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
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Hello August! How will you be soaking up the rest of summer? We are fortunate enough to live in such a fantastic area that our choices are endless. Throughout this issue, we feature insightful interviews with remarkable individuals. Prepare to have a glimpse into their lives, ac complishments, and the incredible journeys that have led them to where they are today. So, take a moment for yourself, find a cozy spot, and immerse yourself in their inspiring stories.
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
Rick Bolton - The Heartbeat of Saratoga’s Live Music Scene pg. 8
They Bought a Store... and The Post Office and Firehouse Came With It!
Destination: Lakeside General Store! pg. 18
An Icon Takes Many Forms Saratoga Clay Arts Center: Schacht Gallery pg. 28
A Merger of “Two” Creates a Better “One” At the Wood Hill Gallery pg. 36
Guide Boat Blue”
x 45 photograph by Sharon Wood Castro
Rick Bolton - The Heartbeat of Saratoga’s Live Music Scene
By Lawrence White
"If
your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader."
-John Quincy Adams
I will meet Rick Bolton outside Caffe Lena early on a warm Sunday afternoon. I end up waiting under a nearby awning while Rick holds court on the sidewalk with several people who rec ognize him and instantly break into warm, eye-locked conversations about their shared musical experiences. Rick exudes a boundless quantity of positive, expressive energy that in spires others to dig deep and become more of themselves. Igniting and guiding that process is Rick’s driving force, and it connects him to every level of Saratoga’s music culture.
For instance, Sunday morning after a gig the night before is not the standard time for musicians to be up and getting ready to perform the following afternoon. Yet Rick is on his way to Caffe Lena to
promote other performing musicians, this time, children.
Ca ffe Lena is host to many of Rick’s “open mic nights” which are usually on Mondays. However, cer tain Sun day afternoons are uniquely for young children with big aspirations.
“This is a great opportunity for local kids to get a sense of what it is like to be able to perform on a real stage with a sound system and lights in front of a live audience.”
Rick continues, “I know in a few years I am going to be seeing these kids again, but as young adults who are fully developed musicians. I love to be a part of getting them going.”
If you know nothing else about Rick, this de s cribes him perfectly. He is not the type of musician who demands star treatment, although with his good looks, all-American charm, and
deep catalog of lyrical tunes he surely could have gone in that direction.
Just the opposite is true with Rick. While ex pressing his disdain for the “corrupt music industry,”Rick nurtures the true essence of being an expressive poet, musician, and artist by
shin ing the light on others. His goal is not to be bathed in the golden glory of fame.
In stead, Rick is on a quest to be part of and to maintain the vibrant live performance scene in Saratoga, and our entire region has benefitted from it.
Rick is a native of the North Country. Born in Hague (on the northwestern shore of Lake George), Rick started playing music with his mother at an early age on the family player
piano. “I would sit on her lap, and we would sing and laugh. Music gave us both great joy. When I got old enough to reach the keys and pedals, I would start playing on my own.”
I ask Rick about his first guitar and how his music began to take shape, “My uncle was a great guitar player. He gifted me a beautiful Gibson F- G5 acoustic. It was an instantaneous bonding. It basically became my girlfriend,” Rick tells me with a laugh. “Then, on my 15th birthday, my parents gave me a Yamaha 180 which was another great guitar.”
Rick goes on to explain his musical education. “I went to a very small school, and everyone played in struments. I was sick the day we were to choose our instruments, so all that was left was the tuba. I got pretty good at it though, and took second place in a state competition,” Rick states with a chuckle.
“I wish I had studied theory more, but I saw the Beatles, and that changed everything. Then it became three chords on my guitar and girls,” he says with a big laugh.
Rick’s music has developed greatly since that time. Through the years, Rick has recorded a collection of songs with the folk super-group, Big Medicine, one with The Dwyer Sisters (his wife, Sarah and her sister, Becky), and one - soon to be two - collections of his own music. He has also appeared on countless other
recordings. Rick often performs live with the remarkable vocalist, Jackie Argoff, and old friend and collaborator, Jeff Walton as well as periodic performances with Big Medicine.
For the last 30 years, Rick has played a custom Larrivee C-10 guitar with a cutaway body and a B-Bender attached to the back for a twangy sound when desired. However, I have also seen Rick play a Martin CEO-7 in performance. Rick’s deep smooth voice is a powerful tool that expresses his heartfelt and often joy ous lyrics with authentic sincerity. Rick has developed an almost endless song list, and he can play any of them perfectly on the spot. He has a very easy and relaxed demeanor on stage that immediately connects with an audi ence. This makes club owners and man agers very happy and opens the door for other live performers to follow.
Caffe Lena Executive Director, Sarah Craig tells me, “Rick is truly one of the most precious gems in Saratoga's cultural crown. Caffe Lena
Big Medicine with Guests Jeff and Becky Walton
Big Medicine 1994 - Jeff Walton, Katie Dwyer, Tim Wechgalear, Sheri Nolan and Rick
Rick’s 2nd Guitar for his 15th Birthday Gift from Mom & Dad
bridges the national independent music world and the local music scene. Rick is all about local music.”
“He made the career choice of staying close to home, and the people of Saratoga have been the beneficiaries. What has his impact been? There are numerous emerging artists who have benefitted from his en couragement. They write songs they wouldn't have written, they sing with a confidence he instilled in them, they understand that music is not a competition – it's a way of opening ourselves to each other. He doesn't need to explain any of this, he just lives it.”
“When he runs our open mic on the first Monday of each month, puts together an open mic just for children, shows up and plays at a benefit concert,
or just brings his beautiful smile to the audience, the light that comes out of him helps to create the space for music that Lena's is known for.”
Beloved local musician, Jeff Brisbin explains how 25 years ago Rick helped him get started. “I went out on a Saturday night into a local brew pub where I first saw Rick playing with his wife, Sarah, and her sister, Molly singing amazing backing vocals. When they took a break, Rick sat next to me, and we started talking. I told him that I played a bit of guitar, and he encouraged me to go to the first open mic he would be hosting the next night at Bailey’s.”
Then Jeff confides, “I told Rick I did not have the experience to perform before an audience, and he leaned forward and said softly in my ear,
Rick Bolton and Sarah Craig at Caffe Lena
‘Don’t worry, I will take care of you. He did, and I have been performing ever since. That is how Rick treats everyone.”
Phenomenal musician/entrepreneur, Garland Nelson, expresses his appreciation to Rick who started the open mic scene in Saratoga Springs with Jeff Walton in 1992 that Rick continues today. “You two guys are the pillars of Saratoga’s live music scene,” Garland states earnestly. “Honestly, man, nothing was going on in Saratoga except what you two guys were doing with open mic. We owe you more than thanks for keeping the scene going strong.”
