Threads

CLASSICAL VOICES

2009-04-06T13:24:00.001-05:00

Catskill, NY – On Sunday, April 19, at 2 p.m., singers from the Graduate Vocal Arts Program of the Bard Conservatory of Music will highlight the second 2009 “Bard at Beattie-Powers” concert. The event is free and open to the public. The highly popular recital series is now in its third year.

Featured artists, accompanied by a pianist, will include Mary Bonhag, Ariadne Greif and Celine Mogielnicki, sopranos. In duo or solo performances, the artists will offer selections by Edvard Grieg, Mozart, Benjamin Britten, Alban Berg, Charles Ives, Puccini, Erik Satie and Francis Poulenc.

Joan Tower, one of America’s preeminent composers and Bard College’s Asher B. Edelman Professor in the Arts, says .. “The students have learned to love this music with commitment and passion.” The “Bard at Beattie-Powers” concerts are highly popular and guests are encouraged to arrive early. Ample parking is available.

Beattie-Powers Place, a historic home overlooking the Hudson River, is owned by the Village of Catskill, and maintained by the Friends of Beattie-Powers, a non-profit volunteer organization whose goal is to preserve this exceptional community resource for the benefit of all citizens of Catskill and Greene County.

Beattie-Powers Place is the continuation of Bridge Street. 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 – http://webmail.mhcable.com/redir.php?http://webmail.mhcable.com/redir.php?http://www.friendsofbeattiepowers.org/

A LITTLE GOOD NEWS!

2009-03-16T11:43:00.002-05:00

MID-HUDSON NEWS16 March 2009

Tourism is up in the Hudson Valley

GOSHEN -- The economy is driving more and more people to the the Hudson Valley as a tourist destination. Tourism is up statewide and the Hudson Valley is no exception.Orange County Tourism Director Susan Cayea said people who live within three to five hours of the region are driving in to see the sights."People are downsizing their travel budgets this year," she said. "You can get to the Hudson Valley and home again on a tank of gas, but there's so much to do and see that people will choose the Hudson Valley over farther away destinations just because it's going to be more cost effective and it's still going to satisfy that urge to get away and see something different."While the base of the region's tourists usually come from the New York metropolitan area, Cayea said more and more are traveling from the Washington and Boston corridors.

My two cents! - Actually this has been a trend over the past three/four years. My own personal observation .. I have visitors to my shop in Catskill from as far afield as Australia, California, Colorado, Manitoba, British Columbia .. not to mention Toronto, Detroit, and from the 'Longhorn' state. I am always surprised. HMH

Paper View - Thomas Cole, Sanford Gifford, and Frederic Church

2009-03-11T13:10:00.002-05:00

Catskill, NY - On Sunday, March 15, Cedar Grove Historic Site will host a "Sunday Salon" at Noon. Cedar Grove was the home of noted Hudson River School founder Thomas Cole.

During the 19th century, Thomas Cole, Sanford Gifford, and Frederic Church spent much of their lives here in the Catskill region of the Hudson River Valley.

Join independent scholar Dr. Gerald L. Carr, head of the Frederic Edwin Church Catalogue Raisonné Project - and himself a former Hudson Valley resident- as he shares new findings from his recent research on these three artists. Emphasizing Church, he will highlight three newly discovered period writings, one per artist, with personal details that bring these men back to life.

A wonderful opportunity to learn something new about Thomas Cole and the Hudson River School of art, Sunday Salons are informal discussions followed by a wine reception which take place once per month at Cedar Grove.

Tickets are $9, or $6 for members. Admission is first-come-first-served. Each Salon begins at 2 pm.

Just before the Sunday Salon, join us for an information open house for all those interested in volunteering during the 2009 season. We are looking for people who love learning and who are interested in helping us accommodate the growing number of visitors to the historic site.

Want more information? Come to this event and enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour as well as free admission to the Salon that begins at 2pm. Orientation for new volunteers will begin on April 4th, so now is the perfect time to come and see what it is all about.

For more volunteer information call Gregory, 518-943-7465 ext.2.

Cedar Grove, the Thomas Cole National Historic Site, is located at 218 Spring Street in Catskill,
near the intersection of Spring Street (Route 382) and Route 23, near the Rip Van Winkle Bridge.

MUSIC FOR A NEW SEASON

2009-02-24T14:08:00.002-05:00

Catskill, NY – The 2009 season of “Bard at Beattie-Powers” begins on Sunday, March 1, at 2 p.m., with a performance by wind ensemble artists from the Bard School of Music, Annandale-on-Hudson, New York. The event is free and open to the public. The highly popular recital series is now in its third year.

The afternoon recital will feature the artistry of Eleni Tsachtani, flute; Rachel Steinhorn, oboe; Sarah Wegener, clarinet; Luke Henry, bassoon, and Szilard Molnar, French horn. The repertoire to be performed includes music by Georges Auric entitled “Decide, Romance, Final”; “La Danse de la Chevre” by Arthur Honegger; performed by soloist Eleni Tsachtani; “Four Improvisations for Solo Horn” by Vitaly Buyanovsky, performed by Szilard Molnar, to be followed by a brief intermission.

