‘TIS THE SEASON: HOLIDAY SHOPPING IN HUDSON, NY

From the Publisher - Ellen Thurston, a long-time resident of Hudson, NY, is an accomplished writer. In recent years Ellen has prepared a written narrative about holiday shopping in the diverse Hudson marketplace of shops and galleries. Reprinted with permission. Enjoy!

‘TIS THE SEASON: HOLIDAY SHOPPING IN HUDSON, NY

Don’t you hate those people who have all their holiday shopping done by Halloween? I, for one, have to be in the mood, so now that we are well past December 1st and the pages are flying off the calendar Hollywood style, the push is on.

The easiest and fastest way to shop under these circumstances is to do it all right here in Hudson, so off I went on my usual route across 3rd and up Warren. While I was eager to get it all done, I was relatively uninspired until I stepped inside Verdigris, the teashop on South Third. Of course Verdigris is all about tea, but tea like you’ve never experienced it before. I sampled the unique jam-like Korean Tea in a Jar (merely stir a spoonful into hot water) and chose the ginger. I was then caught by the description on the can of Sarabeth’s Hot Chocolate Parisienne: “Near the Louvre, there is a place they say serves the finest hot chocolate in the world. After many attempts, I recreated this thick luscious ambrosia….” Need I say more. I’ll take one for Cousin Doris and (oh why not) one for myself.

On to two of the most reliable of gift sources—Lili and Loo, a haven for gift givers, and Steiner’s Sports Center, the local spot for outerwear, sports equipment and more. Lili and Loo has expanded its furniture line, and continues to carry a beautiful assortment of tableware and accessories. I was happy to see they still sell the $20 box of wax beads (pour the contents into a suitable container, place the wick in the center and light), a gift I’ve given successfully several times. I’ll be back later, but for now the rest of Warren Street awaits.

No shopping trip to Hudson would be complete without stopping at two of the most inventive stores in town—Tim Dunleavy’s Rural Residence and Dan Turk’s Knotty Woodpecker, both in the 300 block. Elegance is the watchword at Rural Residence, while the Woodpecker offers both the practical and the humorous.

Dan Turk has now created his own KW brand of sleepwear. The unisex long johns come in red and white or black and white stripes, or stamped with roosters, acorns, or a western motif. That’s not all—union suits with trap doors, women’s sleep bloomers, and a new line of men’s sleepwear called, affectionately, the Horse’s A**. These will be perfect for some of the men on my list.

Next, a stop at Marx Home. Though Marx now sells furniture, I still think of it as the kitchen store, with a fine line of cookware and gadgetry and all that silicone stuff in great colors. My favorite stocking stuffer this year is the acid green, dishwasher safe, silicone pastry brush with removable head.

In the 300 block I noted the used books and records at John Doe, and Hudson Home’s sparkly Christmas decorations, and once in the 400 block I was taken with the gorgeous plants and botanical prints at Hedstrom & Judd and Otto’s opulent Turkish imports. I was then pulled toward Mix, located at 438 Warren. Here you will find unusual home furnishings, including a lacy cutout curtain panel made of sturdy Tyvec in black or white. This “fabric” has also been fashioned into a frothy hanging Midsummer Light. I was amused by two recent arrivals—the clip-on pigeon lamp from England and the Japanese shoes and socks with divided toes. I am told the socks work well with Birkenstocks, making them perfect gifts for aging hippie friends.

Spotty Dog Books & Ale is a friendly place to take a break, but you will find yourself shopping here too. It is a good source for art supplies, and children’s books and toys. I stopped off to order a copy of Alan Bennett’s The Uncommon Reader for my sister, and, lo and behold, there it was on the shelf along with a lot of other tempting books.

Speaking of books, a hot new local history book will arrive just in time for Christmas and will be available in Hudson on December 20th at the Spotty Dog, Rural Residence and Hudson City Books. It is Peter Stott’s long-awaited book on industrial archeology, Looking for Work, published by the Columbia County Historical Society. In this book, Stott “turns a spotlight on the remains of local industry—mills, mines, factories, etc…--to discover when and why each of the 18 towns and the city of Hudson was settled… and developed.” Sounds intriguing. Put me down for one.