At the conclusion of our co nversation, I asked Rick about his writing and recording with the new technology available today. He enthusiastically responds, “Home recording has really changed everything. All you need is a laptop with the software, a good microphone, and a space with decent acoustics. The studios of the 70s and 80s were intimidating and expensive. An artist does not need that to get their point across cleanly and professionally anymore.” Then, leaning forward, he emphasizes, “I encourage every musician on any level to go for it!”
Finally, I ask Rick where he finds his greatest inspiration. With deep respect, he first mentions his wife, vocalist, and fine artist, Sharon. Then Rick’s eyes light up as he talks about the op portunity he has at Caffe Lena to introduce kids to stage performance. “I love to help the next generations and anyone else who wants to share and improve on their musical abilities. Seeing them learn how to expand and grow their own natural talent gives me all the inspi ration I could ever ask for.”
As I leave Caffe Lena, the thought crosses my mind, that is exactly what a great leader would say.
For inquiries and bookings: Rick Bolton https://www.rickboltonsaratoga.com/music Kids Open Mic, General Info: Caffe Lena https://www.caffelena.org/kids-open-mic/
Jeff Brisbin, Jeff Walton, Rick Bolton & Garland Nelson
They Bought a Store... and The Post Office and Firehouse Came With It!
Destination: Lakeside General Store!
By Rona Mann
Cossayuna, New York, zip code 12823. If you were to google its population, you’d find the answer to be 238.
That’s fewer people than there are fish in that popular 661-acre lake, but chances are, those 238 folks are pretty happy because they’re living in one gorgeous little piece of New York State geography, one of those places that the locals don’t want “outsiders” to know about. That is unless they’re coming for breakfast. Or lunch, and just want to have a uniquely delicious and memorable experience of madefrom-scratch pastries and delicious ground-on-the-premises burgers enjoyed in a picture-perfect garden setting. Suddenly, it’s not just a fast stop for a quick bite in some Godforsaken little out-of-the-way place. Not at all, for this has now become a true destination, a journey that takes you to Lakeside General Store, a “must” visit you’ve just got to add to your summer bucket list.
Palma Kolansky, owner of this bucolic slice of heaven along with her husband, Joe Troiano, has a habit she calls her “downfall,” but in this case, it has become the
couple’s “windfall.” Both New York born and raised-and you will soon see cut very much from the same cloth - they grew up in “typical middleclass homes.” She became a much-in-demand international fashion and beauty photographer, while Joe found his future as a successful writer of children’s books and later as a lyricist and producer. They were happily plying their trades living in Bridgehampton, New York when Palma couldn’t help herself and fell victim to her “downfall” studying the listings in a realtor’s front window. When she did, she found 80 acres of “raw land” in Cossayuna, New York, and told Joe, “We have to buy it.” Joe’s used to her saying that, and Palma’s used to him going along with her crazy ideas! So they bought the property and eventually built a house there, but they also didn’t leave the Hamptons right away. After all, it was a five-hour drive!
If you’re thinking none of that makes much sense, Joe and Palma wouldn’t be insulted. “We don’t think,” Palma says in her typical rapid-fire
cascade of words, “We’re dreamers.” These two are the kind of people others aspire to be, but are too afraid to jump in and do it. As Palma reiter ates, “We don’t think, we just do. It’s lovely having no logic.” And Joe frequently says, “If you do something for the right reason, it usually works out.”
Like venturing forth to buy a dozen eggs and buying a general store instead. One day when they were at their new home in Cossayuna, Joe found he was out of eggs and drove to the only store in the area. It was a run-down, not terribly clean nor attractive place as he had discovered previously. Upon arriving, he found they were not only closed but gone. Completely. The woman who ran the tiny post office next door told him the place had been closed for six months and was up for sale, but there was no one inter ested in buying. Joe came home and gin gerly told Palma because he knew his wife.
Without missing a beat she said, “Let’s buy it!” So, they did, knowing absolutely nothing about running a general store, with no business plan in place, nor even an idea of how to write one. “But it was a 100-year-old building, and no one wanted it,” Palma reasoned. “It was our place to save it.” So they did. And along with it came the post office and the fire station and memories of that great 2011 family movie, We Bought a Zoo.
Palma and Joe’s “zoo” was “taken down to the rocks” by their builder, and in its place, a phoenix arose from the ashes and began to take shape with their shared vision. Perhaps the loveliest thing about not having a business plan is the ability to change both minds and ideas as you grow without checking a list to see if it fits. Joe and Palma began as a true general store with a little of everything, carrying milk, bread, and those ubiquitous eggs. On opening day back in 2013 Palma handed the keys to her then 24-year-old
Palma Kolansky
Nick Troiano
Joe Troiano
son, Nick, and said, “This is your future.” Nick, however, demurred saying he didn’t want to own a grocery store. He didn’t have to worry for long. Although the locals in the area were thrilled that they had a store again, Palma and Joe were faced wit h…”expiration dates.” That extra bag gage that accompanies fresh milk, eggs, and other perishables.
A friend who was aware that Joe and Palma were having concerns over their impulsive decision to buy the rundown store had given them a small painted sign that reads, “Courage is taking those first steps to your dream even if you can’t see the path ahead.” The sign purposely
hangs off-kilter on a single nail so each day Palma and Joe have to straighten it, and by so doing, are forced to read it. It’s become a kind of mantra for Lakeside General store and the couple who love to live life on an angle.
So once again, they reinvented themselves and the store as well. Joe had a good friend in Mike London, a world-class baker and pastry chef who lived nearby and liked Joe enough to teach him much of what he had amassed over the years and
still enjoys mentoring his success. Joe im mediately took to it, and according to Palma, is famous for his potato rolls which he creates daily for the very popular breakfast sandwiches people “from all over” come to Lakeside to enjoy. Along with delectable croissants and a lunch menu of fresh ground burgers, nearly every weekend happy and hungry locals and those from “away” who’ve heard the whispers crowd into the general store and then spill out into the gracious, colorful garden area where there is ample seating
for 65. It is a testament to good people creating good for others. Son Nick, now 35, works side by side with his father in the kitchen, constantly tweaking the menu and coming up with new ideas, so Palma’s wish to someday turn the keys over for good may just be in the offering.
For now, Palma loves being behind the counter meeting people “who come from everywhere.
People have actually taken ownership of the store,” she says. “They ask for ‘their table’ when they come in and love seeing their friends and neighbors here. They actually dress up to come here. It’s a meeting place!”
A few years ago, the couple added Lakeside General Wine & Spirits right next door, and locals are wondering, what’s next? Sure can’t check the business plan!
Anyone who cooks, whether recreationally for themselves, their family, and friends or professionally, will tell you that eggs in a recipe create structure and stability, they act as a kind of glue holding everything else together. Perhaps, then, an empty egg carton should also hang next to that sign on the single nail reminding Joe and Palma that although Lakeside General Store never had a formal business plan, it always had two dreamers who loved evolving right along with it and knew how to hold everything together with structure and stability and a lot of love.