The Bard recital then concludes with clarinetist Sarah Wegener performing an excerpt from “Quatour pour la fin du temps” by Olivier Messiaen, and a “Quintet for Flue, Oboe, Clarinet” by Claude-Paul Taffanel, from 1908, and featuring the ensemble of musicians. Refreshments will be available.

Beattie-Powers Place, a historic home overlooking the Hudson River, is owned by the Village of Catskill, and maintained by the Friends of Beattie-Powers, a non-profit volunteer organization whose goal is to preserve this exceptional community resource for the benefit of all citizens of Catskill and Greene County.

Beattie-Powers Place is the continuation of Bridge Street. 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 – http://webmail.mhcable.com/redir.php?http://webmail.mhcable.com/redir.php?http://www.friendsofbeattiepowers.org/

'FINDINGS' OF DINA BURSZTYN

2009-02-23T13:09:00.001-05:00

Woodstock, NY - The Woodstock Artist Association & Museum will present its first solo show of 2009 with "Findings from the ArTchaeological Museum" - 25 mixed media “artifacts’ by Dina Bursztyn - on March 7, from 4 to 6 p.m. The interdisciplinary exhibition will continue through March 29.

Dina Bursztyn who lives in Catskill, NY and New York City is a highly regarded sculptor. In this new, provocative demonstration of her talents, she has created art that playfully mimics the appearance and language of old anthroplogical objects usually on view in museums.
Among them is a necklace lost by Neptune after leaving a party, (he was in drag); Pandora's lock; a Hemingway Tangle from Cuba, and a scissor "who cut the world free".

Included in the series is a group of artifacts that refer particularly to the history of the Hudson Valley and the Catskills, such as a fork once owned by Thomas Cole, and the remains of a straw hat that Frederic Church wore in Mexico.

The artifacts to be seen intersect facts with fiction, the sacred with the mundane, data with folklore, humor with old myths. They make references to mythology, ethnology, geology, theology, art and literary history among other disciplines. Like much of Bursztyn's work, the intent is to write in between the lines, to challenge established cultural perceptions and notions that people take for granted.

Her prior achievements include creating "Gargoyles to Scare Developers" on commission for buildings in New York City; commissions by the Metropolitan Transit Authority’s Arts for Transit Program, New York City’s Percent for Arts Program, and the Public Art Fund among others.

A native of Argentina, Dina Bursztyn has shown her work nationally and internationally, including Maxell Fine Arts, Neuberger Art Museum, Bronx Museum of the Arts, Dia Art Foundation, Art in General, ArtistSpace, Oaxaca Instituto de Artes Graficas, and Canada National Library, Ottawa.

Since 2004 she has co-owned with partner Julie Chase , “Open Studio”, an art gallery at 402 Main Street, Catskill, in the heart of the community’s arts district.
The Woodstock Artists Association & Museum is located at 28 Tinker Street, Route 212. Regular association hours are from Noon to 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, from Noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

For more exhibit information, call (845) 679-2940. Web: www.woodstockart.org For information about “Open Studio”, call (518) 943-0180. Web: www.potatospirit.com

HOW TO ADAPT - 'GLOBAL WARMING'

2009-02-23T11:28:00.000-05:00

From an article in the New York Times .. " ... But he argued that people who do nothing in the face of risk are the ones who are being irrational: If even a fraction of the consequences of global climate change that scientists are forecasting come true, disasters such as Hurricane Katrina might become the norm, not the exception. In a world afflicted by overpopulation and environmental degradation, he asked, is the irrational person the one who acts or the one who says the future will look after itself?

'CROSSING PATHS' - A DIALOG

2009-02-11T11:15:00.002-05:00

On a recent Sunday, while staffing Verso Fine Art's gallery in Hudson, I had a visit from Scott and Lynne of Doylestown, PA. An engaging couple visiting the upper Hudson Valley for the first time, we had a wide-ranging conversation about our current economic situation, life on Wall Street in the late 1960's and early '70s, and much more. Scott sent me an e-mail a day later. I hope you will find this dialog of some interest. HMH

My Reply

Thank you for your very thoughtful message, Scott. My best to you and Lynne, and I did enjoy talking with you. I didn’t want to be somber or downbeat, I just felt a sensitivity in the remarks you and your wife shared with me.

Interestingly, I forgot to share another anecdote with you. Last summer, a younger couple (late ‘30s) arfrived at my shop in Catskill (across the Hudson River). We began to talk. They were from Australia, and they had just returned to Montreal (150 miles north of Catskill) after having visited Cuba.

The purpose of their visit was for the wife to retrace her ancestral roots in a small hamlet called Kiskatom at the base of Hunter Mountain (northern Catskills) .. really nothing more than a collection of rural houses .. and she had found their burial site from almost 200 years ago. While she had grown up in Australia, she had known that her forebears were from Greene County, NY. (Her husband was of English extraction.)

They were nice people .. we talked more (and they invited me to visit them in Australia). To my complete amazement, when I asked where they lived, they told me that they had a 20,000 acre homestead in southern Australia, midway between Sydney and Melbourne, where they raised cattle and sheep.

The terrible fires that have been sweeping this area (in the news) caused me to think of them in recent days.

Our lives (you, Lynne, me .. and everyone else) are full of these unforeseen encounters.

Think about visiting again one day soon .. I promise to be a little more ‘upbeat’. Harold

Crossing Paths

Hi Harold,

My wife, Lynne and I visited with you in your store yesterday. You kindly gave us some directions, an endorsement of the Mexican restaurant across the street, and shared some background from your interesting life.

