A View of Nancie Battaglia

Many of the visitors to “Adirondack View Finders: Farb, Bowie, Battaglia, Heilman”, have been struck by the work of renowned photographer Nancie Battaglia. One of the photographs particularly hit’s home for many area residents and visitors. On September 24, 2011 in Inlet, NY just north of View, 1,925 canoes and kayaks gathered to break the Guinness Book of Word Records for world’s largest floating raft. The event, One Square Mile of Hope was organized to raise funds for Susan G. Komen for the Cure for breast cancer. Many visitors to the exhibit try to find themselves amongst the thousands of boats. The boats themselves created a pattern over the water reminiscent of feathers.

Earlier this year, Battaglia's photography of the event was featured in Sports Illustrated. The photograph is now on display at View, and being raffled to benefit both the center and Susan G. Komen for the Cure for breast cancer. Tickets are $10 each or 3 for $20. The drawing will be held at the close of Adirondack View Finders on March 3, 2012.

Nancie Battaglia lives in Lake Placid and has been documenting Adirondack lifestyle, scenes, themes, and sporting activities for over twenty-five years. Her stock and assignment photography has seen credit in innumerable editorial publications such as Sports Illustrated, Ski, Newsweek, Boys Life, Outside, National Geographic Adventure, Canadian Geographic Traveler, Adirondack Life, the New York Times, USA Today as well as in books, calendars, promotional material for I Love NY, the Adirondack region and many classic Adirondack lodges, schools, businesses and establishments. Her collection exceeds 100,000 images reflecting nature’s beauty, human energy, rustic charm, the spirit of place, life in the mountains, and the hardy folks that live there.

She has been a sports photographer since her college days at Syracuse University. Many of her photos have been included in Sports Illustrated’s Leading Off pages, their Photos of the Day, their Pictures of the Year as well as special Olympic editions. Her sports travels include ten Olympics (eight winter games and two summer).

Battaglia is an ADK 46er twice, a lean-to adopter, and is an active and avid outdoor life and sports enthusiast. She is a dog lover and frequently adventures with four-legged and two legged friends. Camera equipment is always in her backpack.

“Adirondack View Finders: Farb, Bowie, Battaglia, Heilman” will run from December 3 – March 3, and feature the work of Nathan Farb, Mark Bowie, Nancie Battaglia, and Carl Heilman. Rising View Finders are also in the exhibition, including Johnathan A. Esper, Lesley Dixion, and Clark Lubbs. Stone sculptor Matt Horner will have work concurrently displayed, and “Teachers Turn: Instructors form the Adirondack Photography Institute” will run until January 29. Exhibition Admission is $10/$5 members and groups of 6+/Children under 12
free. Click HERE to learn more about the exhibition.

Nancie Battaliga prefers to remain behind her images.

A View of Nathan Farb

As visitors enter the exhibition “Adirondack View Finders: Farb, Bowie, Battaglia, Heilman”, the first piece that they encounter is “Ray Brook Pond” a 6 by 4 foot photograph by Nathan Farb. Visitors cannot help but be drawn into the magnificently crisp and monumental piece displayed. Farbs photography is a remarkable contribution to the exhibition. As well as “Ray Brook Pond” Farb has contributed several other pieces including a haunting digital slide show of photographs taken of the damage that hurricane Irene caused to the Adirondacks.

Farb grew up in Lake Placid and has been examining the Adirondack Landscape for over 50 years. Combining romanticism with a probing scientific eye, he is considered the preeminent photographer of The Adirondacks. His 1985 book, “The Adirondacks”, became the standard by which Adirondack photography is measured. He has also published two books and many essays on the Galapagos Islands. His award winning coverage of the Yellowstone fires and Exxon oil spill for the New York Times Magazine established Farb as an leading interpreter of nature. Farb lived and worked in New York City for many years where he was well known for his avant garde multimedia work. Farb’s 1980 photographic essay on Soviet society, ”The Russians,” was published as a book in five countries and in magazines throughout the world. His works are included in many public and private collections including The Museum of Modern Art. Farb is a former professor of photography and mixed media at Rutgers University. He has been given honorary Doctor of Arts degrees by St Lawrence University and SUNY. His newest book, “Adirondack Wilderness”, a collaboration with The Nature Conservancy, will be published this Fall. He has worked and lived at his studio in Jay, NY for the past twenty years.

