Friday, September 5, 2008

LOOKING FOR A COMMISSION...


This beautiful bronze sculpture is by RJ Melnyk and sits in Griffis Sculpture Park (Ashford Hollow).  Like many other artists, he is looking for an opportunity to produce another piece of public art.  With any luck, there should be information regarding the promotion of art along the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor in the near future.

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

LOOKING FOR A COMMUNITY THAT WANTS A PIECE OF SCULPTURE!


Al Goldfarb has attended more than one of my presentations.  He is a sculptor and I want to share an example of his work with you.  Wouldn't it be nice if there was a place for him to install something like this?

Saturday, May 17, 2008

SEMINAR AT SARATOGA NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK













On May 16th I presented a short seminar at the Visitors Center in the park.  It was facilitated by Linda Buerkley of Hudson Falls, who worked with the Feeder Canal Alliance and NCAC Board. The goal was to expose those interested in the Art Walks On Water project to the possibilities for local involvement.  There were attendees from Ft. Edward, Cambridge, Schuylerville, Glens Falls, Stillwater, Greenwich, Hudson Falls, Salem, Balston Lake and other surrounding towns and villages.  Linda took many photographs of sites in the area that would serve as possibilities for art installations.  Now, we must find individuals or groups that are interested in acting as stewards for this project.  I would like to add photographs of existing art to the 524 Mile Art Gallery in the Picasa Album site.  
Please send them to my email address:  skoogfarm@frontiernet.net
During this brief trip, my husband and I had three chance meetings with people who have connections to Brockport....Jack and Janet Beck have a home here (and read about the seminar in the newspaper while they are vacationing in Saratoga), James Kunstler (writer, who happened to be at the Saratoga Farm Market and was a student at Brockport many years ago), and the first mate of the Lois McClure, who we spent some time with while they were docked in Brockport (he was at the museum).  This made the trip even better.  

Also,the Hudson River was so inviting

Monday, April 28, 2008

ENVISIONING A RECONNECTED CANALWAY THROUGH PUBLIC ART AND ART TRAILS



On April 17th, a Roundtable was held in Canajoharie at the Arkell Museum (a beautiful facility and worth visiting).  It was sponsored by the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor and was well attended by over 75 "art minded" community leaders, arts and community development professionals and canal enthusiasts.  The main speaker was Ronald Lee Fleming of the Townscape Institute, a nationally recognized planner and place-making expert.  Thank goodness for people like Hannah Blake (ECNHC) who brought this event together.  Her vision, contacts and amazing ability to present a first class event made this a very meaningful gathering.  I certainly learned a lot and we were all able to make new contacts.  Art Walks On Water is only part of the big picture.  The 524 Mile Gallery will become a huge Art Trail and will include studios, galleries, museums, art walks, bus tours and more.  It should provide a great boost to artists and the New York State Canal System, of which the erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor is a major component.  Many thanks to Teresa Vitale of TAV Designs (Jordan, N.Y.) who worked so hard to help Hannah in the planning of this roundtable. Now we have to get the project supported and moving.

Saturday, April 12, 2008

THE SUMMIT......



On April 10th there was a great meeting of the minds (14) in Jordan, New York regarding the development of Art Walks On Water, Art Trails, Economic Development, Bus Tours, Heritage Trails and much, much more.  Not only could there be a renaissance for New York State artists, economic development could receive quite a boost.   High energy prevailed as we brainstormed over a lunch prepared by our hostess and artist, Teresa Vitale.  Hopefully many of you will be joining us at our Roundtable on April 17th to continue this discussion with guest lecturer Ron Fleming.

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

SAVE THE DATE!!!

On April 17th there will be a Roundtable and lecture held at the Arkell Museum in Canajorie.
ENVISIONING A RECONSTRUCTED CANALWAY THROUGH PUBLIC ART AND ART TRAILS
The main speaker will be Ron Lee Fleming of the Townscape Institute and I will also be making a small presentation.  Details will be forthcoming.  Hope some of you can make it.

Thursday, March 15, 2007

Art Walks On Water-A Canalway Project for Ports & Waterfronts


A group of Brockport, NY, canal enthusiasts envision the canalway becoming the world's longest art gallery, and are seeking partners across the canal system to make it happen. Art Walks On Water came about as a result of the installation of "Howdeee," an 18-foot tall sculpture by nationally recognized artist, Bill Stewart. It was presented to the Village in October, 2005, by the Art & Aesthetics Committee of the Walk!Bike! Brockport Action Group - a volunteer organization. The New York State Canal Corporation is currently reaching out to towns and villages, encouraging them to enhance the canal's role as a community asset and tourism destination. This project could do just that! It is ambitious and inclusive, with statewide potential. If you are excited about the concept of a 524-mile art gallery that can engage residents and visitors alike, get on board!

Some communities already have art installations near the canal and on waterfronts. We want to know what is out there. Please tell us what you think about this concept and if you want to participate.

Mural by Dawn Jordan

Mural by Dawn Jordan
Get on the Mural Mania Bandwagon

Art Walks On Water News and Updates



****I have created an album that you can reach through my blog. When you click on Picasa Albums, go to "524 Mile Gallery." Photos have already been sent and I will continue to add more as soon as you can get them to me. Let's see how much art is already out there along the canal AND in your communities.


****PLEASE DON'T FORGET TO SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO THE BLOG. Include Title, Artist and Location. If there is a gallery or museum, send a photo of that too. Thanks!

****6/21/07**** On June 14th "Winston's Dream" was dedicated in Lyons, New York, where I had the pleasure speaking. The event was attended by over 250 people, there to support the Dobbins family and the debut of MURAL MANIA. Carmella Mantello, of the Canal Corporation spoke along with Frank Dean, of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor. Numerous letters were read from Governor Spitzer and others. An excellent example of public art along the New York State Canal System.

****9/20**** When the Lois McClure stopped in Brockport, the community really turned out. Almost 2400 people toured in two days. The crew was great and I was able to get to know many of them. We delivered fresh vegetables and lots of organic garlic (that we grow on our farm) to enhance their diets. They were kind enough to carry a poster my students made (Main St. USA - Brockport, NY) to Rome, as a gift to Mayor James Brown. He also got a bag of garlic. Hannah Blake, of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, was there for 3 days, and we had many hours to discuss the future of Art Walks On Water. She is a great supporter and has quite a vision for the future. Good things are about to happen,please stay tuned.

****1/14/2008**** I'm Back!!!! and still working toward a roundtable for late spring or early summer with Hannah Blake. Happy to announce that Clarkson, New York
will be installing a kiosk along the canal at Sansocie Park in the next month or so.
It will promote Art Walks On Water and their town. This ambitious community got the specs for the kiosk from the Canal Corporation and jumped through all the hoops (permission etc.) to make it happen. Ordinarily the state has been charging $15,000 to construct them, and they did it for $2,500 in supplies and inkind service to have it installed. If they can do it, other communities can too. A print of the Clarkson School House will be displayed along with a bio for artist Helen Smagorinsky.