Stephanie Sittnick - Director of Sales ( 860) 227-8199 advertising@518mag.com
CONTRIBUTORS
Carol St.Sauveur Ferris, Karen Richman, Rona Mann
Chandler Stevens, Lawrence White, Susan Brink, Crystal Cobert Giddens, Chef Armand Vanderstigchel, Alan B. Richer, Kirsten Ferguson
COVER “Morning Garden” Laura Von Rosk
Where did the summer go? We are heading to the finish line with the las t days of summer and the first days of fall are right around the corner. September is a fun month. You can enjoy apple picking, scenic fall foliage drives, outdoor dining and enjoy all the cool local festivals.
Welcome to the September issue. Oh what interesting stories we have in store for you! Music - Art - Wellness…. It’s the perfect mix! Find that comfy chair, sit back, relax and enjoy the September issue.
As always, our goal at 518 PROFILES, is always to focus on the good, the beautiful and the positive by publishing stories with heart and soul. We strive each month to deliver authentic and unique content about cre ative people and interesting destinations. Enjoy!
Stephanie Sittnick Founder / Publisher
The Artist Who Healed Herself Now Helps Heal Others pg. 8
Coming to You, Live, on Broadway!
Dave Papa, Artist pg. 18
Putting the Artist Before the Art North Country ARTS: Encouraging, Promoting, Championing
pg. 36
Sharing Music Through History: The Musicians of Ma'alwyck pg. 28 518 PROFILES
587 Grand Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
The Artist Who Healed Herself Now Helps Heal Others
by Carol St.Sauveur Ferris
In 1917, Ricciotto Canudo, an Italian art critic, wrote the Manifesto of the Seven Arts. The manifesto officially defined seven major art forms, including painting, sculpture, architecture, music, theater, literature, and cinema (filmmaking). Since then, the definition of art has expanded to include digital arts, healing arts, and more; and to those who know her, it would seem that Joan Reid has embraced and mastered her fair share of them.
Born in Evanston, Illinois, and raised in Queensbury, New York, with four siblings, Joan had quite the busy childhood. She loved to draw, paint, and sew, but also played the piano, cornet, and guitar. If that wasn’t enough, she sang in the school chorus and church choir, competed in synchronized swimming, took dance lessons, and volunteered as a candy striper. Her mother was an artist, and her fa ther was a doctor. Joan initially had set her sights on being a doctor, but art won out.
To that end, and upon graduation from high school, she attended Philadelphia College of Art for one semester, then transferred to Moore College of Art. She received a BFA in Illustration and a BS in Art Education. Later, she did her graduate work at SUNY. After living and working in Philadelphia as an illustrator in ad vertising, she moved back to Queensbury, taking a job teaching at her alma mater.
She also married, began teaching art at Queensbury Elementary School, and had two children. Besides teaching art to 900 children per week, a mind-boggling number, she also put her husband through college, and built a house while volunteering at The Lower Adirondack Regional Arts Council (LARAC), the North Country Arts Center (NCAC), Lake George Arts Project, and more. It’s no surprise that during
this time, she developed a disease that doctors did not understand. Even her father was mys tified. Eventually, it was recognized and diagnosed as fibromyalgia.
With persistent pain and a diagnosis, Joan began a quest to heal herself, which led to studying the healing arts. Years later, she suc ceeded and was healed. As a result, she subscribes to the power of a variety of therapies, including art, to treat disease and free the spirit from stress and self-defeat. It’s no surprise that she has become an expert in many fields, and teaches them along with traditional art classes.
Her art studio has been located at The Shirt Factory in Glens Falls, New York, for 22 years. To say that it is an epicenter for all types of art is an understatement. Joan teaches numerous classes and invites guest speakers for specialty subjects. Traditional art classes offered include painting, monotype, drawing, and pastels. In addition, she teaches a variety of classes in the healing arts, all of which she has taken, becoming an expert in the specific protocol as well.
On the other hand, her pastel portraits capture the indi vidual and often delicate features. Light is a big part of her portraits. One called, The Red Scarf, is of a woman who gently suggests a quiet sophistication and elegance. The background provides contrast to her profile and facial features while providing perfect contrast against the “Little
When it comes to traditional art, Joan prefers oil paints and pastels. Her canvases tend to be small to midsize, which has as much to do with practicality as preference, and often dictated by the time available. Many of her paintings are landscapes featuring lakes from upstate New York and the coast of Maine. She works en plein air, in oil, enjoying the peace of the locations and the process of capturing the moment. When it comes to portraits, Joan prefers pastels because she’s able to capture more details.
“When I see a wonderful scene, I love to paint with oils en plein air. It’s a little looser. With pastels, it’s a little tighter and more exact.”
When viewing her paintings of lakes, you can appreciate the relaxed feelings the looseness creates. There’s a serenity that precision of detail would inhibit. A great example of this is a lovely oil painting titled Eagle Lake that is simply trees, sky, sandy shore, water, and a boathouse. Joan used both smooth and heavy brushstrokes with blues, greens, and loosely applied whites that define the natural setting. Tucked in near the center is a small red boathouse, sug gesting others are enjoying the view as well.
Noaji”
“The Red Scarf”
“Eagle Lake”
bright red of the headscarf. The entire composition, from subject to color to light, beautifully captures the woman in a pensive moment.
Another wonderful pastel, called Little Noaji, is of a little girl with wavy blond hair and beautiful green eyes. The background color is
“Sedona Vortex” “Artist's Barn”
“Dancers”
neutral with the light playing off of her cheeks, hair, and nose. Her beautiful eyes, with distinct irises, complement her beautiful smile. The suggestion of earrings, a necklace, and a
dress collar also adds delicate feminine details which are sweetly enhanced with bits of pink and white. This portrait is delightfully light and sweet, just like the little girl.
In addition to oil paintings and pastels, Joan creates fascinating monotypes with spiritual messages and meanings. A monotype is a one-of-a-kind print that is made by transferring an image from a special plate to paper and cannot be duplicated. While a ver satile way to create an interesting image, it often takes a very long time and lots of pa tience. They are created by adding and
sub tracting water-based paint from a plate that is subsequently pressed onto paper with a printing press or sometimes by hand. Joan likes to add bits and pieces to her monotype depending on the theme or message she wishes to convey. She might add a pretty flower, a grass clipping, or tree leaves, and will often make im pressions of precious stones and religious symbols. Once assembled, the combination of media is pressed to create the monotype.
