LOOKING FOR A COMMISSION...

This beautiful bronze sculpture is by RJ Melnyk and sits in Griffis Sculpture Park (Ashford Hollow).  Like many other artists, he is looking for an opportunity to produce another piece of public art.  With any luck, there should be information regarding the promotion of art along the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor in the near future.

LOOKING FOR A COMMUNITY THAT WANTS A PIECE OF SCULPTURE!

Al Goldfarb has attended more than one of my presentations.  He is a sculptor and I want to share an example of his work with you.  Wouldn't it be nice if there was a place for him to install something like this?

SEMINAR AT SARATOGA NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK

On May 16th I presented a short seminar at the Visitors Center in the park.  It was facilitated by Linda Buerkley of Hudson Falls, who worked with the Feeder Canal Alliance and NCAC Board. The goal was to expose those interested in the Art Walks On Water project to the possibilities for local involvement.  There were attendees from Ft. Edward, Cambridge, Schuylerville, Glens Falls, Stillwater, Greenwich, Hudson Falls, Salem, Balston Lake and other surrounding towns and villages.  Linda took many photographs of sites in the area that would serve as possibilities for art installations.  Now, we must find individuals or groups that are interested in acting as stewards for this project.  I would like to add photographs of existing art to the 524 Mile Art Gallery in the Picasa Album site.  

Please send them to my email address:  skoogfarm@frontiernet.net

During this brief trip, my husband and I had three chance meetings with people who have connections to Brockport....Jack and Janet Beck have a home here (and read about the seminar in the newspaper while they are vacationing in Saratoga), James Kunstler (writer, who happened to be at the Saratoga Farm Market and was a student at Brockport many years ago), and the first mate of the Lois McClure, who we spent some time with while they were docked in Brockport (he was at the museum).  This made the trip even better.  

Also,the Hudson River was so inviting

ENVISIONING A RECONNECTED CANALWAY THROUGH PUBLIC ART AND ART TRAILS

On April 17th, a Roundtable was held in Canajoharie at the Arkell Museum (a beautiful facility and worth visiting).  It was sponsored by the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor and was well attended by over 75 "art minded" community leaders, arts and community development professionals and canal enthusiasts.  The main speaker was Ronald Lee Fleming of the Townscape Institute, a nationally recognized planner and place-making expert.  Thank goodness for people like Hannah Blake (ECNHC) who brought this event together.  Her vision, contacts and amazing ability to present a first class event made this a very meaningful gathering.  I certainly learned a lot and we were all able to make new contacts.  Art Walks On Water is only part of the big picture.  The 524 Mile Gallery will become a huge Art Trail and will include studios, galleries, museums, art walks, bus tours and more.  It should provide a great boost to artists and the New York State Canal System, of which the erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor is a major component.  Many thanks to Teresa Vitale of TAV Designs (Jordan, N.Y.) who worked so hard to help Hannah in the planning of this roundtable. Now we have to get the project supported and moving.

THE SUMMIT......

On April 10th there was a great meeting of the minds (14) in Jordan, New York regarding the development of Art Walks On Water, Art Trails, Economic Development, Bus Tours, Heritage Trails and much, much more.  Not only could there be a renaissance for New York State artists, economic development could receive quite a boost.   High energy prevailed as we brainstormed over a lunch prepared by our hostess and artist, Teresa Vitale.  Hopefully many of you will be joining us at our Roundtable on April 17th to continue this discussion with guest lecturer Ron Fleming.

ANOTHER DATE TO SAVE.....

I have been invited to participate in another Roundtable at the Saratoga Battlefield, a National Historic Park located on Route 4 between Stillwater and Schuylerville, New York.

It will be hosted by the Feeder Canal Alliance and the North Country Arts Center on May 16th from 2-4pm.  Once again, the goal will be to create a 524 mile Art Gallery along the New York State Canal System.  Many communities already have a piece of art in place (some have several).  Stay tuned for more information.

SAVE THE DATE!!!

On April 17th there will be a Roundtable and lecture held at the Arkell Museum in Canajorie.

ENVISIONING A RECONSTRUCTED CANALWAY THROUGH PUBLIC ART AND ART TRAILS

The main speaker will be Ron Lee Fleming of the Townscape Institute and I will also be making a small presentation.  Details will be forthcoming.  Hope some of you can make it.

I am a retired art teacher and live on a horse farm in Brockport, New York.  I teach classes at home and am very involved with community art, hoping to get this project along the New York State Canal System in full swing!

Art Walks On Water-A Canalway Project for Ports & Waterfronts

A group of Brockport, NY, canal enthusiasts envision the canalway becoming the world's longest art gallery, and are seeking partners across the canal system to make it happen. Art Walks On Water came about as a result of the installation of "Howdeee," an 18-foot tall sculpture by nationally recognized artist, Bill Stewart. It was presented to the Village in October, 2005, by the Art & Aesthetics Committee of the Walk!Bike! Brockport Action Group - a volunteer organization. The New York State Canal Corporation is currently reaching out to towns and villages, encouraging them to enhance the canal's role as a community asset and tourism destination. This project could do just that! It is ambitious and inclusive, with statewide potential. If you are excited about the concept of a 524-mile art gallery that can engage residents and visitors alike, get on board!

Some communities already have art installations near the canal and on waterfronts. We want to know what is out there. Please tell us what you think about this concept and if you want to participate.