Since 1990 the Agricultural Stewardship Association (ASA) has worked to protect farms and the agricultural landscape in upstate New York’s Washington and Rensselaer counties by conserving over 26,000 acres on 150 farms. A significant source of funding has come from its annual Landscapes for Landsake Art Sale and Exhibition, a celebration of the land by a supportive community of local artists, in early October. Participating artists generously donate 50% of their proceeds to support ASA’s farmland conservation work.
Due to the corona virus pandemic, the exhibition was not held in person last year. Since canceling the annual event was not an option for ASA, the praiseworthy farmland conservation organization held the show virtually for the entire month of October. Despite the challenges, the exhibition was a success and actually reached a wider audience.
This October, the 20th Landscapes for Landsake Art Sale and Exhibition will once again be held in person, but also virtually. The in-person sale, featuring 58 artists and approximately 180 works of art, will open on Saturday, October 9th from 12:00PM to 5:00PM in the historic barn at Maple Ridge at 172 State Route 372 in Cambridge (Washington County). The gallery will also be open from 12:00PM to 4:00PM on Sunday, October 10th. Many of the artists will be on hand to discuss their work.
Admission is a $10 suggested donation. Masks will be required in the barn for all visitors. For the health and safety of all, there will be no food or beverages served this year. Reserve a time slot with an advanced ticket at https://bit.ly/3z0wdf7.
The virtual exhibition, which will be up until October 30, 2021, will include over 600 works of art. The on-line sale is viewable on www.Landscapesfor Landsake.com.
This year’s featured artist is Takeyce Walter of Round Lake (Saratoga County, NY). Her painting, “Passing Storm” is highlighted on posters and postcards throughout the region, as well as at Maple Ridge.
Leah McCloskey, a resident of Salem (Washington County, NY) and active supporter of local farmers, has taken on the task of curating this year’s in person and virtual event. McCloskey has curated over 120 exhibitions in public spaces and is the well-respected Administrative Coordinator for the Artists Fellowship, a non-profit that provides emergency funding to professional visual artists in need. She is the former director of Exhibition Outreach at the Art Students League of New York.
This year’s artists include: Deborah Bayly, Susan Beadle, Gigi Begin, Marilyn Cavallari, Matt Chinian, Eden Compton, Susan Coon, Robert Coppola, Ruth Crotty, Huseyin Erdogan, Yucel Erdogan, Ann Fitzgibbons, Janine Gibson, Laurie Goodhart, Tracy Helgeson, Ali Herrmann, Conard Holton, George Van Hook, Margaret Horn, Mary Iselin, Carolyn Justice, Clarence King, Palma Kolansky, Serena Kovalosky, Matthew Lerman, Pamela Marron, Dona Ann McAdams, Courtney McCloskey, Naomi Meyer, Catherine Minnery, Robert Moylan, Maryann Mullett, Harry Orlyk, Leslie Parke, Terry Peca, Leslie Peck, Zena Pesta, Joan Piekny, Christopher Pierce, Mark Pohl, James Rodewald, Tom Ryan, Elisa Sheehan, Laura Shore, Pam Short, Robert Skinner, Anne Sutherland, Scott Taylor, Terry Teitelbaum, Janine Thomas, Mark Tougias, Diane Veros, Frank Vurraro, Takeyce Walter, Regina Wickham, George Wilson, and Janet Marie Yeates.
Artworks included in the virtual show, up until the end of October, may be searched by the (i) name of the artist, (ii) by medium, (iii) by size, (iv) by themes and (v) at the price point of $500 and under. Enjoy the show: https://www.landscapesforlandsake.com/
(Frank W. Barrie, 10/1/21)