On to the 500 block. Kosa, relocated at the corner of Fifth, still has those gorgeous one-of-a-kind cashmere hats, neck warmers, and sweaters from e-ko-logic, and oodles of beautiful scarves and other pretty things. Here I bought a free trade Peruvian knit scarf in a beautiful shade of go-with-everything red for my friend Sue.

The 500 block is home to some familiar standbys—Pavillion gift store, and White Rice, where furniture and women’s and children’s clothing can be found. There are great sweaters and jackets here, evening clothes for mom and a little girl butterfly dress (complete with wings) suitable for dress-up.

Two fine jewelry stores reside in this block. You may be familiar with Ornamentum, now holding its annual earring sale, but Shana Lee Studio & Designs at 521 Warren is also worth a visit.

Next I stopped in at Hudson City Books (used and rare) to see if they might have a copy of the Amos Oz book my book club is reading. No on that account, but I walked away with three other books I couldn’t resist: A Traveller in Little Things, a collection of stories, sketches…[and] things overheard” by one W.H. Hudson (no relation); Elbert Hubbard’s Scrap Book (only $5); and Marion Meade’s biography of Dorothy Parker, all good holiday reading.

I then took a peek around the corner on Sixth Street at the new shop and salon called Casa Urbana (Italian for townhouse). The Casa is selling “world-class lines” of bath and body products for both men and women, all beautifully packaged. I settled on the Thymes Olive Leaf soap, so beautiful it should come with a frame around it.

Time for another break, so I slipped into Le Gamin at 609 Warren. Very delicious, and very French, of course, right down to the potential gift items for sale—the Le Gamin coffee bowl for $18, French soaps, tableware and cookbooks.

deMarchin, the reliable men’s and women’s clothing store at 620 Warren, has expanded across the street to open Cote Famille. Here you will find children’s clothing, toys, and great piggy banks, all adorable. Most practical is the baby blanket bag that fits into a stroller. As I leaned against the wind that swept across Warren, I found myself wishing those blanket bags came in adult sizes too.

No Christmas shopping trip would be complete without a stop at Vasilow’s Confectionary on Columbia Street. I bought my favorite chocolate covered cranberries and also picked up Carob covered dog biscuits for William, my favorite dog. The biscuits come in two sizes—large and small—depending on the dog.

Sometimes a consumable gift is your best bet for the person (or pet) who has everything and more. And don’t forget your own holiday entertaining needs. Michael at Hudson Wine Merchants is standing by and so is Dena Moran at Olde Hudson. Michael is making deliveries in Manhattan on Wednesday, December 19th, and Dena is busy preparing cheese platters and gift baskets to suit your needs.

So many shops, so little time. I haven’t yet mentioned Hudson’s antique stores, which offer a great variety of intriguing items, from a $5 china teacup for your Aunt Clara to more expensive items that will last beyond a lifetime. A number of stores carry small collectibles and memorabilia, and practical items too. I was reminded of this when I entered Carousel Antiques at 611 Warren where I saw a portable music stand for $45. Somebody’s grandson needs this.

If you are desperate for a last minute gift, place your book order with the Spotty Dog before 3 pm for next day delivery. If you are really out of time, gift certificates are available from most stores, as well as from local restaurants and salons.

Finally, as I headed home, laden with packages and satisfaction, I realized this is the third year I’ve been able to do all my holiday gift shopping right here, and at surprisingly comfortable prices, especially given the uniqueness and high quality of items. There is always something new in Hudson. Fifteen new businesses (including two restaurants, five antiques/interior design stores, three galleries, four retail shops and one hair salon) have opened on Warren Street since last year’s Winter Walk. Hudson business continues to expand and diversify. Sure I miss the Town Fair, and there are other niches that need filling, but remember that several years ago many people longed for a bookstore, and now we have two.

So, happy shopping, and best of all, happy holidays to you and yours.

--Ellen Thurston

THE OUTTAKES
Whether you are pressed for cash or not, a trip to Hudson’s thrift shop, The Second Show, will open your eyes. Do they save all their best stuff for this time of year? During this foray, there was a rack of previously-owned furs—both faux and real—near the front door, and a Land’s End ski sweater that I swear had never been worn.

If its vintage you want, try Gypsies, a group shop at 624. This is the place for vintage linens and jewelry. Also be sure to check out Lisa Durfee’s Five & Diamond on the corner of Fifth & Columbia.

