a quiet, inviting space separate from the busy world outside.
Sharon is eager to demonstrate her method of painting weddings to me. She shows me the many elements involved and the various stages in her unique process, This includes her iPhone camera and apps on her new laptop that help Sharon collage the various elements together in the scene prior to painting.
Each final canvas can take up to six weeks to fully realize, and as An gela pointed out, family members and loved ones are encouraged to participate in the actual strokes on the canvas as it evolves. Sharon posted a detailed PDF outline on her website for clients that details the process and provides a blueprint for the client so there is ab solute confidence in the commission from the outset.
When I asked about her background, Sharon explained that she is one of four siblings who grew up in a tight-knit, creative family. Her mother, Judy, attended Skidmore College and her father, Brian, a very wellknown Saratoga Springs local, met at The Inn (now known as the Tin and Lint) on Caroline Street. Her mother was the musical influence, but the entire family would sing along with the radio during long car trips and when certain songs came on the radio.
“We were all about harmonies,” Sharon reflects. “Everyone would take a different part. Nobody would sing along with the lead. My Mom would use us as a sounding board for arrangements she was putting together for her chorus and quartet. She would sit at the piano with her tape recorder and somehow create different tracks with us singing. We never performed together, but the experience really tuned my ear and makes it easy to work in harmony today.”
Sharon does perform and record music today in cluding with her husband, highly regarded local singer/songwriter, Rick Bolton. “Rick and I were performing around town and became friends.” Then with a twinkle in her eye Sharon adds, “But you know when you find the right person, and Rick is that man for me.”
Sharon is also currently performing as the vocalist in the trio, Shine On, with Rich Clements, and Bob Egielski. I ask if the music feeds into her painting. Sharon explains, “I have to keep everything separate. I want quiet when I am painting,
1964 Sharon and Uncle Walter
1964 Sharon Xmas Tree Crayon Art
Rick Bolton and The Dwyer Sisters with Arlin Green - photo credit Terri-Lynn Pellegri
by
photo
Lawrence White
and I try to keep the focus on one creative thing at a time.” Then, with a sarcastic laugh, Sharon adds, “Yeah, right, but I do find ways to keep focus because I love what I do so much.”
I asked Sharon about her early fine art influences, and she tells me, “My local high school art teacher, Damian Fantauzzi, challenged me during senior year to consider my future and that advice put me on the path. I got into R.I.T. in Communication, Art and Design but after two years I did not know what I was doing anymore. I did think I could earn an income doing art, which is my father’s influence, but I did not feel that was happening in Rochester. I came home in 1980 and worked at the Hub and The Old Firehouse for a year and a half until I discovered Graphic Careers, Incorporated a vocational school where I was hired by the advertising agency that ran the school.”
Over a four-decade period, Sharon worked at a computer creating commercial graphics and artwork for a number of clients including First Night Saratoga, Saratoga County Fair, and the Dance Flurry. Although she loved the work, Sharon felt that being inside working almost obsessively at a computer was detrimental to her overall health, so she made a dramatic career
2022 48" x 60" acrylic on canvas original floral at Stella Pasta Bar & Bistro OLD Van Dyke Schenectady
Sam & Nick -The Mansion at Oyster Bay
change. After work-related eye surgery, Sharon opened a studio in Greenwich where she painted mostly floral canvases using oil paints.
“I was finally regaining my paint skills, getting that fine art feeling back. I had gotten to the point that I hated the computer but loved the smell and feel of the paints,” Sharon says reflectively. However, it was during a visit to her eye doctor in 2018 that Sharon had an epiphany. “Out of the blue, my doctor asked if I painted weddings. His daughter was getting married, and he was interested in gifting her a painting. The idea immediately intrigued me, and I took the job. I researched the topic online and came up with my own methods and style and created my business centered on it.” Sharon continues, “I am still learning, growing, tweaking my style, and evolving. It is a tremendously exciting thing to be doing.”
2019 First Painting ever Tara & Chris - 60 State St., Albany
Gina & Jay The Maple Estate, Schoharie
Amanda & Neil - June Farms, Troy
Austin & Daniel - Saratoga National Golf Course
Tiffany & Kris - St. John's Church, Schenectady
I ask Rick about his impression of Sharon’s working habits, and he tells me, “She is a bit of a perfectionist. Not a piece of art goes out the door unless she’s completely happy with it. Because of that, she spends a lot of time on each piece. Her attention to detail is amazing. It spills over into our daily life. Things like making the bed or preparing dinner are an art form to her that would put Martha Stewart to shame! Lucky me!”
Angela Camello found Sharon on Instagram. In the summer of 2024, Angela along with her sister Cristina, commissioned Sharon for their sister Gina’s wedding. Angela raves about the
painting. “It was a beautiful, creative, custom experience! Sharon was super responsive and flexible with our needs, and it was really fun to encourage wedding guests to paint strokes into the actual painting and be a part of it! She made sure to get every one of our immediate family members to add their part. The final piece came out beautiful and was just what we’d envi sioned with the key elements, the people, and even our dog included.”
As we are ending our conversation, Sharon tells me of the moment she knew she had found her perfect muse. “I spent my whole life doing things to please others, and I was struggling to find what would really make me happy.”
“It gives me chills to talk about it, but I was driving home from my first wedding commission, crying and laughing at the same time. The experience moved me that much. In teracting with the people in an atmosphere based on pure love and community filled my heart with joy. The acclaim and praise from those gathered during the process that day was extremely gratifying. When the couple came up to the painting and expressed how pleased they were, I realized how meaningful this art work truly was.”
not have the same impact on people’s lives as I did at this one loving event. Knowing that the artwork would be hanging on their wall and inspiring them for the rest of their lives was an amazing sensation. At that moment, I felt completely fulfilled, and that feeling has be come the focus of my art, and my life.”
Then, with her eyes beaming, and palms raised to the ceiling, Sharon tunefully sings, “I can’t wait for the next wedding!”
https://www.sharonboltondesign.com
“I could paint other subjects for years and
Suzy & James - The Sagamore
Gabbie & Dan - Canfield Casino
Gina & Jay Interactive Painting with Sharon
Sharon painting at Tracy & Dan’s wedding The Mansion Rock City Falls
“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.
“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. “Depending on the type and sev erity of the eczema, patients can experience constant 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.
I Finally Got The Itch I Couldn’t Scratch
Many struggling with stubborn eczema see and feel actual results from this local clinic
“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’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.
