By Robert Brune
DELAWARE COUNTY — Despite sporadic summer rain, visitors enthusiastically navigated the winding mountain roads and scenic byways of Delaware County to attend this year’s AMR Artists Open Studios Tour. Spanning eight towns and showcasing the work of 45 artists, the event was a resounding success not only for the art community, but for the region’s economy and spirit.
“Meeting our mission to create lifelong lovers of art was apparent as visitors of all ages eagerly dodged raindrops to visit the studios,” said AMR President Deborah Ruggerio in a statement following the weekend. “I would like to thank our community for their continued support and enthusiasm, the artists that shared their creativity and love of the arts, our loyal business sponsors, and most of all our dedicated AMR team and volunteers, without them, this event would not be possible.”
One of the highlights this year was the involvement of students from Margaretville Central School, whose photography was exhibited at the Longyear Gallery. Ruggerio emphasized, “Encouraging young people to value and participate in the arts is vital in creating a lasting community of artists. I look forward to the future in that the AMR Open Studios continues to share their vision of community and the arts.”
The AMR Artists Open Studios Tour began in 2012 as a grassroots initiative led by artist Alix H. Travis. Originally based in Andes, Margaretville, and Roxbury, the event has since expanded to include a wider network of towns and creatives. In recent years, AMR Artists has established itself as a nonprofit and now promotes both emerging and established artists across the mountain region. The rotating roster of participating artists keeps the tour fresh while maintaining its deep community roots.
Beyond the annual studio tour, AMR also organizes events such as the Annual Exhibition and Paint the Town (launched in 2021), further embedding the organization in the region’s cultural fabric and developing connections between artists, tourists, homeowners, and local businesses.
Executive Director Rebecca Andre reflected on her time with AMR with warmth and gratitude: “It has been an honor to work alongside so many talented artists. I’ve made cherished friendships that began with art as the common ground,” she said. Andre credited mentors within the organization for their guidance: “Oneida taught me resilience… Tabitha showed me the importance of leading with grace and staying true to one’s own art. And Deb has been my better half these last three years, teaching focus and encouraging me to never give up.”
Andre’s comments underscore the intergenerational nature of AMR, where experience and new energy intermingle to sustain a vibrant creative community.
The success of this year’s Open Studios Tour was not just cultural, it was economic. Participating artists reported strong turnout, and the influx of visitors served as a welcome boost for the region’s business community during a season where tourism has seen a downturn. With fewer international travelers from Canada and Europe visiting the U.S. this summer, the draw of local arts events like AMR’s studio tour proved essential to keeping restaurants, rentals, shops, and other small businesses bustling.
Later this fall, the Mountain Eagle will feature extended interviews with several AMR artists, offering deeper insight into their techniques, inspirations, and studio life in the Catskills. For now, the 2025 AMR Open Studios Tour stands as a testament to the enduring power of the arts to connect, inspire, and uplift.
We will have more artist profiles in the newspaper in coming weeks.
AMR Artist Jenny Neal
Jenny Neal is a writer, publisher of Upstate Dispatch, photographer, and painter. Most current Neal has been doing a wonderful job of reporting on Arts and Culture for the Mountain Eagle, as well
Interview with Jenny
“My latest work is a mandala painting.
It’s my tribute to the natural world.
I was like, "What am I doing here? And then I decided to go around in a circle.
So that's really what happened to that's really the bridge between this and that. It’s leaves, seeds, mushrooms, and kind of words.”
Scott Ackerman
Interview with Scott Ackerman @lovescott3 in Margaretville
“I’ve mixed things that probably shouldn’t be mixed. I paint on things that maybe you shouldn’t paint on, you know, but. I like to keep it really fun and loose. And if I make a mistake, that’s fine. You just keep going with it. Yeah, it’s just really all about me in here, having a good time, and hopefully at the end of the night, something that I like turns out a bit, you know. sometimes doesn’t, but that’s fine”
Mina Teslaru
Mina Teslaru talks about her new works… “So while textiles have been a part of my life since forever, I’m just beginning to write my own story with this medium. I used to do fine photography I’m taking a long, long break from it because it’s too beautiful up here in.” “I was inspired to work with soft, slow art. It feels almost like a rebellion to work in slow art nowadays.”
Holly Cohen and Ricky Zia
Interviews with AMR Artists Ricky Z & Holly Cohen on the Open Studios Tour talking about their favorite things about this year’s tour. The is so well put together, it looks like a professional gallery space located on Main Street in Roxbury
Holly Cohen
“So my favorite part, hands down, is sharing the space with Ricky and Steve. It is so much fun. And the other part is the people who’ come in. I have met so many people, neighbors, houses that I have passed while running and taken photos of and loved, and now I know who lives in there, and made a few new friends”
Ricky Zia
I’ve enjoyed. It’s a good title. I’ve enjoyed sharing a space with Holly. Our artwork of jells as well, and people coming to visit us, that’s my favorite parts of this year’s art tour
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