Three Exhibits on View at CAA through Oct. 31st

By MARIA GRISWOLD
COOPERSTOWN

Cooperstown Art Association introduced three new exhibits to its galleries on Friday, October 3 which will remain on view through the end of this month. The exhibits contain works by a number of artists, including local painter Kara Mattice as well as members of International Encaustic Artists and the Central New York Watercolor Society. 

The first exhibit, in Gallery B, is “Water’s Edge,” featuring the work of Mattice, a local folk artist. Mattice’s paintings were inspired by the lake, architecture and atmosphere of Cooperstown. She draws from her personal experiences as well as historic photographs, aiming to capture landmarks and buildings that emulate the Village of Cooperstown.

Mattice is mostly self-taught, but her passion for folk painting came about through workshops with local artists Janet and Charles Munro. Her art has been featured at multiple CAA shows and in the Fenimore Art Museum. According to a press release, “Water’s Edge” reflects Mattice’s love for the area and her joy in bringing scenes to life through the addition of people and stories.

The theme of the IEA exhibit, installed in Gallery A, is “Lasting Impressions,”representing the everlasting impact of experiences, connections and memories. A juried exhibit, “Lasting Impressions” highlights 77 different artworks contributed by more than 40 national artists. This exhibit also features a display of materials and tools used by the artists during their creative process. 

Last but not least, CNYWS has returned to the CAA galleries with 43 pieces created by 23 signature member artists from Central New York, now on view in Gallery C. These pieces focus on different media—such as acrylic, watercolor, and encaustic wax—and approach these styles with realism, folk art, and abstraction. 

On Monday, September 29, representatives from both IEA and CNYWS were on site, along with Mattice, starting around 11 a.m.   

The opening reception for these exhibits took place on October 3 from 5-7 p.m., during which guests had the opportunity to meet artists, view the artwork and explore the creative expression of artists from different regional backgrounds. 

CAA Gallery Manager Daniel Francis said, “We had a great turnout for the opening reception of these three exhibits. They were very well received by the community, who I think appreciated the great diversity of styles and mediums featured across the three gallery spaces.

“It’s been great to see so many sales from the start. It is a special feeling to facilitate the display and sales of local, regional, and national artwork as a nonprofit arts organization dedicated to promoting and advancing the arts in the region,” Francis added.

All three exhibits will be on display through Friday, October 31 and can be viewed during gallery hours, Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Located at 22 Main Street inside the Cooperstown Village Hall building, CAA’s galleries are free and open to the public. For more information on current and upcoming events, visit www.cooperstownart.com.