Tired of living with the itch? At Life Cycles Integrative Health they don’t treat symptoms, they address ec zema at its source, leading to gradual, and stable re lief. Dr. Katya Galay specializes in autoimmune and inflammatory skin conditions. She works with p eople of all ages – from infants to adults –fo cusing on skin health restoration, especially in cases where con ventional treatments have not been ef fective.
Crafting “Apricots,” Tiny Beautiful Things
“I don’t just set precious stones, I set memories”
by Rona Mann
Antwerp, Belgium is the place to go if you’re a jeweler involved in the diamond trade as it is the very capital of the world’s dia mond business.
River Street in downtown Troy is the place to go if you love his tory, small shops with big-hearted experiences, and tiny beautiful things. This is a story about all of that...and more. For this is a story that continues writing itself with every violent smash of a hammer, and every spark of magic from a handheld torch and every happy little gasp of excitement.
In 2014, a jewelry designer and goldsmith went to Antwerp to study a new facet of his art with a master diamond setter. While John de Rosier was thoroughly absorbed in this difficult and in tricate course by day, his evenings were spent unwinding, walking around Antwerp, and taking in its nightlife, much of which was exciting given the plethora of outdoor markets that called to him. One night while walking through one such mar ket his attention fell upon a pallet of apricots. “They were so tiny,” de Rosier remembers. “Not like the giant, pale, bland
ones you see here in supermarkets. They were sweeter, they were absolutely gorgeous, only about an inch in diameter, the very archetype of a perfect apricot.”
This artist, who was making a living crafting tiny beautiful things after being drawn in by having taken a jewelry-making class, and with his senses now completely seduced by the Bel gian apricots, was drawn every evening for two weeks while in Antwerp to go to the market, buy a bag, and enjoy the delicious experience. Therefore, it followed that back in the United States when he began designing exquisite pieces of jew elry in his studio workshop, he naturally named his busi ness, Apricot Fine Jewelry Works for the images he could not get out of his head and his heart. It just felt right, and it has been right for both this European-trained diamond setter/jewelry designer and his legion of customers that continues to grow exponentially each year.
Apricot Fine Jewelry Works is not a typical jewelry store; as a matter of fact, nothing about it is typical. It’s located on historic River Street in the heart of downtown Troy, a place de Rosier had visited frequently when growing up in the Capital District. It always featured interesting little shops that sold the most unusual things which always drew John to their doors. So when he decided to open a studio within a shop, he looked no further
than River Street. But make no mistake: this is defi nitely NOT your typical jewelry store! John wants you to know that. He also doesn’t replace watch batteries.(“I have nothing whatsoever to do with watches” he laughs), and you won’t find two or three of the same item in the display cases be cause John de Rosier is a custom designer, working with people by personal appointment and trying to give their story a life all its own through the design and creation of an exquisite piece of jewelry.
Come through the door and you are immediately taken by the simplicity of the shop not overrun with crowded displays and jewelry hanging from every open space. Beyond the display cases, you can see the workbenches and the tools and maybe John himself diligently crafting something unique and extraordinary. This is the snapshot he wants customers to see and remember. This is the image of the time-honored craftsman working at his bench creating.
John knows that there are many pieces of fine jewelry not being worn by people today because the setting may be tarnished and outdated, the look unappealing and not in sync with the person’s
style or taste. The size may also be too large; and so an heir loom that holds sentimental value and cannot be replaced is ignored. Pieces of a family’s history with connections to their ancestors might lie in a safe deposit box in a bank vault, and one day when no one in the family wants them, they will be melted down or given away. But each of those pieces has a story and a history and deserves new life, the kind of new life that John de Rosier loves to give, a beautiful new life resurrected from someone’s history. Grandma’s old brooch worn in the ‘20s might not be in style or necessarily be your style, but Apricot Fine Jewelry Works can make it stylish! It can now become a necklace or the stones can be
taken from it and reset as earrings or a bracelet. It becomes a balance of historical integrity ensuring the piece’s longevity.
De Rosier gives his clients history, legacy, and something delicate and beautiful all in one piece that’s not found anywhere else, not copied, but completely original. With both his clas sical old-world skill and his cuttingedge contemporary training and more than 20 years of craftsmanship, John marries the technical with fine art. “I use hammers, torches, and other tools so it’s both violent and magical. I make these pieces with care, attention, and intention because my clients want something beautiful, unique, and special.”
While traditional craftsmanship remains at the core of heirloom restoration, it is modern technology that enhances the ability to recreate the intricate details that may have been lost over time. This, then, en sures the original design integrity when working with heirlooms. Additionally, de Rosier can do intricate jewelry repairs and is expert at re-sizing rings.
“I don’t just set precious stones, I set memories. When I book a con sultation with someone I want them to tell me their story, and together we determine what will be most meaningful. Then I build a
beautiful piece of jewelry around that story and those feelings, so when the recipient wears it every day there will always be a reminder of something joyous or mean ingful from their past. These pieces are truly heir looms because of the stories and of those who wore them. Their story is incorporated in the piece.”
That is John de Rosier’s touchstone for both working one-on-one with his clients in a very personal way and taking their stories and dreams and words from simple, relaxed conversation to elegant fruition.
Younger clients love the fact that de Rosier can create a one-of-a-kind engagement ring. Something not found in every jewelry store in the
mall. Not found online or at a craft show. This is per sonal, with the ring symbolizing not only the engagement of two lovers but what is meaningful in their relationship. It is a very private, very special apricot all its own.
When de Rosier first saw the tiny, perfect apri cots in that outdoor mar ket in Antwerp all those years ago, he gasped audibly because of the indescribable beauty, symmetry, and per fection that drew him in. “It was a little gasp of excitement,” de Rosier adds. “That’s exactly the ex perience I want to share with those who visit my shop, who view my work. I want to give them the gasp of excitement.”
Visit Apricot Fine Jewelry Works and see what’s possible at 188 River Street in historic downtown Troy. (518)254-8780 www.apricotworks.com
On Instagram: @apricotwrks
On Facebook: @apricotworks
Camp Stomping Grounds
Where Kids Can Just Be Kids
By Carol St.Sauveur Ferris
Many of us recall the days when the dismissal bell meant grabbing your books and heading home with your friends from the neighborhood. But you didn’t stay home for long. No way. You tossed the books, changed clothes, grabbed a snack, and ran back out as fast as you could to ride bikes, play ball, skip rope, or just hang out with your friends.