“Adirondack View Finders: Farb, Bowie, Battaglia, Heilman” will run from December 3 – March 3, and feature the work of Nathan Farb, Mark Bowie, Nancie Battaglia, and Carl Heilman. Rising View Finders are also in the exhibition, including Johnathan A. Esper, Lesley Dixion, and Clark Lubbs. Stone sculptor Matt Horner will have work concurrently displayed, and “Teachers Turn: Instructors form the Adirondack Photography Institute” will run until January 29.

Exhibition Admission is $10/$5 members and groups of 6+/Children under 12 free. To learn more about View programming, including an upcoming workshop with Carl Heilman, visit www.ViewArts.org or call 315-369-6411.

25th Annual Quilts Unlimited

25^th Annual Quilts Unlimited Exhibition

The 25^th Annual Quilts Unlimited Exhibition will open at View on Saturday, October 8 and run until November 30. This display of quilts is an annual favorite that transforms the gallery into a pleasant plethora of pattern and patchwork. Quilts from across the country will be hung gallery style in the new arts center. This competitive exhibition features both traditional and eclectic quilts and wall hangings.

The opening day Saturday, October 8 is filled with activities from 10am – 4pm. It will feature the much anticipated Quilting Lecture and Luncheon “My Quilting Journey” led by Molly Waddell NQACJ at 10am. Lecture pre-registration is required and is $15/$10 members which includes exhibition admission. The opening reception will follow with quilt and quilted garment appraisals; demonstrations; an awards ceremony at 2pm; a fat quarter drawing where you can enter a 18”x22” piece of fabric “fat quarter” for a chance to win them all; and a reception at 3pm.

Molly Waddell is the Juror of Awards for this year’s exhibition, and a National Quilting Association Certified Judge. She has won numerous awards for her quilts on a local and national level. Some of her work has been published in The Quilting Quarterly, The 2007 Quilt Art Calendar and Quilters Newsletter Magazine. Molly was the co-chair for the 2002 and 2004 biennial quilt shows sponsored by the Quilters Consortium of New York State, Inc. Her goals as a quilt judge are to recognize the creativity and expertise of each quilt maker, to objectively and fairly evaluate quilts and wearable arts and to give constructive comments to quilters so that they may improve their workmanship and artistry, and to encourage them to stretch their creativity. She is a member of The National Quilting Association, The American Quilters Society, Thread Bears Quilt Guild and Mohawk Valley Quilt Club. Molly lives in Sherrill, NY with her husband Howard.

Exhibition admission is $8/$4 members & groups of 6+, children under 12 are free.

Message from a Volunteer

Pastel above: "Canopy Reflected" by Richard Lundgren,

I’m writing this because I seriously doubt that many of my friends, neighbors and relatives have any idea what will briefly be in their own back yard, and will let this limited opportunity pass them by. I’m afraid they won’t experience what we have here. We may not have milk, but we “Got Art”.

About 4 years ago, I went to the National Pastel exhibition (didn’t even know we had a National Pastel Exhibition) basically to support my daughter in her new job. I had no clue what pastels were. Something about chalk being involved made me think more of a hop scotch board than art. It turned out to be the beginning of a love affair not only with this medium, but the artists as well.

Got Art? You betcha we do. The 7^th Northeast National Pastel Exhibition is currently on view. I want to urge all of you to visit this exhibit for several reasons. It’s the first National exhibition to be held in the new facility, now know as View, but still called the Arts Center by all of us who will probably continue the habit, just like I still call DiOrio’s the D&D. It’s an absolutely quality exhibit. I swear if you do not love it as much as the water colors, it will be because you love it more. And lastly, because you will be amazed that we have something so beautiful right here, right now and we still have time to enjoy it before the crazy, hectic summer season begins. You won’t want to have to admit that you missed it. So go.