Lakeside General Store is 9 miles from Greenwich, 19 miles from Glens Falls, and 24 miles from Saratoga Springs at 703 County Road 49 in Cossayuna. www.lakesidegeneralstore.net (518) 531-4234
The Healthy One
Chicken Salad
Mufaletta
Lakeside Burger
Brickstone Pizza
An Icon Takes Many Forms Saratoga Clay Arts Center: Schacht Gallery
by Carol St.Sauveur Ferris
Realizing a dream takes hard work. You start with a vision, take the leap, work endless hours, celebrate your successes, and then get right back to it. There are no shortcuts. Just ask Saratoga Clay Arts Center Founder and Executive Director, Jill Fishon-Kovachick.
Jill’s love and talent for making clay art over the years brought her much-deserved recognition and many loyal collectors. It was incredibly fulfilling, but Jill still dreamed of more. Dreamed of bringing the joy of clay to Schuylerville, New York, and by 2011 she did.
Saratoga Clay Arts Center was the vision, and with hard work, it became a reality. Unfortunately, the pandemic arrived uninvited. But with a little ingenuity and lots of determination, Jill regrouped and created claymaking opportunities outdoors for the public and retooled access to the building so resident artists could work in their studios risk-free. It was a tough time but she persisted, and today, The Center is not only thriving but growing with new classrooms in the lower level.
Of course, there’s The Center’s Schacht Gallery with exhibits open to the public year-round. One incredible exhibit on the calendar is called, On The Board: The Equine Art of Jeri Hollister & Shauna Fahley. Focusing on the favorite subject of most Saratogians, Jeri and Shauna’s unique interpretations of the horse are both stunning and thought-provoking.
Jeri Hollister’s sculptures were inspired by her love for horses from an early age. Born and raised in the countryside of Michigan, she spent her days playing with two siblings and lots of cousins on family-owned farmland. However, what Jeri really loved most was playing in the barn
photo by Stephanie Sittnick
Jeri Hollister
Jill Fishon-Kovachick
and tending to the chickens. And even though her family never owned one, she absolutely loved horses. “I was obsessed with horses and I also wanted to be a princess.”
Lucky for us, instead of becoming a princess, Jeri became a student of the arts. She took piano lessons for a while and also made good use of art supplies that were always available at home. Being a country girl, she loved to draw pictures of farms, farm animals, and horses,
but it was her bottomless sandbox that really intrigued her. She discovered that once the sand was pushed out of the way, cold, damp clay lay underneath that she would shape into endless figures, including horses.
By the time she was in high school, Jeri focused on drawing and ceramics classes for her elec tives and was fortunate to have a number of teachers who encouraged her. After gradua tion, she attended the University of Michigan where she earned a BA in Art His tory, and a few years later also earned her BFA and MFA degrees. Not surprisingly, Jeri has numerous award-winning sculptures to her credit. Her extensive CV resume is testimony to that success. But successful shows, awards, and sales are not the only reason that she con tinues to do this work. Though she’s never owned one, her deep connection and love for horses has never waned, and it is that connection that still drives her and manifests itself in all her pieces.
Earthen Pearl Stoneware 14 x 14 x 7
Summer Current, Tribute Series Eathenware 17 x 22 x 6
The Romp, Cave Painting, Earthenware 8 x 10 x 1 in.
Early Accord, Tribute Series Earthenware18 x 18 x 6
Bay Sentinel, Tribute Series Stoneware 15 x 20 x 6 in.
Red Art, Rutile, and Iron Tribute, Earthenware 19 x 16 x 5 in.
Over the years, Jeri has created unique tiles and bas-relief pieces, but free standing sculptures make up the majority of her work. They range in size from dollhouse miniatures to nearly 4 feet, however, she naturally gravitates to 20-25 inches overall. Considered tabletop, this size takes less time to construct, assemble, and detail and is a lot less physically demanding.
Jeri does not work from photographs. She may work out the basic engineering on paper but
then she captures the energy and elegance of the horse from memory and emotion. Her goal is less about creating an exact replica and more about gesture and the moment. “I call it intuitive engineering. I’m intuitive, so I just sort of figure it out as I go along.”
She works primarily in earthenware but has also worked in stoneware to construct her pieces She then uses color slips, washes, and glazes to
achieve their beautiful colors. When creating her pieces, Jeri has used all three sculpting methods including coil building, slab building, and a combination of slab, extrusions, and wheel-thrown parts. Her sculptures are built from the bottom up and can take up to three days or more to complete depending on size and application of color. It’s a very physical and labor-intensive process but one that she looks forward to every day.
Double Diamonds Stoneware 20 x 15 x 6 in.
Paisley Park Earthenware 20 x 17 x 6 in.
Thunder Cloud Stoneware 21 x 15 x 8 in.
Crimson & Sandstone, Tribute Series, Earthenware 17 x 19 x 6 in.
As for the future, being a longtime member of the Potter’s Guild has given context to her life’s journey as an artist, and what might be
Jeri shares she will always work in clay but might just do a residency or two. It would be a great change of scenery with a different energy than working solo in a studio. But for now, she will continue to explore and create beautiful new sculptures of her lifelong muse, the horse.
In contrast, Shauna Fahley’s clay art horses are often life-size as well as table-top size. And though she never saw herself becoming a clay art sculptor while in high school, Shauna was willing to try working with the medium and is so glad she did.
Born in Washington State, she was home-
Shauna Fahley
Emerson Dorsch, Art gallery in Miami, Florida
interest in art, including attending classes at the home-school co-op where she taught. At the age of eight, Shauna also began to take horseback riding lessons, later competing in English and Western disciplines. She also joined the high school drill team and did Dressage.
Following high school, she earned her BFA at the University of Washington in Seattle and her MFA in the ceramic arts at Alfred University in New York. Shauna now calls New York Ci ty home where she works as lead production assistant at a ceramics studio and also teaches adult art classes at Brooklyn’s Clay Space several evenings a week. But on weekends, she’s all about making clay art horses in her new studio.
According to Shauna, she typically jumps right in and starts creating without a plan, although she will sometimes do a life-size wall drawing in the studio to guide her. She works from the bottom up to create her pieces, squishing the clay with her feet into slabs that she stacks to build and sculpt into
On The Board: Exhibition at Saratoga Clay Arts Center
a life-size horse. Using her feet became essential for these large sculptures after getting very sore hands from slapping the clay over and over to flatten it, and so far, her feet are holding up well!
Next, she builds her pieces by as sembling the life-sized parts, one on top of the other, then shapes them to form bones, muscles, and sinews. Last, she adds the details including the mane, tail, and facial expression. When completed, Shauna’s life-sized sculptures make quite a statement. Not only are
they beautiful to see, but thought-provoking as well. They command your attention while her fragmented sculptures invite contemplation. When asked why she portrays a horse in fragments or with its mouth wide open, she discussed their iconic history at length. Historically, they represented power and wealth, as well as loyalty and hard work, but they were not always treated with the respect they deserved. Shauna’s own experience with her horse, Kash, makes a similar point.