It was a community of kids of all ages who learned how to be together until the streetlights came on or they were called home. Little did anyone realize that the opportunities that were presented during those innocent times of after school fun effectively prepared kids to problem solve and develop interpersonal skills needed for their futures. Little did they know just how lucky they were.
Today, most kids spend inordinate amounts of time on their phones, tablets, or playing video games. Free time without them is nearly impossible for them to imagine. Sadly, the idea behind these devices was to bring people closer to those at a distance but more often than not, they actually put distance between those who are close by … even in the same room.
In addition to the invisible ties to their devices, today’s kids are often programmed from sunup to sundown leaving little opportunity or time to develop people skills outside of these arenas. Decisions are mostly made by faculty, coaches,
parents, and even referees. Of course, some must be made by people in positions of authority and responsibility, however, the fact remains
that kids have very little exposure to real-life situations in which they and they alone get to make their own decisions and learn to build consensus. For Laura Kriegel, this unfortunate
evolution over the last five decades has inspired her to become a positive change agent for kids of all ages.
Born and brought up in Rochester, New York, Laura was blessed with parents who let her mature at her own pace, never pushing her to grow up. “They nurtured my creativity and curiosity, always encouraging me to explore, imagine, and dream bigger. Whether it was spending hours drawing, building forts, or organizing our own minicamp in the backyard, they never dismissed those passions as childish or unimportant. They saw who I was, even before I fully un derstood it myself, and gave me the confidence to embrace it.”
When she graduated from high school, Laura went to SUNY Purchase in New York where she earned a BA in Painting and Drawing. While at SUNY, she also worked as a summer camp counselor, a job she started at the age of 17; and it’s where she discovered her love for working with and teaching children. As a result, she decided to take a cross-country trip with her part ner, Jack Schott, the summer after graduation, and along the way they just happened to visit 200 summer camps in 47 states. Laura’s mission was to discover best practices or simply put, what worked for kids and what didn’t at camps in general. The end result was a notebook filled with detailed infor mation and observations that snowballed
Laura Kriegel
into a research project, serving as the foundation for presentations at numerous Youth Development Conferences through the American Camping Association. And without fail, after every conference, attendees would approach and ask her when she was going to open her own camp.
It didn’t take long for Laura to follow her heart, take the plunge in 2015, and found Camp Stomping Ground with Jack. With no personal wealth or financial backing, they
bootstrapped together the support from friends they had met on their cross-country trip, rented a camp for one week, and ran their first summer of pro gramming. But what was all very exciting on paper, in practice, turned out to be far more challeng ing than initially thought. However, the challenges they faced that first year provided valuable insight and taught them the ins and
outs of running a camp as a business that their cross-country tour did not.
The following year, they applied their newfound expertise and poured their hearts into every aspect of running a camp. Not surprisingly, Camp Stomping Ground’s reputation grew as did their programming. They rented the campsite for a total
of five years and over those years their staff grew as well. Many were former campers who brought invaluable support, unbridled enthusiasm, and a wealth of ideas that helped grow and broaden the camp’s program offerings. It’s no surprise that the camper population, ranging in age from 6 to 17 years old, rapidly grew from a one-week session with 64 kids that first year to today’s four, two-week sessions with 160 kids.
camp. She has been able to successfully implement systems that provide them with opportunities to reach out and ask for help if needed, learn healthy ways to cope with their problems and make good decisions about how to handle them on any given day.
Over the years, as Camp Stomping Ground was evolving and growing, Laura realized that some of her campers were up against serious obstacles in their lives and came with mental health concerns. To be better prepared to handle them, Laura returned to school for her master’s degree in social work. It has served her well ever since, not only giving her the requisite credentials but also providing greater insight into what kids as a whole and those with special needs run up against in their daily lives apart from
Accordingly, with a clear mission to inspire the next generation of radi cally empathetic decision- makers, the Camp Stomping Ground program is based on four core values. They include Humble Curiosity, Restorative Justice, Personal Responsibility, and Unbounded Cre ativity. With kids living together in a diverse community of ages and backgrounds, these core values help them learn to grow together and become more inclusive. They also learn to accept each other’s differences, take responsibility for their actions and humbly resolve disagreements, look past existing bias, develop mutual respect, and are encouraged to make healthy decisions for themselves.
In addition to creating a safe environment for all kids, the camp itself is a very cool place. It has the requisite cabins, dining hall, and a lake for swimming, but in the center, there is a town square called Downtown Stomping Ground. Downtown is home to a variety of program areas including Adventure Playground, a dedicated
space for fort-building; the Grove, a very special area with trees that have hammocks where kids can literally chill and hang out; the Library, for reading and quiet time; the Makerspace, where all kinds of crafting and creating takes place; the Garden, for learning about and tending plants; the Arena, where all sorts of ballgames are played; and a real stage, where kids wear costumes and act in plays. You can bet that on any given day at camp, the air is filled with tons of laughter and the excited chatter of campers.
For teen campers, there are three special pro grams designed just for them in addition to day-to-day activities. First, there is Big Time, a program that provides team-building oppor tunities and games that present obstacles to overcome while encouraging authentic
friendships along the way. There is also a CIT –Counselor-in-Training program which teaches leadership skills and how to connect with kids. Lastly, there’s Artsfest which is about creating, connecting, and collaborating while providing the opportunity for teens to do a deep dive into a new or favorite artistic pursuit.
Today, as the camp approaches its 10th anniver sary, Laura and her staff have been making plans to add more to the camper expe rience. Their roster now includes an artist’s residency program and they are looking into adding forestry and farming programs with a focus on sustainability. Beyond that, other residency programs that would bring in a variety of creative people with different skill sets are being considered. The idea is to
have the residency folks focus on their craft during their stay while also providing opportunities for interested kids to view what they are creating and learn how it’s done.
Laura’s enthusiasm for the future is clear, and her vision sees no end to the possibilities for Camp Stomping Ground. It’s her dream come true and now a magical place where 160 kids are encouraged to dream their dreams as well.
Unfortunately, many families do not have the means to pay for their child’s stay so scholarships are made available to them. These scholarships are funded by some grants but primarily with donations, large and small, from individuals and the business community. If you are so inclined, just know that your donation will make a huge difference in the life of a de serving child, giving them the opportunity of a lifetime.
Camp Stomping Ground is a 501(c)3, and is located in Middle Grove, New York, just a few miles west of Saratoga Springs. To learn more, visit www.campstompingground.org or call Laura at (585) 489-8880.
