MIDDLEBURGH - Thank you to Brownie Troop 2577 from Middleburgh for their recent visit to the Animal Shelter and for their very generous donations. The girls got to learn about how the staff cares for our shelter animals and also got to play with some of our sweet pets.
By David Avitabile
MIDDLEBURGH - Now that the village of Middleburgh is eligible for a pre-approved $10,000 NYSERDA Clean Energy Community grant, they are considering upgrading to LED streetlights and electric vehicle charging stations.
At the village's Monday night meeting, Mayor Tim Knight outlined the 11 pre-approved NYSERDA projects. They include: solar, non-road electric vehicle, electric vehicle, electric landscaping equipment, electric vehicle charging equipment, LED streetlights, Clean Energy Communities Energy studies, CEC building upgrades, building heat pump upgrades, NYPA Clean Energy Solutions upgrades, and flexible technical assistance.
At first board members were leaning just toward using some of the funds to replace the bulbs and units in the historic lights on River Street, Main Street, on the bridge and other areas to LED bulbs and units. The change would save the village money every year in electric costs.
Trustee Kevin Young said the LED change makes the most sense. It would be nice to have electric vehicle charging stations but there are questions such as locations since much of the village is in the flood zone.
Trustee Amanda Fernandez also noted that LED would save money in the long run, while there may be additional costs with charging stations. Village attorney Fred Mauhs said that might not be the case. In addition to possibly turning a profit for the village, charging stations could draw people to the village and help the local businesses.
He noted that the village approved a new energy contract at Monday's meeting that will decrease the kilowatt cost for village use to 9.755 cents, a drop of 2.4 percent. The village currently pays more than $41,000 a year in electric costs and the new rate would lower the cost to $40,562, according to Mayor Knight.
Village board members agreed to look into both the LED lights and charging stations with the NYSERDA funds.
Horseshoe Pits Being Put in Badgely Park
By David Avitabile
MIDDLEBURGH - Middleburgh Village Trustee Amanda Fernandez said 300-square-feet of wildflowers have been planted in a new pollinator garden off of Pine Street.
Volunteers on Friday, May 31 broke ground in the unused strip of land and planted wildflowers in a plot 30-by-10 feet. Now the only thing needed is rain. Volunteers plan to expand the garden each year, she added.
"I have no doubt that it will flourish," Trustee Fernandez told fellow board members.
She also noted that a fellow volunteer suggested that the garden be dedicated to the memory of Eleanor Spencer, an important community volunteer who recently passed away. Trustee Fernandez said she thought this was a good idea. She said the garden should be dedicated when the garden is established, maybe next year.
Last month, Trustee Fernandez, noted that the garden will also free up DPW labor time since it will be decreasing the amount of land they have to mow there.
In other park news, Trustee Fernandez said the Rotary would be placing horseshoe pits in Badgely Park across the former town hall. More pits can be added in the future.
Mayor Tim Knight also announced that the Middleburgh Rotary did receive a Rotary District Grant for the benches that have been placed on Main Street.
SCHOHARIE COUNTY – Schoharie County Arts is pleased to announce monies available to support arts organizations in Schoharie County bringing art to the county in 2024. Events must take place between August 2024 – December 2024. Organizations must be located in Schoharie County. Artists participating in the event may be from within or outside Schoharie County. The deadline to submit an application is July 1, 2024. Awards will be announced at the end of July. Awards will be made in the amount of $500. If you would like to apply for funds, please complete and submit the on-line form on our website at www.schohariecountyarts.org or print the PDF that is available and return it to:
Schoharie County Arts, Inc.
P.O. Box 812
Cobleskill, NY 12043
Schoharie County Arts seeks to broaden and enrich the quality of life in Schoharie County by developing and strengthening the arts through promoting cultural and arts-related activities.
For more information contact schohariecountyarts@gmail.com; www.schohariecountyarts.org; www.facebook.SchoharieCountyArtsNow
By Matthew Avitabile
SCHOHARIE — The village of Schoharie has seen significant growth over the last several years, and it’s starting to show. Last month saw the ribbon cutting of three new businesses on Main Street, Dry A.F., Schoharie Mercantile, and Savage Scoops.
The recent Comprehensive Plan survey received feedback about the number of storefronts in Schoharie’s business district.