One of her many monotypes is called Etched in Time, based on a trip she took to Hawaii. The scene represents how many Hawaiians honor their loved ones upon death. Specifically, the very dark area be tween the sky and the ocean represents a lava bed where they go to etch their loved one’s name in the lava rock. It is a cemetery of sorts, but one where a family member leaves names and perhaps symbols of the loved one, because it is impossible to bury the dead directly in lava rock. How Joan created the lava for the monotype is fascinating. She painted crushed aluminum foil with dark paint, then applied the crushed foil to the plate. When pressed it created the dark textured lava. And if you look closely, you will see petroglyph symbols as well.
With such a large portfolio of paintings, pastels, and monotypes, it’s hard to believe that Joan also teaches and practices the healing arts in earnest. She is not a doctor, but as mentioned, always wanted to be one as a little girl, just like her father. That, coupled with, the complexity of fibromyalgia, is no surprise that she was
“Connections”
“Isis-Brown”
determined to learn as much as she could about other healing modalities beyond traditional medicine. To that end, she learned about acupressure and reflexology. Joan also became a Reiki Master, a Hawaiian Energetics Practitioner, a Hawaiian Cranial Sacral Worker, a Clinical Hypnotherapist, and a Dowser to name a few.
Today, she offers an extensive list of classes in the healing arts as an ad junct to her list of traditional art classes. Some you may have heard of like Meditation, Mindfulness, and Spirituality, as well as, Dream Work and Connecting with Your Inner Child through Art. Others maybe not, such as Reiki, Dowsing, Shamanism, and Hawaiian Energetics.
Joan has in-depth knowledge of each modality, but for those of us who don’t know a great deal, the following descriptions should help.
Meditation - techniques that focus on mind/body integration and are used to calm the mind.
Mindfulness - a practice that asks a person to maintain awareness of the present moment without judgment.
Spirituality - a broad concept that recognizes that there is something greater than oneself while searching for meaning in life.
Dream Work – fundamentally, an exploration of one’s dreams to help gain self-awareness.
Reiki - techniques originating in Japan to reduce stress, increase relaxation, and promote healing.
Dowsing - an ancient practice of divination that can locate oil, groundwater, gemstones, and more.
Shamanism - a spiritual practice that involves a practitioner (shaman) be lieved to have the ability to heal the sick, escort souls of the dead to the Otherworld, and also communicate with the Otherworld.
Hawaiian Energetics - a hands-on technique used by a practitioner who listens to a client’s words and their bodies to achieve health and vitality.
The depth and breadth of Joan’s healing arts work and accomplishments on their own can make your head spin. So many areas of expertise that most never achieve. She has won numerous awards for her artwork, placed in many shows, and continues to volunteer her time and knowledge for numerous art organizations.
Joan Reid is talented, dedicated, and truly pro lific with no signs of stopping!
To see Joan’s work or participate in classes /workshops, visit her at The Shirt Factory, in Glens Falls, New York; on Facebook at Healing Arts Studios 311; on Instagram @joan.reid.505; and online at www.joanreidhealingarts.com.
Walking the Labyrinth with a Meditation group
Coming to You, Live, on Broadway! Dave Papa, Artist
by Carol St.Sauveur Ferris
For centuries, there have been street artists and performers of every stripe capturing the attention of passersby around the world from organ grinders to magicians, painters to poets, dancers to singers, and so many more. They’ve entertained and engaged city dwellers and tourists alike. In Saratoga Springs, New York, there’s an amazing artist who has been painting in his open-air studio, live on Broadway, for more than 30 years.
Born in Utica, New York, Dave was the youngest of seven children. His Dad was a barber, and his Mom had her hands full with their large family. From a very young age, Dave loved to draw. At three years old, and without any guidance, he began copying words and paragraphs from the back of record albums that his Mom collected. By the age of five, Dave was spending hours copying comic book pictures familiar to many of us, like Bugs Bunny and the Flintstones. As he got older, he moved on to drawing Superman and the Hulk. His God-given artistic talent was increasingly obvious and was quickly becoming his passion.
From the very beginning, Dave’s dad believed in his very young son’s talent. Sadly, he passed away from cancer at 57 and never got to see his son’s eventual success. Though only eight at the time, Dave does have a very special memory of him that he keeps close to his heart. He recalls his dad sitting him down to read from a big art book filled with colorful pictures of famous paintings. It was called 100 of the World’s Most Beautiful Paintings; and while Dave scrutinized the paintings, his dad read the descriptions out loud. One in particular, “The Changing Chasseur” by Theodore Gericult, stands out in his memory.
“The painting is of a beautiful gray horse rear ing up with an officer of the Imperial Horse Guards on its back with a sword drawn. My dad would say, ‘Someday you will be a famous artist, and your work will be in a book too. You may even paint horses.’ That really encouraged me a great deal.”
In addition to that special moment with his dad, Dave was always praised and encouraged by his teachers throughout grade school and high school. Later, when he attended Mo hawk Community College, he was taken under the wing of Babette Martino, a teacher who came from the famous Giovanni Martino family of oil painters in Italy. She had a style that was similar to Edward Hopper’s,
which Dave admired. As a result, both Martino’s and Hopper’s use of light heavily influenced his paintings.
Following his graduation from Mohawk with an AAS in Graphic Design and Advertising,
he worked for the City of Utica as a graphic de signer, married, and had three children. He later worked for Consumer Programs, Inc. (CPI) for 15 years in the photo finish industry and moved up the management ladder before tak ing a job at Canon, working in Technical Engineering.
While working his day job at Canon, Dave also kept painting as a freelance artist. To his credit, he did a series of paintings for a company that sold art flags around the world. Turns out, his paintings of 12 different dog breeds were so popular that individual flags from the series can still be seen hanging in front of houses across the country and in Europe.
As Dave moved up the corporate ladder, eventually becoming an Escalation Specialist, his job became more intense, requiring travel. Rather than chill out with co-workers at the local pub after a tough day, he brought his
paints and easel with him and painted the stressors of the day away. When not traveling, he also made time to paint on Friday nights, Saturdays, and Sundays at home.