I too make a living in the financial industry – but not on Wall Street. I am a financial planner and run my practice out of Doylestown, Pennsylvania. My wife has been a kindergarten teacher these past 17 years and tells me that she has the most important job in the world…I believe her!

As we parted yesterday, your last story was a fascinating one about a family friend that came over to your house to say good-bye and then died the next day. As we all know life is very short, and it’s important to get out what you want to say to people before it’s too late. You also said that life is a mystery and we clearly are not totally in control. I believe God designed things that way so that we would learn to be obedient and dependent on him.

Here is what I wanted to be sure to say to you. We will pray for your continued health and for meaning in the balance of your life. Undoubtedly, you have pondered life after your stay on this earth, and I hope you have discovered as I have, that a trust and belief in God and his son, Jesus, can lead not only to abundant life, but life everlasting. All of our souls will experience an eternal life – the choice we make is whether that eternity will be in the presence of God or absent from him.

God bless you, Harold. I hope we get to cross paths again.

FOUR CENTURIES OF LIFE ON THE HUDSON RIVER

2009-02-04T12:20:00.004-05:00

Albany, NY - Though its waters flow nearly a mile from the Albany Institute of History & Art, the majestic power and rich history of the Hudson River will flow through America's earliest art museum in February, 2009.

Hudson River Panorama: 400 Years of History, Art, and Culture is an unprecedented year-long exhibition commemorating Henry Hudson’s 1609 exploration of the river that bears his name, and the remarkable narrative of the people, events, and ideas that have shaped this region.Featured will be hundreds of artworks, artifacts, interactive displays, and rare archival documents from the Albany Institute’s renowned collections.

Complementing the Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial—an international celebration stretching from New York City to Quebec —Hudson River Panorama will explore and narrate the influential force that the Hudson has had on our region, including settlement, agricultural cultivation, industrial growth, tourism, and the cultural prominence of the region's talented and creative artists, writers, architects, and landscape gardeners.

For more than three years, the Albany Institute has been researching topics related to the Hudson River in preparation for the exhibition. The process has been a journey of exploration and discovery, unearthing accounts of the people and events that have shaped the history of the Hudson Valley. With a topic as vast and wide-ranging as the Hudson River, selecting key events, people, innovations, and ideas to relate broader narratives of the river has been both crucial and challenging.Visitors will rediscover the flora and fauna of the Hudson River Valley and compare historic and contemporary images that reveal how the human presence has shaped and changed the appearance of the river over the last 200 years.

The Albany Institute is located at 125 Washington Avenue, in downtown Albany, one block west of the New York State Capitol, a short walking distance from Empire State Plaza, and I-787. Parking is available at Empire State Plaza, short-term parking at the Albany Institute, and on neighboring streets.

For hours or other information, call (518) 463-4478. Website: www.albanyinstitute.org

'THE 2008 REAL ESTATE REPORT'

2009-02-03T13:00:00.003-05:00

A commentary by Roderic H. Blackburn on the state of real estate, always interesting. HMH

Since all markets have been in turmoil these last months I
have emphasized real estate trends more than usual. This
Report is a year-end summary for 2008 with comparisons
to prior years.

As I have always cautioned, what you read or hear in the
media about real estate sales and prices can be misleading
because national, state and regional performance figures
often differ widely, partly from issues having to do with
reporting (see attached Report on statistics) and partly because
of real differences from place to place.

The following figures are for sales numbers and median
sale prices of existing single-family houses. It does not
reflect the trends in new home sales, commercial, multifamily
or other classes of real estate. The data is publicly
available online from the National Association of Realtors
(NAR) at http://www.realtor.org and from the New York
State Association of Realtors at http://www.nysar.com.

National

The number of sales of single family existing homes during
the last year was off nationally –3.5% while median
prices were down 15.3%. Despite the torrent of bad housing
news, national sales were off only 3.5%. How can that
be? The answer is in the averaging: the western region’s
sales numbers were up 31.6% while prices were off
31.5%, read this as distress selling - a lot of it.

The Northeast

Northeast sale numbers were off -14.3% in the last 12
months, but median prices were off only -7.8%. Relative
to other parts of the country our region has had the slowest
sales but prices have held up quite well.

New York State trends

One year through December 2008 New York State sales
were off 16.2%, prices down 8.5%. That is pretty close to
what the Northeast as a whole did.

Hudson Valley trends

For the same year Columbia County sale numbers were
down –22.9% (down –25.7% over two years). On the
other hand the median price was off only –3.2% (off just
only –1% over two years).

In Dutchess County the number of sales was down –
8.1% in the last 12 months, and down –25.3% over two
years. Median prices were down -7.6% in the last 12
months, and off –11.6% over two years. Dutchess
County’s median price is now $309,450; Columbia
County’s is now $230,000.

Compare the above trends with median price changes
over the last year in other Hudson Valley counties: Westchester
(-5.1%), Putnam County (-6.8%)

Summary

In our region we have experienced at least three real
estate market cycles of about ten years each in which
prices have advanced (usually doubling) for about five
years and then stayed the same or decreased a little in the
next five years, this cycle then repeating itself. Early in
the present real estate cycle, median prices doubled (2000-
2005) - as they had in the prior two cycles - while in the
latter half of this cycle prices have stayed quite steady.
As prices advanced in each cycle, so did the number of
sales; when prices subsequently stayed level for five
years, the number of sales dropped about 30%.