You can also view YouTube videos for an online tour with counselors who enthusiastically share their personal experiences. Guaranteed you will come away wishing you were a kid again.
The Artist With the Sea in His Soul
Meet Matthew Jay Russell, Contemporary Seascape Painter
by Rona Mann
“There is nothing more beautiful than the way the ocean refuses to stop kissing the shoreline no matter how many times it’s sent away.”
...Robert Wyland, artist and conservationist
There is a certain sound the sea makes, beyond that of the waves. It calls to you, its voice barely audible.
There is a certain aroma from the sea beyond that emitted by the salty waves. It begs you to come closer and gently sniff the air.
There is a certain look to the sea that is not readily visible to most of us. But if you’re an artist, a very special kind of artist, you can see it.
Matthew Jay Russell hears the sea, smells the sea, and what is not visible to most, is crystal clear to him. Matthew Jay Russell is that special kind of artist, for unlike most of us, he has the sea in his soul.
Russell grew up in the rural town of Argyle, New York just 25 miles north of Saratoga Springs where the artist now makes his home. From the time he was a small child, Matthew knew he wanted to be a creative even if he wasn’t sure at that age that he even knew what the word meant. “I always had a pen in my hand, I was always doodling.”
Unlike many budding artists who aren’t as fortunate, Russell had a very supportive family behind him who appreciated the outdoors and took Matthew fishing, camping, hiking, and just plain being surrounded by nature from whence he drew ongoing inspiration. The lucky and talented young man was additionally mentored throughout high school by art teacher, Rick Fleury, who taught at the school for some 40 years and whose classes where students learned working with clay, printmaking, and figure drawing all served to power Matthew toward the pursuit of art as a career. “Mr. Fleury sculpted my outlook.”
It was a combination that could not fail: ambition, drive, innate talent, and from the earliest, “a big connection to the sea.”
“The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of won der forever.”
...Jacques Cousteau
The sea comes by its connection to the rest of the world naturally. It evokes awe and serenity and is a source of inspiration for many born from the energy of the waves and the deep contemplation of their rhythm. This connection can be calming for some, exhilarating for others. Through the exquisite work of contemporary artist, Matthew Jay Russell it seems to act in tandem since the artist incor porates both the movement of the waves in subtle contrast
with the stillness blurring the boundary between sea and sky in a play of color and light. It is impossible to view Russell’s body of work online or in a gallery and not feel a total sense of tranquility through the ethereal quality of the work.
Ask this artist what his medium is, and he quickly responds, “I am an oil painter.” Certainly a common set of terms, but Russell’s talent makes it the uncommon. Oil painting is paramount in his life, and his work reflects that “extra” that not every painter who picks up the brush possesses. He begins with INSPIRATION. Sounds simple, but many artists find inspiration to be the difficult choice to master. Matthew, on the other hand, seems to find it each time he steps out side...or does it find him? It’s those hikes in the woods that totally capture his soul, just a glance up at the majestic Adirondacks, seeing nature all around, and then, of course, his beloved sea. As he wanders the trails or looks to the waves, his camera is front and center at all times, constantly snapping, turning, adjusting the lens, looking for the right light, and finding it.
NARROWING DOWN FAVORITES. This might be the artist’s most difficult part of the process because in many ways he loves each of them; but eventually, he finds those that are just a little different, that beckon to his brush and the layers, and so then Russell moves on to DRAWING ON THE CANVAS “ONCE I FIGURE OUT A COMPOSITION.”
Next comes the LAYERING AND BLENDING of the oil paint, perhaps the essence of the process, repeating the action over and over, each time adding more oil to each layer and allowing each to dry before adding - thick over thin.
A look at Matthew’s website will also inform the curious about giclee(zhee-klay)the creation of a delicate balance between light and
“Tucked Away” 25x40
shadow in prints. A giclee in the context of oil painting refers to a high-quality digital print produced from a scanned image of an original oil painting with the use of a specialized inkjet printer. The French term “giclee” means to spray out and refers to fine art prints created only by this inkjet printing process. Limited Edition Giclee prints are generally more affordable to the buyer and collector than original paintings but still have great value as they are signed, numbered, and limited to set editions. As often occurs with original art they may well increase in value over time. While giclee is yet another arrow in Russell’s quiver it does not define him. It never takes away from the fact that Matthew Jay Russell is first and foremost a traditional oil painter, thoroughly dedi cated to that art, and thoroughly an outstanding painter.
Matthew loves hiking whether it’s in the shadow of the Adirondacks or along a seashore somewhere far away. His cu riosity empowers him to use photography in his work and then paint his delicate, ethereal oil paintings from the photographs. He utilizes the power of social media by crossposting his work from Facebook and Instagram, a method of sharing his content across multiple social media platforms thus enabling him to reach out and touch a wider audience with the beauty of his work. In this way, his signature seascapes with their recognizable style allow him to not only expand his outreach to new clients but also to seek and garner additional representation from a wider swath of galleries who may wish to install his work. This cross-posting has also opened the door to further collaboration with interior design ers as well.
“My ultimate goal is to paint full time, to expand my repre sentation even further, and to connect with more design ers and people who appreciate my art.” He does not, however, paint alone. Each brush stroke is always carefully
“Moonlight Gathering” 24x48
monitored by 11-year-old Lena and her trusty companion, baby Pearl. Both are cats. Both are rescues. Both are intensely curious like the artist with whom they share their home and his curiosity. And like those special cats in our own lives, they also have that eye that darts from canvas to the artist’s face and back again deciding if this is good enough, if this time they may lend their approval. People who share their lives with a cat or cats know “the look.” Artists who have a cat or cats at their elbow while they work know it all too well.
For those who are traditionalists and still rely on a dictionary, and for all others who turn to the internet for their definitions, there is the term, “thalassophile.” It refers to a person who loves and is magnetically at tracted to the ocean and the sea, finding it hard to stay away. The term is derived from the Greek “thalassa” which means “sea” and “phile” which translates to a lover of something. It is also interesting to note that Thalassa was the Greek goddess and spirit of the sea; however, those who
seen his work installed in fine art galleries from New York to New England to Florida and beyond know that Grecian name can really only stand for one man, one artist - Matthew Jay Russell, contemporary painter of seascapes...and it is only at the sea that this artist can sing his song.
