A new season and new art converged at Harmony Hall on Saturday, June 19, 2021, to celebrate Summer Solstice and this year’s participating Plein Air artists. A celebratory atmosphere prevailed inside and outside the 1848 mansion. The event was well-received by artists and guests alike and a most welcome return to the
normalcy of diverse programs for The Friends of Harmony Hall!
Thanks to the Sloatsburg Chamber of Commerce Board Director Dean Colomban of Skylar Realty and his team for setting up the large event tent on the Great Lawn.
Returning artists’ works were displayed under the elegant tent to great effect providing shade, refreshments, and an elegant venue for lively conversation. Inside the double parlor, guests enjoyed musical stylings on the keyboard about summer by Geoff Welch. He also introduced the premiere of his new composition! Guest music artist, Joe Rosolen performed works on a mountain dulcimer, an instrument probably dating to 1800. Rounding out the Solstice celebration was a brief talk by Nancy Gibbs, co-author with Edward Lenick, of the newly published book, Rock Art in an Indigenous Landscape: From Atlantic Canada to Chesapeake Bay. The theme of nature in art was on display in the foyer with selected works by the late artist Elizabeth Bush Schmidt. Famed early 20th century Sloatsburg resident artist Edith Varian Cockcroft was represented in the dining room with several of her signature
botanical-themed ceramics.
Scroll through our slideshow! To view the vertical pieces, click on its image.
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Renowned artist Salvatore Reale was the judge who presented awards in three categories.
Best in Show was awarded to Hudson Valley artist Chrissy Puhucki for her Ramapo River vista. Chrissy is especially interested in the relationship between land and water. Particularly, how water affects the colors, shapes, and dynamics of landscapes. www.cpahucki.com
Best Landscape went to Renate Wehmeyer for her painting of the Sloatsburg train “station.” Though the original modest Victorian Sloatsburg train station is long gone, Renates painting captures the anticipation of arrivals and departures in a profound way. Renate is an award-winning artist whose attention to detail is evident in her landscapes and still lifes. However, her passion and true expertise are revealed in her famous canine portraits. www.renaewehmeyer.com
Most Innovative was awarded to Emily Ryan for her dramatic view of Sloat’s Dam, an important historic and scenic location for generations of residents, visitors, and artists. Emily is a graphic designer from Philadelphia. Her artwork often includes colorful botanicals, insects, and other elements of nature’s own artistry. She spends her free time in the garden, cultivating flowers and attracting animals that inspire her art. www.itsemilyryan.com or on Instagram: @itsemilyryan
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Thank you to all participants for this fourth annual Sloatsburg Plein Air event! Year after year, Sloatsburg Plein Air continues to grow in popularity, and as one guest noted, “A high caliber of artistic talent - works.”
Many thanks to our sponsors: Haywards Deli, The Village Blend, Valley Rock Inn, Skylar Realty, Sloatsburg Chamber of Commerce, and Jessie Taylor Paints!
Special thanks to the Arts Council of Rockland (ACOR) for recognizing Sloatsburg Plein Air by nominating organizers Jessie Taylor and Peter Bush under the category of Arts Organization/Leadership!
Beautiful weather, art, music, enthusiastic artists, guests, and the impressive Great Lawn of Harmony Hall all combined to make this two-hour event a new season of hope and creativity…a much-anticipated return to planning for dynamic events by The Friends of Harmony Hall – Jacob Sloat House!
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2021 Plein Air Participating Artists
Rosemary Baker, Pat Baldino, Laura Bianco, Kris Campbell, Elodie Cha, Frieda Christofides, Catherine De Cesare, Maribeth Durivage, Barbara Efchak, Abrahim Elgindy, Carol Fabricatore, Matt Fenton, Tarryl Gabel, Trine Giaver, John Gilbert, Susan Greenstein, Kristen Guerrero, Gerard Hare, Susan Hillary, Mary Houlihan, Jamey Jackson, Bonnie McGowan, Carrie Nixon, Damarie O'Toole, Chrissy Pahucki, Janet Pederson, Emily Piescki, Lynda Pyka, Mari Renwick, Michael Rossi, Susan Roth, Emily Ryan, Aviva Sakolsky, Debbie Silberberg, Eric Stormes, Renate Wehmeyer, Sasha Robinson of Master Art Studio and guests.
Thank you for your participation!!