Adirondack Plein Air Festival Award Winners 2023

The 15th annual Adirondack Plein Air Festival was a great success. Artists sold nearly 100 paintings valued at approximately $50,000. Festival founder and board president of Saranac Lake ArtWorks, Sandra Hildreth said, “It was a wonderful week for painting and camaraderie with old and new painter friends. Thanks to all the sponsors especially the Hotel Saranac.”

The main juror for the event was Mick McAndrews who is a distinguished watercolorist. McAndrews also led a pre-workshop the weekend prior.

Photos by Mark Kurtz.

First Place was awarded to George Van Hook for “High Water.” He received cash and gifts valued at over $2,500, sponsored by ArtWorks, The Village Mercantile, North Country Savings, Golden Artists Colors, Ampersand Art Supply, Cape Air, and Plein Air Magazine / Streamline Publishing.

Second place, the Founders Award was awarded to Hai-Ou Hou for “Forever Running.” This award was sponsored by AdkAction and Golden Artists Colors. It is named in honor of Sandra Hildreth, current board president.

Third place was awarded to Jim Laurino for “Open Door On Franklin Avenue.” This award was sponsored by Mary Ann and Jody Hoyt in memory of Tom Boothe, and by Adirondack Health.

Patrick McPhee’s “Whiteface From Little Cherry Patch Pond” won the Artists Guild Award.

Vlad Duchev’s “After A Long Day” won The Bookstore Plus Award.

-Anik McGrory’s “Where the Otters Play” won the Paul Smiths VIC Award.

Dylan McKnight’s “Lake Flower Morning” won a new category, Honorable Mention, created just to honor his talent.

Two days of visitors voting for Peoples Choice Award resulted in Robin Roberts receiving that award late Saturday afternoon.

The final award of the event was the Artist Choice Award. A majority of the 37 artists chose Jennifer Sampson to receive their accolades.

To see a version of this post with links to the artists, visit HERE.

SLC Arts Presents

2023 North Country Arts Festival

August 24 – September 2

We are thrilled for launch of the North Country Arts Festival this week! There are just a few more days to secure your spot in our upcoming workshops. Registration required for workshops. Register HERE.

See the full NoCoAF schedule below. More info and downloadable schedule HERE.

Celebrate the Winners!

My Dreams for My Community Youth Essay Contest

Monday, August 28, 7 pm, Free (donations encouraged)

Join us as we gather to honor the remarkable achievements of the winners of the My Dreams for My Community Essay Contest.

In collaboration with Adirondack Voters for Change, we hosted this contest to inspire the young people of the North Country to share their visionary ideas for enhancing our community.

Learn more and register HERE.

Adirondack Center for Writing, 15 Broadway, Saranac Lake

Jamcrackers

Wednesday, August 30, 2023, 7:15 – 8:15 pm, free and open to the public. Advanced registration is preferred.

Seasoned solo performers Dan Berggren, Peggy Lynn and Dan Duggan have combined talents to create a dynamic trio named in honor of the river drivers who broke up log jams. They worked hard to find solutions, to get things rolling again, and it was a job that couldn’t be done alone. Dan, Peggy and Dan feel the same way about their music. These good friends and accomplished musicians bring a rare blend of humor, history and musical spirit to their performances.

More info and tickets HERE.

Great Camp Sagamore, 1105 Sagamore Road, Raquette Lake

Belden Noble Library Presents

Paul Smith’s VIC Presents

Mark Kurtz Artist Reception and Artist Talk

Friday, August 25 5:30 – 7 pm. Free.

Heron Marsh Gallery, August 19 – October 15, 2023

Meet photographer Mark Kurtz and view his exhibit of exquisite photographs in A Massawepie Journal at the VIC. A second opportunity to meet Mark and talk with him about his work during an artist talk will be on Sunday, September 3rd, 1 – 2 pm, in the VIC auditorium.

Details HERE.

Paul Smith’s VIC, 8023 State Route 30, Paul Smiths

Au Sable Forks Free Library Presents

Saranac Lake ArtWorks Presents

Becoming An Artist Panel Discussion

Wednesday, August 30, 7 – 9 pm, North Country Community College Saranac Lake campus

Becoming an artist, featuring Tim Fortune, Georgeanne Gaffney, Mark Kurtz, Lester Parker and Nathalie Thill. The panel discussion will be preceded by an artist demonstration and talk by Joe Ferris.

Moderated by Martha Pritchard Spear. North Country Community College Saranac Lake campus, or via zoom (contact admin@saranaclakeartworks.org for link)

North Country Community College Saranac Lake Campus, 23 Santanoni Ave, Hodson Hall 105, Saranac Lake