“The ocean is a mighty harmonist.” ...William Wordsworth
Matthew Jay Russell’s works can be found at Spa Fine Art Gallery in Saratoga Springs; Sheldon Fine Art Gallery with galleries in both Newport, Rhode Is land, and Naples Florida; online at: matthewjayrussellstudio.com, and perhaps soon on your walls as part of your collection.
have
“On A Sunny Afternoon” 48x36
by Karen Richman
From Crayolas to A Parker 51
It was without a doubt a ritual.
Every year, just a few weeks before school started, my mother and I would shop for school supplies. Three-ring notebooks, five-hole lined loose leaf paper, little reinforcements to go around those holes so they wouldn’t rip, and an assortment of pens, pencils, and other school “stuff.” But always, I had to have a box of crayons. It made sense when I was in the primary grades, but as I grew older, went on to junior high, and then high school my mother could see little reason as to why I should yearn for an annual box of Crayolas.
However, I whined enough and argued that it was tradition, and I eventually won. I loved the wonderful aroma of all that paraffin wax with colored pigment; and on those years when my whining was especially effective, I swooned over the giant box of 64 crayons, oohing and aahing over many of the new colors Crayola had just introduced. Colors with exotic names like mulberry, magic mint, and raw umber.
My grandpa wrote with a fountain pen that always intrigued me reminding me of those protagonists in stories who made their careful characters with the flourish of such a vintage writing instrument. As I got older, I would ask questions of my grandfather about why a fountain pen was so much better than the crummy ballpoint I used that had “Take Your Wreck to Sonny’s Garage” imprinted on it.
He pointed out the strokes were smoother, gliding over the paper. There was no cramping of the hand or fingers, and most of all he said, “It gives me a unique writing style.” I liked that! I wanted a unique writing style too; and although in those years we had all been taught cursive handwriting, there was that element of cramping the hand that I didn’t like at all. I wanted to be unique! So I kept asking questions, started looking at fountain pens in stores, and lo and behold, my now- adolescent and more mature style of “whining” worked! On grad uation night after I crossed the stage, flipped my tassel, and re ceived my diploma, I received a gift from Grandpa, a Parker 51, one of the most popular fountain pens ever made and the one that Grandpa himself favored.
The Parker 51 had a very sleek design and fit my small hand perfectly. It was pretty plain too, which was good because I didn’t like fancy stuff. The nib had a hood around it to shield the internal ink reservoir, had a smooth flow, and prevented the ink from drying out. In those days, having that kind of nib was considered a status symbol. Because I wor ried about spilling ink and getting blots everywhere, Grandpa showed me the filler that had a breather tube so that the ink was taken up faster than expelled during filling.
Since my graduation day, the Parker 51 has developed other ways of filling, designed different caps and clips, and introduced different colors, but I never wanted to make a change. This was so sophisticated that just having the cap peek over my blouse pocket was letting people know I had a prized Parker 51. I loved that fountain pen and knew I was in good company because President Eisenhower, Queen Elizabeth II, and poet, Dylan Thomas also prized theirs. Anne Frank, Heming way, and Mark Twain all wrote their classics in longhand with a Parker 51, and even to this day stars like Emma Watson, Sylvester Stallone, Tom Selleck, and Stephen King favor this fountain pen.
Writing with a fountain pen isn’t just writing words, it’s somehow crafting them. It’s an experience because not only does the reader read the words, but they take in the style that the flourishes provide, they evoke feelings that the printed page can never provide, and they somehow allow an experience of color that all 64 Crayolas could never deliver.
Today we tend to throw every writing instrument from the “Take Your Wreck to Sonny’s Garage” ballpoints to the uni-ball, felt tips, gel pens, rollerballs, and Sharpies, into one drawer and forget them. Yet some how if one still possesses a fountain pen, especially one given as a gift or an award all those years ago, it’s usually kept in a case because there is something special attached to it. Maybe it’s the memories, the giver of the gift, the occasion, the milestone birthday, the thank you for accomplishing the extraordinary, or the I-love-you, but there’s something special about a fountain pen. You never forget who gave it to you or why you got it even if you don’t use it now. Still, every time your gaze falls on that case in the back of the drawer, it makes you remember...and that’s the very best part of nostalgia.
Even if not in use, the ink of sweet memory never dries up.
Improving Your Sleep Hygiene
Crystal Cobert Giddens, LE
Many countries transition into daylight sav ings time (DST), by pushing the clocks for ward one hour. While the shift may seem small, it can disrupt your sleep schedule and leave you feeling tired and groggy. This time adjustment can have a big impact on your sleep quality and overall well-being, especially for those who already struggle with sleep is sues. Fortunately, good sleep hygiene practices and a thoughtful approach to the time change can help make the transition smoother.
What is Sleep Hygiene?
I’ve touched on this topic before, but I’ve gotten a lot of questions about it lately. I think our brains are having a hard time “disconnecting” and many of us are having issues sleeping. Let’s do a deeper dive into Sleep Hygiene… what it is and how we can make it a successful part of our daily life.
Sleep Hygiene refers to the practices and habits that promote quality, consistent sleep. These habits are essential not just during times of transition, but for our overall well-being. I cannot stress how important good, quality sleep is for our health and our mental well being, so here are a few ideas to help you edit your sleep practices and improve your sleep hygiene:
Change Your Sleep Environment
Your bedroom should be conducive to sleep— cool, quiet, and dark. Keep the temperature between 60-67°F (15-20°C) and use blackout curtains or an eye mask to block out any light that may peek through your windows. Make sure your bedding and mattress are comfortable. Change your sheets and blankets regularly. Wear soft, loose pjs so that you can settle in for a deep, restorative sleep. Reducing noise with earplugs or a white noise machine can also
help if you are over stimulated by sounds (snoring, noises outside, someone watching TV, etc).
Exercise Regularly
Regular physical activity promotes better sleep quality. However, avoid vigorous exercise right before bed, as it can increase your heart rate and energy levels, making it harder to fall asleep. If you exercise in the evening, try to finish at least 3 hours before bedtime to give your body enough time to cool down.
Watch What You Eat and Drink
Eating large meals or consuming caffeine and alcohol close to bedtime can interfere with your sleep. While caffeine is a stimulant that can keep you awake, alcohol may initially help you fall asleep but tends to disrupt the second half of your sleep cycle.
Create a Sleep Schedule
Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day is one of the most effective ways to regulate your internal body clock, or circadian rhythm. Even on weekends, try not to stray more than 30 minutes from your usual schedule to keep your rhythm steady. During DST transitions, consistency is key—especially in the days leading up to the shift. If you normally wake up at 7:00 AM, try to gradually shift this time earlier by 15 minutes each day during the week before DST begins. This way, your body can adjust before the clocks officially move forward.