If you have been lusting after one of Jeffrey Aronoff’s handwoven chenille scarves or throws, (seen at his studio at 307 Warren) now is the time. Jeffrey is holding a big holiday sale right now. Call him at 671-6501.

This Friday from 3 to 6 is your last chance to visit the Winter Market at 243 Warren, where David Ludtke is selling chutneys, relishes, Christmas cookies (for those of us who run out of time to bake), and candy apples. The Camphill bakers will be there as well.

Finally, a membership or donation to your favorite nonprofit organization in your giftee’s name gives triple benefits—introduces the giftee to the organization, gives you a tax benefit, and does good work, all at the same time.

THE END OF FALL ..

We are in the last weeks of Fall. What can I say. Our first storm took place late on Sunday, December 2. The evening before witnessed the arrival of the annual 'WinterWalk' in Hudson, across the river from Catskill. A numbing cold kept the numbers of visitors down, but still thousands showed up. The holiday display at Ad Lib Antiques and Hudson Home garnered top prizes for their window decoration.

Is the mood festive? I'm not sure. Many, if not most, of my fellow merchants in Catskill and Hudson remark that business is off, a lack of the customary visitors to the upper Hudson Valley. To counter that trend historic Catskill is planning a series of holiday events, starting with the monthly 'Saturday Stroll' along Main Street on December 8, late afternoon through the evening.

When the air is brisk and conditions are dry, the back roads of Greene County and the vistas they offer are stunning. This photograph of a painting recently sold at auction illustrates such a view. If you want a suggested afternoon drive toward our Windham and Hunter mountains, let me know.

In the meanwhile you can visit "www.welcometocatskill.com", for more information on our upcoming Holiday Season.

BOOK SIGNING - HISTORIC PROPERTIES

Catskill, NY – On Sunday, October 28, at 2 p.m., noted author Harrison F. Meeske will lecture at Beattie-Powers Place, an historic site bequeathed to the Village of Catskill and maintained by the Friends of Beattie-Powers, a non-profit community preservation group.

Meeske’s presentation coincides with the publication of "From Vernacular to Spectacular", published by Purple Mountain Press, Fleischmanns, NY. Author Meeske will also sign copies of his new book.

The upper Hudson Valley of New York is nationally recognized for its scores of 18th and 19th century estates that date back to the arrival of Dutch settlers from 1730 through 1830. Meeske will focus on how function follows form in the construction of these historic properties and estates.

In addition to other historic sites, "From Vernacular to Spectacular" also features Beattie-Powers Place in both text and photography, a surviving example of an historic merchant’s home with a spectacular view of the Hudson River. A doctoral graduate of New York University, Meeske is also author of "The Hudson Valley Dutch and Their Houses."

A suggested donation of $10 is requested.

Directions
From exit #21 of the New York State Thruway, turn left onto Route 23B, Main Street, to Bridge Street in Catskill, turn left onto Bridge Street, continue to Prospect Avenue; or from the east, cross the Rip Van Winkle Bridge, Route 23, to the first traffic light, turn left onto Spring Street, Route 385, to Bridge Street, turn left again to Prospect Avenue.

For information, call (518) 943-4764, or visit online – www.friendsofbeattiepowers.org

A Day in the Life ..

Last weekend I had the pleasure of saying 'hello' to Leigh Keno of Antiques Roadshow fame. Our encounter took place on the last day of "ArtsWalk" in Hudson, NY. Always a good guy, Leigh spoke about his strong interest in very fine 20th Century Design.

By the way, a week earlier, I had an opportunity to share my 68th birthday with more than 50 friends on September 30 with Patrick and Alyson Milbourn as hosts at their M Gallery in Catskill, NY. The mood was relaxed and enjoyable, with the added benefit of a duo by entertainers Lex Grey and Jason Brown. Special thanks also to Sterling Swann and the many others who contributed their time, refreshments and excellent food.