In addition to the new businesses, Schoharie saw a number of other recent bright spots. This includes the popular Greek Gyros Schoharie, the expansion of Schoharie Dental, Smile Cross, Love Shine Tea, and Farmers Beef and Brew. Farmers Beef and Brew is undergoing a significant expansion that will move it toward the Old Stone Fort.
The recent growth joins a number of well-established businesses that are seeing considerable success in the community, including several law offices, El Taco Shack, Your Way Cafe, Country Cafe, Paisano’s, Rejuvenate Therapeutic Massage, the Bank of Richmondville, Zeke’s Auto Repair, Creekside Sports, New Slate Fitness, Your Worth It, Country Monkey Thrift, J. Lacy Salon, Clapper’s Glass Bar, Wolfe’s Den, Guernsey’s Nursey, Schoharie County Kayak Rentals, Maple’s Estate, Schoharie Valley Wine and Liquor, Mimi’s Posey Place, Tweek’d Boutique, Main Attractions Salon, and Generations Vintage.
In addition, the former bank on Main Street became SEEC.
Much of the growth occurred over the last several years, including significant cooperation between the village and the business community. The public is encouraged to get involved with the current Comprehensive Plan Committee, which aims to chart Schoharie’s Future. The May 23 and 30th open houses were successful and showed significant participation. There is another public open forum meeting planned for later this summer.
MIDDLEBURGH — Defying standard categorization, singer-songwriter Sloan Wainwright consistently demonstrates an easy command of a variety of American music styles — pop, folk, jazz and blues — held together by the melodious tone of her rich, powerful contralto, with the end result being a unique and soulful musical hybrid.
Sloan Wainwright will perform at 4pm, Sunday, June 16th at the Middleburgh Library, as part of the Not So Quiet Concert Series. There is a suggested donation of $15.00 – space is limited, so reservations are required – call 518-827-4953.
All shows in The Not So Quiet Concert Series are fundraisers for the Middleburgh Library, 323 Main Street, Middleburgh, NY. This project is made possible with funds from the Decentralization Program, a regrant program of the NYS Council on the Arts with the support of Gov. Kathy Hochel and the NYS Legislature and administered in Schoharie County by the Greene County Council on the Arts dba CREATE.
By Liz Page
ANDES – Acknowledging the hard work of dairy farmers in Delaware County is something Delaney McCann, a sophomore at Delaware Academy, pledges to do over the coming year, along with her dairy court. She and her new court were introduced during the 62nd annual dairy dinner at the Andes Hotel last Friday.
She is the daughter of Daniel McCann and Stephanie Trass, and is the second family member to work to promote the dairy industry as her older sister Meredith McCann goes off to college after working with the promotions team as an ambassador for the past five years.
Delaney will have eight ambassadors to help her carry out promotions throughout the county and she and her team will jump right into it with the annual Dairy Fest in the town of Meredith on June 8 and 9.
June is Dairy Month and it is always a fitting time to welcome the new promotions team.
In her candid interview with Paige Burroughs, McCann said her favorite breed of cow is Holstein, her favorite color is blue, cheddar cheese is her favorite dairy product and she is looking forward to a trip to Seattle, Washington for the national convention of the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), as a state officer.
She is also in Future Farmers of America and is a member of the Jazz and concert bands at Delaware Academy. She plays basketball and softball and has been a member of the dairy promotions teams for the past four years. She has shown her cows at the Delaware County Fair in Walton for the past nine years.
One of her favorite events is 4-H camp where she said she enjoys "teaching all the kids about he importance of dairy farming in our community as well as the benefits of dairy products for your body". She has three Holstein cows, Aurora, Adelynn and Alyson and she is a member of the Delaware County Holstein Club and the South Kortright Calf Club.
"Let's talk about the real reason we are here and that is to promote the dairy industry and celebrate our dairy farmers and the very amazing product they produce - milk."
She went on to tell the audience about the healthy benefits of milk, with 13 essential nutrients that fuel your body and make it strong. Those nutrients include protein, calcium, potassium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, vitamin A, riboflavin, phosphorus, zinc, iodine and vitamin B5, she said.
"Without the dairy industry and dairy farmers, we would not have milk, and without milk, we would not be a able to enjoy other dairy products, such as yogurt, ice cream, cheese and butter.
She thanked the dairy framers for allowing her the opportunity to promote their industry and that she is looking forward to an exciting year of dairy promotions.
