Fulton County has a History of Supporting Artists
arts, barney bellinger, buttermilk falls, culture, frank casler, fulton county, john gates, sacandaga valley arts network in fulton county,
Quality arts and crafts events, galleries in every community, live theater and music events ranging from folk to jazz and a host of renowned resident artists all combine to illustrate the growing artistic atmosphere within Fulton County.
Fulton County is home to Adirondack-style furniture artist Barney Bellinger and award-winning photographer John Gates.
Bellinger, whose work is in the permanent collection of the Smithsonian Institution and has been featured in publications such as Country Living, is founder of Sampson Bog Studios, while Gates’ photography is displayed in homes around the world.
Frank Casler, chairman of the 200-member Sacandaga Valley Arts Network in Fulton County, says it’s no surprise that world-renowned artists are at home in Fulton County. SVAN is one of several entities that provides support to artists by hosting exhibits and “Meet the Artist” receptions and assists in organizing arts events.
“We began as a networking process for artists and have grown into a full-fledged 501(c)(3) that serves the public, educates and entertains,” Casler says.
Casler says the region has an extraordinary number of talented artists.
“A fine example of the local talent here can be found in the oil paintings and giclee prints of Rhea Costello.”
Costello grew up in Fulton County but moved to California as a young girl, returning on summer vacations to visit her grandfather. When she was 21, she made Gloversville her home.
“I visited the Adirondacks growing up and, as hokey as it may sound, I love the roots of the area – the oldness of the trees and the beauty you find here,” she says. Her paintings, sold in numerous galleries as well as through her Web site, have earned her prestigious awards, including the Peoples Choice Award at the Adirondack Rustic Expo in 2005.
The Fulton County Arts Show, marking its 50th anniversary in May 2008, is an example of the region’s commitment to the arts and to supporting artists. Approximately 90 artists annually exhibit more than 400 works during the weeklong show, held in the historic 100-year-old First Congregational United Church of Christ in Gloversville. Participants include one artist, Julius Janeszewski, who has entered works in every show since the first.
One goal is to encourage young artists, according to Ellen Wood, a volunteer organizer. While there are no prizes in the adult category, the high-school category is a juried competition offering $1,500 in awards.
“Many young artists are able to include these prizes in their portfolios when applying to art schools, so we find it important to have a jury for this part of the show,” Wood says.
All media are accepted, and a portion of the sales benefits local charities.
Other arts events are also on the calendar in Fulton County, including one linked to the region’s most recognized artistic style. The Adirondack Arts Society’s Annual Rustic Exhibit and Sale is held the last weekend of May in Northampton. Rustic Adirondack style includes the use of natural materials in bold yet simple styles.
“A lot of it depends on the interpretive eye of the artist,” says Wally Hart, president of the Fulton County Chamber of Commerce and Industry and a volunteer organizer of the event. Up to 30 artists exhibit and sell their work in the show.
The chamber, says photographer Gates, is another organization that demonstrates its support of the arts. Gates says he has benefited from the promotional work the chamber does on behalf of the art community. He also cites the business and peer relationships that exist here, as well as some key events that help artists get their work seen – and sold.
“Forget Me Knots in Mayfield is my most important retail outlet,” Gates says. “Grace Kaye (owner) has created a space there for 20 to 30 local artists and crafts people to sell works in her store. She opened that store about the time I got started, and I’m not sure I could have made it without her.”
From hometown exhibits in Mayfield’s public library and the Wemple & Edick’s Craft Fair in Sammonsville to full-scale events such as the Eagle Mills Arts and Crafts Show in Broadalbin (which features more than 100 juried artists and crafters), Gates says Fulton County is artist-friendly.
“The Eagle Mills event is the largest one in Fulton County and is a very important show for me and other artists,” Gates says. “Being in Fulton County gives me access to the tourist market drawn to the Adirondack Park, and to the park itself where I do my work.”
Story by Nancy McCrary
Photo by Adirondack Prints Inc.