What's coming up .. ? On Saturday, October 13, merchants along Catskill's Main Street will host their monthly 'Saturday Stroll', with shops and galleries staying open until 9 in the evening. Most will serve refreshments. This is always a popular event that attracts hundreds if not a thousand visitors to this picturesque historic community, exit #21 of the New York State Thruway. Special events during the afternoon are geared to children. All in all, a lot of fun for everyone! On Sunday, October 14, Beattie-Powers Place, a circa-1850 historic merchant's house, offers its annual 'Potluck Lunch' at 1 p.m. This important historic site is maintained by the Friends of Beattie-Powers, a volunteer group. Everyone is welcome. Bring a dish or a suggested donation of $10, you won't be disappointed. Also on tap is a performance by our favorite songstress, Lex Grey. It is as of a helicopter from Las Vegas has landed!

JOIN US ON SEPTEMBER 23RD @ NOON, AT THE DUCHTMAN'S LANDING TO CELEBRATE THE COMPLETION OF THE SUNDIAL

After many labor-intensive days Dina Bursztyn and a team of devoted volunteers have finished the community sundial at the Dutchman's Landing Park.

The sundial was built using ceramic and glass shards, found on the nearby riverbanks. The place was formerly a dump and many of these shards are fragments of turn of the century pottery, bricks and glass from earlier local industry, farm crockery, etc. These archaeological samples of an era in Catskill history were recycled in a colorful sundial.

This project was conceived by Dina Bursztyn, artist, arts educator and co-owner of the Open Studio, a gallery on Main St. in Catskill. Dina has been awarded many public art commissions, by NYC MTA Arts in Transit Program, Department of Cultural Affairs Percent for Arts Program, and the Public Art Fund, among others.

This project was made possible (in part) with public funds from the Decentralization Program of the New York State Council on the Arts, administered through the Twin Counties Cultural Fund in Greene County by the Greene County Council on the Arts.

Additional support was provided by Julie Chase; Lin and Bruce Anderson; Datapak Associates, Inc.; Armando Painting. Also, many thanks to the many volunteers and contributors. Thanks to the Catskill Rotary Club for granting space in their garden area and to HOCA for being the fiscal conduit.


For and more information please e-mail Dina at catskillstudio@aol.com or call 518-943-9531.

Current Real Estate Report

Friends, clients and colleagues,
The current Real Estate Report is a pleasant sojourn into gardening in our region, both ornamental and kitchen gardening, with an historical perspective. Part is based on DeGuerre's and my experience with formal gardens of both types, and part comes from a conversation with Randy Hinz of The Sycamore Garden Center and Nursery (Columbiaville) , a talented horticulturalist who is helping to transform the gardens and landscapes in our region. Attached is Part 1 of this Report, the balance will be featured in October.
I have just sent off to Rizzoli the manuscript for the newest book, Great New England Houses. The photography of these beautiful houses, by Geoffrey Gross, is stunning (as was the case for our book Dutch Colonial Homes in America (Rizzoli 2002). Look for it next May. We are also working on its companion volume, Early New England Houses, which will be out a year from now.
Speaking of gardening and country places, one of my special delights is the English country living cartoons of Norman Thelwell which I will share with you each month (see below). They have appeared in Punch over many years and then were put together in books on various hilarious subjects. Best regards, Rod

(PS If you feel this report comes to you in error just reply to that effect.)

Roderic H. Blackburn, Broker
R. H. Blackburn & Associates, Inc. Real Estate
Main Office 17 Broad Street Kinderhook NY 12106
518 758-1788 Fax 518 758-6211 blackburn@berk.com
www.rhblackburn.com www.GreatPeriodHouses.com
Branch offices at Hudson, Catskill and Athens

Brimfield Antiques Show

For the past two decades, I've visited Brimfield three times a year .. May,July and September. A remarkable experience! Literally, thousands of dealers set up to sell to tens of thousands of buyers from across the US and from Europe and Asia. An interesting article appeared today (8/30/2007) in the Boston Globe (linked below). Enjoy! H. M. Hanson


Headline: Meet Bruce Littlefield, flea-market king
Date: August 30, 2007

"Just a few moments into my inaugural trip to the Brimfield Antique Show in
May, I managed to commit a faux pas that would make the most seasoned
garage-sale lover wince: I paid asking price."

READ FULL ARTICLE:
Meet Bruce Littlefield, Flea Market King

A Day in the Life ..

Recently, I asked a friend, Sterling Swann, to staff the antiques and art gallery I share with Pierre Boulee, Boulay Antiques, in Hudson, NY. He had an experience of some interest. We thank him for his forebearance!



