A few years ago the Norman Rockwell Museum sponsored an exhibit on its grounds featuring garden gates. I submitted a design and was juried in, and soon got to work on turning my sketch of a butterfly into a real garden gate! The first step involved creating a brown paper pattern, correctly sized. The next step was cutting out the shape in smoothly sanded wood. Cedar was selected for its weathering properties. After a base coat of paint, ably applied by assistant John,  the wings were decoratively painted.

Here is the finished butterfly , leaning on the basement wall to dry, between the three coats of UV varnish applied.  Once completed, the butterfly was installed in a scenic spot on the Norman Rockwell Museum ground, framed by trellises. Its installation was recognized with an award.

When working on a piece of art, I often begin with a layered, colorful background. I then develop shapes, sometimes using paint, sometimes using collage pieces. More color and texture are added and finally the finishing touches, line work. Transparent acrylic paint lends itself to this multi-layer approach. I sometimes create my own unique papers to use in collages or include recycled materials.

Ideas for my art work vary. All my life I have spent time outdoors so themes from nature often surface in my paintings: florals, animals, landscapes. The world of music represents another of my interests and musical themes sometimes appear. The excitement and intrigue of city life can be a source of inspiration as well as travel to exotic locales. Sometimes, I am simply inspired to paint a personal interpretation of something I have seen. At the moment I am focusing on depicting the complexity of urban life through collage. A second theme is animals. My rendition of an animal subject is in no way realistic. I often simplify the shapes and fit them into an interesting composition, inviting the viewer to take a closer look.

The Stockade Art Show began 63 years ago. It is held on the first Saturday after Labor day each year. This year’s show date is September 6, 2014 (rain date of September 7, 2014). The times of the show are: Saturday 10:00 -4:00pm, and if rain, on Sunday 12:00 pm -4:00 pm. The art show is located in the Historic Stockade area of Schenectady by the wonderful Mohawk River. This show is an Outdoor fine arts show that promotes art mediums of paintings, photography and sculpture. All work is either matted and or framed.

Over 100 artists from all over the Northeast participate in one of the oldest art shows in the region. This is a show for exhibitors and spectators alike. It is a great day to visit the Stockade and stroll the streets experiencing local history as well!

Frequently Asked Questions:

• Where are the bathrooms located if the show is outdoors? Bathrooms are located in The First Reformed Church, which is on North Church Street.
• Where can I park?  There are three parking lot located in the Stockade. One is on Green Street, behind Saint George’s Church, the second lot is First Presbyterian Church parking lot, the last is located First Reformed Church Parking lot, located on the corner of the Church Street and Front Street. Exhibitors, are asked to unload their vehicles and move them to one of the lots with expediency to allow others access to the street.Parking
• Are Sculptures allowed?  As long as the sculpture is non-utilitarian (for example; can’t be used as a seat), we encourage sculpture.
• I understand that crafts are not allowed, what is considered a craft?  A craft would be considered any non-matted or framed work of art that can be used for any purpose other than viewing, such as, sun catchers, furniture, mugs, slate, t-shirts, postcards, bookmarks, notepaper, greeting cards, envelopes, etc.
• What else is not allowed within the Art Show? Performing arts are not allowed within the boundaries of the Art Shows based on our permit from the City of Schenectady.