Living Waters

One thing I love about North Country Public Radio is its constant attention to the arts. This morning I was intrigued, listening to Todd Moe and Hilary Oak, to learn of an upcoming exhibit at the St. Lawrence County Arts Council.

St. Lawrence County is geographically huge:"the largest county in New York State and the fifth largest ... east of the Mississippi." But of course, the population is relatively sparse, with 32 towns, 1 city, and 13 villages. In this context, the maintenance of a county-wide arts center is both essential and challenging. The SLCAC states as its goal "developing and promoting the arts in Northern New York". All sorts of arts - performance, visual, and literary - are supported, nurtured, and shared through the amazing efforts of the small SLCAC staff.

Creativity is like a spring of fresh water: it flows from deep within, carving a small pathway onto the surface; soon other springs join it; together, these mingled waters travel in new directions, fill riverbeds, flood thirsty plains, and attract life. People are drawn to them, sometimes without even knowing why. Pictured above is an image of the Thatcherville Spring, photographed by

Phil Gallos, which expresses the irrepressible energy and attractiveness found both in water and in the human creative urge.

SLCAC is a wellspring of creativity for the North Country, and as it has grown and diversified, it has drawn more people to quench their creative thirst. And just as a powerful river requires (and makes) more space to move than does a small spring, so the SLCAC needs to expand to a new, larger, multi-arts center.

To quote the SLCAC website:

We envision a center that provides affordable access to fully-equipped art studios, rehearsal rooms, and performance spaces. We want to create a place where people of all ages and abilities - from infants to seniors - can engage in the arts and share an array of cultural activities. The center will also serve as an incubator to foster arts businesses and organizations. A multi-arts center would attract new residents, encourage economic growth, and increase tourism for our region. Arts centers exist in rural towns across the country, where they play an active role in community revitalization.

To make such a space in St. Lawrence County is a magnificent goal, and an ambitious one. Such an effort needs broad support - many creative springs - to become real. But SLCAC is an arts center: who better to develop creative initiatives to draw forth and channel that support-?

And so they have. The exhibit of which Todd and Hilary spoke this morning is called "Limited Space" - an ingenius title indicating both the need (current SLCAC space is too limited) and the format: this is to be a show of small work. Artists are invited to submit work in any medium, but pieces must not be larger than 40 square inches - a two-dimensional equivalent of 5"x8". Artists are further asked to donate the pieces for the SLCAC to sell, with all proceeds dedicated to the Multi-Arts Center.

Perhaps the united effort of many creative springs will generate a great river of life and growth for St. Lawrence County and the whole North Country. For more information, contact the SLCAC: click the link provided above, or call (315) 265-6860, or contact their headquarters at 51 Market Street, Potsdam, NY, 13676.

Art for Giving!

It is too easy to spend money. The other day I went to the drug store to buy toothpaste, but I came out with dog treats, a magazine, gift wrap, a package of scotch tape, a box of batteries, chewing gum, hand cream, light bulbs ... AND toothpaste!



Store owners know this: many of us are too easily distracted by the interesting, the eye-catching, the useful - and we too easily part from our money as a result.



When it comes to shopping for gifts, it is WAY easy - for me at least - to bust the budget! But I strive for discipline. I try, in choosing and purchasing gifts, to be thoughtful. Sometimes, a gift that's not too expensive or flashy provides the best return on investment: the best long-term value for enjoyment and delight.



Artists know this: many of us seek thoughtful, long-lasting, not-too-expensive gifts of beauty for those we love.



Around the North Country, many venues are trying to provide shoppers just these types of gifts.



Tomorrow, Saturday December 12, the Artists' League of Lake Placid is hosting "A Holiday Event of Original Fine Artworks: 100 (almost) UNDER $100" at St. Eustace Episcopal Church on Main St., Lake Placid. This event begins at 10 am, and will feature smaller works: pieces priced for maximum value.



In Saranac Lake, Bluseed Studios is hosting an exhibit and sale of work by members of Saranac Lake Art Works through the month of December. Like the Lake Placid event, this show highlights less expensive works, both decorative and practical.



Besides these holiday opportunities, many galleries and gift centers offer affordable art all year. The Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts in Blue Mountain Lake sells the work of exhibitors. In addition to their usual offerings, the Center also has a selection of repurposed/recycled lighting fixtures which, I'm told, are fabulously creative and fun.



The Arts Center of Old Forge has a shop too, as does the St. Lawrence County Arts Council . According to the SLCAC website, their gift shop features "artwork, hand crafts, music and books by more than 200 artists from around Northern New York".



And of course there is the Adirondack Artists' Guild in Saranac Lake, whose members are always creating new, exciting works. Member artist Donna Foley has recently stocked the shelves with skeins of hand-woven, naturally-dyed yarn, as well as cozy scarves and other woolen treasures.



Chances are, there are sources for one-of-a-kind gifts near you. I am sure there are galleries and gift shops I have not mentioned here. Post a comment! Let us all know where the gems are to be found!