“Kash was a very large horse, and he had a really hard time fitting into the Western Disciplines. He was too big, and we never placed, so it was kind of a dilemma. Then I fell in love with Dressage because you’re the only horse in the ring. You work as a team. The movements are natural to the horse. It was just about engaging properly. After that, Kash’s body changed. He muscled and filled out and just looked incredible and hap pier. So seeing his confidence appear, and seeing him happy and healthy stuck with me.”
That contrast in behavior provided insight into the extremes the horse has and continues to endure. When Shauna shows a horse’s mouth wide open and flared, she captures the pain from the pull of the bridle. When she creates pieces that are an assemblage of broken parts, they speak to their pain as well, and when they stand alone, stripped of adornments and riders, her sculptures represent their iconic legacy regardless of status and position.
“It is not my goal to illustrate the romantic or heroic image of the horse. Instead, I aim to reconfigure the equine icon as a vehicle for understanding empathy beyond ourselves and the animal, but the greater consciousness of humanity.”
On The Board: The Equine Art of Jeri Hollister & Shauna Fahley is currently open and runs through August 17th. The exhibit features a curated collection of both artists’ work including a life-sized bust of a horse. In addition, the gallery is collaborating with the National Mu seum of Racing and Hall of Fame in Saratoga Springs for this ex hibit so there will be something for everyone at both locations. With the equine season in full swing, it’s the perfect time to spend some quiet time taking it all in.
If you are unable to enjoy the exhibit in person, visit their websites at: www.jerihollister.com, www.shaunafahley.com, www.saratogaclayarts.org, www.racingmuseum.org,
Emerson Dorsch, Art gallery in Miami, Florida
On The Board: Exhibition at Saratoga Clay Arts Center
INSTINCTIVELY DIFFERENT>>
While the pandemic is thankfully in our rear view mirror, much has changed as a result. Many businesses did not survive it, including art galleries. But out of that challenging time, there were success stories, and The Wood Hill Gallery in Saratoga Springs, New York is one of them.
Sharon Wood and David Hill each owned an art gallery. In fact, they stood side by side in Saratoga Springs, New York. But as they looked around and saw many galleries closing in 2021 because of the pandemic, they decided to merge at Sharon’s location and open a second in Bolton
A Merger of “Two” Creates a Better “One”at the Wood Hill Gallery
by Carol St.Sauveur Ferris
Landing. They named the new galleries, The Wood Hill Gallery, which showcased Sharon’s photography and David’s paintings along with the artwork of local artists. However, in late 2023, they closed Bolton Landing to focus on their Saratoga location. Since then, they have steadily built their gallery business and reputation for fine art.
Sharon Wood Castro, a Connecticut native, has had a love for horses as far back as she can remember. After school, she could always be found at the barn grooming horses and mucking out stalls when she wasn’t babysitting. It’s what she loved to do, but babysitting was something she also did to buy her own horse one day. To that end, she saved every dollar and was eventually able to purchase that horse at the ripe old age of 13, without her parents ever knowing! She eventually broke the news to her mom who then broke it to her stepfather. After the initial shock, both parents were on board and supported her.
Upon high school graduation, Sharon packed up and headed straight to Ocala, Florida to work at Ocala Stud Farm. There she learned even more about racehorses and their care. She would also photograph them as they went about
their horse lives. It was total equine immersion for the budding photographer while living and doing what she loved every day, and soon her skills behind the lens of a camera caught the eye of friends and the horse world as well.
“I always had a camera with me when I worked at the racetrack and exercised racehorses for most of my life. I started taking pictures of my friends and their horses; eventually, trainers would ask me to take pictures of them to send to their clients. Then I was asked to do photos for a newspaper.”
Ocala is where a lot of owners start their young horses but often leave for racetracks across the country as their horses mature. The trainer she was working for decided to head to Saratoga
Sharon Wood Castro, photo by Stephanie Cowser
Sharon Wood and David Hill - photo by Stephanie Sittnick
Springs with her horses, so Sharon followed, soon splitting her time between Hialeah, Belmont, and Gulfstream Racetracks. So with her Canon in hand, she began taking photos again but with the eye of an artist. Her attention to detail, coupled with her creative instincts and many years-long emotional connection to the revered animal, quickly separated her images from other equine photographers. Today, when viewing her work, it can be said that she has blurred the lines between painting and photography and challenged their definitions.
Sharon’s equine photography was her primary focus until they opened the Bolton Landing Gallery. Lo cated in the Adirondack Mountains, she was in spired to spend more time capturing the natural beauty of the area rather than horses. As a result, she has once again established herself as an artist behind a lens, this time photographing images of the beautiful landscape. But whether she captures the horses or the landscape with a click of the camera, it’s what happens after that brings it to life.
Unlike the days of shooting film and developing images in the lab, digital photography has inspired the artistry behind photography to take center stage. With that, different mediums and techniques have entered the arena. One example of this which
photo by Stephanie Sittnick
has had a major impact on Sharon’s work is printing on metal, specifically brushed aluminum. Printing on brushed aluminum can be tricky so the right image is key to its success.
“For some reason, my moody pieces are wonderful on the brushed aluminum, and I’m all about mood in my photography. There is more of a 3D effect on the brushed aluminum as it’s not a flat sur face so the ink doesn’t cover the entire piece. What’s white or light becomes transparent creating dynamic contrast in the image. Depending on the piece, the mood can become even softer or more powerful.”
Today, the majority of her work is printed on metal or canvas rather than paper, and because her pieces look more like paintings rather than photographs, people
can often be heard in the gallery debating which they might be. Coincidentally, Sharon has picked up the brush and is now painting with oils. The newest pieces can be seen in the gallery today.
Unlike Sharon, David Hill’s journey to Saratoga Springs was that of an artist, not an equestrian. He was born and raised in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, eventually making his way to the United States to attend a military academy in Melbourne, Florida. His interest in art began in the 9th grade when he found himself search ing for “his thing,” as he puts it. That’s when he saw his classmate, Mike, drawing comic books, and David thought that was pretty cool.
“ I remember going home and drawing some comic book stuff, and then I brought it in to him and said, ‘Hey Mike,
what do you think of this?’ “And he goes,” ‘It sucks.’ “He was right! Then I went home that night and did something else. Brought it in to him again and asked what he thought, and he said, ‘That sucks,’ again! This went on for about a week, and one day he said, ‘You’re getting better.’ That’s all I needed, and I’ve never stopped since.”