Tending an antique shop is a unique experience in human dealings. The novice would think that the sitter would do just that: sit and wait for the customers to stroll in, make their selections, swap a few words of pleasantries and collect the proceeds. Sometimes that's the scenario. Not always.

Saturday afternoon, I am sitting in shop in Hudson New York. The day is brutally hot, punctuated by the drone of the air conditioner struggling to keep the inside temperature lower than the sweltering outsides. A gentle mix of customers passing through. Some have questions, most "just strolling".

One particular customer came in with a party of three other adults and a youngster, maybe age 7. I serve up the usual greeting and encourage them to take their time and look around. They spend time looking at many objects throughout the eclectic collection of glassware, furniture, collectibles textiles and much more. Finally, the group stall in the art books section and spends considerable time glancing through pages while having a muted discussion on the offerings. I can faintly hear an ongoing discussion on one particular title. It seems that one of the browsers has an interest in the book. Finally, the well heeled browser approaches the desk where I am sitting. I look up from my own edition of the NY Times. "Excuse me, sir. What is the price of this book?' He's clutching the fabric covered hardback publication to his chest. I reach out, and take the book which he seems reluctant to hand over. The price label is in plain sight. "Thirty dollars", I echoed the price on the label. "Well, can you do any better," came the immediate response.

Me: Maybe some better.

The book was a handsome volume. The cover intact, in new like condition.

He: I want it but I don't want to pay thirty dollars for it.

Me: Well, what do you want to pay for it.

He: Twenty dollars. I want it for twenty dollars.

Me: I can't do it for twenty dollars.

He looked crest fallen.

He: But that's what I want to pay for it.

Me: Why don't we meet in the middle. I will sell it for twenty five dollars.

I felt that a five dollar discount was a fair discount on a thirty dollar item. After all, there are expenses. The air conditioner continued its incessant drone.

He reached for the book and clutched it again near his chest, like a prized possession. Finally, he reached for his wallet.

He: I have twenty two dollars.

A twenty and two ones appeared.

The youngster was telling him that he had some money and would be willing to lend him enough to get the book until later.

Me: The price is twenty five.

Back to the NY Times.

He: Well, I am not sure that I really want this book. I thought I would get it for the right price. It might not be of any use to me.

Me: Well, sir: That is something you have to decide for yourself. But the price is twenty five dollars.

He: But it might not be of use to me.

Me: Twenty five dollars. Not bothering to look up from the NY Times.

My attention went to the Michael Vick, gambling and dog fighting. The air conditioner labored on. Peripherally, I could see the group of browsers huddled in the book section. Circling the wagons?

"Excuse me sir, came the lilting voice. What is the best price you can do on this book?."

The youngster was standing before me holding the same book as the previous adult. His innocent eyes punctuated his question. The other adults remained in the circle with all eyes on the younger.

Me: Twenty five dollars.

Younger: (Sweetly, only as a child could say it.) I mean what is the rock bottom price for this book.

Me: The same as it was ten minutes ago, twenty five dollars.

The younger clutched the book and rejoined the circle.

"He wouldn't budge", one of the adult voices waffled from the huddle.

Finally after some chatter in the group the original browser came to the desk. I look up and smiled. Sweetly.

"I'll take it he said"

Me: That's great.

He went through the ritual of extracting a twenty and five ones from his designer leather wallet. I held the and looked at the money on the desk. Frozen, not moving. Waiting.

"Oh, can I have it without paying taxes"?

The air conditioner droned, the huddle watched from a safe distance.

"Why sure! Enjoy".

Sometimes, it is better to accept a compromised victory.

"Please come again", I said as the entourage moved towards the door , led by the browser clutching his new purchase to his chest.

NEIGHBOR HIGHLIGHTED IN THE NY TIMES

In the July 5 issue of the New York Times, a new neighbor in the village of Catskill is featured. Variegated is a new home furnishings shop located at 377 Main Street. Owners Jim Deskevich and Corbett Marshall are graphic and textile designers with a unique eye and style. Catskill is easily accessible from Exit #21 of the NYS Thruway. To see the special offerings of Variegated, visit: variegatedinc.com

For more information, call 518 943-1313.

ON-SITE COUNTRY AUCTION

On Saturday, July 21, at 10:30, the well-regarded Carlsen Gallery of Freehold,NY, will hold an old-fashioned antiques auction at 5 County Route 403 in Westerlo, NY.