These days, Dave is retired from his management career but is just as busy now as he was when working. His art was always his passion, but now it’s his life. Nearly every day at 7 AM, he’s that guy setting up outside of Darling Donuts and Bella V Boutique to paint. He doesn’t stop until daylight begins to fade, usually around 6 PM. It is like the urban version of painting en plein air, but it’s not about what Dave sees around
him, but more about the energy he feels coming from the cacophony of sounds and the action that surrounds him. Dave shares that he loves the street sounds, people stopping by to observe and chat with him, and the music coming from his portable radio. Guaranteed it’s playing oldies from his parents’ era and the ‘60s including Petula Clark’s famous song, “Downtown,” which he loves and is quite apropos. It’s his meditation and connects him to untarnished innocence and joy from his childhood. It’s no surprise, then, that the best part for Dave, besides actually painting, is en gaging with the kids.
“People will sit at their tables drinking coffee and watch me. Their kids will always come up to me, but are usually too shy and timid to talk.
I hand them my brush and ask them to paint something – usually the ground. When they’re done and look up, they see people watching and are all smiles. Then I tell them they really helped my painting.”
Unknown to him at the time, one little girl was so touched by the experience that she came back many years later to find Dave, and there he was, still painting on Broadway! She was now in her 20s and shared that brushing the paint on his canvas so long ago encouraged her to pursue art. In fact, after high school, she attended Skidmore College and graduated with a degree in Fine Art. It was an incredible full-circle moment for him.
Dave does not show in galleries. His gallery, as you may have guessed, is the sidewalk. Paintings of all sizes, from 9”x12” to 36”x48”, are propped up against planters, signs, and benches. They are all one-of-a-kind, originals. You won’t see them in print anywhere. Every day, locals stroll by to check out his latest work while tourists stop and view it for the first time. This unique combination of an outdoor studio and gallery feeds his soul. He calls it his meditation, not unlike what yoga is for others.
“I feel I become infused into the at mosphere, the happenings at the time. I merge the sense of space and time and all the elements I’m feeling into the painting, making it unique to that very time.”
Dave works in oils like so many artists because the medium is slow to dry,
which is an advantage when painting outdoors, and he is known for his pet and equine paintings. He works from photos that are taken at the track or from photos given to him by their owners, who have commissioned Dave to paint their horses. Pet portraits are done from photos as well, and all are done on gesso board panels.
When painting pet portraits, he does a basic landmark sketch in pencil directly on the panel, then tones it with a thin layer of paint. Following that, he paints alla prima, which means wet on wet in Italian. Specifically, a painter adds color
on top of color without waiting for the first color to dry. One has to work fast and accurately to achieve the desired result. Dave shares that cap turing the eyes of a pet is key to p ortraying feeling and emotion. It distinguishes the pet from others and connects the owner to their dog or cat and is the secret to his success. When doing equine paintings, Dave does a
loose pencil sketch on panel, then paints those alla prima as well. He may use a variety of brands of oil paint, including water-mixable oils, to complete them.
Remember when Dave’s dad told him he’d be in a book someday? Well, he was right. A young couple who have been collecting his paintings over the years approached him about illustrating a book for them. It was Chris Carpenter, a former major league baseball player, and his wife, Sarah French, a former news anchor. Chris had written a children’s book that was inspired by the true story of Benbang, a horse who was a long shot and ended up winning her race at Saratoga. Chris had all the specs for the illustrations, right down to colors. Dave initially turned him down. He had never been restricted when painting and didn’t want to start now. After some discussion, Chris gave him full control over the illustrations, and long story short, the children’s book written by Chris Carpenter and illustrated by Dave Papa was aptly named, “The Long Shot,” and became a bestseller.
To his credit, Dave was also a finalist in the 22nd annual THE Artist’s Magazine and ranked 4th in the country for pet portraiture. In his 60s now, he shows no signs of stopping. Unless the weather is harsh, you will still find Dave outside Darling Donuts and Bella V Boutique painting. So do yourself a favor,
grab a coffee, and watch the magic unfold. And just maybe you’ll end up purchasing a one-of-a-kind, Dave Papa original for your home. If not in person, view his work on In stagram @davepapaartist or email Dave at jazzit@rocketmail.com
There is no doubt that Dave’s biggest fan is smiling from above.
Chris Carpenter & Dave Papa
Sharing Music Through History: The Musicians of Ma'alwyck
“You will be most readily cured of vanity or pre sumption by studying the history of music, and by hearing the masterpieces which have been produced at different periods.”
... Robert Schumann, Composer/Pianist, 1810-1856
Music and history are deeply intertwined. They offer a powerful lens through which it is possible to explore the human experience across time and cultures. Music can act as a mirror reflecting the values, struggles, and aspirations of a society and era for which it was created.
However, much of the deep and rich musical history in the Capital Region was undiscovered until Ann-Marie Barker Schwartz, the Founder and Director of the chamber ensemble, M usi cians of Ma'alwyck, took the task seriously. Thus began the creation of a remarkable port folio of music that the ensemble brings to life today.
Ann-Marie was born in Schenectady, where her father was a physicist for General Electric, and
by Lawrence White
her mother went to college as a music major but ended up going into psychology.
“On Saturdays, we would listen to the Met ropolitan Opera radio broadcasts,” Ann Marie reminisces. “Both of my parents were raised in the Deep South during the depres sion, but my grandparents thought music was very important, and my parents passed that love of music on to me.
“Music drew me to dance, and I became very serious about ballet. Unfortunately, in 10th grade, I blew out my knee during re hearsal, and that ended one career track, but it started another. I had already developed a deep love of music and had been playing violin since third grade, so the transition to music full-time was natural.”
Ann-Marie went on to attend Boston Uni versity, where she studied with Roger Shermont (the 30-year first violinist for the Boston Symphony) and received a Bach elor’s degree in music performance.
From 1982 to 1997, Ann-Marie was a member of the first violin section of the Albany Symphony Orchestra and currently performs with the Glim merglass Opera Orchestra. She received a Master’s degree in American History from the University at Albany, where she specialized in the research of music in America during the 1700s and 1800s.
As a Cunningham Research Resident at the New York State Library, Ann-Marie worked on early 19th-century musical activities in Albany, culminating in a production of George Washington’s favorite opera, “The Poor Soldier,” by William Shield and John O’Keefe.
Ann-Marie Barker Schwartz Sten Yngvar Isachsen Norman Thibodeaux
Andre Laurent O’Neil
For several years, Ann-Marie was a producer for Dorian Recordings in the Troy Music Hall, where she recorded pianist Sam Sanders, who accompanied Itzhak Perlman, and was a sort of father figure for Ann- Marie. She continues to work as a producer for the awardwin ning Baroque ensemble REBEL. Their last recording, devoted to the music of Telemann, was in the 2014 Grammy pool. Ann-Marie taught music history at the University at Albany and Siena College. She is the adjunct professor of violin and viola at Schenectady County Community College (SCCC) and at Union College.