According to David, he had absolutely no talent. None. Many would argue that point but all who knew him would agree that clearly he had a strong interest in it along with an u nwa vering commitment to learning the skills and techniques required to create a wide variety of art. And what about that talent he “didn’t have?” Well, it soon emerged.
by Stephanie Sittnick
David Hill
photo
Upon graduation from the academy, he attended the Art Institute of Ft. Lauderdale for computer animation. He later pursued other art programs in Hawaii and Italy before attending the Art Institute of Boston. There he earned his undergraduate degree in fine art in 2004. Throughout his time in Boston and essentially throughout his career, David has always worked in art gal leries while painting for a living. Following college, he returned to St. Thomas where he painted, taught some art classes, and exhibited his work extensively in island galleries includ ing his own. But after marrying and having two children, he and his wife Emily moved to the United States so their children could have a better education. They decided to
make their home where Emily is from, in Saratoga Springs.
David is not known for one sp e cific style of painting. It changes frequently, and as David describes it, he has many artists lurking within who emerge when inspiration strikes. At last count, he be lieves there may be 10! The point being is he doesn’t feel com pelled to do one type of paint ing over and over again like so many artists do, and he likes it that way. Typically, an idea will come to him, and if it’s something that interests him enough, he will just execute it, using a different medium if he believes the subject calls for it. That is his way, and it has kept him fresh and always cu rious as to what might come next. It has al so kept diverse col lectors very happy as well.
His work is often painted on cop per, gold, or white gold that he applies to a panel himself. With the metallic as an under painting, he then paints the composition over it in oil. This technique took him years to develop and is quite unique.
“People often marvel at how the work will ac tually change in different lighting. What is a dark area from one angle becomes a highlight from another. Collectors often find that the work will change in their house during differ ent times of the day and even different seasons.”
David will also paint Impasto in a very abstract way, applying fun colors that up close appear to be playfully applied, but from afar can ap pear almost photo-realistic. He is currently working in this style while combining it with intentionally skewed colors applied with thick brushstrokes in a more deliberate pattern.
In addition to painting, he has also co-written and illustrated a children’s book, Birds Can Fly, Why Can’t I? It won the Independent Publisher Book Awards Gold Medal. Quite an achievement for a first-time author, but no surprise. It’s clear that whatever David does, he is in it 1000 % and the results speak for themselves.
S o if you are in Saratoga, be sure to visit The Wood Hill Gallery, which features a beautiful collection of paintings, photography, sculptures, and ceramics. If that’s not possible, visit their website at:www.thewoodhillgallery.com.
by Stephanie Sittnick
photos
If You Weren’t Barefoot, You Were Over-Dressed
by Karen Richman
It was hot, the way August always is, coming in with a sultry vengeance and a decided sizzle.
But it was hard to hate because just the fact that it was August meant we still had our freedom. School wouldn’t start again for another month, so we didn’t have to lay out our clothes every night for the next day and ensure they were crisp and clean.
No, this was pure freedom and fun and joy in just being a kid enjoying simple pleasures like running around barefoot in swimsuits, tee shirts, and shorts, jumping through streams of water from our garden hose, splashing around in a neighbor’s inflatable pool, or building sandcastles in some backyard sandbox. It was summer at its finest.
Aside from water and sand, back in the 50s and 60s we also engaged in a wide variety of other outdoor activities because we had no reason to stay inside. There were no computers or video games, and “inside” meant “hot” because who had air conditioning? At best, we had fans that would only blow the hot air around, but outside there were other kids to play with and breezes and the ice cream man in the truck, so pretty soon feeling hot was quickly forgotten. We had games of kickball and baseball in our local park, we could ride our bikes everywhere, and most of all we had imagination...our own and that of our friends to invent new games, to suggest activities, and completely fill a whole day doing nothing by doing everything.
Back then, every kid had imagination, more so than today because we were challenged to invent our fun, to make our own August. Oh sure, there was the occasional vacation day that someone’s parents had planned or a visit to a relative or a cookout with neighbors, but we had imaginations that helped us create things that weren’t there or weren’t possible. We’d build forts of nothing more than piles of branches fortified by rocks, but in our minds they were impenetrable. We made rules and cemented them with words so strong everybody believed them to be true. We made up characters, challenged non-existent authority, and created whole new worlds, even if they only lasted for a few hours.
It seemed as though there was no shortage of ways to stay active or en tertained. Some of us went to camp - sleep-away or day camp - for any where from one week to a month or more. And the best part was when they returned, they always had new games to show us, new crafts to make, new “trouble” to get into, kid-style.
We did have our superheroes born of the growing fascination with TV. Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman gave us hours of fun long after the half-hour black and white programs ended. We leaped off tall buildings even though the “tall buildings” were usually only a porch step or two. Boys loved playing Cops and Robbers while girls jumped rope, mastered the art of keeping hula hoops on their waists or behind their knees, and always had a big box of chalk to draw a hopscotch layout on any available piece of concrete in a park or schoolyard. Together, we all got into astronauts, outer space, and alien worlds after the launching of Sputnik and the moon landing that followed in the next decade.
Of course, it wasn’t perfect. Being outside all the time meant sunburns and bug bites and scraped knees, but they were a small price to pay for pure, unadulterated fun. If you got hurt, you went to your house or another house that was closer where somebody else’s mother cleaned the wound, bandaged it, gave you a kiss on the head, a handful of cookies, and an admonishment to “Be careful,” as out again you went with a badge of honor on your knee. You didn’t care one bit about the “being careful” part. There was a whole lot more stuff to do, and you were gonna do it!
In many ways, playing outside in the August heat during the 50s and 60s encapsulated the spirit of a simpler time when kids were free to explore, imagine, and create their own fun and adventures. It was a time when the outdoors served as both playground and classroom, en couraging and strengthening a deep appreciation for nature and instilling in us a sense of wonder that would last a lifetime.
If you weren’t barefoot, you were over-dressed because it was August and meant to be shared with friends, ice cream, imagination, and lessons both taught and learned.
Healthy and Sustainable Foraging in the Adirondacks
By Crystal Cobert-Giddens, LE
Foraging in the Adirondacks is not only a re warding culinary adventure but also a way to connect with the natural world and embrace the region's rich biodiversity.
One of the most iconic foraged treasures of the Adirondacks is the blueberry. August and Sep tember herald the peak of blueberry season, with ripe clusters of these sweet, antioxidantrich berries carpeting the forest floor and hill sides. In particular, the areas around Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, and the High Peaks region are known for their abundant blueberry patches. Hikers and foragers can find these wild gems along trails, in open meadows, and at the edges of forests, where the acidic soil and cool climate create ideal growing conditions.
Did you know that regularly eating blueberries has been linked to a reduction in blood pressure and LDL cholesterol levels, both of which are risk factors for cardiovascular disease?
Blueberries are packed with antioxidants, par ticularly anthocyanin and quercetin. Antho cyanin's are a group of antioxidants found in red, blue, and purple fruit and veggies. A diet rich in these compounds may prevent in flammation and protect against type 2 dia betes, cancer, and heart disease.