If the pattern of the present cycle continues to follow that of the
prior two cycles (it has so far), 2009 should be the end of
the present cycle before a new cycle of increasing prices
and sales begins. That, of course, presupposes an average
recession which is not what we have. So when will the
real estate market turn around? Obviously we don’t know.
Ironically, that level of uncertainty allows for a more orderly
balance of sales and purchases. No one is yelling
fire!, crowds are not running for the exist.
What to do?

The lesson for sellers? Fewer buyers and longer periods
of time to get a sale, although if you are patient, you will
likely get near the same price as a year ago. Even in these
difficult financial times there are quite a number of buyers,
if not as many as before.

For buyers? If you have been anticipating that the market
would go down, or at least down further, and you
could get a real bargain, such a bargain is not likely. Indeed,
in some counties you may pay more than a year ago.
Also, if you have been thinking there is no mortgage
money available, you are wrong again. For qualified buyers
there is funding available at historically low rates.

A monthly column on the real estate market and related issues in the upper Hudson River Valley by Roderic H. Blackburn, principal of R. H. Blackburn & Associates, Inc.

FINDING THE VALUE IN 'VINTAGE'

2009-02-02T15:38:00.003-05:00

On a recent National Public Radio broadcast, they had an interesting feature about the enduring value of objects from our past .- an interview with Chris Jussel of Antiques RoadShow. I found it of considerable interest! HMH

Eve paid $500 for this mid-century modern couch -- a steal according to Chris Jussel.

COMMENTATOR Tess Vigeland: In a down economy, classic tends to make a comeback -- sleek Eames chairs, Jackie-O style suits. The right antique or vintage buys can actually beat inflation. That selling point appeals to Marketplace's Eve Troeh.

VINTAGE BUYER Eve Troeh: It's name is EKTORP. It's big. It's orange. It's a couch that costs $500 at IKEA.

Vigeland - To you, it's something to sit on. To antique dealer Chris Jussell, it's...

APPRAISER Chris Jussell - "Something that depreciates almost 100% immediately.
He says new furniture is a like a new car: drive it off the lot, the value tanks. He says antiques are more like stocks: get in when the market's down -- like it is now -- and you could see a payoff in the future."

Jussell's seen more young couples venturing into his auction house, Samuel Freeman, in Philadelphia. Their eyes go wide.

Jussell - "Oh golly, I can buy something that's actually old and might eventually be worth something eventually for the same or less expensive then they're going to find at places like Ikea and Crate and Barrell."

He says classic items that have maintained their price for years are going at auction for 50 percent less than they were six months ago. You think retail is priced to move? Try families who need to unload heirlooms fast.

Jussell - "What you see are the three d's: death, divorce, distress."

PARTICIPANT Jason Arnold - "I like it."

PARTICIPANT Naj Maloully - "Go to the other side... "

At an estate sale in Los Angeles, Naj Maloully and Jason Arnold move a table for a better view.Maloully

"We're looking at this teak table."

Arnold - "1960s modernist table. It's beautiful, it's curvaceous. This type of table sells online for more than $400."

Maloully - "I don't want to pay more than $100 for it."

Maloully got her price. The seller's house is in foreclosure.

"I recently entered the fold of antique bargain hunters. When I moved to a new apartment, I went to Craigslist for furniture. Under "vintage" I saw a lot of junk, then a great mid-century modern couch. Same price as EKTORP -- $500. It's low-slung, bright blue with one long, padded cushion for the seat and another long cushion across the back. The dark wood frame holds this cool built-in table -- black glass."

I asked antique expert Chris Jussell if I made a good buy.Jussell:

"Actually, your voice went up when you talked about it with a lot of passion. You know what it's worth, because you know what you paid for it, don't you?"

That made me feel good, but here's something else about Jussell: he was the first host of the TV hit Antiques Roadshow. He knows value, and - later - I couldn't resist. I emailed a photo of the couch and asked what it might be worth in dollars. The upper end of his estimate was twice what I paid. Yes! That created a monster. I wanted a price on all kinds of stuff. My kitchen table, my bedside lamp, my old Girl Scout uniform, badges and all. Apparently that's a common urge right now.

Elizabeth Mason - "People are now looking at 'What do I have of value?'"

Elizabeth Mason runs the Paper Bag Princess. It's a designer vintage store in Beverly Hills. She says even if they have no intent to sell, people want to know if, in a pinch, they could liquidate their closet to pay the bills. She's getting more calls to appraise client's wardrobes.

Mason - "People are looking at their clothes as a way to make money."

On my visit, I just happened to wear something of my grandmother's: a necklace, silver with blue stones. Mason took a closer look.

Mason - "I'd put it somewhere in the 40s and this looks like it's lapis, but most importantly, it looks great on. What price would I put on that? Probably $600 or $700."
.
Really? Hands off my necklace, lady!

Knowing the market value changes the way I see things. I smile a little more when I fasten my grandma's choker or settle into my couch.

Since I actually use them, they're not really investments, but they could be later on down the line. As dealer Chris Jussell says about the appeal of the Antiques Roadshow, it's all about potential.