Getting the gallery’s ready for this exhibit was a monumental task. Please look for the touches of many hands that built, painted and placed the new moveable walls and pedestals. Check out the hanging system. And don’t miss the new lettering technique. It is all so upscale and professional. And if you have some extra time, you too can see your handy work. There is still much to do.

We have so much to be proud of at this new building and we need to enjoy the benefits of it too. So visit this exhibit. Take in the wonder of the art as well as the labor of love by many hands and be proud that you can tell our visitors that “we got art! And we have a great place to view it.”

Paula Weal

Old Forge and Carthage

We need your Help!

We need help in the coming weeks leading up to the Pastel Exhibition opening. If you are available and think you could help at any of the listed times please contact us. If you know somebody else that you think may be able to aid in our efforts please share this message with them. There are a few key times, that would make the most impact, and it is always more fun when we have many hands!- Linda Weal, Curator

Volunteer Schedule
To sign up: Email: Lweal@artscenteroldforge.org Phone:315-369-6411

Pastel Exhibition Saturday, May 7: 3:50 pm – 7:00 pm H2O comes down. Some artists will pick up paintings when the exhibit closes at 4. We will move remaining paintings from gallery for artists to pick up later. The new moveable walls will be moved into community gallery and first coat of paint will be applied. Those willing to help wear old clothes.

1. Terry Rozycki
2. Loretta Lepkowski
3. Nancy Jo Reed
4. Jim Tracy
5. Andrea Lee
6.

Monday May 9: (anytime, although if a few are here at once it will be faster and easier so suggested times are 10 am or 2 pm) Second coat of paint for moveable walls. Please wear old clothes.

1. Jim Tracy - 10 am
2. Ed Stafford - 10 am
3. Linda Keener - 10 am
4. Ruth McKenna - 10 am
5. Dave Weal - 10 am
6.
7.

Tuesday, May 10 morning 9:30 -10:30: A few strong men and women needed to position walls to hang pastel exhibit.

1. Jim Tracy
2. Susie Stripp
3. Michael Senf
4. Robert Moore
5. Travis Kiefer
6. Chris Gaige
7. Ed Stafford
8. Kerry Rogers

Afternoon 1:30-4:30: hang pastel show. (If you don’t know how I will be happy to teach you. It is fun!)

1. Debra Burrington Mills
2. Jim Tracy
3. Susie Stripp
4. Stephen Wick
5. Paula Weal
6. Miriam Kashiwa
7.

Friday, May 13 Pastel Opening Reception Day:
3-5 pm: kitchen prep of hors d’oeuvres (preparing and plating into trays) 2-3 people

1. Nancy Jo Reed
2. Linda Keener
3. Helenka Lepkowski Ostrum
4.
5.

5-7 pm: servers to walk around appetizers 4-5 people

1. Linda Keener
2. Helenka Lepkoswki Ostrum
3.
4.
5.

5-7 pm: Bartenders 3 people

1. Bill Keener
2. Roy Tracy
3.

5-7 pm: event photographers

1. Michele deCamp
2.
3.

7-8 pm: clean-up and set up chairs and gallery for walkabout

1. Susie Stripp
2.
3.
4.

Saturday, May 14 Continental Breakfast and Gallery Walkabout 9:30 – 11 am: - ALL VOLUNTEERS THIS MORNING CAN ATTEND WALKABOUT AS GUEST
8:30 – 10:00 am: kitchen set up, make coffee and tea, place foods into buffet and troubleshoot

1. Nancy Jo Reed
2. Susie Stripp
3.
4.

11:00- 11:30 am: Clean up

1.
2.
3.
4.

Dean Richards

The Arts Center/Old Forge recently celebrated their 1st opening reception in the new building. The exhibit included "Wildlife Drawings" an exhibition of graphite and charcoal works by Dean Richards, the Regional Ceramics Exhibition, and the Utica Art Association. All of the exhibits will continue to be on display until March 12th. In attendance at the opening reception was exhibiting artist Dean Richards of Lowville, who was accompanied by many of his family and friends.

