suns along the Mohawk

update (14Sep2023): Our coverage of the 2023 Stockade Outdoor Art Show [SOAS Facebook] has been assembled and completed with care, with over 160 photos. Thanks for your interest and your patience!

• Click to see the List of 2023 Winners, compiled by Zoe Oxley. Images of the winning art and artists, plus much more, are posted below.  For more SOAS memories, check out our earlier Art Show webposts.
• Share this posting with this shorter URL: https://tinyurl.com/SOAS2023

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. . this hardworking little guy helped capture the People’s Choice Award at this year’s Stockade Outdoor Artshow for artist Joe Ulrich. 

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FIRST PRIZE: ROBIN ROSENTHAL

Robin is no stranger to the SOAS or its Winners Circle. She won First Prize in 2011:

  . . the Oakroom Artists Award in 2012.

 

  and, the 2nd Prize in 2021.

SECOND PRIZE: HELGA PRITCHARD

.. . Helga is also familiar with the Winners Circle . . 

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THIRD PRIZE: MARGARET WATROUS

 

. . I expect we’ll see “Peggy” back at Lawrence’s Winners Circle in the near future; you can scroll down to our Strolling section for more of her work .

YOUTH DIVISION

FIRST PRIZE: HARRISON FLANDERS

 . . this is actually a multi-page booklet with many treats inside.

. . Harrison had another picture book mounted on a grid that was previously used at SOAS by his Grandmother . . 

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SECOND PRIZE: CARLEY WALSH

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. . Carley received the First Prize in the Youth section in 2022.

HONORABLY MENTIONED

. . click on a tile for a larger version with caption . . .

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Here’s a closer look at a few of the Honorable Mention winners:

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Stockade Association President Colleen Macaulay announced the winners with an assured touch:

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SPECIAL TOPIC AWARDS

BEST FIRST-TIME EXHIBITOR: LYNNE BUNNELL

On her first appearance at the Outdoor Art Show, Lynne was savvy enough to set down (put up?) her exhibit at one of my very favorite SOAS and Stockade locations: Near the entry door of St. George’s Church with its steeple majestically standing above the scene. A beautiful blue sky makes the location heavenly. See the image to the right.

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BEST DEPICTION OF THE STOCKADE: CHRISTINE CARLE

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. . Christine is a printmaker who also won this award two years ago.

.. BEST DEPICTON OF THE HUMAN FORM: LINDA STARR

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. . Linda moved from 29 to 31 Front St. . .

OAKROOM ARTISTS AWARD: BARBARA LENNOX

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. . . scroll below for a lot more Barbara . .  

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PEOPLES CHOICE AWARD: JOE ULRICH

A lot of people love that little sadsack on the bicycle, as well as Joe Ulrich’s tent-full of colors, images, and thought-provoking themes. Joe was voted the People’s Choice.  This is just a small sample of his 2023 exhibit, and I look forward to seeing what he will bring us next year.

• Joe has written an introdiction to his artistry and intentions. Click the image to the right to see what he has to say.

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… don’t forget to do your Happy Dance, like Alexa: 

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STROLLING THE STOCKADE OUTDOOR ART SHOW [“SOAS”]

A lot of us woke up September 9 anxious to see if the weather would cooperate and allow the Show to Go On. We got much more sun than anyone expected, without rainstorms and high winds. That allowed me to take a couple hundred photos while trying to also enjoy just strolling our streets, with archtecture, art, amiable neighbors and visitors. Here is just a little portion of what greeted and feted me and many art lovers.

FRONT STREET

As happened last year, the first exhbit I encountered near Front and N. Church St. was DAVID HINCHEN‘S display of his “architectural art”, featuring handsome local and regional structures.

. . the artist likes the location. .

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MABEL LEON had her exhibit right next to the Hinchen spread, across the alley and in front of her lovely home. .

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. . Mabel with her 2015 winner:  

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HOLLY VAN VOAST again had her exhibit in front of 23 Front Street. Like many other artists, Holly’s exhibit seemed a quite a bit smaller than in other years.  I found that many exhibitors wanted to have a lighter load if a thunderstorm or heavy wind and rain required quick de-camping from the Show.

  Just before I arrived at Holly’s exhibit, she had a visit from Kathy Fitzmaurice of Katbird Shop fame. This Art Show often means running into people I’ve been missing, like Kathy. 

