A message from the publishers …

“A rising tide lifts all boats.”

That’s a favorite saying around here and we use it a lot when talking about our goals for what ADK A&E can do for the arts and entertainment community here in the Adirondacks.

As we draw attention to the arts and entertainment across the Adirondack Park with the ADK A&E e-News, the online Event Calendar (the go-to calendar in the park), and a Directory for all purveyors of arts and entertainment—well, that’s the “rising tide.” 

And as people turn their attention to ADK A&E for that big picture, each individual artist, musician, arts organization and venue all benefit from additional patrons and customers because of the additional attention they would not have received otherwise. Those are our “boats” we aim to lift.

Beyond that, ADK A&E connect this arts community to itself, with news of everything from grants awarded, job openings, calls for artists and profiles of artists and performers.

But we need your help to keep it going. 

We do not charge for the subscription to the e-News, nor for posting to the Event Calendar or the Directory and we plan on never charging. The costs, though, to maintain the ADK A&E website and to send the e-News are significant and—in news that will surprise exactly no one—are getting more expensive all the time.

So rather than charge a set fee, we come to you as a partner, asking for your support by making a donation so we can keep this marvelous service and the community it serves going strong and thriving. We have no set dollar amount to ask for and, instead,  leave it up to you to decide how much to contribute; “give as you are able” in other words.

We also know that there are members of our community who have financial challenges and can’t give at all, and we understand. For those folks, we ask those who are in a stronger financial position to consider a little extra donation to cover those subscribers who can’t give.

Another thought:  If it works for your budget, you could set up a recurring monthly donation—like a regular subscription—when donating online. You can set it up for any amount, and even a few dollars given monthly are a help to the ADK A&E  budget. 

You can make a secure online donation clicking HERE. 

Or, if you prefer to send a check, please mail it to ADK A&E, PO Box 422, Jay, NY 12941.

Let’s keep that tide rising!

And know that whatever amount you give, we appreciate your support—thank you!

Beth and Tim

Speaker: Andrew Menzie, Director of Historical Interpretation at Fort William Henry

James Fenimore Cooper’s The Last of the Mohicans was published the year America was celebrating its 50th birthday.

This presentation will explore the historical events upon which Cooper based his story, the personal and historical context that shaped the way Cooper told his story, and the far-reaching legacy of his story.

This program is free for Chapman Members or $10 for non-members. Payment is required at the time of registration. Space is limited. To register, please call (518)793-2826.

Chapman Museum, 348 Glen Street, Glens Falls

Sacandaga Valley Arts Network (SVAN) announces

Call for Artists

The SVAN Gallery & Gift Shop is preparing for a June 5 relaunch—and we’re inviting artists, artisans, and makers to be part of it.

We are building a community-centered, co-op style gallery featuring:

 –  Fine art

 –  Artisan & handcrafted work

 –  A welcoming, creative space

This is an opportunity to:

–  Exhibit your work in a supportive, curated space

–  Connect with other artists and the community

–  Be part of a shared, creative environment

Participating artists contribute not only their work, but also a small amount of time helping support the gallery—creating a true artist-driven space.

To learn more or apply: [email: wilcoxcarolyn@hotmail.com or message HERE.

Come be part of something we’re building together: Art. Music. Makers. Community.

Learn more about SVAN HERE.

SVAN, 303 South Main Street, Northville

The Adirondack Center for Writing and the Adirondack Folk School present

Workshop & Reading with Kate Fagan

Thursday, May 14, 

5 – 8 pm

There’s no right way to do it—as we’ve all heard—but there are certain concepts (developmental draft) and junction points (first feedback!) that are universal. Kate will take you along her path to publishing her debut novel and share some secrets she learned along the way. 

Kate Fagan is a novelist, Emmy-award winning journalist, and the No. 1 New York Times bestselling author of What Made Maddy Run, which was a semifinalist for the PEN/ESPN Award for Literary Sportswriting. Her debut novel, The Three Lives Of Cate Kay was the January 2025 pick for Reese Witherspoon’s book club.

Additional info HERE.

