02/28/2025
This exhibition of paintings, works on paper, photography, and weavings from the 19th century to today are all by Adirondack artists. This New York state park from Lake George to near the Canadian border has been legislated as “Forever Wild” since 1892. The Adirondacks attracted artists like Asher B. Durand (1796-1886) as early as 1837. Paintings by Durand and other 19th century artists were praised when exhibited at the National Academy which made the Adirondacks a destination for both artists and summer visitors. Our exhibition includes Durand, Daniel F. Bigelow (1823-1910), John Bunyan Bristol (1826-1909), James McDougal Hart (1828-1901), William Richardson Tyler (1825-1896) and Alexander Wyant (1836-1892).
As the Adirondacks became accessible, first by boat and stagecoach then by train and car, more artists visited in the 20th century. Some artists who grew up spending summers in the Adirondacks returned to paint or take photographs like Harold Weston (1894-1972) in Keene Valley, Allen Blagden (b. 1938) in Upper Saranac Lake, and Nathan Farb (b.1941) in Lake Placid. Weston and Farb both set up a permanent home and studio in their part of the Adirondacks. The exhibition also includes Dorothy Dehner, Cynthia Schira, Don Wynn, and contemporary artist Andrew Thompson.