Holly had a piece that is a favorite mine, which won the 1st Place Blue Ribbon years five ago. She also had an intriguing photo of Jumpin’ Jack’s Fireworks seen from the Isle of the Cayugas, with the scene turned red from the composition of the fireworks.

. . a good day for seeing friends . . 

Like last year, I was pleased to see that MARGARET WATROUS is sharing the results of her artistic talents and enthusiasm with the public.

As celebrated at the top of this posting, Peggy was awarded the Show’s 3rd Prize Saturday afternoon, for a piece that required her “scraping” skills. [see image immediately below]  I need to sit down with Peg and ask for another explanation of the scraping process.

Until then, here are a few different hues for a lighter mood:

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Meanwhile, PETER WATROUS had another giant spread of his prize-winning artwork just to the east of Margaret.  Here’s a small portion from his treasure chest.

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Here’s a pair that deserve a closer look:

Another prolific and talented Stockade neighbor, Craig Petreikis, was across the street in front of 33 Front Street, with memorable, colorful shapes and his trademark smile. 

In this picture, Craig is explaining how he gets such smooth curves:

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  When I crossed over to 29 Front Street, I discovered we were blessed with a bumper crop of First-Time Exhibitors: There were three in a row, across the front of the yellow house that often draws my attention with its giant crop of sunflowers.  Yesterday, Jeff Leavitt, Alexa Branic, and Ashlee Laffita drew my attention.

JEFF LEAVITT has been described as making “vibrantly colored, toy-like paintings, sculptures, and multimedia works”, and his exhibit proved it. Click on the mosiac tiles for larger versions, and see for yourselves.

ALEXA BRANIC was introduced above with this year’s panel of Honorably Mentioned artists for her depiction of a grumpy cactus-like robo-creature; she is also captured using what may be her Happy Dance as she leaves Lawrence Circle with HM ribbon and envelope in hand.  I hope she returns next year so I can learn about her artistic styles and intentions.

ASHLEE LAFFITTA does business under the trade name Phoeynx Artt, using digital and traditional illustration.  When she moved to Schenectady, Ashlee discovered that Stockade rents are too high for her budget. 

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Monday, September 11: It’s cloudy and humid outside today, but there were many bright spots at the Stockade Outdoor Art Show.

. . by Kim Leahey

For example, KIM LEAHEY was back with her colorful KILAARTS display. Kim reminded me that the sun was rising over hills to the east and over the Mohawk River and its travelers long before the Stockade was erected in the village of Schenectady. The image to the left is, therefore, her Stockade Depiction for 2023. I suggested she add the word Stockade to the painting’s descriptive note, and Kim readily complied. Everywhere I looked in her tent, there were images I wanted to share:

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Here are three of her canvases that brighten my day in various ways:

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MARY OCCHIGROSSO

Mary, who received Honorable Mention this year and is shown heading to Lawrence Circle, brought her grand display of hydrangea and more again to Front Street. 

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. . black and white, shadow and light, once again highlight the T. Heroux exhibit on Front Street:

  RITVIK SHARMA had a warm smile and his customary display of lovely urban images, which this time included a portrait:

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HECTOR ACEVEDO also had a friendly greeting, in the tent he shares with his wife, DIANE ACEVEDO, whose American flag received Honorable Mention by the SOAS judges:

. . Diane’s Crafty Avocado again made me smile . .

As he does every year, their son Alec Acevedo, in the tent nextdoor, brought vibrant fantasy images (made even more intriguing by “outdoor art show reflections”), along with a mighty waterfall landscape image from his honeymoon:

BTW:

It was good to see CHRISTINE MOSES-ROGONICZ  again, although I missed the image she had last year of the blue 33 Front Street frontdoor.

. . Next year, I hope to spend time browsing Sandy Jung’s display with its alcohol inks.

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ANNA MARIE SOCHA was a gracious and informative host, and showed me a photo-collage of ancient sidewalks.  Last year I focused on her red-flower triptych, but this year a Lantern and the sidewalk collage got my focus.

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Leaving Anna Socha’s exhibit, I soon encountered another set (all there independently, I believe) of First-Timers along Front Street. They had images I want to share:

“LINDA E. GRIMMMICK” and her art were quite welcoming. Here are a few examples of her acrylic offerings:

. . click on a square tile for a larger, full image . . 

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 I suggested to THOMAS HALE he should get a bigger, bolder sign.  But, maybe he feels his workproduct is enough of a lure:

• • he could be right.

