From the editors

A cute story….

We (Beth and Tim) were attending an event last autumn, Scott Ferris’ wonderful talk on Rockwell Kent in Au Sable Forks, when we met a wonderful “mature” couple who told us how much they loved ADK A&E, both the three-times-a-week e-News and the website’s Event Calendar.

“We use it for our date nights,” the gentleman said.

“Come again?” I asked.

“Yes,” his delightful partner said. “We sit down with a glass of wine and go through the ADK A&E calendar, making a list of what we’ll do or attend over the next month or so. It’s really fun to do that!”

That is a terrific idea and an example of how ADK A&E connects people with all the happenings in this richly varied Adirondack arts and entertainment community.

So today we’re asking you to help keep that connection going by making a donation to support our efforts. 

We do not charge for the subscription to the e-News, nor for posting to the Event Calendar or the Directory and we plan to never charge. But that does not mean it’s free.

There are significant costs to producing and sending the e-News and to maintain the website with the Event Calendar and Directory—not to even mention the time we put into ADK A&E—and we’re asking you to chip in to help keep this news service going.

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.

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, you can send a check to ADK A&E, PO Box 422, Jay, NY 12941.

We appreciate your support—thank you!

Beth and Tim Rowland

The Downtown Artist Cellar and The Thrive Project present

Artist-in-Residence Lauren Austin

Tuesday, May 12 thru Friday, May 22, 2026

Recption and Artist talk Friday, May 22, 2026, 5 – 7 pm

The Downtown Artist Cellar and The Thrive Project are pleased to welcome nationally recognized African American fiber artist Lauren Austin for a two-week artist residency.

Austin’s quilt-based practice blends hand-dyed fabric, printmaking, beading, and stitched surface design into richly layered narrative works exploring family, cultural history, memory, and the natural world. A multi-generational fiber storytelling artist with more than 30 years of experience, her work has been exhibited nationally and is included in public collections, including the Smithsonian American Art Museum. 

More information about Austin’s work can be found HERE.

Throughout the residency, the public is invited to participate in open studio sessions at the Downtown Artist Cellar. Community members are encouraged to stop in, view works in progress, connect with the artist, and quilt together in a welcoming creative environment. Participants are welcome to bring their own sewing machines and materials, though some materials and machines will also be available.

As part of the residency, Austin will also work with students through The Thrive Project’s Open Studio after-school program, leading a hands-on origami self-portrait book workshop focused on storytelling, identity, and creative expression.

The residency also includes a community call for fabric scraps and quilting materials to be used during open studio sessions and collaborative creative activities. Donations may be dropped off during gallery hours or arranged for pickup through the gallery.

More info HERE.

Downtown Artist Cellar / The Thrive Project, 410 East Main Street, Malone

The North Country Children’s Museum announces

North Country Children’s Museum receives Outstanding Practice Award

The North Country Children’s Museum was honored at Association of Children’s Museums InterActivity conference with the Outstanding Practice Award for Small Museums.

This award recognizes exceptional work across all areas of children’s museums and highlights innovative exhibits that move the entire field forward. 

We’re proud to be this year’s recipient of this prestigious award!

Learn more about the North Country Children’s Museum HERE.

Image: NCCM Staff: Matthew Brookover, Sharon Vegh Williams, and Liza Paige. Photo courtesy of NCCM.

NCCM, 10 Raymond St, Potsdam

Whallonsburg Grange’s Grange Music Series presents

HEARD

Saturday, May 16, 7:30

Heard is a collective of musicians that bring their skills and passion for world music, jazz and improvising together to create irresistible grooves set in a unique sonic tapestry. Together for over 16 years, their vibrant sound incorporates influences from West Africa, Brazil, the Caribbean and beyond. Their debut recording Karibu reached #15 on the World Jazz charts and their daring sophomore release Flyway has garnered simlair kudos and acclaim.

Heard is a 6-time Eddy Music Awards nominee in the World Music category, as well a 2026 Listen Up! Music Awards nominee. Energetic & upbeat, Heard will open your ears & hearts…and get you up and dancing!

The Grange show will feature a quartet of musicians including Zorkie Nelson on drums and vocals, Laura Andrea Leguía on saxophone, and Elizabeth Woodbury Kasius on keyboard and melodica.

More info and tickets are HERE.

Whallonsburg Gramge, 1610 NYS Route 22, Whallonsburg

The Station – Onchiota presents

ADK Outdoor Expo

Saturday, May 16, 11 am – 3 pm

Bring your used outdoor gear to sell swap or give away at the ADK Outdoor Expo. This free event will feature Alternative Folk music from Nubble and interactive projection art from Echo Only.

More info HERE.

The Station, 1 Kushaqua Mud Pond Rd., Onchiota

Saranac Lake ArtWorks and Paul Smith’s College VIC present

A Little Birdie Told Me

Monday, May 18 – Sunday, July 27, 2026

Opening reception Saturday, May 30,  5 – 7pm (after the Great Adirondack Birding Celebration Key Note Speaker)

This is an open exhibition celebrating the beauty and spirit of birds, set within the stunning natural landscape of the Paul Smith’s College VIC.

Birds have long inspired artists with their color, movement, mystery, and presence in both nature and story. A Little Birdie Told Me includess broad interpretations of the theme.

Heron Marsh Gallery, Paul Smith’s College VIC, 8023 State Route 30, Paul Smiths

Saranac Lake Free Library presents

Art At the Library: Moving Mountains

Thru Saturday, June 27, 2026

Featuring works by Ren Davidson Seward and Peter Seward, this exhibition of artwork is from their December 2025 artist residency at the University of Lethbridge’s Gushul Studio, in Blairmore, Alberta.

Saranac Lake Free Library, 109 Main St, Saranac Lake

SLC Arts presents

The 7th Annual North Country Arts Celebration

Sunday, May 17, 2 – 4 pm

The North Country Arts Celebration presents an opportunity to recognize our 2026 grant recipients and celebrate the North Country arts community.

 There will be live music, an interactive art demo, two short films (on loop), and some tasty snacks. Open to the public. 

Hope to see you there!

Dobisky Visitors’ Center, 100 Riverside Ave., Ogdensburg