I’ve written about art openings in Essex, NY before but I continue to be awed by both the natural setting and the amazing artwork that ends up in this little gallery with its real-life natural backdrop of Lake Champlain.

Tonight’s opening is titled Reflections and so many meanings of that one word are included in this exhibition which features the diverse work of exhibiting members of the Adirondack Art Association of Essex. The artists of the Association reside in Essex, Clinton, Warren, and Hamilton Counties, yet their work is known and appreciated far beyond the areas in which they live and work.

Among the unique collection are drawings of the late Sid Couchey providing  us with a reflection on the work of one of the great  American comic book artist best known for his work on the Harvey Comics characters Richie Rich, Little Lotta, and Little Dot. His style is known for big, friendly faces and a sharp sense of visual humor. Here in the North Country we also know him for his characterizations of the legendary Champy. I also learned that he was one of the original founders of the Adirondack Art Association.

Of course, other reflections in this display include many depictions of Lake Champlain including Jim Friday’s photographic “Rainbow Over Lake Champlain”.

There is so much here that I find fascinating. From Bill Crosby’s Adirondack-themed acrylic works to Patricia Reynolds’s oil painting, “Lavender Fields France” and Julie Warren’s “Orange on Blue” oil work.

Other pieces that make me pause are the mixed media feather pieces, works by Susan Doin and Amy Guglielmo, Andrea Knight’s “Little Feet” and Happy Marsh’s “Little House.”

It is a magnificent array of artists and media. The exhibit will run through October 14.

Before I leave, I have a chance to talk with Gallery Director Janice Koenig. We discuss how the Adirondacks is such a haven for artists and how the artists of Saranac Lake have really joined together to showcase art in their community and surrounding towns and what a model they have set for North Country artists.

For more information on cultural events in the Lake Champlain Region, click through to the events web site. To learn more about the Adirondack Art Association, just click this link.