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

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

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

Travel down memory lane...

Travel down memory lane this weekend with Oswego County Historian Justin White as he recounts Oswego’s Kingsford family history at the Richardson-Bates House Museum. The museum itself was once the home of another well-known Oswego family, the Richardson’s.

The Richardson-Bates House Museum in Oswego, N.Y.

This beautiful Italianate Villa-style home was built between 1867 and 1890 for Maxwell Richardson, a local attorney and real estate developer who served two terms as Oswego’s mayor. The house and its luxurious interiors reflect Richardson’s wealth and position as a civic leader.

The reception room

The period library

The museum features 95 percent of the original furnishings and much of the house is preserved as the Richardson family knew it. Visitors are amazed at the grand reception hall upon entering the front door. The exotic and opulent furniture and decorative arts provide a unique glimpse at Victorian America’s fascination with history, art, education and travel.

Today, the Richardson-Bates House Museum is home to the Oswego County Historical Society and its collection of nearly 25,000 artifacts, documents and photographs that trace the significant history of the area.

Their latest exhibit, “The Oswego Starch Factory and the Kingsford Family” is on display now and will run through the spring of 2011.

The Kingsford Family Starch Company Exhibit

A former chemist with William Colgate & Company, Thomas Kingsford invented a process for manufacturing corn starch, which was superior to any other on the market and sold the world over. In 1846, Thomas established T. Kingsford & Son with his son Thomson and developed an award-winning starch company.

The Kingsford Starch Factory

In 1848, the family relocated the entire operation to Oswego, N.Y. from Bergen, N.J. for better manufacturing resources. The Oswego Starch Factory occupied nearly twenty acres and used 850,000 bushels of corn to produce 8,250,000 tons of starch each year. A major employer in Oswego, the company employed thousands of residents over generations of families.

To hear more about the Kingsford family and the starch factory, come to the Richardson-Bates House Museum on 135 East Third Street in Oswego. The Oswego County Historical Society will host a special presentation at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 7. Admission is free and donations are appreciated.

Visit the exquisite Richardson-Bates House Museum to view more fascinating artifacts from Oswego’s history. The museum is open from 1 to 5 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday from April to December and by appointment as well. Regular admission prices are $5 for adults and $4 for seniors and students. For more information, call the museum at 315/343-1342.

Don’t forget to stop by the museum’s annual Christmas Open House from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, December 5. Enjoy refreshments, entertainment and free admission while you browse the museum, fully decorated in fresh greenery for the holiday season.

Cheers,
Kelly

Capturing the great outdoors…

Come to the NYSDEC Salmon River Fish Hatchery in Altmar on Saturday, September 25 for an open house to celebrate National Hunting and Fishing Day. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., bring the whole family to enjoy a variety of activities that highlight local hunting, fishing and outdoor recreational opportunities. Learn about fishing and stream ecology, fly-tying and casting, and enjoy a fish petting zoo, too!

This year’s event will also feature the 2010 Tug Hill Plein Air Paint Out, presented by the Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust (THTLT). Taken from the French expression, “en plein air,” meaning “in the fresh air,” artists from across the region will spend the day painting outdoors at the hatchery on county Route 22 and at the Salmon River Falls Unique Area on Falls Road.

Visitors are welcome to meet and greet the artists and view their work. At the end of the day, the artists will bring their work to the fish hatchery auditorium for a live auction to benefit the THTLT. A cider and dessert preview reception will be held at 4:30 p.m. and the bidding starts at 5:30 p.m.

Premier artists include Debe Abbott, Jeanne Dupre and Robert McNamara, among many others. The following images appear courtesy of the Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust, Debe Abbott and Jeanne Dupre.

Debe Abbott

Jeanne Dupre

The Paint Out is the signature event of the THTLT and highlights the natural beauty and scenic diversity of the great outdoors. It began two years ago and has been hosted by the Trenton Falls Gorge Trails and Constable Hall in Constableville. Founded in 1990, the THTLT focuses on increasing awareness and appreciation of the Tug Hill region as well as helping to retain its forests, farms and lands.

Admission is free for the fish hatchery open house and to visit with and observe the artists. Tickets for the art auction are $10 per person and can be reserved by calling the THTLT at 315/779-2239. They will also be available at the fish hatchery during the open house. Pick up your tickets at the THTLT tent or at the door of the auction.