Regularly eating anthocyanin-rich foods may also benefit your memory and overall brain
Ingredients:
health and delay age-related cognitive decline. The antioxidants in blueberries can cross the blood-brain barrier and help in reducing oxida tive stress and inflammation in the brain, potentially enhancing memory and learning function.
Quercetin has been used in the treatment of cancer and has been shown to decrease inflammation. The flavonoid also plays an important role in platelet aggregation, the peroxidation of lipids and enhances the biogenesis of mitochondria.
In addition to blueberries, the Adirondack wilderness offers a wealth of other edible plants and fungi waiting to be discovered. Wild rasp berries, blackberries, and strawberries can be found nestled among the underbrush, while edible mushrooms such as chanterelles, porcini, and morel mushrooms dot the forest floor, adding a savory depth to foraged dishes.
*When foraging in the Adirondacks, it's crucial to properly identify plants and fungi to avoid accidental ingestion of toxic species. Consulting field guides, attending foraging workshops, and learning from experienced foragers can help novice enthusiasts navigate the wilderness safely and confidently. Additionally, be mindful of fragile ecosystems and only harvest what you need, leaving plenty for wildlife and future for agers to enjoy.
Now, I have a favorite blueberry creation, made by one of my favorite people, at one of my fa vorite restaurants. It’s a blueberry pizza made with a baked crust (not pizza dough), a layer of some mascarpone (I think?) magic and local, sweet blueberries. I order one for myself and have the leftovers with coffee the next day AND the next. Hearts break at the end of every blue berry season when we’re told it’s off the menu until next August. Sometimes Andrea will freeze some of the blueberries until January and make a couple of those pizzas to chase away the winter blues…unless Rick finds them and makes blueberry muffins. Where can you find this insanely popular blueberry treat? The Cock ’n Bull in Galway.
Foraging in the Adirondack Region during the months of August and September gives you an other reason to spend time in the great out doors. Hiking, kayaking, and now foraging vibrant berries and savory wild mushrooms. The bounty of nature's harvest awaits those will ing to venture off the beaten path and em brace the spirit of exploration and discovery.
FACES of Saratoga
Organic Skin Therapy Studio 55 Beekman Street, Saratoga Springs www.triliftsaratoga.com
BLUEBERRY-ALMOND CRUMBLE BARS
This is the perfect recipe for taking on your for aging adventure. It is easy to make, travels well in your backpack, and it features Adirondack Blueberries:
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (you can also use almond flour)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 cups fresh Adirondack blueberries (We have multiple blueberry farms in our area as well!)
• 1/4 cup granulated or coconut sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the egg and almond extract together. Add the egg mixture to the flour mixture and mix until a dough forms.
4. Take two-thirds of the dough and press evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust. The remaining dough will be used as part of the topping.
5. In a separate bowl, toss the blueberries with the granulated or coconut sugar and cornstarch until evenly coated. Spread the blueberry mixture over the crust.
6. Crumble the remaining dough over the blueberry layer, then sprinkle with sliced almonds.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the blueberry filling is bubbly.
8. Allow the blueberry-almond crumble bars to cool completely before slicing into bars and serving.
Wrap the bars and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to eat or share ‘em.
CULINARY DESTINATIONS: 518 Artisanal Bakeries
By Chef Armand Vanderstigchel
In addition to the 518 Brew & Culinary revolution happening all ove r the region, a new category is slowing taking root in our backyard - Arti sanal bakeries.
The days are over, traveling into the five boroughs of New York to find great quality bread, reminiscence of crusty sliced loaves gently placed in our bread baskets at NYC restaurants. The same goes for quality cakes, pastries, croissants, and donuts. We can now rejoice to have all these delicacies locally!
Saratoga County’s Darling Doughnuts – located in Saratoga Springs – is among the best donut shops in the country by USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards.
Owners Natascha Pearl-Mansman and Glenn Severance of Darling Doughnuts sell a lip-smacking array of yeast-risen donuts that are made fresh daily until sold out! Customers can choose from over 90 glazes and flavors that are on regular rotation such as the root beer float, mango lemonade, galaxy, cookie & cream, and my favorite toasted coconut.
Starting out as a pop-up store at events throughout the Capital Region, Darling Doughnuts quickly famed itself with flavorful and eye-catching doughnuts. In 2019 after finally opening their first brick-and-mortar store, it was soon a familiar site to see Saratogians and visitors alike ex hilaratingly carrying a box filled with Darling Donuts.
Upon my visit, co-owner Glenn expressed his gratitude to being embraced by the community and his hardest challenge he feels is knowing how many donuts to produce daily since you never know what happens daily in our resort town.
When visiting the Saratoga farmers Markets on Saturday and Sunday, be on the look-out for the market stand of Night Work Bread Co. In addition to the markets, Night Works Bread Co. has a brick-and-mortar location on Science Avenue in Ballston Spa.
During visit on a Sunday morning, I found myself in a packed bakery having the same goal in common as the other customers to purchase an amazing loaf of one of the best breads money can buy. Appreciatively I embraced the still warm seeded country organic sour dough loaf while owner Cindy graciously filled a bag with cinnamon focaccia, a coffee-lovers dream of an accompaniment. The sour-dough bagels are screaming high level eminence and on-the-next visit list with thoughts of them slathered in cream cheese and smoked salmon.
by
photo
Darling Doughnuts
Owned by husband-and-wife team Leigh Rathner and Cindy Rosenburg, the origins of this bakery are truly out of left field. During the Covid pandemic, Leigh Rathner’s job as a cameraman in Hollywood was put on hold. Like many newly sprouted business openings, the downtime made folks such as Leigh reassess his career—he decided to open a sourdough bakery.
In 2021, the couple launched Night Work Bread Co., baking out of a pizza oven in a kitchen borrowed from 9 Miles East. They initially focused on selling their baked goods at local farmers markets, but seasonality and weather effected profitability. The solution was to find a real store, now on Science Street in Ballston Spa, selling loaves, pastries, breakfast, lunch foods including bagels, specialty toasts, soup, plus local coffee and tea.
Their philosophy about bread is one I have been shouting off the rooftops for years having lived and experienced bread in Europe where the 3-ingredient rule of flour-water-salt rules supreme. The reason for our digestive ailments and gluten allergy is simply explained by Leigh and Cindy- “We gave up eating grains years ago because we just could not di gest them. Industrialized grains, farming practices and pesticides combined with modern baking shortcuts were making the bread off limits for so many people. We learned that if you select the right types of grains, grown under the correct circumstances, fermented slowly, many of us can eat them.”