I ask Ann-Marie to detail the path that led her to form the Musicians of Ma'alwyck and perform the large collection of local early American music she researched and discovered. Reflectively, she responds, “I got married in 1994 and had two children. When my second child was born in 1999, I began to worry about being obsolete. So, I came up with the idea to form an ensemble that would perform music that was first played in early America.
Celebrated Emblems, photo credit Gary Gold
“I visited the Schuyler Mansion, thinking that their collection of music would be similar to those in European museums and libraries.” Then, with astonishment, AnnMarie exclaims, “I was shocked to find that they only had an old re ceipt for a wooden flute, and another for music lessons for one of the Schyler daughters, but that was all. No programs, no concert announcements. Nothing to tell me about the music of the time.”
This realization of how different America and Europe were in deal ing with their musical history inspired Ann-Marie to return to graduate school and earn a degree in American History with a sp e cialty in Early American music. Thus
began a journey that has turned into a residency at the Schuyler Mansion and Schenectady Com munity College.
“We held our first Musicians of Ma'alwyck con cert at the Schuyler Mansion in 2000. It was
The Hollow
Schuyler Mansion
totally sold out, and the crowd was extremely enthusiastic. It inspired me to go further. I started deep research using the special collection archives in the New York State Library. The most effective research was into some of the old families in the Albany area who were hosting concerts, or had family members who were musicians, or who collected music. That grassroots research provided a much fuller picture of the music in this area, and it is the basis for our repertoire today.”
The Musicians of Ma'alwyck (named after Ann-Marie’s historic Schenec tady home) continue to perform and thrill live audiences. “The musical, “Hamilton,” brought a lot of attention to Schuyler, who was Hamilton’s father-in-law. This family connection inspired a few of our concerts at the mansion, and the audiences loved them,” Ann-Marie tells me enthusiastically.
As you would expect, tickets for the Musicians of Ma'alwyck concerts sell quickly. The events are a unique and captivating experience as well as a lovely concert. The sense of connection the audience experiences is obvious in their focused attention and enthusiastic responses. The calendar on their website notes several upcoming events that offer
op portunities to attend a Musicians of Ma'alwyck concert or to view one of their live streams online.
Musicians of Ma'alwyck Executive Director, Caroline Brown, wrote sev eral successful grant proposals for the group and is excited about the new films and media that the ensemble is producing. “The oppor tunities for multimedia performances and mixed genre performances are expanding both locally and farther afield." Then, with a laugh, she continues, "Our big challenge is how to do it all.”
Caroline goes on to explain the group’s evolution into new media. “In 2020, during the shutdown, we started making music films, and we are up to 16 or 17 now. Each is focused on a chamber music per form ance. The short film, “The Hollow,” is a creative adaptation of Washington Irving's classic tale, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” It premiered in 2023 to a tremendous response. The musicians involved in the production are Ann-Marie Barker Schwartz (violin), Norman Thibodeaux (flute), and Al Fedak (harpsichord). A related video featuring Gabriella Pizzolo and Colin Havener is available on YouTube. We also produced and released a CD titled Music in the Schuyler Mansion.”
I ask Ann-Marie what she feels is the future for Musicians of Ma'alwyck. With excitement in her eyes and determination in her tone, she says, “It has been a very interesting lead-up to our 25th anniversary. Our mission is to share history through music, and that has opened many creative opportunities. History is as fresh as yesterday and as old as 250 years ago. Anywhere you go, but particularly in our area, the history is fasci nating if your eyes and mind are open. There are transcendent sto ries to be told. Music amplifies that experience and puts it on a different level. It allows the listener to engage with history in a personal manner. It is satisfying and inspiring for the musicians to feel the powerful connection it has with the public.”
Then, with a knowing smile, Ann-Marie adds, “Keep your eye on us. There is much more to come!”
https://musiciansofmaalwyck.org
A Water Bird Talk
Putting the Artist Before the Art
North Country ARTS: Encouraging, Promoting, Championing
by Rona Mann
“Every artist was first an amateur”
..Ralph Waldo Emerson
There are hundreds, no, thousands of art organizations throughout the United States, spilling across the oceans to other parts of the world, all doing what they consider best to promote art.
There are enclaves and co-ops and associations everywhere, but few are like North Country ARTS because here in the shadow of the majestic Adirondacks, here where win ters are hard but the peo ple who live here are even harder, here where snow and ice are not de terrents, but inspiration, here is where art lives. Where it thrives. Where nothing seems to get in the way of the work and the people who create it.
The story of North Country ARTS, a 501 (c)(3) non-profit, is one of resilience, belief, and continuity. It is what began when a small group
of artists based in Warrensburg, NY, known as the “Queen Village of the Adirondacks,” and with its close proximity to Lake George, founded what was known then as North Country ARTS Center. Its
Standing: Maria Clara Castano, Dolores Thomson, Phil Casabona, Phyllis Brown, Drew Monthie, Anne Nelson. Seated: Jacky Touba, Jon Segan, Lee Shippey. Not available for photo: Rebecca Pelchar, Judith Aratoli-Tully, Anthony Richichi
main and only purpose at the time was to offer both children’s and adult art classes to the public. Initially, without funding, they taught in their own homes and in donated spaces, but soon were able to rent a small storefront where they could not only teach classes, but also provide limited gallery space for artists to exhibit and sell their work. Yes, it was certainly about the art, but always about the artist first and how North Country Arts Center was impassioned to give every artist who wanted to be represented an opportunity and a place to promote their work.
“Support and encourage the artists around you” ...anonymous
No one who wanted to be a member of the unique and giving non- profit was ever shut out. All ages, all levels of expertise and expe rience, all genres and media were welcome. And so they came: painters and textile makers, photographers, jewelry designers, sculptors and potters, and those who produced mixed media were now becoming part of this wonderful group that had taken shape and was growing exponentially in northern New York.
Within just a few years, North Country ARTS found a new gallery space at, of all places, the Glens Falls City Hall! They found a home on the second floor of the building where they still maintain a popular gallery to this day and is open 9AM-4PM, sharing the same hours as the City Hall itself. This ambitious group of artists was now gaining momentum, and in 2016, North Country Arts opened what would become their main gallery in the ever-popular Shirt Factory in Glens Falls. Fully membership-driven, with all members being required to also serve as volunteers, the non-profit and its stable of artists of every stripe was gaining recognition, not just in northern New York, but throughout the Adirondack region extending south to Saratoga.
