Dr. Milton C. Sernett and Scott Hughes, creators of the NAHOF Traveling Abolition Museum, discuss the outreach exhibit with Dr. Carolyn Howe, Worcester, Mass., Women’s History Project in front of one of the installed walls of the mobile exhibit telling the history of American Abolition from the Colonial Period to the Civil War.

Robert Djed Snead portrays Syracuse Underground Railroad station conductor Jermain Wesley Loguen at Loguen’s October 2011 Induction to the National Abolition Hall of Fame and Museum in Peterboro.

(Town of Smithfield, NY – Jan. 2012) As Black History month commences, Peterboro is finalizing plans for 2012 programs that explore and explain the 19th Century history of African-Americans in the hamlet and its significance to the history of our nation.

On Jan. 31, the anniversary date of the Thirteenth Amendment that abolished slavery, the National Abolition Hall of Fame and Museum Traveling Abolition Museum was transported from Case Library at Colgate University to Memorial Library at SUNY Cortland for Black History Month.

The museum had been installed at Colgate for Martin Luther King, Jr., commemorations at the college. Milton C. Sernett, Ph.D., professor emeritus Syracuse University, developed the text and visuals for the traveling museum that cover the history of American Abolition from slavery in the Colonial era to the Civil War.

Sernett, a member of the Cabinet of Freedom for the National Abolition Hall of Fame and Museum (NAHOF) in Peterboro, will also be presenting at SUNY Cortland on the Abolition Crusade in Upstate New York. Robert Djed Snead, a Jermain Wesley Loguen re-enactor who performed at Loguen’s NAHOF induction in October 2011, will perform and present Loguen at SUNY Cortland.

The History Center in Ithaca will be hosting the John Brown Lives! Timbuctoo exhibit during Black History Month. Timbuctoo explains Gerrit Smith’s plan to gift 3,000 African-American men with 40 acres of land.

The 20th Annual Peterboro Civil War Weekend June 9 and 10 will join in the nation’s commemoration of the Sesquicentennial of the Civil War. Military battles were not waged on Peterboro soil, but Peterboro was the center of human rights activities that waged war against slavery, and those activities led to the ignition of the Civil War.

Sernett will present The Terrible Swift Sword: Abolitionists and the Civil War. Also, Alice Keesey Mecoy, will return to NAHOF to share insights into her great-great-grandfather John Brown.

NAHOF will exhibit a copy of the Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation gifted by the New York State Library. Lincoln presented his draft of the Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation to his Cabinet September 22, 1862. The New York State Museum will open an exhibit Sept. 22 about the Proclamation, which was briefly owned by Gerrit Smith of Peterboro.

For more information, visit sca-peterboro.org or AbolitionHoF.org, or call (315) 366-8101.

(Cazenovia, NY – Feb. 2012) St. Peter’s Episcopal Church will host its 36th annual Winter Festival Art Exhibition Feb. 9 through 12 at 12 Mill St., Cazenovia. An opening night reception will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 9; show hours are Feb. 10 from noon to 6 p.m., Feb. 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Feb. 12 from noon to 3:30 p.m.

The event, sponsored by Cazenovia Arts, is free and open to the public.

For more information, call (315) 558-8310 or email BCW13035@gmail.com.

Cazenovia Public Library news

(Cazenovia, NY – Feb. 2012) Until March 31, visitors to the Cazenovia Public Library Art Gallery can enjoy “Keeping Up Appearances,” the latest collection by local artist Elizabeth Cummings Monroe. There will be an artist’s reception Friday, Feb. 10, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Cazenovia Public Library Art Gallery.

Monroe uses watercolor, inks and acrylic paint interchangeably. She begins a painting with transparent watercolor in order to achieve a luminous quality and then moves to ink and acrylic for opacity and contrast.

“My current body of work features my usual unconventional abstract style in which I have now incorporated the human figure,” Monroe said. “I am constantly mesmerized by the human body, and in the past I painted people in a more realistic style, a style that I do not particularly enjoy. Now, I have found a way to incorporate a hidden world into my abstractions. The addition of a figure or groups of figures in my painting gives an immediate focal point for my viewer, and the painting becomes a mystery, story or puzzle to solve.”

The Cazenovia Public Library is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays. Free transportation is available through CRIS-CAT for Cazenovia, Fenner and Nelson residents over 55 and ambulatory. Just call 655-0612 between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. three to five days in advance. More information about this or other library events, call 655-9322 or visit cazenoviapubliclibrary.org.