Helping her with her promotions will be Angela Cerosaletti, daughter of Amy and Paul Cerosaletti, of Davenport; Lillian and Madelyn Eklund, daughters of Jim and Megan Eklund of Stamford; Amelia Groh, daughter of Lorah and Brian Groh, of Delhi; Madison Losie, of Davenport, daughter of Christine and Shannon Losie; Darbey and Laney Mondore, of Andes, daughters of Jason and Amber Darling-Mondore; Jordan Odell, of Oneonta, daughter of Lance and Danielle Odell; and Alexa Scofield, of Walton, daughter of Jason and Rebecca Scofield.
There will be milk punch receptions, presentations, handing out ribbons at dairy competitions, educating the public and school students and one of the favorites of almost all dairy promoters in Delaware County, the building and handing out of the giant ice cream sundae each year at the county fair in Walton.
Barb Hanselman, who chairs the Delaware County Dairy Promotion Committee, once again emceed this special event which is steeped in tradition. She welcomed state ambassador, Evelyn Kersmanc, of Worcester, who will be charged with dairy promotions across the state and who said she has already logged many miles since she was selected at the state pageant in February. She was recently recognized by Senator Richard Oberacker with a special resolution for her important role of attending special events to engage with and educate consumers n the nutritional benefits of milk and dairy foods, how farmers care for their cows and their land. She has served as a dairy ambassador for Otsego County and said she is looking forward to working with the Delaware County Dairy Promotion Team over the coming year and thanked them for inviting her to dinner.
Hanselman spoke about her mother, Janice Smith, being honored at the state pageant with the Golden Cow Award, for her tireless promotion of the dairy industry. Smith has served county promotions for more than four decades in Delaware County. "She is the type of person who wants to see milk on every table and cheese in everybody's refrigerator," said Hanselman. She went on to say that Smith is best at helping others who may be new to dairy promotions, to gain confidence.
It provided a lead into the presentation of the annual Real Seal Award to Jill Coleman. "She was there to help us through a very challenging time and she has been with the promotions team since Jessica served as a crown bearer," said Hanselman. She pointed to the challenges over the past couple of years, coming off Covid, when there was no pageant and having a lapse in the age of eligible girls in the county to serve as ambassador. She also alluded to the changes in the program from dairy princess to the gender neutral ambassadors. Her daughter, Jessica Coleman, served two consecutive years as ambassador, through those times and Hanselman said Coleman, a teacher, often paid attention to the details. "She has been on the committee for the last couple of years and I don't know what we would have done without Jill and Jessica."
Hanselman also explained that with the transition from a diary princess to a dairy ambassador, there was one dairy princess sash remaining, as she ordered in bulk to save money.. With Jessica stepping down, she said she was deserving of the sash which could never be awarded. She applauded the fact that she stepped up to carry on the dairy promotions, staying on to get them through the transition.
Hanselman has been on the committee for 32 years and she said the most rewarding thing to see how the girls grow over their time in the program. "We can't call you a princess, but you we re always a lady, you were always kind and you were a cheerleader. We can't crown you, but we can give you the last sash. This still celebrates a princess." she said.
Jessica Coleman ends her second year as Delaware County Dairy Ambassador, with Gracie Deysenroth serving as the Associate Ambassador. However, several of the same girls will be serving on the promotions team.
In her farewell, Gracie Deysenroth, said that over the past year she and the dairy ambassadors attended the Dairy Fest in June, answered questions that people had about dairy and farming, presented their program at the Harpersfield Grange, made the giant sundae and handed out ribbons at the fair. She thanked all the farmers and dairy supporters for the opportunity to spread the work about the benefits of dairy and said she leaves with a heart full of gratitude for "Dairy is All You Need".
Coleman also said her farewell, saying that since she served as a crown bearer, she has wanted to promote dairy and never dreamed she would become the Delaware County Alternate Dairy Princess. She said she enjoyed the school program, explaining the nutrition of dairy and reminding people how nutritious it is. She also enjoyed explaining that chocolate milk does not come from brown cows. She said she has made gallons of milk punch and went down the list of events she participated in. Her favorite, not surprisingly, was the giant ice cream sundae. She also enjoyed being part of the team. She thanked her parents and the farmers for the honor of being part of the county's dairy promotion team.