A short drive from Ballston Spa is Leah’s Cakery on Curry Road minutes off 87 exits. Tucked into the historic West Side General Store building in Round Lake NY, it is a neighborhood bakery adorned with vintage kitchen tools and old enamel topped tables. I usually stop in for cinnamon buns, cakes, quiche, and good coffee. The cinnamon buns are amazingsoft, large and pillowy -very hard to resist. Say” hello” to owner /pastry-chef Leah who designs amazing occasion cakes.
Bakery Suzanne, a new bakery on Route 50 in Wilton named after baker
Keenan’s mother, specializes in sourdough bread and pastries. The menu includes country loaf, baguette, southern sesame breads, croissants, pain au chocolat and sandwiches.
The shop is housed in the former location of the Saratoga Motorcycle Club at 4284 NY-50. The bakery is also a wholesale business selling to restaurants, co-ops, and grocery stores. They use local grains and mill their own flour. The bread is made without yeast, “wild fermented.” Many of the pastries are based on croissants. “We are refining the classics,” Keenan said, “Nothing crazy.”
Upon my visit here, I purchased the seeded Sour Dough Sesame Loaf and Baguette. The bread is dense, fragrant, chewy, and delectable. They are another treasured contributor to the rise of great bakeries in our region. Please support these won derful entrepreneurs and remember - You get what your pay for… real healthy bread!
Darling Doughnuts
Leigh Rathner - Night Work Bread
Leah’s Cakery
Bakery Suzanne
August 1-24 Troy
We are pleased to announce our next show opening: Julie Branch & Jon Gernon - Imperfect Offerings. This exhibition of fers all new works by the two artists since their last paired show in 2016. Please join us on Friday July 26 from 6-8 for an opening reception. J.Gernon Picture Framing & Fine Art, LLC, 182 River Street Troy, NY 12180. Hours: Tuesday - Friday 12-6 Saturday 10-3 Sunday 11-2, Closed Monday 518.487.0350 www.jgernonframing.com IG: @jgernonframing
August 1-September 13 Saratoga Springs
Vibrant View: an experience in color ex pression - Max Litvinov | Soliven Melindo. Soliven Melindo and Max Litvi nov use bright colors in their work that can create experiences in color expres sion. Their bright hues of pink, blue, yellow and green, among other colors, are playful and friendly. The works subject matter, landscapes and still lives, will bring joyful energy into a viewers’ home and or office. Gallery Hours: Tuesdays and Wednesdays 4-7pm or by appointment. To set up an appointment, please contact Belinda Colón at springstreetgallerylist@gmail.com or 518-290-0660. 24 hour notice is required. 110 Spring Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
August 1-4 Schuylerville
AUGUST EVENTS
August 1-31 Lake George Lake George Dinner Theatre’s: I LOVE YOU, YOU’RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE Lake George, NY - Lake George Dinner Theatre’s 57th season opens with the musical hit, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change with book and lyrics by Joe DiPietro, music by Jimmy Roberts, and orchestrations by Doug Katsaros running July 12 through August 31, 2024 at the Holiday Inn Resort in Lake George, NY. Artistic Director Jarel Davidow says, “I am excited to bring a musical comedy back to our stage for the first time in 34 years and I Love You, You're Perfect Now Change is the perfect show. It's a fast-moving and hilarious musical revue all about relationships, dating, and romance.” I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change is the second longest running musical in off-Broadway history. Through songs and vignettes, this hilarious and relatable musical explores the truths and myths behind love, dating, marriage, kids, and everything in between. It pays tribute to those who have loved and lost and reveals the agonizing triumphs and uproarious tribulations of dating and love in our modern world. Tickets are available on our website at https://www.lakegeorgedinnertheatre.org. For more information, contact the Box Office at 518-668-5762 ext. 411. For group sales call the Group Sales Office at 518-668-5762 ext. 421.
The Laffer Gallery is thrilled to announce its up coming exhibition, “Renewal,” featuring the evocative works of Erik Laffer and Ronn Mattia. This exhibition will run from June 29 through August 4, 2024, and offers an exploration of identity, trans formation, and the cyclical nature of life. We warmly invite you to join us for an opening reception on June 29th at 5pm, where you can meet the artists and gain deeper insights into their creative processes. “Renewal” brings together two accomplished artists whose distinct yet complementary practices delve into the essence of rebirth and resilience. Erik Laffer and Ronn Mattia’s artworks collectively create a nar rative that speaks to the enduring human spirit and the perpetual journey of self-discovery and transformation. The Laffer Gallery, 96 Broad Street, Schuylerville, NY 12871 | (518) 695-3181
August Events Glens Falls
August 1st, 4-6pm at Lapham Gallery
Group Art Critique with Jenny Hutchinson. Artists are invited to bring in a couple of pieces of their work, either completed or in process, to be constructively critiqued by their peers in a supportive, encouraging environment. This event is free and open to all artists and art enthusiasts. Due to time constraints, there is only room for a maximum of 12 active participants in the peer art critique, so please register in advance either by email to programs@larac.org or call 518-798-1144 x2. Others are welcome to come to the event to observe.
August 2nd, 5-7pm at Lapham Gallery
Artist Talk with exhibiting artists Jenny Hutchinson and Russell Serrianne. Join ex hibiting artists Jenny Hutchinson and Russell Serrianne as they close out their ex hibit at Lapham Gallery with a discussion on their work, process, and artistic inspiration. This event is free and open to all.
August 21st, 1-3:30pm at Lapham Gallery
Expressive Collage with Kathy Klompas. $35 LARAC Members/$45 Non-members. To register visit www.LARAC.org/workshop-calendar
August 22nd, 4-6pm at Lapham Gallery
Putting It Into Words; Writing Artist Statements, Bios & Resumes. This program is designed to help artists put their art practice, process and visual message into words, to begin writing concise and cohesive artist statements that can be adjusted for different purposes. How to write an artist bio and resume will also be covered in this two-hour program facilitated by LARAC staff. Up to 8 participants. $10 member/$15 non-member. To register visit www.LARAC.org/workshop-calendar
August 1-18 Albany
“Beautiful: The Carole King Musical,” A Timeless Celebration of Music and Re silience, to Begin at the REP. Capital Repertory Theatre is excited to bring the Tony Award-winning show “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” to the MainStage at theREP. The book, by Douglas McGrath, will enchant audiences with the inspiring true story of Carole King’s remarkable journey from teenage songwriter to rock and roll legend. “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical,” directed by Maggie Mancinelli-Cahill, begins previews Friday, July 12, opens Tuesday, July 16 and runs through Sunday, Aug. 18, sponsored by Hacker Murphy LLC. “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical showcases the musical legend’s rise to stardom, featuring an array of beloved songs written by Carole King, Gerry Goffin, Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil. This exhilarating production has captivated audiences worldwide with its compelling narrative and stunning performances, mak ing it one of the most celebrated Broadway musicals in history. The show includes popular hits like “It’s Too Late,” “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling,” “Natural Woman,” “One Fine Day,” “On Broadway,” “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” and more from King, Goffin, Mann and Weil’s impressive catalog. Previews for “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” take place at theREP, 251 N. Pearl St., Albany, July 12-14 and opening night is Tuesday, July 16. Regular performance times July 16-Aug. 18 are 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday with matinees 3 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Wednesdays and Sundays. No matinee July 17.Tickets range from $40.50-$85.50. For tickets and information, call the Box Office at Proctors 10 a.m.6 p.m. Monday-Saturday at (518) 346-6204 or visit attherep.org. The box office at theREP will open 60 minutes before show time.