For more information about the THTLT and the 2010 Tug Hill Plein Air Paint Out, visit http://www.tughilltomorrowlandtrust.org/. For more fall fun in Oswego County, go to http://www.visitoswegocounty.com/.

Cheers,
Kelly

History and Summer Fun at Fort Brewerton…

Summer fun continues in Oswego County this weekend when the Fort Brewerton Historical Society hosts its inaugural Summer Festival. Bring the whole family to enjoy a day filled with music, food, games, crafts and raffles. The event runs from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, August 29 at the fort on the corner of routes 37 and 11 in Brewerton.

Raffle items for the festival were donated by local businesses and volunteers. They include gift certificates, paintings, floral arrangements and sports memorabilia. Piano man Bill Verity performs from his collection of classical, rock and Jazz tunes. Admission is free and donations to the historical society are welcomed.

This not-for-profit organization was formed in 1965 to preserve the history of Brewerton for residents and visitors. Over the years, they have hosted many community events including antique car shows, farmers’ markets, a Christmas bazaar and kids’ history camp.

Here are some pictures from the camp, courtesy of Chris Stallknecht:

Nearly forty years ago, the group began construction of the museum to house their collections. The design is a replica of the Oliver Stevens Block House – known to be the home of the area’s first white settlers in 1788. The project utilized bricks recovered from the original block house which Stevens himself had taken from the ruined fort.

The original Fort Brewerton was built in 1759 by English General Abercrombie as a point of defense between the Great Lakes and Albany. It served as a waypoint throughout the French and Indian War and during the beginning of the Revolutionary War; however, by August of 1777, the fort lay in ruins. Today, all that remains are the earthen embankments of the fort. They form the shape of an eight-pointed star; positioned toward the cardinal points of a compass. With its tall shade trees, the area is ideal for a relaxing picnic.

While you’re here, be sure to explore the revolving exhibits inside the Fort Brewerton Block House Museum. Inside, you’ll find an extensive collection of native artifacts as well as a small gift shop and a meeting room for events throughout the year. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays beginning in June and ending in early September. Admission is free. For more information, visit their Web site at http://www.fortbrewerton.org/.

Cheers,
Kelly

Heritage and the Arts at the Oswego County Fair...

Our latest tour led us to the 2010 Oswego County Fair in Sandy Creek, N.Y. where we had a wonderful opportunity to view our heritage through the arts. A local artisan and Army veteran, Harold Hubbard displayed his Indian Head Collection with the Lakeshore Hardwoods exhibit in the Heritage Building. For those interested in learning more about local history, the site is a must-see for information, guidance and a ‘trip down memory lane’. A very special thank you goes out to Harold for sharing his time and story with us.

He was born in Alexandria Bay in 1920 and moved to the Pulaski area as a child. A graduate of Pulaski Academy and Central School, Harold was a career toolmaker. He began his trade with New York Airbrake in Watertown, and eventually opened up his own shop in the hamlet of Port Ontario. The Bud Air Company made pruning equipment for fruit farms all over the country.

Harold sold the business thirty years later and began a colorful retirement with his bride Marge. They kept busy in their travels; however, Harold was looking for something to do when they were home. That’s when he discovered his talent for woodcarving.

A self-taught craftsman, Harold began with relief woodcarving, eventually moving on to “in the round” and then to chip carving. On comparing his tool-making career to his craft, Harold said with laugh, “Wood is easier, and cleaner on the fingers.”

Here are some pictures of Harold Hubbard and his Indian Head Collection at the 2010 Oswego County Fair:

Harold began his Indian Head Collection a few years ago to illustrate different types of wood. The 60-piece set is carved from native trees as well as timbers from around the world that he found at Lakeshore Hardwoods, a local haven for woodworkers. The woods include: butternut, eucalyptus, mahogany, purpleheart, and Spanish cedar. Each piece is a natural beauty, with only a clear finish to give it shine.

These are some of the woods and projects that you’ll find at Lakeshore Hardwoods:

To see Harold’s Indian Head Collection or to start your own woodworking project, visit Lakeshore Hardwoods in Pulaski. For directions, go to http://www.lakeshorehardwoods.com/. For more wood crafts, visit the Pulaski Farmers’ Market every Friday night throughout the summer. You’ll find interesting pieces, displays and your own starter woodcarving kit at the market in the South Park on U.S. Route 11.

To learn more about your own heritage, visit your local historical society. For a complete list of museums and societies in Oswego County, go to http://www.visitoswegocounty.com/.

Cheers,
Kelly