Jussell - "The possibility of going into your attic and winning the lottery.
And you may just decide to sit on or wear that lottery ticket instead of cashing in."

In Los Angeles, I'm Eve Troeh for Marketplace Money.

VICTORIAN-ERA HARDWARE

2009-01-29T11:18:00.004-05:00

Restoring a Victorian Home is all about the details. One of the things that sets a Victorian era home apart from the typical house is the detailing in its hardware, Doorknobs, latches and hinges. In the Victorian era these typically mundane items were just as beautiful as wallpaper, mantles or lighting.

Case in point. We were "lucky" enough to have one remaining Period Lockset on the 3 exterior doors of our home. The others were long gone and had been replaced with modern lock sets and deadbolts, this is typical in most old houses. We do consider our self fortunate to have the original doors.

Restoring hardware varies depending on how many times it has been painted and what kind of paint or varnish ( sometimes when the door was varnished or shellacked back plates were covered) a lock set has. Its also important to know if you have solid or plated hardware. Plated hardware is thinner and more easily damaged by caustic chemicals used to strip paint. If you are using stripper I caution to ALWAYS test and inconspicuous are, such as the back or a lock set use in a closet for example before you just dunk them in stripper.

The best way, although it is time consuming is to carefully "pick" the paint off the lockset. Usually you can take an exacto knife and get it under the paint and lift sections of paint off. Getting into all the incised carving takes time and patience but the result is well worth it.

If you are going to be doing several of these I highly recommend going to your local office supply store and but a magnifier with light surround. Used by jewelers and artist they are perfect for seeing intricate details without straining your eyes.

Restoring period hardware is a labor of love that only an "insane old house person" would do but the beauty of the result speaks for itself. Period Victorian Hardware is a true work of art!

By Paul Wilham to Victorian Antiquities and Design, Cincinnati, OH, with permission

'STAYING WARM' IN AN OLD HOUSE!

2009-01-17T15:43:00.003-05:00

Let me introduce you to Paul Wilham of Cincinnati, Ohio .. a regular blogger I admire for knowledgable commentaries on a range of topics .. good reading!

If you are waking up to one of the coldest mornings in the last several years. Here at our house in Indy it is -12 with a -24-26 wind chill you probably did the usual, went downstairs , checked your thermostat to see how well your furnace kept up and of course turned on your water and hoped it came out. If you survived intact, you realized your furnace never stopped running last night and in the back of your mind you have that nagging thought of just how bad that winter heating bill will be.

So how did those Victorian keep warm? Well we all have the romantic view of Victorian life, opulent rooms with servants bringing by an extra blanket as the fire roared in a grand fireplace as you sipped your hot tea. Well that wasn't the 'real world' of most people in the Victorian era. Opulent Velvet Drapes were the province of only the very wealthy and could cost hundreds of dollars. Most Victorian had to 'get by' by sewing their own drapes. Middle and upper class homes did however have what we called summer drapes and winter drapes. One of the 'chores' of spring cleaning was the removal of heavy drapes and replacing them with a light lace curtains. Most 'less than affluent' Victorians pretty much do what most of us modern day Old house people do. They nailed or tacked blankets or fabric over the windows in really cold periods. They also closed off rooms that were not used either by closing pocket doors and or the use of Portiere which has a drape that closed off a doorway. While many Victorian homes in cities might have gas which powered those lovely cast iron fireplaces you saw in every room of a Victorian townhouse.

Many houses would have had wood burning stoves. Usually in the Parlor or living room and off course the wood stove in the kitchen. In cold weather it was critical to keep these stoked and while the husband went off to work every day it was the "lady" of the house who usually hauled wood in and threw it in the stoves. Children were a blessing because that chore would then fall to the children.

Victorian knew how to "layer' clothes. What we may now view as the 'stuffy' garb of the Victorian era actually had a practical side in winter....it kept you warm! Men wore 'long johns' under their cloths and women had layers of petticoats.

Staying warm at night was the biggest problem. Even in many middle class homes the only source of heat was on the first floor. Assuming you got the downstairs hot enough the rising heat might make the night 'passable". You often found a cast iron grate between floors to allow heat to rise into the upstairs bedrooms. Of course we all think of the grand Victorian bed possibly a 4 poster covered with elegant linens.

A more apt description might be like this:

The best mattresses were filled with horsehair, next step down was cow’s hair, then wool. A straw mattress was often put down under a hair one to protect it from the iron bedstead. Chain-spring mattresses were available in the second half of the century, but they were expensive, and they still needed a hair mattress over them. A square of sheeting was often tied over the springs to prevent them from chewing up the mattress, which was then covered in sheeting to protect it from soot and dirt. If the bed had no springs, a feather bed could be added on top of the mattress. These were expensive and hard to maintain. An under blanket was usually put over the hair mattress. All this needed to be turned and shaken every day, because the fibers tended to mat and clump. Your linens would consist of an under sheet tucked into the lowest mattress to protect it from soot, a bottom sheet, a top sheet, blanket (in winter 3-4 of them), a bolster, and pillows. They would be covered in Holland sheeting then with pillowcases. One good housekeeping writer recommended that blankets be washed every other summer, and sheets once a month, unless 2 people shared the bed, then wash every 2 weeks. Not all sheets were washed at once. The bottom sheet would be taken off and replaced with the top sheet and a clean top sheet put on. The main bedding cleaning was twice a year, spring and fall. The mattresses and pillows would be taken out and aired and every few years taken completely apart, washed, and feathers sifted to get rid of dust. This kind of work could only be accomplished if you had enough room and help. Many could not manage it.A good housewife was expected to check the bedding for fleas and vermin every week. If you found them it meant a major war had to be waged. The bed would have to be taken apart and the pieces washed or soaked with chloride of lime and water. The room had to thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. All cracks had to be repaired and sealed. If the infestation was out of control the bed would be put in an empty room which was sealed airtight and then sulfur was burned to disinfect the bed and surrounding area.People mistrusted laundries because they weren’t sure of what might be in their things when they were returned. They felt the same way about buying used furniture.

