The art show at the Gateway Museum in Morristown features a retired art teacher, town historian, former teacher, North Country natives and transplants. But there is a common theme running through their paintings – the St. Lawrence River inspires them.
Eight artists are exhibiting their works at the Main Street museum, which is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and 1-4 p.m. Sundays during the summer.
“I was excited not just for the amazing venue, but having my work surrounded by local artists,’’ said Debra Monteith. “I don’t think people realize how much talent there in this area, so I love the fact we are all getting more exposure.’’
“Artists projected not just the amazing St Lawrence but their lives and what brings them joy. We all put our inner-self into a piece so you can get a look at what makes us tick. We lead with our hearts.’’
The show includes works from Monteith, Kathleen Kelly, Janet Newtown, Ethel Slocum, Dot Swift, Patty Warren, Jacqueline Washburn and recently deceased Karen Moquin.
Jackie Washburn is enjoying a renaissance with the river’s serene blue expanses and sunsets.
“I not only live with a view of the harbor, but growing up we had a summer cottage on the St. Lawrence River,’’ Washburn said. “My children learned to swim in the river, and my last three paintings have been inspired by the river.’’
“We bought a home in Morristown last year. My fiancé Gregg and I have six grown children. Morristown always has something going on, and the river is stunning,’’ siaid Washburn, who is displaying eight acrylic paintings. “I was thrilled to be asked to be included. It was wonderful to meet so many local artists and art patrons.’’
Kathleen Kelly was born in Syracuse, but has lived along the river for the past 26 years. She just returned from spending a week with her children at an art camp at Racquette Lake. Kelly, a choir member at St. John the Evangelist, finds her inspiration in her faith.
She relies on “a centering prayer making me attuned throughout the day to what I see, hear, and feel, and daily quiet walks with a sketchbook or taking pictures with my mind for reflection.’’
“What happens after is anyone’s guess. Images combine with literature and poetry and scripture and life experience. Being so removed from a concrete image, my work is not always palatable to other people. So it is challenging to remain authentic.’’
At the exhibit, you’ll find an artist’s statement near their works.
Dot Swift credits her husband Jeff, who fashioned most of the miniatures for the town diorama at the Gateway, for his encouragement.
“Dot enjoys painting birds, whimsical scenes, children’s characters and holiday decorations, as well as creating a variety of woodcraft pieces,’’ her statement reads.
Ethel Slocum, retired from Morristown Central School after a 30-year career as an art teacher, credited her elementary art teacher in suburban Buffalo for encouraging her lifelong interest in art.
“Her work reflects a lifelong love of creativity, a dedication to the arts, and a belief in the importance of nurturing imagination,’’ Slocum’s statement recounted.
Town historian Janet Newtown grew up on her family’s farm and developed an appreciation of nature, which is reflected in her works.
“She has cultivated a style that seeks not only to capture a scene but also to evoke a feeling,’’ Newtown’s statement reads. “Her paintings reflect a love of both art and the environment, whether portraying a tranquil sunset, the weathered roof of a rustic barn, or a mallard taking flight.’’
One thing is clear about the show – a river runs through it.
Morristown native Jim Holleran is a retired teacher and sports editor from Rochester. Reach him at jimholleran29@gmail.com or view past columns under “Reflections of River Rat’’ at https://hollerangetsitwrite.com/blog/
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