August Events- Glens Falls
• Small Works Show - Aug. 10-Sept. 28, Re ception. Sat. Aug. 10 5-7. Call for Art: drop off Aug. 3, 12-4 - “My Way” with photos by Cathy DeDe in The Betty O’Brien Gallery continues through Aug 3. NCA Gallery #120, 71 Lawrence St. Glens Falls •NCA 2nd Fl. Gallery, 42 Ridge St. Glens Falls: Show 3: Deborah Brik, through September 28. • Queensbury Hotel Mezzanine Gallery, 88 Ridge St. Glens Falls: “Summer Show” through August 31.
August 10 Glens Falls
AUGUST EVENTS
August
2 Glens Falls
August 1 - 11 Saratoga Springs
Cadence Giersbach -Through the Summer Garden. Visit the Courthouse Gallery between Wednesday, July 10th and Sunday, August 11th to stroll through the summer garden of works by Cadence Giersbach.August 1-11, 2024. In addition to regular hours, the gallery will be open Sundays between 12:00 and 4:00 during this exhibition! The Courthouse Gallery, 1 Lower Amherst Street, Lake George, NY
The Park Theater Foundation is presenting its FREE Summer Series Concerts at the Crandall Park Bandshell each Friday evening (7-8:30pm) from June 28 - August 2nd, 2024! Live music, good company and tasty foodthe ultimate summer Friday evenings in Glens Falls! On-Site Food Trucks: There will be a ro tating cast of local food trucks located on-site throughout the series offering a variety of small plates and beverages that will be available for purchase each evening. Concert Location: Crandall Park Bandshell (Fire Road, Glens Falls, NY 12801) Rain Location: The Park Theater (14 Park Street, Glens Falls, NY 12801) For more information, visit our website or phone the box office at 518-792-1150.
August 3 - September 22 Schenectady
August 2 - 30 Saratoga Springs
10 x 10 Exhibition. Saratoga Arts is excited to bring back the 10 x 10 Exhibition in 2024! This exhibition is open to artists of all ages and levels. Our 10 x 10 Exhibition celebrates our community here at Saratoga Arts! Saratoga Arts, 320 Broad way, Saratoga Springs, NY. 518.584.4132
Sincerely, No One: A solo art ex hibition by Quill Harrison. On exhibit: August 3 - September 22, 2024 Sincerely, No One is a letter welcome to anyone to read. This collection delves into themes of memory, existentialism and human connection through a vibrant array of characters and feathered friends. Paintings and illustrations of postcards encapsulating Quill’s childhood memories distorted with a whimsical filter. Artist Reception: Saturday, August 17 from 3-5pm. Bear and Bird Gallery, 160 Jay Street M • Schenectady, New York
August 6, 13, 20,22 Saratoga Springs Summer Concert Series in Congress Park: Mostly Modern Festival. The Saratoga Summer Concert Series returns to Congress Park for the 2024 season! Gather your friends and family, bring your blankets and chairs, find a spot on the lawn, and enjoy some of our area's favorite performers. Concerts will take place on Sunday evenings in July and Tuesday evenings in August. Shows begin at 7:00 pm at the War Memorial in beautiful Con gress Park. Each concert will last approximately 90 minutes. The rain location is the Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center.This FREE Saratoga Summer Concert Series is a program of the Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center in partnership with Discover Saratoga and the City of Saratoga Springs. Congress Park - War Memorial, 268 Broadway Saratoga Springs
Glens Falls Vegan Festival set for Saturday, Aug. 10. Glens Falls Vegan Festival, a joyful, inclusive celebration of plantbased food and the vegan lifestyle, is set for Saturday, August 10, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in City Park in Downtown Glens Falls, New York. Entertainment includes a pit bull “kissing booth” by Out of the Pits, live music by Mark Rabin, parenting and cooking tips from Kristin and Em, and more. The event will include a post-festival dinner menu made up of restaurant specials throughout the city, so attendees can explore the many vegan options available at Glens Falls restaurants for their evening meal.It is hosted by Glens Falls Vegan and Advokate, LLC, and sponsored by the City of Glens Falls and Capital Region Vegan Network. City Park in Glens Falls, NY, on Saturday, Aug. 10, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
August 10 - 11 Argyle
OPEN STUDIO -New works by Robert Whiting and Susan Bayard Whiting will be featured. August 10 & 11 from 10am to 5pm. The public is in vited to see some of the artists’ most recent work. Whiting Studio, 105 Holmes Road, Argyle NY, 12809 For additional information see www.whitingartwork.com
August 11 -22 Lake George Lake George Music Festival. Nestled in the natural beauty of the Adirondack mountains and the shoreline of Lake George in upstate New York is the his toric Carriage House on the grounds of Fort William Henry Hotel. Visitors experience a full two weeks of chamber music and orchestral concerts curated by Artistic Directors Barbora Kolarova and Roger Kalia, as well as all the summertime favorites Lake George has to offer. Sunday, Aug 11, 2024 until Thursday, Aug 22, The Carriage House, Fort William Henry, 48 Canada Street Lake George, NY
August 24 - September 28 Schuylerville
August 16 - October 12 Clifton Park
As the saying goes, “a picture is worth a thousand words.” The Blooming Artist Gallery & Instruction is pleased to pres ent our first regional exhibition featuring diverse works all testifying to this truth from artists based around the northeastern United States. This exhibit features an aesthetically varied showcase of fine art revealing discerning and profound originality through conscientious and deliberate execution. All are welcome to join us for our Opening Art Reception & Presentation of Awards Celebration on August 16th between 6-8pm. The Blooming Artist, 675 Grooms Rd, Clifton Park, NY
Enough: New Work by Mary Barringer. A solo ex hibition featuring new functional works by Massachusettes potter, Mary Barringer. Saturday, August 24 - September 28, 5:00 PM. About this body of work, Barringer states “As I round the corner of fifty years working in clay, I find myself revisiting forms that have never grown old for me - in particular, the basin and the lidded jar. Mainstays of the vocab ulary of pottery, they seem familiar yet ges ture toward abstraction and mystery. In addi tion, it has been inspiring to imagine this work in a gallery space, where scale and volume, so flattened by our online lives, will be able to have their say.” Saratoga Clay Arts Center, 167 Hayes Road, Schuylerville, NY
