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

Commemorating heroes of the War of 1812 (Vol. III)…

This weekend, come to the Fort Ontario State Historic Site in Oswego, New York to re-discover the history in your backyard. Learn all about the 1814 Battle of Oswego as part of the upcoming 200th commemoration of the War of 1812.

Because of its geographical location, Lake Ontario was a major staging area for the battle between American and British naval fleets, the latter being located in Canada. As both sides fought for control of the lake, shipbuilding had become the race and there were, in the spring of 1814, three American ships awaiting armament at Sackets Harbor, New York. The naval supplies for these warships had been stored at Oswego Falls (Fulton, New York) and the British were determined to make their capture.

British forces prepare for an amphibious assault on the beach at Fort Ontario. By William Steele. Collection of Paul Lear.

On May 4, the British navy, led by Commander-in-Chief Sir James Lucas Yeo, departed Kingston, Ontario and prepared to launch an attack on Fort Ontario. Assigned to protect the fort and, more importantly, the stores at Oswego Falls, was Lieutenant-Colonel George E. Mitchell.

Upon the arrival of the British, Mitchell implemented key military strategy and dispatched orders to sink the schooner Growler (to prevent its capture) and pitch every available tent on the opposite side of the river (to give the impression of a large show of force). These tactics brought the British to the shores of the fort where they were repelled by the Americans – with a little help from Mother Nature. A strong wind had come up, forcing the fleet back to the lake.

British sailors climb the bluff and ramparts of Fort Ontario while the British Marines, De Watteville Regiment, and Glengarry Light Infantry attack from the east. By William Steele. Collection of the Public Archives of Canada.

The following day, May 6, 1814, the British returned and immediately ascended the bluff at Fort Ontario and took its capture. Unable to defend the fort with his small battalion, Mitchell retreated to Oswego Falls to protect the naval stores hidden there, which included the main cable for the frigate, Superior.

By the next morning, the British had set several fort buildings ablaze and left with what little supplies remained. With Fort Ontario destroyed, it was imperative to transport the naval supplies to Sackets Harbor where shipbuilding was nearing completion.

British forces suffered many casualties in their attack on Fort Ontario. Here, wounded British sailors are transported back to their ships. By William Steele. Collection of Fort Ontario State Historic Site.

This Saturday, May 8, join retired U.S. Army Colonel Harold Youmans, historian and editor of the Journal of the War of 1812, as he presents a program on the 1814 Battle of Oswego. The featured speaker of this commemoration event, Youmans’ presentation begins at 1:15 p.m. at the Fort Ontario State Historic Site on East Fourth Street in Oswego.

Cheers,
Kelly

Color your world...

The art world in Oswego County is awash in color! Over the past few weeks, we’ve enjoyed several art exhibition openings…

Michele Southgate: Bits ‘n’ Pieces
Southgate’s solo exhibition is a visual celebration. Each piece jumps off the canvas and into the imagination of the audience; capturing their attention and welcoming speculation. One cannot help but to explore this curious new world introduced to us by the artist through her watercolors and photo montages.

Nick D’Innocenzo, Paul Garland, Sewall Oertling, Thom Seawell: Four Degrees of Separation
An interesting quad, these artists provide an eclectic variety of work; something to suit everyone’s taste. The audience ponders over D’Innocenzo’s archival digital paintings and photo montages; Garland’s mixed media; Oertling’s watercolors and graphite drawings and Seawell’s screen prints. One becomes an attentive listener as each artist tells the story of his own reality.


These exhibitions are sponsored by the Art Association of Oswego and shown in the Oswego Civic Arts Center on East Fourth Street in Oswego. Gallery hours are from 2 to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Admission is 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