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The Battenkill Runs Through It
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The Painted Word
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Orvis
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Stephen Lack Art
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Jacob Houstonart
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Trevett Millworks
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This year's silent auction table is special in that three area artists who make their home in the Battenkill watershed have all donated original work to support BkC's mission of preserving the river. They include the young & talented Jacob Houston, art therapist and creative muse, Elizabeth Cockey (known to long time Greenwich residents as Betsy Barber) and internationally known and represented Canadian born artist, Stephen Lack.
Jacob Houston, well known to many area residents, reached out to BkC this past winter and offered a limited edition print of his Battenkill Serenity painting. The original painting was featured at his one man show this past spring at the Greenwich Free Library. The limited edition print is one of 300 and comes fully matted and framed and ready to be hung by its next owner.
When BkC Board Member, Lorraine Merghart Ballard went to pick up the donated print at Jacob's home last month, she had the pleasure of meeting Jake and his #1 fan and manager mom, Claire Houston who does all the quality matting and framing of Jake's work. Ballard also happened to pop in while the artist was working at his kitchen table on a locally commissioned piece for the Surya Polo Club. The Club is owned by Ketav A. Shah and located on Route 29 where important feeder streams such as Black Creek feed into the the Battenkill. Jake whose home is on located on a prime stretch of the river often goes to the gazebo strategically located to the side of the house to simply sit and contemplate the river. He was clear that one of his goals is to preserve the beauty of that spot for future generations to enjoy.
Elizabeth Cockey's contribution is another example of how the Battenkill inspires both artists and the local, long time residents to preserve and enhance the river. Upon learning about the organization and the festival, Elizabeth immediately offered to help with the festival despite a previous commitment that precludes her from attending. Her son is graduating from Seminary that weekend. Elizabeth's donated painting is a winter scene of the Battenkill looking north on Salem Street. A signed copy of the book she co-authored with husband, Barton M. Cockey, Upstate Towns that We Love, will also be offered during the festival.
It was only after meeting the artist and being treated to a tour of her special home on Academy Street did Ballard learn that Elizabeth was Bob Barber's daughter and grew up on Thunder Mountain. The connection immediately became obvious and Ballard was thrilled to have another talented artist contribute to the festival. But more important was the fact that another person with strong roots in the community and a love for the river is involved and supporting BkC's mission.
Despite being part of the regional art scene for the past 25 years, Canadian born artist, Stephen Lack is better known among international collectors and in museums around the globe. His work has been reviewed by the New York Times, Art in America and Arts America with one man and group shows going back to the 1980s. Lack, who lived along the river for many years and currently resides in Hebron and New York City, has been involved in the Battenkill Conservancy for a number of years. As a board member, he has generously donated an original art piece to the festival for the past five years. Each year the proceeds from his paintings have helped the BkC's River Watch Program. The River Watch Program does bi-annual water quality testing at designated sites along the river to ensure baseline health of the river. Lack's donation for the 2015 festival is an exquisite, small, colorful pastel depicting the Battenkill.
All three artists' contributions came unsolicited and demonstrate what the festival is all about - coming together on the banks of the Battenkill to celebrate and promote one of the community's most valuable resources - the Battenkill!
Jacob Houston, well known to many area residents, reached out to BkC this past winter and offered a limited edition print of his Battenkill Serenity painting. The original painting was featured at his one man show this past spring at the Greenwich Free Library. The limited edition print is one of 300 and comes fully matted and framed and ready to be hung by its next owner.
When BkC Board Member, Lorraine Merghart Ballard went to pick up the donated print at Jacob's home last month, she had the pleasure of meeting Jake and his #1 fan and manager mom, Claire Houston who does all the quality matting and framing of Jake's work. Ballard also happened to pop in while the artist was working at his kitchen table on a locally commissioned piece for the Surya Polo Club. The Club is owned by Ketav A. Shah and located on Route 29 where important feeder streams such as Black Creek feed into the the Battenkill. Jake whose home is on located on a prime stretch of the river often goes to the gazebo strategically located to the side of the house to simply sit and contemplate the river. He was clear that one of his goals is to preserve the beauty of that spot for future generations to enjoy.
Elizabeth Cockey's contribution is another example of how the Battenkill inspires both artists and the local, long time residents to preserve and enhance the river. Upon learning about the organization and the festival, Elizabeth immediately offered to help with the festival despite a previous commitment that precludes her from attending. Her son is graduating from Seminary that weekend. Elizabeth's donated painting is a winter scene of the Battenkill looking north on Salem Street. A signed copy of the book she co-authored with husband, Barton M. Cockey, Upstate Towns that We Love, will also be offered during the festival.
It was only after meeting the artist and being treated to a tour of her special home on Academy Street did Ballard learn that Elizabeth was Bob Barber's daughter and grew up on Thunder Mountain. The connection immediately became obvious and Ballard was thrilled to have another talented artist contribute to the festival. But more important was the fact that another person with strong roots in the community and a love for the river is involved and supporting BkC's mission.
Despite being part of the regional art scene for the past 25 years, Canadian born artist, Stephen Lack is better known among international collectors and in museums around the globe. His work has been reviewed by the New York Times, Art in America and Arts America with one man and group shows going back to the 1980s. Lack, who lived along the river for many years and currently resides in Hebron and New York City, has been involved in the Battenkill Conservancy for a number of years. As a board member, he has generously donated an original art piece to the festival for the past five years. Each year the proceeds from his paintings have helped the BkC's River Watch Program. The River Watch Program does bi-annual water quality testing at designated sites along the river to ensure baseline health of the river. Lack's donation for the 2015 festival is an exquisite, small, colorful pastel depicting the Battenkill.
All three artists' contributions came unsolicited and demonstrate what the festival is all about - coming together on the banks of the Battenkill to celebrate and promote one of the community's most valuable resources - the Battenkill!
Press about the Battenkill Runs Through It
The Post Star, Local conservation organizations reap state grants, By Don Lehman 4/20/2015
The Bennington Banner, Battenkill Runs Through It Festival set for May 30, 4/21/2015
The Post Star, Local conservation organizations reap state grants, By Don Lehman 4/20/2015
The Bennington Banner, Battenkill Runs Through It Festival set for May 30, 4/21/2015