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SANDRA WILLIAMS  saw me photographing her piece on the right below, and urged me to come inside her canopy tent [L]. I did, briefly, and hope she comes back next year.

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Before I left Front Street, I entered the multi-layered-styled-textured-dimensional-plus world of Troy artist Robilee McIntyre. There was so much going on, I was surprised to see the First Time Exhibitor label when I got back home. Curious to learn more about the artist, I discovered one can keep very occupied and interested browsing her Fuzzy Light Bulb Studio website (but I had to stop and get this webposting finished). I’m glad I got to meet Pink Betty and the “Dandism” dudes. 

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. . . seasons in our neighborhood; photo-collage by DAGiacalone. . 

 Then, when I crossed Front St. behind Lawrence Circle, I found my neighbor and 1st-Time-Exhibitor FRANK RAGUCCI, and finally got to see some of his art, such as the sketch in the frame at the head of this paragraph. Frank and his wife live on the same Stockade corner that I do (see image above right). Frank was enthusiastic for me to be a First Time Exhibitor myself, but I correctly decided that “just” trying to photograph and post about the Show was far more than enough for me. 

After admiring Frank’s painted wine glasses (a classy one to the left, and yet another with a turtles theme), I realized I was behind on my “schmoozin’ and shootin'” schedule for the Art Show and award ceremony, and reluctantly pushed on without getting more images of Frank’s work. I’m hoping Frank will forgive me and show me more of his art some day soon, maybe with painted wineglasses on their porch or my stoop.   

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. . speaking of seasons in one location, I can’t leave out this Saratoga mansion:

. . . but, I have lost my note with the artist’s name; please help me identify her . .

. . also, this charming piece:  

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•   FYI: I’m afraid I might forget to post this colorful painting by CINDY BUROLA of Three Birch Artworks. So, I’m putting it right here for your and my enjoyment. 

WEDNESDAY OFFERINGS

Heading to Green Street, I was greeted by the enthusiastic folks at the C.R.E.A.T.E. community studios exhibit table, but we bemoaned the scarcity of children taking advantage of their art supplies and mentors. Were they all dancing at the Greek Fest or enjoying the delicasies at the Italian Festa downtown?

A brief stop at the next table had me wondering just who Fany de la Cruz might be:

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Turning onto Green Street, there was a happy sight: two of my favorite returning artist exhibits: the tent of Anping Liu and Xiaoping “Sherrie” Xu, and Val Robert’s vibrant spread. [to be continued] 

LIU & XU

Sherry Xu brought more thoughtful, colorful works on canvas, and Anping Liu continued to familiarize the people of Schenectady with the art of Chinese brush painting.  Anping again had his array depicting flowers, koi and celebrities ( e.g., Marilyn and Elvis), and reminding us that this is the Year of the Rabbit.

• click on a square tile for a full, larger version

• Like last year (see photo on right), Sherry was wearing her fashion art: clothing painted with designs similar to one of her new canvases. Sadly, by the time I got to their tent, a savvy art lover had already purchased and carried away the piece that inspired the royal-blue jeans she was wearing when I saw her earlier in the Show.  I should have known.

VAL ROBERT

Val brought another box full of treats. 

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LYNDI _______

I didn’t get to meet Lyndi, but liked several of the images:

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• • if Lyndi uses more than one name, please let me know

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DEBBIE GREGG

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RAYSHAWN DOW

When I asked Rashawn which of his pieces he would choose to have on his bedroom wall, he imediately pointed to the intriguing image at the head of this sentence.

I was pleased that Mr. Dow was at the Winners Circle on Sept. 9, receiving Honorable Mention for a piece offering art history, with whimsy and strength.

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. . mixed media from Amy Hauer. .

PINA CALABRO

I’m glad I looked over toward Arthurs’ 1795 Market as I was leaving Green Street. I saw a display I had been missing: Pina Calabro’s warm-hearted face and exhibit. [This is the 3rd corner of Front and N. Ferry Streets that Pina has used at the Outdoor Art Show (2022; 2021). I hope she’ll claim it again next year, for its ambiance and centrality.]

Pina’s Sicilian hospitality was on display again. This year, she had her husband and a different (but equally charming) daughter. And, I quickly realized she also brought another pallette. With blues of varying shades, along with Sicilain yellows and beige.

Pina said she woke one day wanting to paint blues. I like her color ranges, and the blue change of pace, but I do seem to have an ancient yearning for Sicilian villages I have never seen. I hope to see the Calabro clan again next year, whether I am walking around on a photoshoot, or finally putting up an SOAS exhibit of my own. 