The Adirondack Folk School, 51 Main St., Lake Luzerne

Step Mother Nature Gallery presents

Michael Greathouse Child’s Play

Through Thursday, June 30

Calvin had Hobbes. Andy had Woody and Buzz. Linus had his blanket. As children, we navigated the world with equal helpings of wonder and fear, gathering our understanding of the things and people around us as best we could. Often overwhelmed by what we found, a stuffed animal, doll, action figure, or treasured object became an intermediary, a constant companion and touchstone through which we could translate our experience. Michael Greathouse looks back to those times in Child’s Play, a body of new paintings that illuminate the hazy divide between childhood confidant and creepy critter.

Toys, especially those with anthropomorphic qualities, often live within a special realm in a child’s existence. Plushies, stuffed animals, and various dolls all exist in a hybrid space where they divert from natural fauna and are also clearly not human. Instead, they verge on the uncanny, the space in which figures become both abhorred and adored. Like the twisted inhabitants of the island of Dr. Moreau, these characters exhibit a push-and-pull that vacillates between precious and peculiar. In popular culture, characters like Chucky or the denizens of Five Nights at Freddy’s leverage this juxtaposition while playing upon the common adult distaste or fear of the clowns, puppets, and figurines so beloved in our youth.

More info HERE.

Image: Michael Greathouse, Happy Monkey, 2026, Oil on canvas,12” x 12”

Step Mother Nature, 1720 State Route 3, Bloomingdale

Jay Entertainment & Music Society (JEMS) presents

Contra-Dancing With Adirondack 2-Step

Wednesday, May 13, 7 pm

Come and enjoy JEMS’ Contra-dancing with Adirondack 2-Step where your $10 suggested donation ($5/child and student) will be matched!! Proceeds will go toward the extensive repairs underway at the theatre. Many thanks to our generous matching donor, and to all of you who continue showing up for JEMS.

No experience necessary, fun for all ages! Refreshments. Chairs for those who just wish to listen and watch.

Connect to us HERE.
Check us out on Facebook HERE.
Instagram HERE.

Amos & Julia Ward Theater, 15 Parkside Road, Jay

Bell Fire Arts Collective presents

Speakeazy Storytelling Open Mic At Old Soul Taproom

Wednesday, May 13, 7 pm

Join hosts Alex Clark and Rasheed Trombley and hoist your favorite beverage for the third year of monthly personal storytelling in the cozy comfort of Old Soul Design Shop and Taproom—one of the unique arts and community venues in Downtown Plattsburgh. 

How SpeakEazy works.:
The Sign Up list opens at 6:45 (if you want to tell a story). Or add your name to the list at anytime during the event.

Come and tell a story or just listen as friends, neighbors and visitors from all walks of life and backgrounds come together and share personal stories in a relaxed and fun event free from pressure or judgment.

No experience necessary.
No Theme. No Critique. No scoring.

You don’t need to prepare. Any story is perfect – stories you tell to family or friends or at your favorite watering hole. From your life story to what you saw in town last week.
No theme required. Family stories, funny stories, heartbreaking stories – anything you want to share. You are welcome to tell from the head and heart, or to bring paper up with you if you want to.
When your name is called, the stage is yours for seven minutes.

All the details HERE.

Old Soul Design Shop and Taproom, 124 Margaret Street, Plattsburgh

The View Arts Center presents

Ladies Night Out: Decoupage Rope Bowls

Wednesday, May 13, 2026, 6 – 8 pm

Grab your friends and join us for a fun Ladies’ Night Out! Enjoy an evening creating while sipping complimentary drinks.

In this workshop, you’ll turn simple cotton rope into a charming little bowl—then give it personality using decorative napkins. Choose from our stash of fun patterns or bring a favorite napkin from home to make your bowl truly one-of-a-kind. It’s easy, creative, and a little bit magical to watch your design come to life.

All materials are included in the cost of the class, plus enjoy two complimentary drinks.  

More info and register HERE.

View Arts Center, 3273 State Route 28, Old Forge

The Waterhole presents Party on the Patio

Public Water Supply

Thursday, May 14, 6:30, outside, free

Public Water Supply is a six-piece band from  Rochester, NY known for their cosmic sound of blending Alternative Rock with India Americana. 

RSVP HERE.

Waterhole Music Lounge, 48 Main St, Saranac Lake