Friday, November 11, 2011

Anchors away in Oswego!

Come to the H. Lee White Marine Museum on West First Street Pier in Oswego to re-visit the fascinating tale of the Titanic. Oswego Town Historian George DeMass will talk about his experiences as chaplain to the Titanic Historical Society in a special encore presentation of his talk, “Titanic: 100 Years Later: A Personal Perspective.”

The discussion will focus on DeMass’ personal experiences with Titanic survivors and their families. This includes Elizabeth Gladys “Millvina” Dean, the last survivor of the Titanic who died in 2009 at the age of 97. He will also discuss Titanic orphans the Navertil brothers and the many artifacts on display in the museum’s temporary exhibit, “Titanic: Commemorating the 100th Anniversary.”

Here are some images from DeMass' first presentation:












The exhibit includes several pieces of DeMass’ personal collection, such as photographs, paintings, newspaper clippings and other affects associated with the ship and its survivors. There is a 16-foot fold-out book, “The Wallchart of the Titanic,” by Tom McCluskie that outlines the technical aspects of the ship. In addition to DeMass’ collection, a painting by artist Russell Porter titled, “Leaving the Coast of France, April 10, 1912, 9:30 p.m.” (1975) is on loan to the museum courtesy of the artist’s son Robert Porter of Auburn, New York.











The presentation and exhibit are part of a series of activities and programs leading up to the museum’s premier fund-raising event, “A Titanic Affair.” The gala will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the ship on Saturday, April 14, 2012 at the American Foundry in Oswego.


A little more about the museum:
The H. Lee White Marine Museum, located on West First Street Pier in Oswego, was founded by Rosemary Nesbitt in 1982. It is named for Harris Lee White, a native Oswegonian, attorney, U.S. Navy Commander, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force during the Eisenhower administration, and the head of two world-wide shipping companies.

The museum is located in the former administration building of a 1920s state-of-the-art grain elevator complex. The grain elevator was demolished in 1998, while the administration building was retained by the Port of Oswego Authority and generously provided to the museum.

As the administration building for the grain elevator, the structure housed a machine shop, stock room, heating plant, main switchboard and superintendent’s office on the first floor. The second floor was made up of other offices and “welfare rooms” for the workmen. Traces of its original uses can still be seen by visitors on the main floor where a few of the ceiling-mounted, belt-driven pulleys of the old machine shop have been left in place.

Today, the building is filled with a treasure trove of paintings, models, artifacts and exhibits that tell the tale of Oswego’s 300 years of maritime history. See the “Lance Knapp,” the last steam-powered vessel on the Oswego Canal, and the “LT-5,” the last remaining large tugboat from the Normandy Invasion of World War II. The latter was named a National Historic Landmark in 1992 thanks to the heroic actions of her crew on D-Day.




The "LT-5" welcomed replica ships Nina and Pinta in July 2011.


George DeMass’ presentation will take place on Sunday, November 13 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. The Titanic exhibit will run through Wednesday, November 30. The museum is extending a special admission price of $5 for adults and $3 for children for these events. Seating is limited, so call the H. Lee White Marine Museum to make your reservations today!

For more information about the museum and its activities, call 315/342-0480, visit their Web site at http://www.hleewhitemarinemuseum.com/ or find them on facebook.

Cheers,
Kelly

Friday, July 8, 2011

A New World is Blooming…

Step into another world at Enchantment Acres Flower Farm in Hannibal. Take in the serenity of this unique four-acre garden, complete with a miniature railway, stock pond and Victorian gazebo. Relax and unwind as you meander through several rows of daylilies, hostas and irises.

The gardens are a magical place filled with surprises around every corner. Each display has a theme, from the culinary garden filled with plants with names such as: Apple Green, Cherry Berry, Cream Cheese, Fried Green Tomatoes, Guacamole, and Hens and Chickens to the Independence Day garden complete with Americana, Fireworks, Liberty and Patriot plants.

The large G-scale train layout features local landmarks from days-gone-by, such as Wells Custard, the Hannibal Hotel and Town Square. Not without a sense of humor, the displays also include a diner named “Eat at TUMS,” the Granby International Airport, and a “shotgun wedding” with Pa looking on.

Here are a few snippets from this gem of a railway garden:


















The intricate displays were designed and built by Ron and Donna James. They began this whimsical creation just a few short years ago after their retirement. The James’ welcome others to come out and enjoy their little slice of heaven.

Individuals, groups, and families can wander and explore this mystical fairyland on weekday evenings, Saturdays and Sundays, or by special appointment. Picnicking is permitted; however, children must be supervised at all times as there is an open pond on the property.

