Cooperstown Observed by Sam Goodyear

Oh, for Art’s Sake!

Ars gratia artis, the Latin motto over the MGM lion, proclaims, “Art exists for its own sake.” It is its own justification. It has no specific purpose, be it cultural, social or political. Be that as it may, for eons people have turned to art for a number of reasons: pleasure, enlightenment, reflection, solace. In Cooperstown, we are well served in matters of art.

In a village famous for its museums, the grande dame is Fenimore Art Museum, with its permanent collection, its visiting exhibitions, and its native-American splendors. The staircase leading to the lower galleries is a work of art in itself. Not to be overlooked, is the Community Gallery tucked away in a corner on the second floor. As its name implies, it displays works from local sources and is not to be missed.