Hamilton Public Library news

By Barb Coger

(Hamilton, NY- Feb. 2012) The Hamilton Public Library is pleased to announce that their annual “Exceptional Art Exhibit” is now on display. This art show features work created by artists from several area agencies, including Heritage Farm.

Among the art work you will find colorful paintings, creative sculptures, art forms found in nature, paper folding, jewelry and collages.

The public is invited to attend a special reception in honor of these talented artists on Friday, Feb. 10, at 10 a.m.

Susan Beattie has once again donated some of her lovely nature photography note cards as a fundraiser for the library. These items are limited in quantity and sell for $3 each. All proceeds from the sale of these note cards will be used to purchase books for the children’s area.

Children’s books are also added to our library’s collection through a generous gesture of the Hamilton Rotary Club. This club has chosen to honor their weekly speakers by purchasing books for Hamilton Public Library in their name. Some of the most recent gift books include Cornelia Funke’s “Dragon Rider,” “Homer the Library Cat” by Reeve Lindbergh and Shel Silverstein’s “Everything on It.”

As a reminder, federal and state tax forms at available at the library. We now have the 1040 instruction booklets. Call the library for the free tax consultant contacts.

Barb Coger is director of the Hamilton Public Library. The library is usually open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Please call the library at (315) 824-3060, during these hours for assistance. The book drop on Broad Street is always open for your convenience. Check the library’s Facebook page for up-to-date information about programs and special events.

(Hamilton, NY – Feb. 2012) From Feb. 6 through April 3, the Picker Art Gallery at Colgate University will host installations by renowned artist Ann Hamilton (annhamiltonstudio.com).

Hamilton is recognized internationally for the sensory surrounds of her large-scale multi-media installations; her ephemeral environments create immersive experiences that poetically respond to the architectural presence and social history of their sites.

The exhibition will examine consistent threads that deal with gesture, the senses and the body, voice and language, time and duration and history and community. Videos will be juxtaposed with pinhole images — some taken from within the artist’s mouth — and some made on the Colgate campus by members of the Colgate staff and student body.

The videos tend to display essential actions monotonously repeated — pouring, reaching, unraveling, polishing, writing, drawing, erasing, stitching, knitting, breathing, spinning, walking — unremarkable in themselves but made strange either by isolation or by context.

The event is free and open to the public.

The hours are Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m.

Born in Cuyler, New York, Tom Whitmarsh spent 37 years as an engineer in Alaska. His Exhibit, “Alaskan Art” will be on display at the New Woodstock Free Library through February 29. Whitmarsh is now a resident of DeRuyter.

New Woodstock Free Library news

By Norm Parry

(New Woodstock, NY – Feb. 2012) A collection of works by multitalented and storied artist Tom Whitmarsh will be on display at the New Woodstock Free Library Feb. 4 through 29. There will be a reception for the artist from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 4.

Originally from Cuyler, Whitmarsh spent 37 years as an engineer in Alaska, where he discovered the northwest coast native wood carving traditions. He added wood carvings to his developing painting pursuits and began selling and exhibiting his works in local Alaskan art shows.

He retired to DeRuyter in 2009. His most recent works include scenes from the local landscape.

Though he had very little formal art training, Whitmarsh’s paintings and carvings show an engineer’s eye for detail and structure. His wood pieces are visually dramatic and arresting. His paintings express his close connection with the mysteries of the wilderness and the harsh realities of life in the great outdoors.

“We are delighted to present this truly iconic collection of works by our new neighbor Tom Whitmarsh, who has chosen to settle here in retirement,” said library exhibits Chairwoman Nancy Edwards. “The scope and variety of this collection is truly remarkable. Some of the works are of imposing size and all are strikingly original.

“Our community will have the opportunity to enjoy the unusual and fascinating works Tom has brought with him from his long sojourn in Alaska. Tom Whitmarsh the man and Tom Whitmarsh the artist are both people you’ll love to meet. This is one of Tom’s first big shows in New York, and it’s a must-see event for those who appreciate unusual art and native creativity.”

For more about Tom Whitmarsh and samples of his works, visit midyork.org/newwoodstock; for more information on any library event or service, call 315-662-3134, or visit the library web page. Find and “Like” the library on Facebook.

