Last August brought a storm unlike any other that Adirondackers had witnessed. Wells Memorial Library in Upper Jay was a victim of the wrath of Hurricane Irene. But after a fall full of fund-raising and labor, the library was reopened in January.
Today, it's hard to believe that it was ever closed, let alone filled with three feet of water spewing through the main floor.
I even overheard some folks saying it "looks even better now--too bad it took a flood to get it like this."
Today, the library hosted an opening reception for two local artists: one a fiber artist, the other a sculpture and ceramic artist (he's also a poet but that will have to keep until another blog).
The walls of this little library are now adorned with colorful quilts that are part of what the artist, Bethany Krawiec, calls her "Travels along Rt. 9N between Upper Jay and Jay." As I walk through the library and examine her work, I decide it is aptly named. Among the 18 pieces are atmospheric quilts with titles like "Spring Floods" and "Turkey Tracks." I hear the artist explaining that she completed many of the pieces on display today specifically for this library show because most of her quilts are too large for these walls.
According to the library flyer, Bethany's first quilt was made by hand from a box of fabric scraps given to her by her grandmother.
The hangings on display here are her interpretation of the signs and markings on the highway as well as the flowers and trees that line the macadam. Many of them are machine pieced and either quilted by hand or by machine.
In contrast, Robert Segall's work stands boldly on the round table as you enter the library. His work is earthy and evocative. I am drawn to it even though it lacks the colorful hues of the wall hangings. There is something magnetic about the simple forms.
He explains that as far as function, his pots tilt away from typical notions of use and lean toward maintaining a sculptural presence. Major influences on his work include Pueblo Indian Pottery and Japanese Bizen Ware.
Robert Segall pursued a career in art in New York City where his work has been shown in numerous public and private spaces. He taught ceramics at Hunter College, College of the City of New York, and Marymount Manhattan College.
Both artists now make their full-time homes in Upper Jay and folks at this event are glad they do. In addition to neighbors and friends of the library, there are admirers here from Saranac Lake, Keene Valley, Keene, and AuSable Forks.
The exhibit will be up for the rest of the month and open for public viewing during regular library hours which can be found on the Wells Memorial Library web site.
--Kathleen Recchia has been enjoying the arts in the Adirondacks for about 20 years—both as observer and participant (acting, directing, and producing). She also enjoys cross-country skiing, juggling, and hosting visitors to the area at her bed & breakfast in Jay.
