That's a loaded question. Some might say art refers to a diverse range of human activities, creations, and expressions that are appealing or attractive to the senses or have some significance to the mind of an individual. For others, anything that disturbs the viewer. And still another definition might bypass the effect, addressing that moment when the ephemeral but meaningful intent of the artist collides with a chosen medium; the end result -- no matter how it turns out -- is art.
No doubt artistic inspiration is a hard thing to pin down, but maybe getting closer to the artist, and experiencing the work in the place it was formed, might shed a little light on the situation. That's the thinking behind the Saugerties Artists Studio Tour, happening August 16 and 17. Now in its sixth year, the event extends an invitation to anyone so inclined to visit the private studios of local artists. Twenty-four artists will participate this year.
"It's like a sneak preview into another lifestyle," Barbara Bravo, tour corrdinator said. "And it's a fun way to get people out and about in Saugerites. We include all different types of media from painting and photography to sculpting, pottery and furniture making. It's a really cool unique thing because people can see works in progress as well as finished products."
Ellen Perantoni, SAT publicist and artist explained how they sell advertising space on the maps to ensure that the public will not have to spend anything on the tour. "Various local businesses and supporters buy business card space on the maps," she said. "So we get the maps made without charging the public for picking them up."
The studios will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days, and there will be a celebratory opening at Opus 40 on Friday, August 15 from 5-7 p.m. The terrain and studios range from grand old Victorians and village brownstones to romantic woodland hideaways in the West Saugerties foothills.
* On the roster
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Among the participating artists are Barbara Bravo, pottery; Allen Bryan, photography; Ellen Perantoni, realistic landscape painting; Anita Barbour, painting, origami; Mikhail Horowitz, collages, assemblages, monoprints; Gus Pedersen, furniture; Leslie Bryce, functional outdoor sculpture; Istar Schwager, collages, prints, mixed media; Polly Law, illustration, collage; Raymond J. Steiner, landscape painting; Steve Crohn, painting; Tad Richards, painting; Michael Ciccone, sculpture; Brunie Kandora, aquatint etching; Debra Lavaggi, batik; Jeff Schiller, sculpture; Sue Sammis, photography; Jemerick Art Pottery; Howard Goldson, abstract painting; Marsha Kaufman-Rubinstein, ceramics; Carol Zaloom, linocut printmaking: Shelley Davis, mixed media, photography, objects d'art; Ruth Edwy, painting; photography; Jesse Reimer, outdoor furniture.
The selection for the artists is an open but vetted process.
"Anyone who has a studio in Saugerties is eligible to apply to be on the tour," Perantoni explained. "We have appointed three of the artists who have been in the tour over the years to go and check out the studio to make sure the studio is easily accessible and their art is eligible."
Bravo explained how the artists are judged. "The artists have to show professional, time and effort into exploring and expanding their art," she explained. "They have to be working artists in some way shape or form and make some kind of living through there art."
Bravo says the continued success of the tour is part of a rising trend. "There's this real phenomena going on. Artists tours are popping around in all the towns around. All these communities are starting to do it. Its an idea that is really winning."
The most recent art tour was the Shandaken Studio Tour. Artist Dave Channon participated. "I had over 80 visitors over the weekend and sold almost $800 worth of art," said Channon. "Many other artists also did very well. It is clear that the arts are an important part of our local economy and a major attraction to tourists. Visitors were from Kingston, Woodstock, Hunter, Windham and even far away lands like Poland, Florida and New York City. There were over 40 painters, sculptors, printers, photographers, fine furniture and clothing makers, even high tech electronic and video artists Too many for anyone to visit in just two days. We are blessed to have so many creative people living and working here."
Choose your adventure
Each artist has different events set up for the audience. Refreshments will be served at some studios and hands-on activities will be offered as well. Howard Goldson is planning an experiment for those who drop by his 26 Montague Lane studio.
"I'm going to provide a blank canvas, paint and brushes," he explained. "And ask the people who come if they want to contribute to paint on it. I plan to record anyone who adds to the painting. When the whole thing is over I'll add a few touches in accordance with my aesthetic touches. It's a concept of randomness and multi-work; more and more science is beginning to deal with randomness. I think it will be something interesting. And on the assumption that it comes out halfway decent it might be displayed somewhere and then the people that helped to make a contribution can come out and look at what they have created."
Gus Pedersen, custom furniture designer, has been involved in the tour for three years now, and he is looking forward to educating his guests.
"I'd like to tickle somebody's imagination," he said. "People often have an incorrect thought of custom furniture. They think that it is too expensive and doesn't make a difference from average, everyday furniture you find in the stores. This gives me the opportunity to explain to people what the possibilities are."
Pedersen has a two-story building on his property with a workshop on the first floor and a gallery on the second. This will allow people on the tour to view his works in process and his finished work.
"What I will do is have some pieces of furniture in the construction phase," he explained. "The machines and tools things will be there, and then tourers will go upstairs to see completed pieces. When I do go into someone's house I am making furniture to fit with the house or other furniture in the house, so there are finished pieces with things like stone and tile. It's more than just wood."
Five-year SAT veteran Carol Zaloom is also looking forward to showing a little aesthetic hospitality. "This is a pretty amazing event," Zaloom said. "People really love to see inside other people's world. You work in isolation, and it's always nice to open the door and have people come in and appreciate the work you do."
Examples of the SAT artists' work can also be seen in many windows throughout the village of Saugerties, including the Muddy Cup coffee house on the corner of Main and Partition streets, the Shelley K Gallery and the Michael Nelson Gallery, also on Partition Street.
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