Summer 2012 has revealed a rejuvenated and exciting Adirondack Art Association. Whether your interests run to paintings or poetry, sculpture or photography, cocktail parties or great views, the Old Firehouse in Essex, NY has been a hive of activity in recent weekss.

Art, Artists and Art Lovers at the Adirondack Art Association

I enjoyed Kathleen Recchia‘s coverage of the most recent art opening at the Adirondack Art Association in Essex, NY. Recchia, an Adirondack thespian and the proprietor of The Book & Blanket in Jay, New York conveys the drama of a summer’s evening in Essex.

I am headed to Essex for an art opening at the Adirondack Art Association Gallery… The featured artists tonight are Wendy Miller and Helen Goetz who produce unique pieces with ceramics and glass (respectively). But there are [also] watercolors, acrylics, quilted wall hangings, oil paintings, photographs, and other innovative pieces.

I marvel at how vibrant the hues are in the watercolors by Judy Guglielmo and at the sharpness of the sails in Sue Robinson’s “The Spinnakers”. The greens and yellows in Julie Warren’s “View of Whallonsburgh” vie for my attention as well. (Not Just a Ferry Town in the Adirondacks)

But a huddle of art is only half the magic of an Adirondack Art Association opening, and Recchia captures the unique Essex effervescence when she recounts her quirky encounter with featured artist and seasonal resident Jeff Moredock.

He points out his favorite part of the piece—Bored of Elections. I giggle and he smiles and tells me that’s what he does it for, to make people laugh. It’s not just about the art here but the people who create and their distinct personalities. (Not Just a Ferry Town in the Adirondacks)

I love meeting the artists and asking them about their creations, their inspirations, their secret Adirondack Coast haunts. Essex is flush with diverse characters this time of year, and an evening at the Adirondack Art Association is always memorable for the exciting mixture or art, artists and art lovers.

Adirondack Art Association Artist, Bill Amadon

For an up close and personal virtual encounter with Essex, NY artist Bill Amadon check out this pair of quick videos I shot on my iPhone during the reception:

• Bill Amadon describes his technique
• Bill Amadon strives for photo realism

The minute detail and intricacy of Amadon’s recent painting demands meticulous preparation including a carbon paper transfer of the original image followed by many hours of painstaking paint dabbing with miniature brushes. The photo he describes in this video took over 400 hours to complete.

Last Friday painters and sculptors weren’t the only artists enlivening downtown Essex. Even Essex Town Hall was alive with the sound of music… Rooster music played on guitar, upright bass and banjo.