“Anyone can be a member,” states Drew Monthie, digital photographer and current Vice-President of the very active board. “We have students who are members, individuals, families, a whole host of re tirees, even web memberships where the artist can also be represented by a personal website they cre ate. They can begin to develop a portfolio that
way, which is helpful if they are looking to further explore and develop art as their profession.”
Former President, Treasurer, and board member, Dr. Jacquiline Touba, who has a Ph.D. in Sociology and an artist’s bent in pen and ink draw ings and as a Batik water colorist, was drawn to North Country ARTS because, “I want to encourage artists, giving them a place to grow and exhibit their work.”
But two galleries just weren’t enough for what was becoming one of the most popular non-profits to ever hit the North Country. So today, in addition to The Shirt Factory and the City Hall, North Country ARTS maintains a gallery which occupies the second-floor mezzanine of the beautiful Queensbury Hotel. This space is open 24 hours a day, affording access to those checking, checking out, or just checking on what talented artists are doing in northern New York.
Today, North Country ARTS boasts these three separate gallery spaces, all of which are totally unique unto themselves. The main gallery is still at The Shirt Factory in Glens Falls where NCA began 53 years ago and is open Thursday, Fri day, and Saturday each week from Noon to 5 PM with the artists themselves manning the space The other two venues are not staffed, but open to the public for browsing, appreciating, and seeing just how much one little non-profit can do.
“Your
art matters, share it with the world” ...unknown
And that’s what can happen when just a small number of people with a strong focus mixed with a huge dose of belief get to gether with one purpose...and then keep at it, keep at it, keep at it. Working it, molding and remolding it like clay; painting and then painting over what’s already on the canvas, shooting not just one image but many, changing the lens till a goal has been achieved. These are the artists of North Country ARTS - many, varied, representing different demographics, lifestyles, genders. Some are doing what they do as a retirement hobby or just for fun. Others because their dream is to exhibit and have oth ers share in their vision. Still others are in search of a professional career with work that will continue to financially support them.
It matters not what their goals or dreams are. They’ve come to the right place, they are working with the right people, and most importantly, they are growing, sharing their talent, putting it out there, and having one heck of a good time doing it all.
They are the artists of North Country ARTS. They’ve come to the right place. Now they invite you to do the same.
DON’T MISS THESE SHOWS!
Now through September 28th: “Don’t Worry, It’s Only Art”
October-November: “Any Shade You Want” fea turing an additional smaller show with Re becca Zeh
Don’t miss the Fine Arts Show and Photography show at the Crandall Public Library in Dec.
November-January: “The Sweetheart Deal”...every piece of art will be on sale for $99 or less!
Do your holiday shopping here at North Country ARTS!
* Check the website for specific dates and times
North Country ARTS at The Shirt Factory, 71 Lawrence Street, Glens Falls
North Country ARTS 2nd Floor Gallery at City Hall, 42 Ridge Street, Glens Falls
North Country ARTS 2nd floor Mezzanine at The Queensbury Hotel, 88 Ridge Street, Glens Falls
WARNING: Lock Away Your Whites, Summer’s Over!
By Karen Richman
If you’re reading this online, it’s likely before the beginning of the new month because 518 Profiles enjoys being ahead of the curve and getting the magazine to you early each month.
So if you are reading this prior to September 2nd (because Labor Day falls on the 1st this year), you actually have a few more days and occa sions to strut the catwalk in your white jackets, slacks, jeans, shirts, and fancy shoes. Then at the stroke of midnight on Labor Day, it’s over! Done! Finie! Gone!
“Why is that?” you might ask, as I did when I queried my mother years ago as she started packing the whites away even though the thermometer still read mid-nineties. “Because they say you’re not supposed to wear them after Labor Day,” she answered, with such authority that I believed it to be fact. Well, I may have bought that ex planation when I was seven, but as I reached adulthood, my pes simism grew, and who exactly were “they” anyway? Then, to re ally confuse things, I saw women wearing white wool pants and nice white suits in the middle of January. Horrors! So I once again asked my mother how that could be. “Oh, that’s winter white,” she replied in that tone of I-should-have-known-better-than-to-ask.
What, then, in the world is “winter white,” and why is it okay to wear it in the middle of a February blizzard but not white linen on September 10th? Okay, let’s get to the bottom of this.
The idea that you can’t wear white after Labor Day is, at best, an outdated fashion rule, and if you are someone who doesn’t adhere to historical social customs, you will not find any relevance whatsoever in this antiquated fashion statement. Before air conditioning was a thing, lighter colors were worn because they reflected sunlight and were perfect for summer vacations. When travelers then returned home after Labor Day, they switched to darker clothing.
Winter white is a shade of white that has warm undertones of cream, ivory, and off-white. So during colder months, it allows those who make this fashion choice to still wear whites without “old wives” who still subscribe to Old Wives’ Tales, screaming their criticism out of car windows.
I grew up living in a home where Old Wives’ Tales were prevalent. No condemnation of my mother, but she was a true believer in doing the right thing, and “they” were always the last word as to what was true or correct or proper. So I heard these “tales” often, maybe you did as well:
If you swallow that gum, it will stick in your stomach for seven years. Although the body cannot digest gum, it quickly passes out of your system.
Eat those carrots, they will improve your eyesight. Carrots are a good source of vitamin A, but if you’re already getting enough, they won’t improve eyesight further.
You have to wait an hour after eating before you can swim, or you’ll get cramps. This has little scientific backing, as the Red Cross
Scientific Advisory Council reports zero cases of drowning caused by swimming after eating.
Swallow a watermelon seed, and it will grow inside you.
Some Old Wives’ Tales just don’t warrant a rebuttal!
Don’t go out in the cold with a wet head.
Going out in the cold during winter makes you susceptible to any virus living in the air. Wet or dry hair notwithstanding.
Cracking your knuckles causes arthritis.
The myth has been debunked! That obnoxious sound comes from bursting gas bubbles in the synovial fluid that lubricates the joints.
Chicken soup cures colds.
Any soup provides hydration, and salt soothes sore throats. Sinuses may indeed open up, and your immune system may get a boost, but that bowl of grandma’s best won’t shorten the duration of a cold.
Feed a cold, starve a fever.