While many of the flowers bloom during the month of June, there are a variety of shade-loving plants, succulents, and daylilies to enjoy throughout the season. It is best to call ahead to find out what might be blooming for your visit.

The Enchantment Acres Flower Farm is located at 887 county Route 3 in Hannibal. It is featured as the fourth stop on the Garden Railway Tour series sponsored by the Central New York Large-Scale Railway Society. The open house will run from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 9 and admission is free.

Don’t forget to sign up for a gardening class with Donna James. In her next session, Donna teaches participants how to make a “Living Wreath.” The class will run from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 13. Admission is $20 and includes materials and flowers.





If you would like details about the Enchantment Acres Flower Farm or gardening classes with Donna James, please call 315/598-3346. Visit their Web site for more information: http://www.enchantmentacres.com/.

Cheers,
Kelly

Thursday, May 26, 2011

A New “Great Idea”…

A new “great idea” has come to the Oswego arts community.

The Lakeside Artisans LLC is the 2010 winner of “The Next Great Idea” Business Plan Competition run by Operation Oswego County. With the idea for a retail showcase to promote local artisans, the group beat out nine other contestants to win the $25,000 prize.

Now, that idea has become a reality as the Lakeside Artisans Co-operative recently opened their distinctive shop and gallery in the Canal Commons at 193 West First Street in Oswego. It is a beautiful space where local artists display and sell their fine art and quality craft products – everything from pastels to pottery, watercolor to woodworking, and more!

Here is some of the featured artwork:












The gallery is warm and welcoming. You can browse at your leisure or learn more about the work from the artists at hand. There is a diverse collection of mediums, so you’re bound to find something perfect for your own space; or a great gift idea for someone else. Their work includes painting and prints, cards and calligraphy, ceramics, printmaking, woodwork, fabric art and jewelry.

Many talented artists were in residence during the recent opening reception, including Sandra Dowie, the featured Artist of the Month, and Marcella Slater, a jewelry artisan and harpist who enchanted the audience with her whimsical sound. Other artists offered demonstrations such as watercolor by Carol Burghart, shaker box-making by Master Box Maker Steve Grasselli and professional woodwork finishing by Brian Leary of Lakeshore Hardwoods.

Meet some of the artists here:




Carole Burghart demonstrates the art of watercolor.




Marcella Slater presents enchanting compositions.




Gallery guests enjoy the interactive reception.




Master Box Maker Steve Grasselli discusses his craft.




Artist Jeanne Dupre displays some of her watercolor landscapes.




Artist of the Month Sandra Dowie greets guests with a welcome smile.




Lakeside Artisans Co-op is owned and operated by the artists themselves – “a business by democracy.” Management is decided by election and day-to-day operations are maintained by the active participation of the membership.

The group is currently accepting applications from local artisans and craft persons. In addition to traditional disciplines, they would also like to include: stained glass, basket-weaving, leather and fabric arts.

If you would like to share your talent and live in or around Oswego County and the immediate surrounding area of Northern Central New York, please contact Lakeside Artisans at 315/342-8880 or lakesideartisans@gmail.com for an application. Visit their Web site for more details: http://www.lakesideartisans.com/.

Cheers,
Kelly

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Color, Cosmos and Questions…

Let’s spring back into the arts this season with exhibition opening. The Art Association of Oswego hosts Ron Throop’s collection, “Why Paint Words” now through Sunday, May 29.



"Why Paint Words" Exhibit by Ron Throop


Immediately upon entering the gallery, the mind delights and whirls at the explosion of color in the room. How vibrant! How exciting! You know you’re going to be in for a wildly interesting afternoon. There is intrigue around every corner as you wonder what thoughts you will encounter next.

Even Throop’s mother, Keitha Mazza, ponders, “Who would’ve thought this would be the result when I gave him his first box of crayons?”

Each piece tells a story about the life of this self-proclaimed “shy, unobtrusive American father and husband,” who also admits that he’s really “kinda out there.” Inspired by his family, Throop’s work is intensely creative, passionate and fun.



Ron Throop talks to his sister, Deb Lonczak, in front his autobiography, "Either Books or Children."




Finally, you’ll leave, inspired to question the cosmos on your own.




Question the cosmos with your own creativity!




Here is more fun from Throop’s exhibition:








This exhibit is being shown in the Oswego Civic Arts Center on East Fourth Street (across from the Fort Ontario State Historic Site) in Oswego. Gallery hours are from 2 to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday or by appointment. Admission and parking are free.

The Art Association of Oswego also sponsors arts education in the community. For more information or to get involved, call 315-343-5675 or visit http://www.oswegoarts.org/.

Cheers,
Kelly