From the Adirondack Explorer

New report: How the arts are driving growth in the North Country

A new report shows how arts are driving economic vitality, including employment and tourism spending, in the North Country

A new report shows that the arts have been an engine of economic vitality in the North Country. The report, published by the Center for an Urban Future, includes the following findings:

• From 2014 to 2024, the North Country’s arts and culture sector grew 29.1% while overall employment in the region fell 2.9%.

Read more HERE.

Image: A report shows the North Country economy has strengthened through tourism and arts. Explorer file photo.

Orchestra of Northern New York (ONNY) Presents

Plattsburgh State Art Museum presents

2026 BA Art and Design Senior Show

Tuesday, April 7 – Saturday, May 16

Reception Friday, April 10, 4 – 6pm

This exhibition features work created by graduating Bachelor of Arts students in the SUNY Plattsburgh Department of Art & Design. This represents the culmination of each undergraduate student’s experience of developing a body of work. The exhibition features student work from a variety of studio areas: ceramics, drawing, graphic design, painting, photography, printmaking and sculpture.

Myers Lobby Gallery, Plattsburgh State Art Museum, SUNY Plattsburgh, 101 Broad St, Plattsburgh

The View presents

Stephen Fletcher: Intersecting Paths

Friday, April 10 – Saturday, May 9, 2026

“Meet the Artist” Opening Reception, Friday, April 10, 6 – 8 pm

Intersecting Paths will feature a selection of pieces that showcase Stephen Fletcher’s artistic interpretation of the Adirondacks. The artworks will encompass a range of themes, including the region’s majestic landscapes, its flora, fauna, people, and the intersections between nature and human experience. Through his use of light, texture, and composition, Stephen aspires to capture the essence of this unique and captivating environment. With a long-standing presence in the Adirondacks, Stephen brings a distinctive perspective to his work.

Learn more HERE.

Image: Hermit’s Supper by Stephen Fletcher

The View Arts Center, 3273 State Route 28, Old Forge

Fort Ticonderoga Author Series presents

Historian Mark R. Anderson

Sunday, April 12, 2026, 2 – 3 pm, via Zoom

In May 1776, more than two hundred Indian warriors descended the St. Lawrence River to attack Continental forces at the Cedars, west of Montreal, in the war’s first substantial Indian battles. Over three days’ fighting, the Native Americans and their British and Canadian allies forced an American fort to surrender and ambushed a fatally delayed relief column.  

Historian Mark R. Anderson addresses traditional questions of massacre and cowardice in the affair, while focusing primarily on the campaign’s Native participants—their motivations, battlefield conduct, and the event’s impact in their world.

Additional details and register HERE. Register for this program by 5 pm Friday, April 10.

April is National Poetry Month!

St. Lawrence County Arts Council (SLC Arts) Presents

Snowfort Books presents

Mountain Echo concert

Sunday, April 12, 2026, 2 pm

Join us as we welcome Mountain Echo—Nora Nadire, Jeff Schmich, and Benjamin Littenberg—the biggest little band!

Lisetn to a sample HERE.

Snowfort Books, 6592 Main Street, Westport

We Are Instrumental (WAI) announces

Music March Madness Drives Record Student  Engagement Across  North Country Schools

We Are Instrumental (WAI) announces the results of its 2026 Music March Madness, a region-wide initiative that united students, educators, artists, and communities in a month-long celebration of music education.

Across nine schools, students logged:

Nearly 300,000 total minutes of practice

6,400 minutes on scales

29,000 minutes on solo repertoire

41,000 minutes on ensemble music

Participation was from across four counties; participating schools included:

Boquet Valley, Corinth, Newcomb, North Warren, Peru, Plattsburgh, Ticonderoga, Tupper Lake, and Willsboro

2026 Music March Madness winners are:

1st Place (Ticonderoga): Trip to a live performance at Proctors Theatre or the Flynn

2nd Place (Peru): Pizza party

3rd Place (Corinth): Ice cream party

Learn more about WAI and March Madness competition HERE.

In Case You Missed It

“Indigenous Art Stirs Resilience and Reflection”

Mountain Lake Journal’s Spotlight producer Paul Larson chats with artist storyteller David Fadden about his exhibit, Visions from Mountains to Valley on display in the Burke Gallery of the John Myers Building at SUNY Plattsburgh. 

You can view the piece HERE.