The third floor of The Smithy Gallery & Clay Studio doubles this summer as a time tunnel back to the era of the Great Depression with the magnificent exhibition American Ideals: Picturing Otsego County in 1937, on display through September 3 at 55 Pioneer Street in Cooperstown.
It’s a project that began in 2016 when Dr. Cynthia Falk and students from the Cooperstown Graduate Program, Lynds Jones, Kim McCleary, Kimberly Rose, and Alex Sniffen, researched pictures from September 1937, when the federal Farm Security Administration sent young photographer Arthur Rothstein to Otsego County to document the construction of a new lumber mill under construction in Phoenix Mills. Mr. Rothstein was at the beginning of a decades-long career as a photojournalist – one best remembered, perhaps, for his stirring images of the Dust Bowl – but it’s his work from a brief stay in Otsego County that make up the images now on display at The Smithy.
“This is 1937 Otsego County,” Dr. Falk said. “The Farm Security Administration sent Arthur Rothstein up here to document the Phoenix Mills project that many saw as the thing that would save farmers in Otsego County during the Great Depression. Hops were not doing so well and there were a lot of people in need.”
OPENING RECEPTION – 5 – 7 p.m. Celebrate the opening of new exhibit ‘American Ideal: Picturing Otsego County in 1937’ featuring pictures of Otsego County curated by Dr. Cynthia Falk and students of the Cooperstown Graduate Program. Displayed in the 3rd Floor Gallery through September 3. The Smithy, 55 Pioneer St., Cooperstown. 607-547-8671 or visit www.smithyarts.org
GARDEN RECEPTION – 5 – 8 p.m. Art in Bloom returns featuring floral arrangements by the Oneonta Garden Club inspired by the works of the CANO Mansion Show. On view June 11 & 12, Noon – 3 p.m. Community Arts Network of Oneonta, Wilber Mansion, 11 Ford Ave., Oneonta. 607-432-2070 or visit www.canoneonta.org
BLOOD DRIVE – 1 – 6 p.m. Quality Inn, 5206 St. Hwy. 23, Oneonta. 1-800-733-2767 or visit www.redcrossblood.org
ASTRONOMY – 7 p.m. Join the Otsego County Conservation Association to explore the night sky in04 the autumn. See the milky way, spot Jupiter and Saturn, and see if you can see the Andromeda galaxy. Bring a comfortable chair and blankets. Binoculars helpful, but optional. Come dressed for the weather. Hot chocolate and snacks will be available in the workshop after the viewing. Free, registration required. Mohican farm, 7207 St. Rt. 80, Cooperstown. 607-547-4488 or visit occainfo.org
FILM FESTIVAL – 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. The Glimmerglass Film Days invites you to view engrossing documentary film ‘The Truffle Hunters’ at the Hall of Fame Grandstand Theater, Cooperstown. 607-547-8881 www.glimmerglassfilmdays.org
FILM FESTIVAL – 7 p.m. Sign up to view online this years film festival featuring 27 full length films about topics ranging from community to racism, climate change to art, and more. Presented by The Glimmerglass Film Days. 607-547-8881 www.glimmerglassfilmdays.org
CHRISTMAS CEILI – 7 – 9 p.m. Celebrate the season with full Irish Dance, traditional ceili dance. Audience participation encouraged. Cost, $10/adult. Cooperstown Art Association. 607-547-9777 or visit www.cooperstownart.com
OPENING RECEPTION – 5 – 7 p.m. Celebrate opening of exhibit “Forged In History” featuring works by guest & member artists with first floor exhibit “Picturing the Grange” by Andy Baugnet showcasing B&W photos of granges from throughout NYS. The Smithy Art Gallery, Cooperstown. 607-547-8671 or visit www.smithyarts.org
CONCERT – 3-5 p.m. FLAME performs a free concert as part of the Family Resource network’s 25th anniversary. Foothills Performing Arts Center, 24 Market St., Oneonta. www.foothillspac.org.
CARNIVAL – 6-10 p.m. Rides, flea market, crafts and more. Free admission, parking. Wristband Specials $25. General Clinton Park, 2507 Hinkley Ln, Bainbridge. Info, www.canoeregatta.org
GARDEN PARTY – 12-3 p.m. English tea, tours of new furnishings at Hyde Hall. Free, open to the public. Hyde Hall, 267 Glimmerglass State Park, Cooperstown. Info, 607-547-5098.
FAMILY PROGRAM – Noon – 2 p.m. Celebrate Latino Heritage month with Day of the Dead event. Make paper flowers, learn about Mexican traditions, listen to story time, more. Participants encouraged to bring photo of loved one who’s passed away. Designed for children aged 4-12 + family. Light snacks provided. Cooperstown Village Library. 607-547-8344 or visit www.facebook.com/VillageLibraryOfCooperstown/
FUNDRAISER – 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Construct you cat a cardboard castle with Superheroes in Ripped Jeans. Materials provided. Bring goods or monetary donation. 3rd floor, Community Room, Huntington Memorial Library, 62 Chestnut St., Oneonta. 607-432-1980 or visit www.facebook.com/hmloneonta/
CONCERT – 7:30 p.m. Boston’s premier vocal chamber ensemble “Renaissance Men” perform vocal music from all periods, by many composers. Tickets, $25 general admission. First United Methodist Church, 66 Chestnut St.,Oneonta. 607-433-7252 or visit oneontaconcertassociation.org
SQUARE DANCE – 7:30 p.m. Dance with friends at Doubleday Dancers Western Square Dance Clubs Fall All Plus Dance. Features Keith Harter as Plus caller, Jeanne Harter as Cuer. Admission, $5/person. Cooperstown Elementary School. 607-264-8128.
THEATER – 2 p.m. Operatic rendition of Homer’s “Odyssey” features rollicking sailor songs, storms, siren songs, more. General admission, $20. Auditorium, Cooperstown Central School. 607-547-2255 or visit glimmerglass.org/events/odyssey/
COMMUNITY GATHERING – 2 p.m. Preview Civil War reenactment at Hyde Hall. Meet re-enactor Ted Shuart, Captain of 125th New York Infantry. Learn what to expect in Civil War-era encampment of soldiers, wearing authentic uniforms, drilling, performing maneuvers, singing period songs! Free, open to public. Woodside Hall, 1 Main St., Cooperstown. 607-547-0600, ext 101 or visit www.facebook.com/Woodside.Hall/
NETWORKING – 5:30 – 8 p.m. Night of networking, cocktails, snacks. Meet people, benefit your business. The Autumn Cafe, 244 Main St., Oneonta. 607-432-6845 or visit www.facebook.com/DestinationOneonta/
OPENING RECEPTION – 5-7 p.m. Exhibit “The Truth – What is Yours?” Featuring works by both guest, member artists. Displayed thru 9/2. The Smithy, 55 Pioneer St., Cooperstown. 607-547-8671 or visit www.smithyarts.org
THEATER – 6 p.m. Operatic rendition of Homer’s “Odyssey” features rollicking sailor songs, storms, siren songs, more. General admission, $20. Auditorium, Cooperstown Central School. 607-547-2255 or visit glimmerglass.org/events/odyssey/
