Famous Artist #3

Ellsworth Kelley

(Local to Columbia County NY)

Born 1923 and Died 2015

He was a painter, sculptor and printmaker. His style of work was minimalist mostly using solid bright colors and simple forms.

His parents were not so supportive of his art work, while his art teachers told him to keep pushing more with the arts. He went to the same School Franz Kline did. Kelley had to leave to go to the army in 43.

During his time in the army, he helped with designing camo with other artists and designers. Such as ski troops and The Ghost Army.

With his GI Bill he went to the SMFA in Boston. During his time there he had a show as well as taught classes.

He is considered an important innovator and contributor of the American art movement.

Around 49 is where he made his first abstract pantings. His first solo show was at a gallery in Paris.

During the 70’s and 80’s is when he moved to this area and connected with his partner Jack Shear who is a photographer and who runs the Ellsworth Kelly Foundation.

The Foundation gives to local art programs, artist and the preservation of the area as well as many other things.

Hike #21

Stuyvesant Falls NY . This is not a hike its more of a nature spot with a large waterfall. There is a parking area or you can park on the side of the road and just walk to the falls. There is Rock wall where you can climb up to get a better look at the over all falls. There is a old factory across the one car bridge as well as a higher advantage point of the falls. There is not a whole lot there since its not a hiking trail but its a cool nature spot.

Polar Plunge 2019

This year I was a sponsor for volunteering my photos from last year. This year they had to cut out a section of ice since the pond was frozen with a few inches of ice.

Famous Artist #2

Franz Kline

Born 1910 and Died 1962

He is part of the abstract expressionist movement around the 40’s, 50’s.

Other creative professionals during that time were known as the informal group called the NY School.

Boston University and Heatherley School of Fine Art are the two schools he went to study. Later in his carrer he taught at a number of places including Pratt Institute.

He worked at a department store as a designer in NYC. It was the time being in NYC where he learned his artistic recognition of being an artist.

He started out with normal illustrations but he was more interested in breaking things down to fast brush movements.

He became friends with de Kooning who was a influence on Kline.

He did not just do BW paintings he did do color but liked the BW style.

In the fall of 1950, was his first show in the city.

Tracy Party for Chatham's 150th

This is the first even of many to help celebrate the Village of Chatham’s birthday. Friends of the Tracy as well as other towns members helped put on this event. Summer fest this year is going to have lots going on, bigger then last year. they will also be other events as well.