Quilting was not only a social pastime but an essential 'chore' as bed linens from a store were often expensive and beyond the means of most people. Victorians Piled on the blankets to keep warm which is why blanket chests were so popular. You needed one to hold them and you needed allot of them to stay warm!

So while we will all grumble next month when that high heat bill arrives, remember, at least we have furnaces!

--
Posted By Paul Wilham to Victorian Antiquities and Design at 1/16/2009

MID-WINTER AUCTION

2009-01-13T10:51:00.002-05:00

Russell and Abby Carlsen have been friends of mine over many years. Here is information on their upcoming auction on Sunday, January 18. Don't miss previewing or attending this auction. Always a diverse offering of quality antiques and art. HMH

Freehold, NY – Carlsen Gallery’s Mid-Winter Antiques Auction takes place on Sunday, January 18, at 11 a.m. Held usually at six to eight week intervals, Carlsen’s auctions are noted for offering fresh-to-the-market furnishings and accessories from various Hudson Valley and Connecticut estates.

Of particular note, the January 18 auction will feature an important collection of 19th century firearms. This is in addition to a wide selection of American, English and Continental antique furniture; and paintings by listed artists, prints, cast iron and garden decorations, Asian porcelains, clocks, Sterling silver, and a diverse offering of country and formal accessories. Also being offered is an “attic fresh” selection of dolls, according to gallery co-owner Russ Carlsen, who also mentioned that .. “many ‘late arrivals’ will add to the appeal of this annual event,”

The Carlsen Gallery is easily accessible from the New York State Thruway’s Catskill exit #21, via Route 23 to Route 32 north.

Gallery co-owner Abby Carlsen remarks, “We are starting the year 2009 with this strong auction filled with many investment quality antiques”. In the opinion of many observers, at a time when our financial markets offer little certainty of enduring values, antiques and art are increasingly being sought out as an alternative, in additional to their functional value.

A fully illustrated catalogue is available online: www.carlsengallery.com. Absentee and telephone bids are also accepted in advance of the sale, although these arrangements must be made by Friday, January 16.

An auction preview will take place on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, January 14 to 16, from Noon to 5 p.m., and from 8 a.m. until 11 a.m. on January 18, when the sale commences.

A 15% buyers premium is charged on all purchases. Cash, pre-approved checks, MasterCard, Visa and Discover are accepted in payment for purchases.

For more information, call (518) 634-2466, fax: (518) 634-2467. E-mail: info@carlsengallery.com

AN ICY MORNING ..

2008-12-11T10:23:00.004-05:00

It is an icy morning on Thursday, December 11. The first major storm will soon hit the upper Hudson Valley. So many random thoughts. Where do I begin?

This morning on WAMC, the local National Public Radio affiliate, I listened to a news item about NPR laying off 7% of their staff of 800, citing declining corporate gifts to the non-profit national radio service. Not good! I listen to WAMC constantly, especially in the morning, and late at night. At 11 p.m., WAMC features "As It Happens", a very entertaining and informative program produced by the CBC, Canada's public news broadcasting service. "AIH" has a global perspective that often touches on what is happening in the US. This program is followed by a four-hour broacast from the BBC, offering an unparalleled update on world news. WAMC is available throughout upstate eastern New York, western Massachusetts and Vermont, and northwestern Connecticut.

THIS WEEKEND .. On Saturday, December 13, people are invited to elebrate the season at Beattie-Powers Place from 3 to 5. This mid-19th century historic merchants house overlooking the Hudson River has undergone major restoration in recent times. Bequeathed to the Village of Catskill in the early '90s, a wide range of public programs are sponsored throughout the year by the Friends of Beattie-Powers. At a time of shrinking resources, this community effort deserves public support. Beattie-Powers Place is located at the northern end of Bridge Street. Refreshments will be served. Ask about membership!

The monthly "Second Saturday" evening stroll commences at 5 p.m., and continues until 9 p.m. From my own personal observation, the weather never dampens the spirits of hundreds of visitors who stroll along Catskill's historic Main Street. Most shops, galleries and restaurants will be open. Expect to be served refreshments at most businesses. Main Street, Catskill is the continuation of Route 23B (exit #21 of the New York State Thruway), just turn left as you exit the Thruway.