Among Friday's special guests, were Paul Cerosaletti, of the Cooperative Extension of Delaware County, who presented the annual Outstanding Young Farm Family Award (See separate story). He attended along with James Romack, field representative and the interim CCE executive director, Nancy Grotevent: Duane Martin, of the New York Center for Agriculture Medicine and Health and Alyshia Korba of The Reporter and Liz Page from The Mountain Eagle.
Hanselman also thanked the members of the Dairy Committee, including Amy Cerosaletti, Meg Eklund, Stephanie McCann and Amber Darling Mondore. She also thanked Derek Curl and the staff at the Andes Hotel, Heather Magnan of the Watershed Ag Council, who helped with the program; Clark Farms for the milk; the Coleman family for the table decorations and the promotions committee for the cookies and sundae fixings. She also thanked Huff Ice Cream fore donating the ice cream for the sundae at the fair.
By Mary A. Crisafulli
DELHI - Delaware County Office of the Aging (OFA) celebrated 50 years of service on May 30 at SUNY Delhi. The invitation-only event hosted over 100 individuals, said OFA Director Wayne Shepard. In 1974 when OFA was developed, Shepard said the goal was to improve the quality of life for the older community members. “The goal is the same fifty years later,” he said.
Shepard gave some history of the office starting with acknowledging Neil Lane as first director. When OFA started Delaware County had a population of 45,311, which is similar to today which is 44,955. Although the population has remained around the same, Shepard said in 1974 only 19% were over 60, while today that number is over 32%.
Shepard also took the time to advocate for the importance of senior volunteering. “You can make a difference by contributing your time, energy and talents to make your community a better place to live,” he said. Shepard argued that volunteering is a wonderful way to promote good health and happiness. “Volunteering can decrease the risk for depression as you connect with other people, and bring you joy and happiness,” he said.
Attendees were graced with a speech from Thomas Briggs, former OFA director from 1983 to 2011. Briggs worked his way up to the director position but began serving the county in 1975 to help market the newly formed agency. “I’m proud of what my team has accomplished turing my tour of duty when I was employed with the county,” he said, “I’m equally as proud of what Wayne Shepard and his staff and volunteers have done to maintain the legacy of service above self that I think describes how this agency interacts with those who access our services.”
Briggs gave some history of the office development and cultural norms of the time. He said that the percentage of those aged 65 and older was significantly lower in the 70s, “the primary reason for this is that people didn’t last as long.” He went on to explain that many life-saving medical procedures and drugs were unavailable. Briggs said when he started at OFA, “There were several houses without running water,” and seven with dirt floors. Briggs said his first marketing tasks included writing newsletters with information about social security, hypothermia advice, and good dietary practices. The office and services only grew from there, Briggs explained.
Delaware County Supervisors Chair and Bovina Supervisor Tina Molé said, “The Office for the Aging means a great deal to me personally and I am thrilled to support all efforts made to make aging in place a reality for so many in Delaware County.” Molé went on to commend the OFA department and all they have done as well as acknowledge the senior population. “I truly believe we need to learn from the older generations and their experiences in an effort to continue to make the future a better place for our younger generations.”By Liz Page
ANDES - Dairying is still huge in Delaware County and last Friday night was time to celebrate the dairy industry and promotions, heading into June is Dairy Month. It is also a time to recognize the young farm families who are investing in the industry.
Barb Hanselman, who chairs the county's Dairy Promotion Committee, provided the biography of a young farm family that is contributing to the industry. She said the county is fortunate to have a steady supply of dairy farmers who produce high quality milk for consumers, protect the environment and decorate our landscape with a beauty that can not be duplicated anywhere else. "This huge industry, the dairy industry, also infuses our local economy with more than $32 million dollars that is turned over two to six times in our local economy," said Hanselman. "This year marks the 61st time that an Outstanding Young Farm Family Award is being presented in Delaware County."
This year's recipients are Dennis and Sami Deysenroth and their children, James, Elaina, Elsie and Charlotte, who are the ninth generation on Byebrook Farm in Bloomville.
"Although they probably had no thought of it at the time, at age 10, Dennis was the beginning of direct marketing on the farm when he convinced his folks to have a flock of chickens. Then my kids wanted a flock, and he peddled his eggs to the neighbors.
"Meanwhile his wife, Sami, had a very similar farm kid life in East Springfield where she came home from the hospital to life in the barn. She enjoyed playing with calves and kittens and all the things that farm kids find to do around the farm. She was also known as pokey butter because she loved to eat butter- no toast, no bread, just plain.