The auction site is in very southern Albany County, a few miles north of Greenville, which is easily accessible from Exit 21B of the NYS Thruway, via Route 9W to Route 81 West, turning onto Route 32 North in Greenville. Route 32 will take you to Route 403.

The Carlsens were chosen to sell the contents of the home of the late Audrey Lee, and items from the Sullivan/Bowdoin family of Massachusetts, in addition to other new-to-the-market antiques moved to this on-site auction.

Expect to find antique country, Empire and oak furniture; country and fancy accessories; African objects; a doctor's buggy and sleigh; paintings and prints; Sterling silver and vintage silverplate; china and glass; quilts; clocks, and much more.

For a sneak preview of this quality onsite sale, visit: www.carlsengallery.com

Cedar Grove’s Fourth Annual Summer Party

Catskill, NY - The biggest event of the year at the Thomas Cole National Historic Site is happening on Saturday, July 21, at 5 p.m., when hundreds of supportive party-goers will enjoy cocktails on the porch of the Federal-style Main House, home of the founder of the Hudson River School, followed by privately hosted dinners at spectacular nearby homes.

Flowers will again be donated and arranged by Douglas Koch, renowned florist whose accounts include Bloomingdales, the Helmsley Hotels, Peninsula Hotel, Plaza Athenee, Elizabeth Arden, Altria, JP Morgan Chase, Solomon Smith Barney, Morgan Stanley, and many others.

The event is themed around Thomas Cole's 1846 painting entitled "The Pic-Nic", featuring Cole with his friends and family enjoying a beautiful summer day with wine, food and music. In the painting, Thomas Cole is seen playing an Italian guitar with special floral detailing, a work of art now on view at Cedar Grove. The guitar is on loan for the season from Alexander Gallery in New York City. The painting is reproduced in full color on the invitation, courtesy of Ruder Finn, Inc., with additional printing donated by Hillcrest Press. Catering is by Georgia Ray's Country Caterers and photography is by Brian Branigan.

Chair of the event is Lisa Fox Martin, assisted by the event committee of Pamela Belfor, Frank Cuthbert, Jackie Dunn, Ronnie McCue, and Amy Von Scholtz.

Dinners will be hosted by Jean and Richard Bassin, Pamela and Theodore Belfor, Rosalind Daly and Glenda Ruby, Lisa Fox Martin and Dick May, Friends of Beattie-Powers, Carrie and Nick Haddad, Howard Hall Farm and Stewart House, Peter O’Hara and John Garofalo, Purcell and Jim Palmer, Ray Pierce and Bob Gillis, Janeen Sarlin, Michele Saunders, Betsy and Alfred Scott, and Ethel and Ken Williams.

Tickets are $75 for members or $100 for not-yet-members. Early reservations are encouraged. Checks can be mailed and made payable to Thomas Cole Historic Site, P.O. Box 426, Catskill, NY 12414.

For more information, call (518) 943-7465, or visit: www.thomascole.org

NEWLY ARRIVED - AMERICAN SILVERSMITHS

Just aquired .. Stephen Ensko's 'American Silversmiths and Their Marks III', a privately printed book from 1948, very rare. A comprehensive review of hundreds of silversmiths and their maker marks in early America. No dust jacket, but in fine condition. Accompanied by maps of early New York and Pennsylvania. $45.

DESTINATION - ROCHESTER, NY

Worth the trip! Interstate 90 will take you to the Memorial Art Gallery, at State University of New York/Rochester.

On Thursday, June 28, from 5:30 p.m., in the Auditorium, enjoy an illustrated lecture by antiques appraiser Rupert Fennell, followed by a reception, 6:30 to 8:30 in Cutler Union. This is an opportunity to browse and buy ahead of the crowd expected for the annual Arts & Treasures Sale that will be open to the public taking the next day. Admission is $25 and includes the lecture, reception and sale.

Fennell spent 29 years with Sotheby¹s, retiring in 1998 as vice president and senior decorative arts appraiser. His primary focus is American, English and Continental decorative arts from the late 17th through the early 20th century. He remains active as an appraiser, consultant, lecturer and auctioneer.