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 . . Oscar Bogran came to promote GALLERY 5 .

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. . click on the poster to learn about Showcase No. 2. .

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RICK SACCHETTI

Stockade resident and regular at the SOAS winners circle, may have thought the chance of thunderstorms made a smaller display appropriate this year.  Less of Rick’s oeurve meant less for his fans to enjoy, but there was still plenty of Sacchetti to appreciate.

 

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DON COOPER

I confess, I never have enough time at SOAS to spend exploring Don Cooper’s work.  The most I can do is enjoy a few, take a couple photos, and move on. Here are two examples from this year’s exhibit:

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KAREN ZAHRAY

Last year, I was disappointed that Karen was not at her exhibit when I stopped by, because I liked her work. This year, I was happy to meet her, and see similar pieces, plus new-to-me styles. This tiled mozaic has images I post last year by Karen, plus a framed piece that would make a great gift for a grand-daughter and others young at heart. 

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FAITH WELDON

Speaking of not meeting an artist last year, I had to rush to the Award Ceremony before I learned the creator of  a trio of impressive roosters, and no one helped me identify her from the photp I snapped:

This year, stopping to check out Faith’s exhibit, I smiled to see the cocks in question, knowing I had found their maker. Sadly, it was a couple minutes to 3 PM, and I once again had to hasten to Lawrence’s winners circle, without talking with Faith.

. . while there, I saw and snapped pair of black birds (crows?) I also admired:

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BARBARA LENNOX

Barb Lennox is among a small group of SOAS artists who I seem to schmooze with a lot during the Show. It is enjoyable, but the past few years, it often means (due to some unspeakable form of forgetfulness) that I fail to take enough or any photos of the artists or their exhibits. That happened this years with Barb, and I apologize to her and to readers of this website. I am, however, pleased to have captured Barb at the Winners Circle accepting the Oakroom Artists Award. And, as shown at the head of this paragraph, I snapped Barb talking with Oakroom judge Robin Rosenthal, after receiving the award.

However, the Oakroom prize is not for a specific piece, but is for the entire exhibit. To make up to her fans and to those not familiar with the robust and diverse nature of her art, I am posting below photos of Barb’s SOAS exhibits in 2021 and 2022. [you can click on an image for a larger version]

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DALTON-WALSH

Meg Dalton and Carley Walsh (her talented granddaughter) shared an exhibit tent together again this year. Carley received the 2d Prize in the youth division this year.  In 2022, they had pieces side-by-side on the Winners Circle fence. [image to the right]

Here are offerings by Meg [L top] and Carley [R] in 2023:

 

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THURSDAY Images (last, but definitely not least)

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. . above: Stockade scenes from [top] N. Ferry St. and Front St. by J. Politano . . 

JENNIFER POLITANO

Jennifer had her smile and warm welcome again this year, plus a lot of paintings that made me smile. See her Stockade depictions above.  Here are a few angles on her work:

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OTTAVIA HUANG  

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. . Ottavia had a better backdrop this year & brought her sense of humor . .

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. . Best Stockage Depiction, C. DeMarco, 2010. . 

CHARLES DEMARCO

Time has been flying a lot the past couple of decades. I first saw the signature “Demarco” on a painting at SOAS in 2010, when Charles was awarded the Best Stockade Depiction award (see above on right). And, then I had an enjoyable conversation with Mr. DeMarco in 2013, followed by several photos of his work, and that of Judy Hall-D’Angelo, at this weblog. Since then, I look for Charles and Judy and was happy to see them at the very end of my route around the Show. Here are a few DeMarco paintings that drew my lens and my appreciation:

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  JUDY HALLER-D’ANGELO

Judy is easy to talk to (as a discerning SOAS patron learned Saturday; above right), and her painting is very easy to enjoy. 

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• [update, 14Sep2023, 2:30 pm] I’m a couple days late finishing this project (no excuses, but it does have over 160 photos), and I thank you for your patience and your interest in the Stockade Villagers Outdoor Art Show. You can browse my “gallery” webposts memorializing SOAS since 2009, using this Link. See you next September, if not sooner; I’m told Harrison Flanders (see image at head of this paragraph) is anxious to return. 
• BTW: Thank you, Villagers Art Show Committee, for the honor of calling my SOAS webposts part of their Gallery.