"Dennis and Sami both showed cows and participated in dairy judging and so Dennis and Sami’s paths crossed a few times during their youth because of 4-H, even if they didn’t realize it. Sami became a dairy princess. She enjoyed the cows. Ironically as teenagers, they each helped neighbors – in their respective farm neighborhoods -– with chores and milking.
Then, according to Hanselman, Tammy Smith’s match making skills brought them together in 2007, when they were both seniors in high school. Upon graduation, they both attended SUNY Cobleskill – Dennis for dairy and Sami for Ag Business. They made good friends while they were there and have maintained their friendships. Dennis was on the Cobleskill Dairy Judging Team to Eastern States and World Dairy Expo.
They were married in 2014.
"Since his return to the farm, Dennis has continued to take over more of the responsibilities. He now manages feeding, breeding, nutrition, intensive grazing, and herd health. Sami helps with chores, throwing hay, keeping things on schedule- does whatever and where ever she is needed. Although the cheese making and value added portion of the farm is Gwen and Paul Deysenroth's part of the business, Dennis and Sami help with stocking the stand, visiting with customers, and picking up local products for the stand.
"Byebrook is a closed registered Holstein herd and the Deysenroths have been an intensive grazing operation for years. They feed an all grass forage diet with a purchased grain to balance the needs of the herd. Since Dennis started managing the feeding, he has changed the herd’s overall diet to a more forage dense one, and it has improved herd health, and milk components, and profitability.
"Their manure system changed with a Watershed covered manure storage building. The manure is delivered by spreader and stored there, and then it separates. This allows Dennis to use the more liquid portion as top dressing on hay fields during hay harvest season, and then the more solid portion to be spread in the fall on pastures and fields. This has been not only positive for fertilizing crops and pastures, but also for managing nutrient levels in soils and to protect water from runoff. "
Dennis Deysenroth said he is not one form making speeches, as the family stepped forward to accept the award. He said it was a surprise until he said he saw some of the people attending the dinner. "I would like to say thank you to everybody. It is quite an honor."
Paul Cerosaletti , of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Delaware County, presented the plaque. The recipients are chosen by an anonymous committee, based on the following criteria: is progressive; is business minded; has a positive attitude; serves their community and maintains a farmstead that is a positive image to consumers.
1924 Day Elder from Andes with driver Joseph Ploutz and John Ruker during the Catskill Leatherheads parade Saturday in Hancock. Photos by Joe Ploutz.
1948 GMC/FAE from Bovina NY
ONEONTA — Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society (DOAS) announces the 2024 Summer Youth Program Season – providing fun, hands-on experiences in natural science and environmental education through field investigations, crafts and games. The day camp program is named in honor and remembrance of long-time DOAS member Dr. John G. New, and is part of the Audubon Chapter’s effort to increase the use of the DOAS Sanctuary at Franklin Mountain for education activities for children and families. Session 1 (for children entering grades 3 & 4 in the fall) and Session 2 (for children entering grades 5 & 6) will take place at the DOAS Sanctuary and Session 3 (for children entering grades 1 & 2) will be held in collaboration with the Oneonta World of Learning at Fortin Park in Oneonta.
“We are very happy to be partnering once again with OWL for our session for younger children as the grounds there are very conducive for little legs to traverse (in comparison with the hilly terrain at the DOAS Sanctuary)”, states DOAS Board Director and Education Chair, Susan O’Handley. “It’s a good introduction to our program and allows children to look forward to moving up to the Sanctuary program in future years.”
Campers in each 4-day program explore a variety of habitats and learn about creatures that live there through fun explorations, games, hands-on activities and crafts. There is limited space in these sessions and registrations are accepted on a first come, first served basis. DOAS will keep a waiting list in case any students get closed out of the opportunity due to space limitations.
Full and partial scholarships to offset the per-child registration fee are distributed each year on an as-needed basis. Donations towards this dedicated fund are accepted throughout the year and are greatly appreciated. To donate towards our Camp Scholarship Fund, visit http://doas.us/donate (indicate CAMP SCHOLARSHIP in the Donation Designation section), or contact Susan O’Handley, DOAS Education Chair at s.ohandley@doas.us or by phone at 607-397-3815 for more information.
This summer, DOAS has hired two college interns, Kaylee Haig and Camille Robinson-Parisi, to conduct the programming for the camp program along with other family/public programs in July and August during the camp off-weeks. They will work under the supervision of Board Directors, Susan O’Handley and Chris DeCesare. The schedule and details for these special programs will be set up in June and promoted as soon as available. We look forward to a great season in 2024!
