Along the River’s Edge/Birds of the North Country Opens
Clayton, NY (June 3, 2021) – The Thousand Islands Arts Center ~ Home of the Handweaving Museum (TIAC) is pleased to announce the return of Along the River’s Edge (ATRE), a juried art exhibition and sale that showcases the artwork of local and regional artists, and benefits the artists and TIAC. The exhibition will open to the public on June 17th and run through July 10th.
Leslie Rowland, executive director of the Thousand Islands Arts Center, said: “After nearly 16 months of COVID-related restrictions and regulations, we are delighted to once again be allowed to host a more normal opening reception for this perennial favorite. While current COVID protocols will be observed, we welcome the opportunity for the many talented artists to showcase their work and interact with our patrons and the general public.”
In addition to over 75 works of art on display in the Catherine C. Johnson Gallery, will be Birds of the North Country in the Bobbie Trimble Gallery featuring hyper realistic illustrations of birds by Sue deLearie Adair. Sue’s artwork is inspired by her love of the natural world, and all creatures great and small. She has been an avid birder for over 30 years and is fascinated by everything in nature. She portrays many different animals, but birds are her favorite subject and comprise the majority of her work. She features detailed subjects with simple, sometimes even stylized, backgrounds. Sue draws in various combinations of graphite, colored pencil and watercolor.
Sue grew up near Syracuse in central New York State and was fortunate to attend a public school known for excellence in art education. She also took several art courses while attending college at St. Lawrence University. Today Sue splits her time between homes in Schenectady, New York, and Stony Point on Lake Ontario. From these locations she explores wonderful natural areas such as the Adirondack Mountains, Long Island beaches, and the shoreline of Lake Ontario. She spends many hours in the field observing and photographing wildlife. She has traveled extensively in North America and has made several trips to the neo-tropics.
Sue’s work has been included in many prestigious national and international exhibitions including Birds in Art, Art and the Animal (Society of Animal Artists) and several Miniature Art shows. She has received the Society of Animal Artists Award of Excellence and her graphite and mixed media drawings have been selected for publication in five of North Light Books best of drawing series “Strokes of Genius” volumes. Sue is a signature member of the Society of Animal Artists and the Colored Pencil Society of America.
Over 120 pieces by 66 regional artists were submitted to the juror for consideration. ATRE has long been a highlight of the River season and promises to showcase the finest in paintings, photography, sculpture, mixed media, jewelry and ceramics. All artwork will be for sale.
This year’s exhibition was juried by Margie Hughto, a professor of ceramics at Syracuse University within the School of Visual and Performing Arts, School of Art. For the past 30 years, Hughto has become involved in numerous commissioned site-specific art works and several architectural public artworks. Her most notable public art project was commissioned by the Metropolitan Transit Authority of NYC for the Cortlandt Street subway station at the World Trade Tower II. Entitled, “Trade, Treasure and Travel,” the work consists of 12 large-scale ceramic tile murals at the Cortlandt Street subway station.
The following awards will be presented: Catherine C. Johnson Award ($500); Kincaid Award ($300); People’s Choice Award ($200); and the Juror’s Choice Award ($100). Admission to the exhibition is complimentary to all TIAC members and $5 for non-members. There is no charge for the opening day.
Along the River’s Edge is generously supported by Jay and Peggy Brouty-Benton, Michael Ringer Galleries, Bella’s, Ann Johnson-Kaiser, the Vars/Kincaid Family, and Joan Trimble Jordan.
The Thousand Islands Arts Center is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of traditional arts and handcrafts through educational programs, classes, lectures, and exhibitions. Home to a nationally-renowned permanent collection of hand-woven textiles and an extensive weaving library, the Arts Center also offers a wide variety of classes for all levels of students – from the beginner to the professional artist. The Thousand Islands Arts Center’s mission is to advance art, craft and our unique textile collection through education and exhibition.