Whether you’re suffering from a simple cold or a virus accompanied by fever, the focus should be primarily on fluids and easily digestible foods.
Despite scientific advancements, Old Wives’ Tales will likely always circulate because they offer comfort, advice, and a connection to the past. They bring us back to a time before modern medicine, when people relied on tradition and information passed down to them as truth. It was before the internet became our “authority” on matters, before social media formed and/or changed opinions. It was Old Wives’ Tales that shaped how we behaved, what we wore, how we treated health and medical issues, and how soon we could swim those laps after a picnic lunch.
Old Wives’ Tales represent the best of storytelling since they can engage an audience, find common ground, exchange versions of their own, and most of all, lighten up any conversation since they can be appreciated both for their historical and cultural significance. A bit of skepticism never hurt, especially in the absence of concrete evidence.
As for me, I’m about to put my summer clothes away and get ready for fall, including my white pants, white shoes, and my all white wristwatch.
Old habits die hard.
The Beginning of the Return
By Crystal Cobert Giddens
It starts with the silence. A hallway no longer humming with motion or a backpack dropped. A door slamming and a “bye Mom!” Maybe a tail light disappearing down the street while you stand in the kitchen, unsure whether to exhale or cry.
September doesn’t arrive with fanfare. It arrives with space. And if you’re a woman who spent the summer holding everything together: snacks, limbs, sunscreen, emotions and expectations…that space can feel unfamiliar. Even a little lonely. After months of motion, what do you do with stillness?
Maybe you had plans: start the project, get back on track, clean the garage, reboot the green juice habit. But instead of momentum, there’s a strange mix of relief and grief. The noise is gone. So is the chaos. But so is the company.
And if you’re not someone who gets to stay home after the drop-off, then what? You head straight to work, shift into boss or employee mode, or juggle a hundred work-from-home tabs. You’re still carrying summer’s weight with the remnants of your tan.
You made the lunches. You remembered all the school supplies. You tucked notes into pockets, filled lunch boxes and did all the things you could. And now, suddenly, you get to drive in silence. Or better yet, play the music you actually like. Not a podcast for their brain or a playlist for their mood. Yours.
If you work from home, the silence can be deafening. But it can also be sacred. The house isn’t just quiet. It’s yours again.
This time of year, we’re told to lean into productivity. September is sold as a fresh start, a second January. But I think it’s something else. I think it’s a homecoming.
For over two decades I’ve worked with so many women. We’ve talked about our nervous system, schedules, rest (and lack of rest) re sponsibilities and wants AND even a few needs, and I can tell you this: the shift that matters most isn’t the one that checks another box. It’s the one that lets you fully return. To your rhythm. To your presence. To yourself.
So before you rush into optimization, I’m inviting you to begin with something smaller. A ritual. A return.
Here’s what I mean:
Swap routine for rhythm. Routines feel rigid. Rhythms respond. In stead of forcing yourself into a schedule that’s running in 5 directions, ask your body what it needs in the morning, midday, and evening. Then meet it with the gentlest structure possible.
Try choosing one sacred corner in your home. Not a whole room. Not a Pinterest project. Just a corner — of a room, on a day. Maybe today. Maybe tomorrow. Make it yours. A chair by a window. The loveseat that gets the morning or afternoon sun. Now take 20 minutes and just BE.
Give your senses something beautiful. Light a candle. Use the fancy teacup while you sip (not gulp) your tea. Wear the perfume you save for special occasions. Your body responds to beauty more than pressure. Give it something to anchor to.
Unsubscribe from urgency. Find your breath and feel your chest rise and fall for a moment. Stillness is not failure. It’s a place to land. And when you feel the pull to go back into caretaker mode — pause. This is your moment to be fully present. For once, not for someone else, but for yourself.
Snuggle your dog on the couch. Let Scruffy or Piper lean against you while your tea steeps (in your pretty tea cup.)
Answer the phone like you have time to talk. Because maybe, finally, you do. Call your mom instead of texting her and thank her for every summer she held it together. Ask her if she cried or danced the day you went back to school in September. Then laugh about it, together.
September can also mark a physical transition. Skin changes. Energy shifts. Light shifts. What worked in July may no longer serve you.
This is a good time to reassess, reset, and restore. But gently. Respectfully. In rhythm with the season, not in defiance of it.
You don’t need a grand plan. Just a little space. A softened edge. A moment of quiet that belongs only to you.
This isn’t about becoming someone new. It’s about returning to your self. It’s about recognizing someone familiar. She’s been here the whole time, waiting.
Crystal Cobert Giddens Licensed Esthetician and Skin Strategist FACES of Saratoga @skintruthproject
Th e myth of ski-resort towns being seasonal is fictional and will be proven unseemly in this ar ticle about the beautiful town of Killington, Vermont during the late-summer/early-fall months.
Upon recommendation by friends, we decided to see for ourselves, departing Saratoga Springs and arriving in the picturesque Killington upon a mere 2-hour drive through small scenic Vermont towns.
Experiencing the sensation of slow elevation driving up the mountainous Killington Road, you immediately notice the sprawling scenery and many well-kept year-round commerce along the road enroute to our lodging at the popular “Mountain-Inn.”
Located at the base of Killington Resort, The Mountain Inn is a newly renovated modern rustic hotel we decided on while booking through the Kayak travel website. The wisdom of traveling in the alternate season is the imme diate change of pricing whereas we booked a luxury balcony mountain-view room under $ 185 while in the January months the rooms allegedly go for $ 410 plus. The rooms are modern and include amenities such as a heated out-door pool, fitness room, distillery, restaurant, and a complimentary breakfast, sealing the deal.
For dinner we visited the acclaimed “Foundry Restaurant at Summit Pond, a stunning restau rant in Killington, with breathtaking views, situated on the banks of the Summit
Pond, offering a diverse menu featuring farmto-table cuisine, Steak and fresh Seafood including an outdoor porch for striking sunset views and an elaborate fireplace to enjoy during the winter months.
The beautiful day on hand initiated the choice of an outdoor deck-table, overlooking the pond stocked with friendly ducks, geese, turtles, and visual catfish patrolling the outer banks in hopes of a donated snack by the outside dining guests. Executive chef Andy Wilkins runs a tight ship ensuring an elevated cuisine regardless of a challenging scenario of a relentless dining vol ume especially on weekends and during high-season.
Foundry Restaurant at Summit Pond Sweet tamari-glazed tuna topped with crispy wonton, seaweed salad and miso aioli.