Create a Calm Bedtime Routine
Activities like reading a book, listening to soothing music, or practicing deep breathing exercises can help ease the transition to sleep. You can also try calming activities like journaling, snuggling with your partner or your pup, or reading poetry to help you unwind.
Sunlight
A relaxing pre-sleep routine signals your body that it’s time to wind down. Start your bedtime routine 30-60 minutes before you intend to sleep. Dim the lights, and get off your phone or tablet. Did you know that light, particularly the blue light emitted by electronic devices, plays a major role in regulating your sleep-wake cycle? Exposing yourself to bright or blue light before bed can delay melatonin production, the hor mone that tells your body it’s time to sleep. Avoid anything stimu lating like watching an action movie or drinking caffeine within an hour of bed, as these can interfere with your ability to fall asleep.
Light exposure is one of the most powerful ways to reset your internal clock. In the days leading up to DST, try to get outside for at least 20-30 minutes in the morning sunlight. This helps your body’s circadian rhythm adjust to the new time and can make waking up earlier feel more natural.
Avoid Napping
Taking a nap or napping too late in the day can make it harder to fall asleep at night. During the DST transition, it’s best to avoid long naps, especially in the afternoon.
If you’re feeling really tired after the time change, limit your nap to 20-30 minutes, and make sure you nap earlier in the day, ideally before 3:00 PM, to prevent interference with your nighttime sleep. It’s normal to feel a bit out of sync after the time change, so give yourself time to adjust. Stick to your sleep schedule and allow your body to gradually acclimate.
Stay focused on maintaining a consistent sleep routine, creating a relaxing bedtime environment, and using light exposure to reset your body’s inter nal clock, and don’t stress! Stick to your pre- sleep routine and avoid looking at the clock, as anxiety about sleep can make it harder to relax. With these strategies in place, you’ll not only adjust to the time change more comfortably, but you’ll also set yourself up for better sleep year-round.
FACES of Saratoga triliftsaratoga.com
Escape to Miami Beach – Florida
Escape to Miami Beach – Florida
The term snowbird is a person who migrates from the colder northern parts of North America to warmer southern locales, typically during the winter. Obviously, I do not fall under that cate gory as a full-time business owner operating a restaurant in Saratoga Springs, but I have now an understanding of the culture and gratefully being able to escape this very cold North Country weather past winter.
I n this article I will give you a road map as I al ways do, to extend a pleasurable itinerary from the perspective of a well-traveled culinarian based on non-biased travel experiences in Miami.
After tightening my seat-belt, as our Jet Blue flight is descending for landing late on a Thurs day night at the snow-covered Albany air port, I close my eyes and reminisce the by gone perfect 5-day trip to Miami Beach of 76F weather, sunny skies, and powder soft sand in terlocking with the aqua blue clear water.
By Chef Armand Vanderstigchel
By Chef Armand Vanderstigchel
After extensive research and planning, we hopped on an early Sunday morning flight from Albany to Fort Lauderdale International airport. Jet Blue offers greatly priced non-stop flights, which is only a 3-hour flight versus other flights with the dreaded additional airport stops such as Atlanta-it is not worth saving a little moneyfly non-stop. On Kayak you can search rental cars and seek the best prices-usually the less known companies are less money such as ACE/Fox/Americar. Pick a com pany that is inside the terminal so you do not have long shuttle-trips and do not settle with any car they offer you- ask for options or free-upgrades. Our MB hotel by Wyndam was located on Collins Ave in North Miami. The GPS will offer 3-options if heading to a beach front hotel in Miami-choose the scenic route along the coast which brings you through Sunny Isles en route. This
high-rise beach-front condo city has great shopping and restaurants along the way to stop for a lunch or upgrade your wardrobe to the change of weather.
In terms of diversity of cuisine, many cuisines are represented here. A light lunch was enjoyed at “Baku” which is a delightful fusion of
Roof-top brunch at the MB hotel
Azer baijani and Turkish cuisine. Fish lovers will enjoy the grilled Sturgeon Kebab with Saffron Rice and I enjoyed the grilled Lyalya Chicken Kebab, comprising of ground Chicken mixed with Spices-very flavorful. The shopping center here on location enjoys a complot of central European stores and restaurants.
Arriving at the MB Hotel Trademark collection by Wyndham, a boutique hotel located directly on the beach, we were pleasantly greeted by front-desk manager Angelo, who cheerfully advises guests and makes you feel at home. This boutique hotel was chosen based on components of ease-directly on the beach, beautiful pool, roof top brunch over looking the beach, pool-side bar/café, and self-parking across the street for a low price. The beach-front balcony rooms have a spectacular ocean view.
A post-arrival dinner was relished down the street at Gino’s Bottega Italiana-a casual eatery serving hand-made pasta and Italian dishes, prepared by an authentic Italian-born chef-owner! The Caprese with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes, Pesto, Italian Stracciatella and Ricotta was a brilliant yet simple appetizer. A homemade white Lasagna Bolognese and fresh Pasta with Basil pesto were perfect to complete the evening.
The following morning a roof-top brunch at the MB hotel was enjoyed overlooking the ocean.The brunch-buffet here at $20 pp, is made with fresh ingredients and a wide variety of offerings.
The Kalypso poolside bar/café at MB hotel has a great happy-hour fea turing craft-cocktails and Mediterranean cuisine such as a delicious Greek Salad and Guacamole with Pita Chips.
restaurants like the Jaya, an eclectic, Indian-Asian cuisine with great people watching and Thaidance shows in a spectacular setting. The Black Truffle Seafood Dumplings were delectable as an appetizer. The Seabass Tikka in a Cilantro Mint marinade was spectacular and the safe-bet of Pad Thai wrapped in a Naan-Pancake was spot- on. Pastry-chef prepared desserts such as a Matcha Tea Crème Brulee with Sesame Crackers is re markable and the Chocolate Torte with salted Caramel Gelato are remarkable.
A beautiful walk path runs north to south along the Miami Beach ocean. We decided to rent Citi-bikes the next evening and bicy cle our way to the Ocean Grill behind the Setai hotel-awesome!