Rockwell Kent Will Open At New York State Museum

2008-12-04T17:50:00.001-05:00

Albany, N.Y.- Nov 18th, 2008
:The next exhibition in Bank of America's Great Art Series, "Rockwell Kent: This is My Own," will be on view at the New York State Museum through May 17 in the West Gallery.
The exhibition will feature works from the collection of the Plattsburgh State Art Museum, State University of New York at Plattsburgh, the most complete and balanced collection of Kent's work in the United States.
The collection was established by a gift and bequest from Kent's wife, Sally Kent Gorton. This exhibition is curated by Cecilia M. Esposito, director of the Plattsburgh State Art Museum.
An artist who provided the illustrations for such classics as Moby Dick and the Canterbury Tales , Kent succeeded in multiple endeavors during his lifetime. He was a painter, muralist, illustrator, print maker, book designer, graphic artist, architect, builder, writer and editor, lecturer, navigator, world traveler and political and social activist.
This exhibition offers a breadth of materials on display, including hundreds of items that chronicle Kent's life and work, reflecting intensely personal experiences and a deep sense of moral and political principle.
On display will be paintings, drawings, prints, books, bookplates, photographs, dinnerware, advertising art and more. "Rockwell Kent," a documentary produced by Frederick Lewis, and the book, Rockwell Kent: The Art of the Bookplate will be for sale in the Museum Shop.
Born in Tarrytown in 1882, Kent experienced a comfortable, upper middle-class lifestyle until the sudden death of his father in 1887. As a young boy he developed a resilience and strong work ethic that was evident in all of his future endeavors.
Kent achieved both critical and financial success as an artist during the 1920s and 1930s. He became well known for his book illustrations, bookplates and commercial work. Private collectors and major museums, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, acquired his paintings and prints.
Between 1918 and 1935, Kent traveled to remote parts of the world, often staying for long periods of time to learn about the people who lived there and to express and record his experiences through his paintings and books.
While editor and publisher of Northeast, I visited the extraordinary collection of work by Rockwell Kent in Plattsburgh years ago. I strongly recommend this exhibit now at the State Museum.

2008-12-04T11:38:00.004-05:00

2008-09-13T14:50:00.006-05:00

Let's Make a Deal in N.Y.

2008-09-13T14:37:00.004-05:00

The doors at Mark McDonald Ltd. originally adorned a 1930s-era movie theater in nearby Saugerties, N.Y.

From the Washington Post
By Annie Groer
Sunday, September 7, 2008; Page P06

Make no mistake about it. You go to Hudson, N.Y., a slowly gentrifying, semi-shabby city of roughly 7,000 souls, to feather your nest.

Sure, you can admire splendid Hudson River and Catskill Mountain vistas 125 miles north of Manhattan, check out four centuries of architecture, eat and drink well in a Starbucks-free community and even take in local culture.

But the main draw, which has been evolving over 20 years, is antique furniture, art, rugs, sculpture, books, funky tchotchkes and, increasingly, new home furnishings. Feel the need for some George III or Louis XVI chairs? A Murano glass chandelier? Japanese erotica, garden sculpture, 1970s psychedelic barware, elaborate quilts, primitive paintings? How about decorating advice on pulling this stuff together?

It can all be yours along an eight-block stretch of Warren Street and a few adjacent byways. The mile-long main drag boasts about 60 antiques dealers, whose merchandising style ranges from meticulously curated to annoyingly jumbled, and 100-plus flea-market-style vendors sharing space in two large old buildings nearby.

Read Full Story

2008-09-13T14:34:00.004-05:00

REMEMBERING .. 7 YEARS LATER

2008-09-03T09:38:00.003-05:00

When I first arrived in New York City, in the early 1960's, I was interviewed and employed by a long-gone prestigious Wall Street firm, Eastman Dillion, Union Securities & Co. The man who hired me was handsome, bright and incisive, only a few years older than me. He became my "mentor", his speciality, the beginning phenomena of mutual funds as a tool for investing. It was a fascinating experience for me!

In recent weeks, I sought to find out his current association, his whereabouts. It is with great sadness that a search on Google revealed that he was among the thousands who died on September 11, 2001. He was reportedly in his office on the 92nd floor of a World Trade Center tower that fateful morning. I regret it took me seven years to learn of this tragedy.

My very belated condolences to his wife Marianne and his children. I will always remember the role Robert Cruikshank played in my life.

‘10 Coolest Small Towns’

2008-08-29T12:50:00.000-05:00

Catskill named as one of ‘10 Coolest Small Towns’ in America
As featured in ‘Budget Travel’ – September 2008

These towns all have fewer than 10,000 people—but they can rival larger cities when it comes to good food, culture, and quality of life.
Laura MacNeil - Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Catskill, N.Y.Population: 4,340 Nearest City: Albany, 35 miles.

Thomas Cole, founder of the Hudson River School of landscape painting, was so enamored with the area that he moved to Catskill in the 1830s—his former home and studio is now the Thomas Cole National Historic Site (218 Spring St., 518/943-7465, thomascole.org, $7). After a period of neglect in the 1980s and '90s, Catskill is attracting artists again, as much for its affordable Victorian homes as for the surroundings. In 2005, musician Frank Cuthbert turned a crumbling 19th-century building into the Brik Gallery, which hosts exhibits as well as classical-music concerts and readings (473 Main St., 518/943-0145, brikgallery.com). Down the street, Argentine artist Dina Bursztyn and her partner, Julie Chase, display their works—some made from river driftwood—at their three-year-old gallery, Open Studio (402 Main St., 518/943-9531, potatospirit.com). Another foreign transplant, Israel-born Yael Manor-McMorrow, and her husband, Keith McMorrow, cook an excellent brunch at Bell's Café-Bistro (387 Main St., 518/943-4070, bellscafeny.net, omelet $9). Catskill's diversity is part of what inspired David Miles to move here to set up his furnishings store, Hood & Company (432 Main St., 518/943-1891, hoodandcompany.com). Well, the town's architecture certainly played a role, too. "When I first turned on Main Street, I fell in love," he says.