The Art & Treasures Sale, in Cutler Union, is on Friday and Saturday, June 29 & 30. Hours: Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free.
Friday¬Saturday, June 29-30

Don't miss the chance to buy great bargains in gently used furniture, antiques, jewelry, silver, crystal, china, rugs and (of course) fine art.

Memorial Art Gallery is located at 500 University Avenue, Rochester, New York. For information, call (585) 473-7720.

Spotlight Item: Julien Alberts

This Julien Alberts woodcut print is numbered 2/48. The artwork measures 13" x 17" and the frame measures 23" x 19". It dates ca. 1950. Alberts died in 1966, and his works from the 1930's, 40's, and 50's are exhibited in museums across the United States. This featured item is availaable at VersoFineArts.com.

Here's a link to some of his other works:

Julien Alberts

LANDSCAPES OF THE HUDSON VALLEY

Alyson and Patrick Milbourn have been friends of Verso over many years, arriving in Catskill two decades ago. Almost two years ago, Alyson and Patrick opened the M Gallery, a pre-eminent gallery in Catskill's emerging arts community. We highly recommend this dual-exhibition taking place from June 8 at their gallery, and at Beattie-Powers Place, an extraordinary historic house now owned by the Village of Catskill.

M Gallery’s Exhibition to Benefit Catskill’s Beattie Powers Historic House “Landscapes, Here and There”, Patrick Milbourn’s latest body of work, will be available for sale in an Exhibition Benefit for the Restoration Fund of Beattie Powers Place, an historic house bequeathed to the town of Catskill.

Beattie Powers Place, an 1839 house, offers seminars, plays, musical performances, and one of the best views of the Hudson River. Their 2nd Annual Fundraiser and Dinner on June 9 has a limited seating of 80 and sells out quickly. Original paintings by the award-winning painter, will be on display at Beattie Powers Place on Prospect Street and at M Gallery at 350 Main Street in Catskill, NY simultaneously.

M Gallery will donate 20% of all sales directly to the Restoration Fund. A portion of all sales is tax deductible. In addition to eight works at the Beattie Powers House during the Dinner, twelve paintings will be available at M Gallery starting June 1st. The exhibition will run through June 30, 2007. Two viewing receptions, which are free, are set for Friday, June 8 (from 4 – 8pm) and Saturday, June 9 (from 1- 8pm) at M Gallery, in conjunction with the fundraiser at Beattie Powers Place on Saturday.

Preview and pre-sale are encouraged by visiting the website, www.friendsofbeattiepowers.org or www.mgallery-online.com or by contacting the gallery directly.

M Gallery is located at 350 Main Street in Catskill, NY. Further information is available at 518-943-0380.

Today's Spotlight: Joseph Kaplan

This original Joseph Kaplan artwork features mixed media of gouache and acrylic, ca. 1970. It maesures 14.5" x 21.25" and the frame measures 31" x 24". Kaplan's work routinely sells well at auction, and this featured artwork from Verso Fine Arts is priced at $1500.

Born in 1900 in Minsk, Russia, he studied at the Educational Alliance Art School (founded in 1914), as well as the National Academy of Design, both in New York City.

He lived in Provincetown, Massachusetts and in New York City, curating several exhibitions for five Midwestern museums, the Philadelphia Art Alliance and the Cape Cod Art Association in Hyannis, Massachusetts.

Kaplan was a member of several art organizations, including the Artists League of America, Audubon Artists. (From AskArt.com)

Kaplan is currently being shown at the Cape Cod Museum of Art exhibit, Provincetown: A Creative Colony.

Contact Verso Fine Arts about purchase information for the Kaplan work pictured above.

Open Letter from Roderic H. Blackburn

To our clients, colleagues and friends,

Here is the newest installment of The Real Estate Report. It is all about the issues of "location" which a buyer should be more aware of. Some issues are obvious, but others are sometimes unforeseen and can be devastating to value, comfort or ego. Sellers, of course, are all too aware of their own location issues after they have experienced feedback from would-be buyers.

For those of you who are new to this emailed Real Estate Report, do enjoy it as it is distributed gratis to those who we know or have recently met who have some relationship to the real estate market or home ownership. It has been issues nearly every month for the last two years. All back issues are easily accessed on our websites (rhblackburn.com or GreatPeriodHouses.com). If it is not relevant to your interests just let me know (blackburn@berk.com).