The Ocean Grill has a great Seafood menu, including Oysters and a table-side carved Dover Sole which was enjoyed with Potatoes au Gr atin and charred Brussel Sprouts sides. A note-worthy entrée is th e An gelotti Pasta with shaved Truffles and Short -Rib morsels in a creamy Parmesan sauce-fantastic! Desserts such as the traditional Crème Brulee are very good.
Do wn-town Miami has the famous Setai Hotel with its beautiful
Returning home-lunch again-in Su nny Isles! Mangal is a Mediterranean restaurant encompassing Middle east ern Cuisine. The creamy Eggplant Babaganoosh with fresh home-made bread, the Red Lentil Soup, the Chicken Shawarma and beautifully grilled Branzino fish are deli cious here!
Miami is a great choice for a quick get-away and culinary adventures - Enjoy!
Grilled Sturgeon Kebab
Pad Thai
Thai-dance show at Jaya
Matcha Tea Crème Brulee
Oysters at Ocean Grill
Angelotti Pasta and Short-Rib Table-side carved Dover Sole
Babaganoosh
Branzino
Baku
Italian Stracciatella and Ricotta
White Lasagna Bolognese
The Kalypso poolside bar/café
Guacamole with Pita Chips
Month of March - Glens Falls
• NCA Gallery, suite #120 71 Lawrence St. GF: “Inspiration” March 1- April 19, Reception Sat. Mar. 1 5-7pm
• 2nd Fl. Gallery, 42 Ridge St. GF: Winter Show - Lynn Shanks artwork continues through Mar. 29
• Queensbury Hotel Mezzanine Gallery, 88 Ridge St. GF: “Winter Show” fea turing members art, continues to April 1
More info visit: www.north countryarts.org. NCA Gallery #120, 71 Lawrence St. Glens Falls, hours Thurs-Sat. 12-5
Month of March - 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.
A dult Interior Design Workshop with Evolve Interiors. Sundays, March 9 and 16 1: 00-3:00PM. Learn the fundamentals of design through interactive projects. $125
Painting With Wool with Althea’s Fiber Arts. Tuesday March 18 6:00-8:00PM. Learn the basics of two-dimensional needle felting. $45
Make a Tee Shirt Memory Pillow with Thimble, Thread & Time. Thursday March 27, 2:00-3:30PM or 6:00-7:30PM. Transform a beloved tee shirt into a unique pillow. $45
Open Creative Space Drop-In. Tuesdays 12:00-4:00PM, Wednesdays 2-5:00PM, and Thursdays 10:00AM-2:00PM. Gather with others to use our space for your project. $5
340 Delaware Ave Delmar NY. Call or email to register. 518-588-7268. Info@merrimanpfister.com Or visit www.merrimanpfister.com for the newest classes.
Month of March - Glens Falls
Detox & Retox Yoga in the Barrel Room. Sun days, 11 a.m. $15 per personEmail Stephanieberube27@gmail.com or call 518-796-2587 to sign up.
Thursday Night Trivia with Trivia Nights Live — Spin the wheel to win great prizes! Thursdays, 7 p.m.
More info visit: www.north countryarts.org. NCA Gallery #120, 71 Lawrence St. Glens Falls, hours Thurs-Sat. 12-5
March 1 - 9
Schenectady
Bear and Bird Gallery presents ALL IN Volume 4!
This is an inclusive salon style exhibition showcasing the art work of over 50 Capital Region Artists of all kinds. From watercolor and pencil drawings to photography and oil paintings, there is a little bit of everything! (Pic tured: Embroidery by Dee Holloway) Come downtown and check out the event, it is an au thentic, growing scene. On exhibit through March 9, 2025. Bear and Bird Gallery 160 Jay Street, Schenectady. www.bearandbird.com
March 1 - 9 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 transcends generations. Mar 15-Apr 26, 5:00 PM. Saratoga Clay Arts Center, 167 Hayes Road, Schuylerville, NY
MARCH EVENTS
March 1 Saratoga Springs
Join Impressions of Saratoga in celebrating the Impressions Pups’ Annual Birthday Pawty on Saturday, March 1 from 11 am to 2 pm. Im pressions has been dog friendly since its in ception and you can usually find at least one of the five Impressions Pups in the office on any given day. Each March we celebrate Cookie, Smitty, Pupa, Byrdie and Thatcher’s birthdays with treats and fun for all. Cookie will be turning thirteen, Smitty and Pupa just turned eleven, Byrdie will be celebrating her first Pawty but this is her sixth birthday, and Thatcher is the baby of the bunch at five. This year marks the eleventh year of the Impressions Pups’ Pawty and it is always a fun time! The day is filled with celebrations and is a dog friendly event. Dogs must be well behaved, good with other dogs and must be leashed at all times. There are usually a fair number of dogs and it is important for everyone to feel safe and comfortable. If your dog would rather stay home, you are welcome to stop in and grab a Pawty Pick Up Pack and bring the fun home to celebrate where your dog is more comfortable
See you at Impressions of Saratoga, 368 Broadway in Downtown Saratoga Springs!
March 1- 16 Latham
The Garbologists by Lindsay Joelle. This outside-the-box comedy pairs a gruff, blue-collar NYC sanitation worker hiding a heart of gold with a determined Ivy League "newbie" who is assigned to his route. This unlikely pair unexpectedly finds common ground in uncommon times in a surprising, heartwarming story. Show dates: March 1-16, 2025. Saturday Matinee: March 8. Curtain Call Theatre - 1 Jeanne Jugan Lane, Latham, NY 12110. Box Office (518) 877-7529. theatre.curtaincall@gmail.com
March 1 Saratoga Springs
Pint 'N Print with Christian Wechgelaer. Come enjoy a fun evening where you can try out printmaking! This event is an informal activity where you will the process of linocut. We will be using erasers to create small stamps that you can print over and over! All materials and tools will be pro vided for the class. This class is being hosted at Whitman Brewery located at 20 Lake Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Must be 21+ to register. Wednesday, March 19th, 2025 6:00-8:00 PM. $32 member/$40 nonmember
March 1 - 8 - Schuylerville
Embracing Nature: Three Voices. Featuring three local talents, Audrie Sturnan, JoAnn Ax ford, and Cheryl Horning, “Embracing Na ture” illustrates the progression of the artists’ views from scientific observation of the structures and textures of botanical sub jects, to a blending of those qualities with human and animal forms, and finally to an ab straction of those qualities focusing on the pure movement and energy expressed in na ture. Saratoga Clay Arts Center, 167 Hayes Road, Schuylerville, NY.
