Art Walks

Summer's here again, which means the Third Thursday Art Walks. Third Thursday from June through September the downtown is decorated with colorful balloons and the downtown gains a festive air. Art galleries are open, local businesses display art or art-related demonstrations like crafts and even magic shows, musicians play at other businesses or street corners in one big town-wide event.

These Art Walks have been going on for a little over a decade now, and I have been attending them every chance I can. I've seen these events grow over the years as Saranac Lake has become the Adirondack's arts destination. More galleries have opened, artist with different styles and mediums have been displaying. Initially most of the art on display was Adirondack themed, landscapes, nature-related subjects, the outdoors, etc. Over time this has expanded to more contemporary art, abstract, and experimental works.

I've also seen the change on the inside as well. When I first started attending the Art Walks I was just a spectator, an appreciator of art. I visited the galleries to see what was on the walls, would sit in Berkley Green for a concert, and generally just wander. Now as an artist I see it differently. While performance poetry might be a bit difficult to pull off for such an event, as it is a medium were it doesn't suit as background like music, I can still wander and appreciate. Now it feels more like making rounds, as I personally know and have gained respect from many of the artists who participate.




I am able to participate in my own little way though, as part of the Smokin' Art project. A vintage cigarette machine was refurbished last year and is now used to dispense small pieces of art. Several artists participate in this project, placing small paintings, drawings, prints, ceramics, metalwork, and even theater coupons for shows. Most people who use the machine for art walk away happy customers. It also is great for promoting many of the artists. Yesterday I was even asked to sign a poem for somebody. I'll also admit that I am a frequent customer myself and have a nice little collection of pieces.

Being an artist and observer of the Art Walks I feel that they will only grow as events. Saranac Lake's art community in general has grown in terms of artists and events. What started as a few artists with galleries has now grown to an event that spans several venues. Saranac Lake has become known as a place for artists, some of whom now relocate here because of the friendly atmosphere of the art community. Events now include a Plein Air festival in August, a studio tour weekend in September, film screenings and art in general having a major influence on the greater community.