LOCALadk Magazine

LOCALadk 23 Upcoming Art Projects and Performances The first event we have scheduled involving art in Long Lake is a Seneca Ray Stoddard Exhibition focus- ing on his life and centering on pictures he took in Long Lake and the surrounding area. The evening will feature a screening of a documentary about Stod- dard's life, a brief lecture by Stoddard historian Dr Daniel Way followed by a book signing, and display of many pictures that Stoddard took in the Long Lake and surrounding area showcasing nature as well as famous Adirondack icons like the Sagamore Hotel and Mitchell Sabattis. A new art installation opening in Long Lake at the end of June 2023 will be one of the most ambitious projects taken on to date for both the artists and the Town. Art in Nature will showcase local artists' tal- ents and styles while encouraging the community to explore public spaces they might not venture to on a given day. The idea of the project is that panels done by local artists will be installed throughout the entire town and that people will "stumble" upon them, hope- fully starting a dialogue about the local arts scene and its connection to Long Lake and nature. Each panel will feature a brief artist bio and description of their work, and artists are encouraged to paint in their own style and composition to highlight their talents and uniqueness. Artists involved in the project have deep ties to the community and either currently live in Long Lake, grew up here, or have a second home here, and include well known Adirondack artists Matt Burnett, Richard Chandler, and Nancy Halter. The idea for Art in Nature came from expounding on a former art installation that the Town did in coor- dination with Matt Burnett in 2014, "Portraits in the Wilderness". In that project Matt installed four large panels in Long Lake, depicting recognizable locals and nature scenes, all of which were visible from the road as people walked or drove through the town. The biggest differences between that project and Art in Nature will be the inclusion of multiple different artists showcasing many different styles, instead of just one artist. Art in Nature will be more interactive with the viewer, requiring them to approach each pan- el to read the description. The panels will be placed strategically to draw the viewer off the beaten path and encourage people to discover the unexpected along their route. Showcasing local artists will be a benefit to the local artists as well as the local arts scene. The hope is to connect people with local artists and increase atten- dance at the Art and Photo Show, and possibly provide other opportunities to showcase their work through exhibitions, commissions, and increase recognition, community pride, and carry on tradition. The second way it will benefit the local arts scene is to encourage young artists to engage and partici- pate in the project. The Long Lake Central School art classes are designing one of panels, and being able to display the kids' work outside of school for everyone to see will further help connect the community. Additionally, our Music by the Lake concert series on Friday nights on Long Lake Town Beach has expanded.

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