For appetizers we enjoyed the unique Bleu Cheese filled Dated encrusted with Applewood Bacon. Shaved Beef Sliders of braised Onions, Dijon Aioli and Parmesan Tuile are perfect for sharing and the roasted Kale Salad with Beets, Walnuts and Goat Cheese Chevre is a creative take on Salad offerings.
A refreshing Aperol Spritzer accompanied the main course of a Wild Mushroom and crispy Prosciutto doused Statler Chicken Marsala with creamy mashed Potatoes and a premium Filet Mignon with an Asparagus side. The restaurant is known for a great Steak selection offering a choice of various sauces such as; Au Poivre, Demi-Glace, bone Marrow Butter or Truffle Butter.
To elope dessert cliches, a Vermont themed Maple Crème Brulee was as tutely chosen resulting in crowning it in the top-three of the Brulé cat egory, encompassing all requirements such as taste, creaminess and a glass-like Brulee Sugar crust- simply fantastic.
An additional dessert was reserved in lieu for visiting the wildly popular Ice cream store “Mad Hatters Scoops” located adjacent to the restaurant.
Mad Hatter's Scoops is a family friendly destination serving Vermont made Ice Cream with flavors ranging from the classic Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough to Vermont Maple Bacon served with a fresh homemade Waffle Cone or signature Sundaes! On Friday and Saturday nights, fam ilies can enjoy their Ice-Cream while watching a movie on the giant outdoor screen. We enjoyed the Toasted Coconut Chip and the Salted Caramel-excellent Ice-Cream with the creamy Vermont Milk essence exulting the quality.
The next morning an appointed visit was co mpleted at the ‘Killington Distillery within the compounds of the Mountain Inn. Distillers Dylan and Sean graciously gave us a mini-tour of the distillery, which produces awardwinning Bourbons, Whiskey, Tequila, and Gin, which are sold all over the northeast and in New York state soon. Owners Caroline Wise and her father, Jack, felt the call of the mountains as ski aficionados and to get her founded Killington Distillery in the Green Mountains of Ver mont. According to head-distiller Dylan, the Maple Cask Bourbon Whiskey with Vermont Maple syrup is their top-seller because of the quality and Vermont-touch.
The Killington Market and Deli on Killington Road is a great place to stock up on snacks and beverages when staying at your hotel-they make a great Chili which we enjoyed, along with a delicious Brie-cheese and Prosecco Wine (yes, wine are sold in supermarkets in Vermont)
Our final stop before heading back to Saratoga Springs, remained the “Sunup Bakery” which fortuitously opens back up on Tuesday morning.
Since 1995, Laura McKenna and the team have been serving up freshest ingredients /whole foods, utilizing local and organic, baking the Breads and bakery items using King Arthur Flours.
In the reveled tradition of Vermont supporting local as member of “the Vermont Fresh Network & Farm and Chef partnership”, additional in gredients are from Cabot creamery, Maplebrook farms, Misty Knoll Poultry and local Coffee roasters such as Mill City Roasting and NH Benbows.
We enjoyed the Coffee, a gluten-free Pumpkin Muffin and Chocolate Cap puccino Bread Pudding -delicious. Sticky Buns were dropped in a secured bag in the trunk for later.
In closing recommendations, Killington visitors can enjoy scenic gondola rides, hiking/biking trails and the Green Mountain National Forest.
Fall Festivals: Check for local fall festivals/events happening in Killington.
INSTINCTIVELY DIFFERENT>>
September 1 - 17 Glens Falls
Artists Ann Larsen and Rena Bernstein
September 1 - 28 Manchester, VT
Robert Whiting and Susan Bayard Solo exhibition. Whiting at the Southern Ver mont Art Center in Gallery #9. June 28th –September 28. 860 Southern Ver mont Art Center Drive, Man chester, VT 05254.
Featured in LARAC Lapham Gallery’s Show VI; The Lower Adirondack Re gional Arts Council (LARAC) pres ents Show VI: As It Was, featuring artists Rena Bernstein and Ann Larsen. Although subject matter, inspiration and stylistic approaches differ greatly be tween the two artists on exhibit, both explore their motifs with expressive painterly brush strokes and confident, strong mark-making. Lower Adirondack Regional Arts Council (LARAC), 7 Lapham Place | Glens Falls, NY 12801
September 6 Schuylerville
The Bullard Block Building Fall ArtWalk will take place September 6th 2025 from 5 to 8 p.m at 98-90 Broad Street Schuylerville New York. Participating Galleries/Businesses are: Five Ravens Artisan Gallery,Olde Saratoga Metals, The Laffer Gallery, Revibe, Blue Door Gallery, and Earthbeat Music LLC. September 6th will also fe ature a Reception/Opening of Susan Petrie's "Color of Work" exhibition at Five Ravens Artisan Gallery, 98 Broad St in celebration of the 200th anniversary of the Canal System in New York State.
September 6 Saratoga Springs
2025 Albany Riverfront Jazz Festival. For 23 years, the City of Albany Jazz Festival has featured a wealth of jazz greats, critically acclaimed up-and-coming artists and local favorites at the area’s most spectacular venues. This all-day celebration features world-class music, vendors, great food & beverages, and post-concert fireworks. The Jazz Festival is an event for all ages - and ad mission is still free! Saturday, Sep 6, 2025 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Jennings Landing, 1 Quay St Albany, NY 12207
September 6 - Schenectady 20th Annual Little Italy StreetFest. This will be our 20th year for Little Italy. A Schenectady Tradition! Little Italy StreetFest will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2025, from 12:00 pm - 9:00 pm. There will be live music, shopping, food, and more. Saturday, Sep 6, 2025, 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM. Little Italy, Union at N. Jay Street Schenectady, NY
SEPTEMBER EVENTS
September 6 Saratoga Springs Momentum Series: Professor Louie & The Crowmatix. Join us for a fun & powerful night of roots-infused rock and blues with Professor Louie & The Crowmatix, a Grammy- nominated band hailed as “Roots Music Royalty” by Bill Hurley of Extended Play Sessions. With deep ties to The Band and a musical style that blends rock ‘n’ roll, gospel, blues, and folk, this Woodstock, NY powerhouse brings decades of experience and soul to every performance. Saturday, September 6, Time 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm. Doors Open: 7:30 pm. Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
September 6, 7, 8 & 25 Glens Falls
Hawaiian Energetics class will be held in Joan Reid's Art & Healing Arts Studio #311 at the Shirt Factory in Glens Falls the weekend of Sep tember 6 + 7, 2025.
