Adirondack History Museum Reflects on Local Landscape Artists

Adirondack History Museum Board Member Steve Shepstone and Director Aurora McCaffrey pose in the new Rosenberg Gallery next to the Ambrose Andrews 1848 landscape of Fort Ticonderoga, the earliest landscape in the Museum’s “Hidden Treasures: Essex County’s Artists” art show. The show, which is curated by SUNY Plattsburgh Art Department Chair Norman Taber, features notable works from the 19th Century, 20th Century and contemporary artists, and opens with a reception on Aug. 5. (Photo provided by the Adirondack History Museum)

The Adirondack History Museum paints beautiful pictures of the landscapes of Essex County with its second art show of the season.

“Hidden Treasures: Essex County Artists” opens with a free reception in the Rosenberg Gallery on Friday, Aug. 5 from 6-8 p.m. The exhibition runs through Oct. 10, and features landscapes from artists inspired by Essex County.

The show is curated by Norman Taber, an illustrator and designer who is currently the Chair of the Art Department at SUNY Plattsburgh.

“This show should shed light on the artists that were inspired by this region, and how the styles of depicting this landscape have changed over nearly two centuries. Each artist treats the subject in very different ways, from threatening to idyllic, inviting to awe-inspiring,” said Taber.

The show includes over 15 works, including pieces by notable 19th Century Artists Ambrose Adams, John F. Kensett, Albert Insley, and Edward Gay, 20th Century artists William Trost Richard, Janes Rosenberg and Arnold Lahee and contemporary artists Ted Cornell and Kevin Raines.

Taber explained that a number of collectors have contributed pieces to this show, adding to and informing the museum’s current holdings. The result is a beautiful representation of artists that have worked in the region, and paintings that depict vistas that will be familiar to people in the area.

“We are lucky to have a show that represents some of the Keene Valley’s most iconic artists including a work by Ambrose Andrews dating from 1848 of Lake Champlain. The show attempts to cover the evolving styles of artists and their relationship to this unique landscape. It makes a visual progression from the 19th century to contemporary landscapes,” said Taber.

Museum Director Aurora McCaffrey stated that it was a chance for people to view and enjoy works which are rarely seen in public. She also cited another highlight of the exhibit.

“It’s nice to have work by James Rosenberg on display in the gallery that bears his name,” McCaffrey said.

Taber will lead a “Gallery Walk” at 7 p.m., going through the display to discuss the evolution of the landscapes and highlighting individual works.

The Adirondack History Museum seeks to serve as Essex County’s center for the stories that reveal the roots and values of its people. The museum is opened daily Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p..m. and Sunday noon-5 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, and $2 for students.

For more information, please contact the museum at (518) 873-6466 or echs@adkhistorymuseum.org, or visit the Museum’s website at www.adkhistorymuseum.org.