This particular occasion was not Dean Richards's first interaction with the Arts Center. In 1989, Dean received the beginning artist award at the Arts Center/Old Forge's Annual Central Adirondack Art Show. The award is given to encourage a beginning artist. Now 22 years later, the skilled draftsman has filled an entire Arts Center gallery. Having helped encouraged Dean to hone his skill is a source of immense pride for the Arts Center. They are proud to have nourished his creative talents and to display his work today.

First and foremost Dean Richards is an animal artist and recent work is largely focused on birds. He makes black and white drawings using burnt wood and natural elements while his finished work is done entirely in charcoal, graphite and carbon on a gessoed board. It is a very simple yet complex medium that is perhaps one of the oldest mediums known. You cannot fully appreciate the uniqueness and quality of his work until you see it in
person. Come to the Arts Center/Old Forge to see his works displayed in one of the Arts Center/Old Forge newest galleries.

To learn more about current or upcoming exhibits at the Arts Center/Old
Forge visit www.ArtsCenterOldForge.org.

Bette Rintrona on the 5th Annual Chili Bowl Luncheon and the New Buildings Pottery Space

The Art Centers winter intern, Heather Pominville, recently had the opportunity to sit down and talk with Bette Rintrona about her involvement in the upcoming Chili Bowl Luncheon.

The 5th Annual Chili Bowl Luncheon will be taking place on February 22 from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Homemade meat & vegetarian chili, stews and soups will be served in handmade bowls. Many of the generous potters who have been hard at work making the bowls for this event will also be displaying their works in the Regional Ceramics Exhibition that will be on display from February 12 until March 12.
One of the participating local potters Bette Rintrona has been inspired to create pottery for over 30 years. Her interest in pottery first began at the Arts Center when she started taking classes; she then further developed her skills by attending classes at Munson Williams Proctor Art Institute. She now teaches at the Arts Center and is an active volunteer. Bette explained that there will be around 300 bowls at this year’s Chili Bowl Luncheon and that she is more than appreciative of everyone who is taking the time to participate. Most of the potters will contribute an average of 20 bowls. Bette was especially thankful to Jeffrey Cohen who contributed an astonishing 50 bowls! “The event has grown each year, participation has grown, and it’s just exciting to be having the event in this new space.” says Bette. After participating in and teaching many different pottery classes throughout the years, Bette has noticed that each potter has their own style and desire to create individual work. When speaking about the Chili Bowl Luncheon Bette said, “There is a common goal for all, rather than an individual goal, drawing artists together to create beautiful bowls for the community and people to enjoy at the arts center.”

The Chili Bowl Luncheon will be the first of the Arts Center’s special events held in their beautiful Gould Hall. All proceeds will benefit the Arts Center. Bette had a hand in designing the new pottery studio and is now seeing it come to life. It has the capacity for 10 to 12 potters working at wheels, allowing for a much larger class size. There is 3 times the square footage compared to the original building. “It will be much easier and more enjoyable to work in this new space,” said Bette. When asked about what part of the new studio excites her most Bette said, “the new gas kiln!” The gas kiln is the larger of the Arts Center’s two kilns, and is now easy enough for a few firings each month compared to previous years where the gas kiln was only fired a few times in the summer. It’s a wonderful resource for potters allowing them to achieve beautiful, varied-glazing effects.

Many of the generous potters who have been hard at work making the bowls for this event will also be displaying their works in the Regional Ceramics Exhibition that will be opening on display from February 12 until March 12. Some of the artists include: Art Baird, Vincent Clemente, Megan Crimmins, Dennis DeStefanis, Barbara Fry, Julie Hindsdill, Marie Imundo, Linda Erion, Bette Rintrona, Greg Rudd, and Nancy Venetz. New participants this year are Ruth McKenna, Jeffrey Cohen, Page Hannah, and Carolyn Gaylord.

Bette Rintrona is not the only one who is excited about the Arts Center and everything new that is has to offer; many people have already stopped by just to take a look at the beautiful facility. Don’t miss out on the Art Centers first event at the new facility, the 5th Annual Chili Bowl Luncheon, on February 22, starting at 11:30 a.m.

To learn more about upcoming events at the Arts Center/Old Forge visit www.ArtsCenterOldForge.org http://www.ArtsCenterOldForge.org or call 315-369-6411.