ONE OF THE TOP FIVE!

2008-08-05T10:25:00.002-05:00

'Associated Content' recently published five top Hudson Valley park destinations, with Dutchmen's Landing ranked #1!

Dutchmen's Landing Park in Catskill, New York. Located in Greene County in the mid-Hudson Valley, Dutchmen's Landing Park is a short drive from Catskill's Main Street area. This peaceful mid-Hudson Valley park is right on the Hudson River, and the park's four launch ramps make it a mecca for boaters. There's a lot to see at Dutchmen's Landing, and on a summer afternoon you can spot a variety of interesting boats of all sizes making their way up and down the Hudson. Dutchmen's Landing is an ideal spot for that family reunion or summer get together.

The park is fully equipped with barbeques, picnic tables and benches, and a playground for the kids. The snack bar at Dutchmen's Landing serves the usual summer fare like hamburgers, sandwiches, French fries and onion rings, as well as ice cream and cold drinks.

Also check out the summer concert series at Dutchmen's Landing for great live music by popular local bands and performers. While visiting Dutchmen's Landing in Catskill, don't forget to look across the river to Olana (on the east side of the Hudson). The Persian castle that was the home of Hudson River School painter Frederic Church is visible in the distance.

Historic Catskill Point - just a few steps away from Dutchmen's Landing, is also a hub of summer activity in Catskill. Located at the bottom of Main Street and just a short walk from Dutchmen's Landing, The Historic Catskill Point is host to a number of fun, warm weather events, including a Farm Market every Saturday morning.

2008-08-01T10:26:00.003-05:00

BEATTIE-POWERS PLACE

2008-07-30T08:26:00.003-05:00

For the past two years, on a voluntary basis, I've helped promote events taking place at Beattie-Powers Place, a historic house overlooking the Hudson River .. a spectacular place! If you're interested in rich architecture and a sweeping view of the upper Hudson River, visit this unique setting. H. M. Hanson

Catskill, NY – Beattie-Powers Place, bequeathed to the Village of Catskill in the early 1990s, is maintained by the Friends of Beattie-Powers, a non-profit community organization. Extensive renovations have been underway over recent years, architectural and landscape enthusiasts are encouraged to visit .

Beattie-Powers Place is the continuation of Bridge Street, with easy access from Main Street, Catskill. 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 and Beattie-Powers Place.

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

Boston Globe Trumpets Hudson

2008-02-01T08:26:00.001-05:00

VIEW OF THE RIVER FROM HUDSON NEW YORK
©Greg Howell
A favorable article about Hudson recently appeared in the Boston Globe, a
very good newspaper. Apparently many months ago a free-lance writer strolled
the streets of Hudson, a major antiques and art destiantion. Not everyone
remembered the visit, but .. an interesting report. Here is the link ..

Headline: Life on the river blends old and new in hip little Hudson
Date: January 27, 2008

"HUDSON - The numbers tell the story: Along this one-mile stretch of Warren
Street there are 65 antique dealers, 28 restaurants and cafes,
27 gallery and exhibition spaces, 15 architectural styles, plus gift shops,
clothing boutiques, houseware emporiums, thrift shops, junk shops,
convenience stores, bookstores, and one vacuum cleaner retailer.
Add it all up and you have a good idea ..."
____________________________________________________________

View Full Boston Globe Story

‘TIS THE SEASON: HOLIDAY SHOPPING IN HUDSON, NY

2007-12-19T08:20:00.000-05:00

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 ..

2007-12-04T13:44:00.000-05:00

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.

2007-11-14T13:18:00.001-05:00

BOOK SIGNING - HISTORIC PROPERTIES

2007-10-26T12:55:00.000-05:00

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 ..

2007-10-10T10:03:00.000-05:00

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

2007-09-12T16:53:00.000-05:00

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

2007-09-06T16:21:00.000-05:00

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

2007-08-31T05:52:00.000-05:00

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 ..

2007-08-27T11:35:00.000-05:00

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

2007-07-10T09:33:00.001-05:00

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

2007-07-10T09:33:00.000-05:00

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

2007-07-06T09:51:00.000-05:00

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

2007-06-21T13:21:00.000-05:00

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

2007-06-20T09:33:00.000-05:00

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

2007-06-16T07:47:00.000-05:00

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

2007-06-06T10:13:00.000-05:00

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

2007-06-04T06:38:00.000-05:00

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

2007-06-04T04:25:00.000-05:00

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

2007-06-01T10:43:00.000-05:00

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

2007-06-01T07:03:00.000-05:00

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

2007-05-31T11:07:00.001-05:00

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

2007-05-30T10:01:00.000-05:00

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

2007-05-29T08:38:00.000-05:00

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.