March 23 - Saratoga Springs
MARCH EVENTS
March 4, 11, 18 & 25 - Charlton
Visible Mending - Sashiko Embroidery Workshop. Spend the month of March at the Studio with us and Renee Johnson, local fiber artist and our go-to for all things related to collecting and using Japanese fabrics, dyeing and embroidery techniques! We are calling it “Mending March” and can’t think of a better way to patiently wait for spring than by quietly working with our hands, connecting with others and slowing down to learn a new skill. Tuesdays, March 4, 11, 18 & 25. 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm. Total including materials: $95.00 nonmembers, $75 members. The materials include fabric, marking pencil, thread, needles and thimbles. They are yours to keep! Main Street Studio, 786 Charlton Rd, Ballston Lake, NY 12019
March 7 - Saratoga Springs
Aztec Two-Step 2.0 Featuring Rex Fowler, Dodie Pettit & Friends. The story of Rex Fowler and his band Aztec Two-Step is in tertwined with the history of folk/rock music in America. Originating from a chance meeting at an “open mic night” in Boston in 1971, then taking their name from a poem by beat poet Lawrence Fer linghetti, Rex and his former music partner Neal Shulman went on to record four albums on Elektra & RCA Records, helping to usher the music of the 60’s into the 1970s and beyond. Fri day, March 7, 8:00 pm – 9:30 pm. Caffe Lena, 47 Phila Street Saratoga Springs,
March
8
- Glens Falls
Louise Bichan Scottish Stories & Songs. Louise Bichan is a USA-based Scottish musician and photographer who uses both mediums to tell stories old and new. Growing up in the remote but culturally rich Orkney islands, a place where cre ativity abounds and playing music has been a part of the social fabric for centuries, gave Louise a solid grounding in music. Sat Mar 8, Show time:8:00 PM-Doors open:7:00 PM. The Park Theater, 14 Park Street, Glens Falls, NY 518-792-1150
March 8 - April 13 Schuylerville
The Laffer Gallery is excited to hold a special exhibit featuring all artwork in our inventory. The show will run from March 8 - April 13. Exhibited artwork 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 are as grateful for your support as we are at the gallery. This sale is our 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
Artwork will be available online as well as in the gallery.
March 14 - Saratoga Springs
DakhaBrakha. Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) and Caffè Lena will co-present DakhaBrakha, the groundbreaking quartet from Kyiv, Ukraine known for their hypnotic blend of folk traditions, dub, hip-hop and global influences to make what The Rolling Stone has called “folkdrone Bjorkpunk.” The self-proclaimed “ethno-chaos” ensemble will make its Saratoga debut on March 14 at 7:30 p.m. at the Spa Little Theater. Spa Little Theater, 19 Roosevelt Dr, Saratoga Springs.
Dumpling Deep Dive. Potstickers, shumai, wontons, spring rolls: Making dim sum at home is easier than you think. Join Chef Annette Tomei for hands -on learning: rolling and folding tech niques, base recipes for fillings, secrets for zippy dipping sauces. The afternoon culminates in a dim sum feast for all, and the know-how to create your own dumpling party at home. Tickets: $65 This Month’s Cookbook: The Chinese Way ($40 retail, $30 with advance ticket purchase) Complimentary mocktail, draft beer or wine. Shared Dim Sum, with veg etarian and gluten-free options. Sunday, March 23, 2025, 1:00 PM 3:00 PM. Franklin Square Market, 55 Railroad Place, Saratoga Springs,
March 27 - Glens Falls
Shamarr Allen The Definition of New Orleans. Shamarr Allen is the definition of New Orleans! Hail ing from the Lower 9th Ward of New Orleans, Allen has influences in jazz, hip-hop, rock, funk rhythms, blues and country. He is the lead vocalist and trumpeter of his band “Shamarr Allen & The Un derdawgs.” In addition to performing with his band, Allen has collaborated with many renowned artists around the world such as Willie Nelson, Patti LaBelle, Galatic, Harrick Connick Jr, and Lenny Kravitz, to name a few. Thu Mar 27, 16 and over. Show time:8:00 PM-Doors open:7:00 PM. The Park Theater, 14 Park Street, Glens Falls, NY 518-792-1150
March 27 - Charlton
Introduction to Creative Wood Sculpting & Carving. Join us and special guest, Kristin LeVier, for an evening of exploring ways of sculpting and carving wood using small, next- generation power carving tools called "micromotors". Kristin hopes to spark your imagination and give lots of practical information during this demonstration. There will even be an opportunity to try it out yourself, no previous woodworking experience necessary. Thursday, March 27, 6 – 9pm. For more information and to register, visit www.mainstreetcharlton.com or email info@mainstreetcharlton.com
March 28 - Glens Falls
Meghan Hanley. On the Final Friday of each month, The Park Presents: Comedy After Darkshowcasing a Headliner along with a feature act, a host, and a guest comedian to make up nearly 2 hours of entertainment. Meghan Hanley, is a Brooklyn based, internationally touring stand-up comedian, who hasbeen featured in Forbes, and appeared on AXSTV’s “Gotham Comedy Live,” The MSG Network, DreamsTV, Fox’s “Laughs” and “Red Eye.” Hanley’s quick wit and upbeat persona, have lead to her being featured in several Festivals, and two tours with Armed Forces Entertainment, providing laughter to our Troops overseas. Fri Mar 28, 18 and over. Show time:8:00 PM. Doors open:7:00 PM. The Park Theater, 14 Park Street, Glens Falls, NY 518-792-1150
March 30 - Lake George Spice up your March with a heaping helping of fun at Bands 'n Beans! Over twenty local restaurants will be throwing down their best chili concoctions and vying for the coveted Pe o ple’s Choice Award. The heat doesn’t stop there though! We’ve got nine of your favorite bands on two stages all day! This event isn’t just a ton of fun; the proceeds from Bands ‘n Beans benefit the Lake George Arts Project’s free and open-to-all music and art programs such as the year-round Courthouse Gallery exhibitions, art workshops, our Summer Concert Series, and our popular Jazz at the Lake, three-day, Jazz Festival. Tickets: $25 Early Bird / $30 at the Door. Doors open at 1:30 pm. The Ballroom (where you'll find a lot of chili) opens at 1:45 pm. Sunday, March 30th. 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Our website has all of the details including FAQ about the event! Learn More and Get Tickets: www.lakegeorgearts.org. Fort William Henry Conference Center, 48 Canada Street, Lake George, NY 12845
