Cooperstown, New York is the most beautiful town in the summer. There is so much to do and see. Lots of museums and shopping. There’s family fun, romance and culture. It’s just the best, especially on a beautiful summer’s day.

I was there on Friday at the art reception for the Cooperstown Art Association’s juried exhibition. I’d never been there before. Their gallery is located at 22 Main Street, Cooperstown, New York 13326, known as the Village Hall, which also houses the library, and a gallery shoppe.

*(from the web-site)

This Year’s Juror

Thomas Sarrantonio
About… Thomas Sarrantonio studied Painting at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in Philadelphia where his teachers included Wil Barnet and Sidney Goodman. He also holds degrees in both Biology and English. His paintings have been exhibited widely and
he is the recipient of numerous honors including a Pollock-Krasner Award, a Visiting Artist Residency in Normandy, France and an Artist Residency Fellowship at the Ballinglen Arts Foundation in Ballycastle Ireland. He taught Art and Art History at SUNY New Paltz for over thirty years and he maintains a studio in Rosendale, New York where he lives with his family.

Every year there are different judges with different tastes – is that the right word? Maybe the word is aesthetics. Another artist choosing what they hope will be a cohesive show from the hundreds of entries from artists of the region (it may have been advertised as a national juried show but I only met artists from New York State).

It was a lovely affair with monetary awards announced and a full house of grateful artists and friends, board members, possible patrons, food and music. The only thing missing was an air-conditioned building.

I noted a lot of paintings of birds, and a lean towards vibrant color (yellows!) and innovative uses of texture.

Also dispersed throughout were figurative pieces, many with pretty ladies surrounded by abstraction.

And landscapes.

Learn more about the Cooperstown Art Association here.

The exhibition runs through August 16, 2024. The artwork is for sale. Contact the gallery at gallery@cooperstownart.com for more information.

They are open Tuesday-Saturday 11:00 AM – 4 PM.