Our websites have been extensively changed to include new programs. We are just not gearing up to offer desirable seasonal rentals of high quality homes. Our region is becoming an attractive alternative to the crowded shores. For those with well maintained homes with swimming pools we encourage you to explore the financial rewards of offering your home for rent (week, month or season) for as much as $10,000 a month. We are also offering another related service, scouting desirable properties for commercial photo shoots, usually furnishings or fashion advertising. Ad agencies and merchandise corporations are actively looking for larger homes which are suitable for their ads and catalogs. For home owners, this is an opportunity to earn in one week what you pay in property taxes in one year. Again, look at our website for full details and examples of the many houses we represent.

Have a wonderful summer. We are so luck to live in one of the loveliest regions for summer activities. Best regards, Rod Blackburn

Download THE REAL ESTATE REPORT


Roderic H. Blackburn, Broker
R. H. Blackburn & Associates, Inc. Real Estate
Main Office 17 Broad Street Kinderhook NY 12106
518 758-1788 Fax 518 758-6211 blackburn@berk.com
www.rhblackburn.com www.GreatPeriodHouses.com

Branch offices at Hudson, Catskill and Athens

IMPORTANT AUCTION @ CARLSEN GALLERY

Freehold, NY - On Sunday, June 3, at 11 a.m., Carlsen Gallery will conduct an important Spring Antique Auction. Abby and Russ Carlsen for many years have held top-quality auctions at their gallery on Route 32, just north of Freehold, with easy access from the NYS Thruway via Route 23 west to Route 32 north, in Greene County.

Expect a large offering of fine American antiques, both traditional and country in style, fine art, porcelains, statuary, Native American rugs, and fine manuscripts. Of particular note are two volumnes of McKenny & Hall's History of Indian Tribes of North America, the 1838 edition - a fine documentation of Native American life, and highly prized.

Previews are taking place today, June 1, and tomorrow, Saturday, June 2. Also visit the Carlsen's website for a detailed listing - www.carlsengallery.com

TODAY'S SPOTLIGHT: Staffordshire Pitcher

From the collection at Verso Fine Arts, this Staffordshire water pitcher dates to the year 1815 and is in remarkable condition. This item sold at auction in 1977 at Sotheby's for $100. It features beautiful colors of white, gold, and maroon.

Staffordshire pottery is still in production today by Spode, Royal Doulton, and the Wedgwood Group, and the industry of Staffordshire (today Stoke on Trent) began production in the 17th century.

Visit our Verso website or walk in at 358 Main Street in Catskill to view this special item.

CATSKILL'S 'SECOND SATURDAY' STROLL

On Saturday, June 9, VersoFineArts and the many other merchants on historic Main Street in Catskill welcome you to our 'Second Saturday' Stroll. Excellent buys, music, entertainment and refreshments will be offered throughout this 200-year-old village, in the heart of the upper Hudson Valley of New York.
Catskill in the last two years has gone through an extraordinary renewal .. and Main Street is lined with beautiful 19th century buildings, and surrounded by neighborhoods with distinctive architecture.

Also visit Cedar Grove, home of Thomas Cole, founder of the Hudson River School of Art; Beattie-Powers Place, a historic merchants house overlooking the Hudson River, and The Point, a complex of historic buildings, a cafe, and a public park unrivaled in a 50-mile radius .. while yachts and pleasure crafts sail by you.

Visitor Note: The work of Asher Durand is currently on exhibit at Cedar Grove - a must see exhibition of 19th century Hudson River School of art.

Shoji Hamada Pottery

One of the 20th century's most important ceramics artist, Hamada became interested in art at the age of 8, and spent most of his youth studying and creating artworks. He traveled extensively throughout Europe with Bernard Leach (Leach Pottery), and the two created a long- term partnership.

Hamada received accolades throughout his life for his work and influence on modern pottery. His homeland, Japan, honored him in 1955 with the first awarded Living National Treasure.

View a 1968 film (below) by Shoji Hamada demonstrating his pottery technique:

Today's Spotlight: Jonathan Sholum

This Jonathan Sholum woodcut print, 1957, measures 20.5" x 6". The matted frame is 19" x 15". The portrait features expressive lines and dramatic chiaroscuro. This artwork is available online at Verso Fine Arts and retails for $175.

Feel free to email me at haroldhanson@mhcable.com with any questions.