A free clinic for Hawaiian Energetics treatment Monday Sept 8. C all to reserve a spot 518-744-0641
Painting classes start Thursday Sep tember 25, from 3:00 - 5:00, at Joan Reid's Art & Healing Arts Studio #311, at the Shirt Factory in Glens Falls.
September 11 - Glens Falls
T ri-County United Way an evening of ent ertainment with Medium Brandon Russ. Join us for a night of fun and entertainment with medium and author Brandon Russ to benefit th e Tri-County United Way. Brandon delivers messages from loved ones with humor and laughter, all while weaving in his stories of his experiences as a medium. The Tri-County United Way is the beneficiary of this great evening of entertainment. TriCounty United Way is an organization dedicated to helping people. The local agency works to improve lives and make a positive impact in our communities by raising re sources, both monetary and volunteer. Thu Sep 11 Minimum age: 21 and over Show time:7:00 PM. Doors open:6:15 PMThe Park Theater, 14 Park Street, Glens Falls, NY
September 11 - Glens Falls
Comedy After Dark Adrienne Iapalucci. On the Final Friday of each month, The Park Presents: Comedy After Darksh owcasing a Headliner along with a feature act, a host, and a guest comedian to make up nearly 2 hours of entertainment. Fri Sep 26, 18 and over Show time:8:00 PM. Doors open:7:00 PM The Park Theater, 14 Park Street, Glens Falls, NY
SEPTEMBER EVENTS
September 13 Schuylerville
2025 Tasting on the Hudson. The Schuylerville Lions Club is teaming up with Hudson Crossing Park to present the Tasting on the Hudson. Tasting on the Hudson returns this year even bigger and bet ter with more tents and different layout at Hudson Crossing Park.Our event
fea tures local restaurants and food vendors hosting booths offering savory samples of their fare paired with booths offering wine, beer, spirits, and hard cider tastings available from the area's major and boutique distributors. Satur day, Sep 13, 2025 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM. Hudson Crossing Park, Champlain Canal Lock C5 Island, County Route 42 Schuylerville, NY
September 13 Saratoga Springs
On November 7, 1975, the day after his 34th birthday, RCA Records released Old No. 1, leg endary songwriter Guy Clark’s debut album. While not a commercial success by any stretch, the album was highly praised by the press and “L.A. Freeway,” “Desperados Waiting for a Train,” “Rita Ballou” “Texas 1947” “Let Him Roll” and “That Old Time Feeling” soon became instant classics. No one could have known then that Old No. 1 would inspire generations of American songwriters, troubadours and music fans. The Guy Clark Family Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to supporting songwriters, is celebrating the 50thanniversary of Old No. 1 with a series of concerts around the country to bring awareness to the organization, and to boost songwriters who work in the spirit of Guy Clark. Songwriters will perform songs from Old No. 1, followed by a set of their own original material. Ticket sales will benefit The Guy Clark Family Foundation. Saturday, September 13, 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm Doors Open: 7:30 pm. Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
September 19 - November 9 Schenectady
Visage: Portraits as Portals. September 19 - November 9, 2025. Opening Reception and first look - September 19 from 5-8pm. Featuring the portrait work of 6 women artists Bear and Bird Boutique + Gallery, 160 Jay Street M • Schenectady, New York 12305
September 20 Saratoga Springs
September 20 - 21 Schuylerville
Adirondack Wool & Arts Festival. The Adirondack Wool & Arts Festi val will continue to offer education on the products produced in fiber arts, raw fleece, roving, spin ning supplies, needle felting, dyes, yarns, and items needed to knit, crochet, and weave. Located in beautiful Washington County, New York, a top producer of animal fiber, the Adirondack Wool & Arts Festival is a great way to spend the day, browsing, shopping, and learning. Highlights will in clude over 100 booths, supplies for sale, family-friendly fun and demonstrations, and more. Saturday, Sep 20, 2025 until Sunday, Sep 21, 2025. Washington County Fairgrounds, 392 Schuylerville Road Greenwich, NY
September 25 Saratoga Springs
Saratoga Arts invites you to our annual fundraising event, the Foundation Experience. This year we are pleased to honor Cec ilia Frittelli & Richard Lockwood, Frittelli & L ockwood, makers of handwoven clothing. Cecilia and Richard are founding members of the Beekman Street Arts district and fix tures of the arts in Saratoga Springs. Their warmth, community-mindedness and passion for supporting the arts in the reg ion are why we are very excited to celebrate them this year. Sept 25th, 2025. 6:00 PM. The Night Owl, 17 Maple Ave, Saratoga Springs
Willi Carlisle with Special Guest Cat Clyde. Join us for an unforgettable evening with acclaimed folksinger Willi Carlisle as he graces the stage at Caffè Lena. Known for his evocative storytelling and dy namic performances, Carlisle brings a fresh perspective to traditional folk music, weaving tales that resonate with authenticity and heartfelt emotion. Saturday, September 20. Time 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm. Doors Open: 7:30 pm. Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
September 25 Saratoga Springs Merchant Ivory: The Documentary w/ special guests Director Stephen Soucy and Composer Ryan Homsey. Saturday, September 20th, 2025, 7:00-9:30 PM. The Saratoga Book Festival is proud to bring you this exclusive opportunity to peek behind the scenes of Hollywood legends through the lens of locals: Producer/Director Stephen Soucy and Composer Ryan Homsey. Partnering with Saratoga Arts, 518 Film Network, and Scene One Cinemas, we invite you to join us on Sat urday, September 20th at the Wilton Mall for a screening of the documentary, followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers moderated by Spencer Sherry. Want more face-time with the creatives be hind the film? Limited tickets are available for a VIP reception before the screening. SceneOne Cinemas, Wilton Mall
September 28 Albany Upper Madison Street Fair. During the Upper Madison Street Fair, the western end of Madison Avenue between S. Allen and W. Lawrence Streets, Pine Hills’ liveliest district, is blocked from the flow of traffic for an afternoon of music, dancing, art, food, and fun for all ages! Join us in celebrating city living at its best! The street will be alive with a variety of vendors featuring local arts & crafts, food, dancing & drumming, plein air painting, a silent auction, used book sale, and activities for the kids and kids at heart in the Kids Zone, such as art making, yoga, face painting, chess, and more! Sunday, Sep 28, 2025, 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM. Upper Madison Avenue Albany, NY