Kaylee Haig is a graduating senior from SUNY Oneonta who is studying Human Development and Family Studies This is her first year with DOAS. She has had experience with children of all ages through many different educational programs.
Camille Robinson-Parisi is a rising junior at Mount Holyoke college pursuing a degree in Environmental Studies and Spanish. This is their first year with DOAS, though they have been a part of many outdoor education summer programs in the past. Cami enjoys spending time outdoors and sharing their knowledge on all things birds!
Susan O’Handley is a 25 year Environmental Education/Admin former professional (now working in digital marketing) and has overseen the DOAS camp program since it was re-established in 2014.
Chris DeCesare is a former DOAS camp director with years of experience working in Environmental Education through the NYS DEC at the Rogers Environmental Center. She currently works as coordinator of the Otsego and Delaware County CROP Program.
The 2024 DOAS Day Camp Programs are scheduled as follows and are now available for enrollment:
Session 1: July 8, 9, 10, 11 – 9:30am-3pm at DOAS Sanctuary on Franklin Mountain, Oneonta (for children entering grades 3 and 4) $185
Session 2: July 22, 23, 24, 25 – 9:30-3pm at DOAS Sanctuary on Franklin Mountain, Oneonta (for children entering grades 5 and 6) $185
Session 3: August 5, 6, 7, 8 – 9:30am – 1:30pm at Oneonta World of Learning, Fortin Park (for children entering grades 1 and 2) $165
Registration is available at https://doas.us/camp2024.
Space is limited in each session and spots will be filled in the order of receipt of registration. If all spots are filled, we will maintain a waiting list in case there are cancellations. Payment is due at the time of registration; refunds for cancellation will not be issued after 6/14/24. Please contact Susan O’Handley, Education Chair at s.ohandley@doas.us or by phone at 607-397-3815 for additional information.
DOAS 2023-24 Programs are made possible by the generous support of our members, friends, donors and sponsors including The Fernery at Whitehouse, a native plant nursery in Hartwick , NY. Please support those who support DOAS.
The Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society (DOAS) offers programs year-round that are free and open to the public including member meeting programs, bird-watching field trips and special events. DOAS operates the Franklin Mountain Hawkwatch, hiking trails and a summer day camp program at the Audubon Sanctuary just south of Oneonta, NY.
For more information, please visit https://doas.us.
The Birdsong Farm ‘Intuition’ opening reception June 1st with Wolfgang Mehlberg, Yemana Sanders, Karen Graves & (not in photo Barbara Alyn)
Outstanding atmosphere for this month’s opening event ‘Intuition’ at Birdsong Community Farm
By Robert Brune
HAMDEN — As the Birdsong Community Garden begins to show signs of more growth of flowers, herbs, and vegetables outside the opened French doors leading into the art gallery, Mark Strodl embarks on his second curation of artists at Birdsong with the ‘Intuition’ exhibition. Early Saturday morning the parking lot was buzzing with activity as a string of vendors were setting up selling locally developed plants, foods, honey, and crafts.
It's wonderful to see local artists like Wolfgang Mehlberg, Barbra Alyn, Yemana Sanders, and Karen Gutliph Graves coming together to explore the theme of intuition in their work. The concept of investigating our primal instincts versus learned behaviors is both thought-provoking and timely. In a world where societal norms and expectations often dictate our actions, embracing intuition can be a transformative journey. The description of stepping out of one's comfort zone and embracing new realms free from preconceptions resonates deeply, highlighting the courage and resilience required for such exploration.
Barabara Alyn’s artwork is truly a visual feast. Blending elements reminiscent of Dr. Seuss's whimsy with the dreamlike surrealism of Salvador Dali, her watercolor pieces evoke a captivating world of imagination and wonder. Alyn's distinctive style, characterized by vibrant colors and fantastical compositions, invites viewers into a realm where the ordinary and the extraordinary collide. Each piece is a journey through a landscape populated by an array of quirky characters and surrealistic interpretations of nature.
One of the most compelling aspects of Alyn's work is her ability to infuse her scenes with a sense of animated energy, drawing the viewer into a narrative that unfolds beyond the confines of the canvas. Her mastery of watercolor technique adds depth and fluidity to her creations, enhancing the dreamlike quality of her art. Visiting Barbara Alyn's store is not just a shopping experience; it's an immersion into a world of enchantment and delight. Whether you're a connoisseur of art or simply seeking to be transported to a realm of imagination, Alyn's artwork is sure to captivate and inspire, in Margaretville (Barabara Alyn Artwork, Luxury, and Mercantile)
What strikes viewers immediately are Mehlberg's vibrant and captivating colors. They pulse with life, echoing the vibrancy of the cultures he depicts. Through his brushstrokes, Mehlberg breathes life into his subjects, capturing their spirit and vitality with remarkable precision. Mehlberg's works evoke a sense of reverence for the traditions and history of Native American culture. His compositions invite viewers to pause and reflect, encouraging a deeper understanding and appreciation of the complexities and beauty inherent in these communities.
Moreover, Mehlberg's art serves as an example of the enduring human spirit, echoing his own journey from the turmoil of WWII to the vibrant melting pot of New York City and finally to the serene landscapes of Delhi. His artistic odyssey mirrors his life's trajectory, a testament to the power of resilience and the transformative nature of cultural exchange.
Karen Gutliph Graves's watercolor paintings are a testament to her deep connection with the Catskill Mountains, a connection that spans back to her childhood in DeLancey, New York. Through her stunningly realistic depictions, she captures the essence of the landscapes that have been ingrained in her mind since her youth.
Graves's mastery of watercolor allows her to convey the intricate details of her subjects with finesse. As Graves describes her work, “I paint with watercolor because it gives me the freedom to capture the fine details of an image, moss growing on a rock, the texture of a weathered barn board, or the fluffy warmth of a flannel jacket,” Her choice of medium, watercolor, grants her the freedom to capture these fine details while also evoking the fluidity and transient beauty of nature with incredible depth of lighting and fine details that almost enters into photo realism.
Graves studied art and ceramics at Buffalo State University, has earned a reputation as one of the region’s finest watercolorists, earning accolades at local, regional, and national shows. Graves's accolades are a testament to her skill and dedication as a watercolorist. Her work not only captures the beauty of the Catskill Mountains but also invites viewers to share in her profound reverence for the natural world. In a world that often moves at a frantic pace, Graves's paintings offer a moment of quiet reflection, inviting us to pause, breathe, and immerse ourselves in the timeless beauty of the landscapes she so lovingly portrays.
Yemana Sanders, born in Bern, Switzerland, embarked on a transformative quest in the 1970s when she relocated to Barre, Massachusetts, seeking enlightenment through the study of mindfulness at a Buddhist retreat. It was here that she undertook a profound one-year vow of silence, experiencing the deep realms of introspection and spiritual exploration.
This period of silence and contemplation served as a catalyst for Sanders' artistic expression. Though she refrains from labeling herself a traditional painter, her abstract art serves as a vibrant testament to her inner truths and lived experiences. For Sanders, painting is not merely a medium of creative expression but a direct manifestation of her journey through life—a raw and unfiltered reflection of her existence in each passing moment.
After her transformative experience in Massachusetts, Sanders found herself drawn to East Meredith, where she continued to channel her passion for painting into evocative works of art. Her abstract compositions, characterized by bold strokes, vibrant hues, and dynamic forms, serve as windows into her soul, capturing the essence of her lived truths and spiritual insights.
Sanders' art transcends conventional boundaries, inviting viewers to embark on their own journeys of self-discovery and introspection. Through her abstract creations, she invites us to embrace the inherent beauty of impermanence and the boundless potential of the present moment.
In essence, Yemana Sanders' art is not just a visual expression but a profound documentation of the transformative power of mindfulness and the enduring quest for self-realization. Through her paintings, she invites us to embark on a voyage of self-discovery, where each piece serves as a pathway to deeper understanding and inner peace.
The show promises not only artistic expression but also a deeper reflection on the human experience, emphasizing the importance of spiritual trust and the rewards of creativity and adaptability. It's an invitation to engage with art that challenges and inspires, inviting viewers to ponder their own relationship with intuition and personal growth.
The opening event on June 1st was a fantastic opportunity to experience the artwork firsthand and connect with the local community. And with free admission and multiple opportunities to visit throughout the month, it's an accessible and inclusive celebration of creativity and introspection. This exhibition runs each Saturday through June 22nd 10 am – 2 pm
Posts
All Comments