Norm Parry is library director for the New Woodstock Free Library. The library is open Monday through Friday from 1 to 5 p.m., Monday and Wednesday evenings 7 to 9 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Pictured are Victorian Valentines from the Madison County Historical Society’s collection.

Madison County Historical Society News

By Sydney L. Loftus

(Oneida, NY – Feb. 2012) Make-your-own Victorian Valentine Workshop for children between the ages of 8-12 on Saturday, Feb. 11 at the Madison County Historical Society

Valentine’s Day has roots in several different legends that have been observed for centuries. One of the earliest familiar symbols of Valentine’s Day is Cupid, the Roman god of love, who is depicted as a young boy with a bow and arrow.

In the Middle Ages, romantic sentiments were exchanged through verse or melody. The first paper valentine was exchanged between the imprisoned Duke of Orleans in 1415 who passed his time composing romantic verses for his wife. Early valentines were handmade with stylized written verse and decorated with colored inks.

By the 1800s, valentines were manufactured in black and white that were hand painted with hearts and cupids. In the 1850s, fancier valentines were decorated with lace, ribbons, silk, satin, and gold leaf. By the turn of century, valentines were made entirely by machine.

Everyone knows that Valentine’s Day is celebrated on Feb. 14, a day when valentines and gifts are exchanged between loved ones. In the tradition of Valentine’s Day, the Madison County Historical Society will have a make-your-own Victorian Valentine workshop for children between the ages of 8-12 on Saturday, Feb. 11. There is a nominal fee of $5 per child to cover the cost of supplies.

The workshop will be held during two sessions at the historical society located at 435 Main St. The first session is from 10 to 11:30 a.m. The second session is from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Reservations are required as space is limited to 12 children per session. The deadline to register for the make your own Victorian Valentine workshop is Feb. 3.

For more information contact the society at 315-363-4136, 315-361-9735, or visit mchs1900.org. An adult must accompany each child attending the workshop.

Sydney Loftus is the executive director of the Madison County Historical Society.

(Earlville, NY – Jan. 2012) The Earlville Opera House Arts Center opens two new exhibits for the New Year. Come and see the new works in Repulsing Attraction and Urban Illusion.  As the days are now at their shortest, we spend more of our time in the dark.  It is the perfect time to come and see these new exhibits that are inspired by the things that are closest to us in the dark:  our bodies and our homes.

In the East Gallery, the photography of Kari O’Mara’s explores the human body as a canvas in Repulsing Attractions.  In the West Gallery Heejung Cho presents her unique interpretations of habitat in Urban Illusions.

Hamilton artist Kayla Cady continues in the Arts Cafe Gallery, with new works added to her exhibit her abstract acrylic paintings in “View.”

The three exhibits run from Jan. 28 through Feb. 25 and the admission to the galleries is free.

Gallery Hours are Tuesday-Friday, 10am-5pm and Saturday, 12-3pm and for all EOH performances.  For more information, call 691-3550 or visit earlvilleoperahouse.com.

The Earlville Opera House is on East Main Street in Earlville at Route 12B.

Booth displays and free seminars also highlight Feb. 4 event

(Oneida, NY – Feb. 2012) Authors, outdoor writers and wildlife artist Tom Lenweaver will be featured at the 2012 CNY Sportsman Show scheduled for Feb. 4 in Oneida. The show for outdoor enthusiasts will be held at the Kallet Civic Center from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Other attractions are booth displays, free seminars, mount displays and the return of the Salerno brothers. The artist and authors are:

Tom Lenweaver, commercial designer, illustrator and award-winning wildlife artist, is probably best known for his gamefish, sporting dogs and migratory waterfowl illustrations used on various outdoor publications throughout the Northeast.

A multi-faceted, highly talented artist whose works reflect in-depth his attention to detail, Tom is extremely attentive to nuances of color. His paintings and drawings cover a gauntlet of subject matter from exquisite fish paintings to his deft touch in painting birds and sporting dogs. Tom’s artwork and prints can be viewed at birdart.com.

Tom maintains his studio and resides in Syracuse.

J. Michael “Mike” Kelly is a retired outdoors columnist from the Syracuse Post Standard where he worked for many years.  He is a freelance writer who has appeared in more than 20 publications, including New York Game & Fish.  He has won dozens of awards for excellence in writing from the NYS Outdoor Writers’ Association.  Many of his favorite columns are included in his new book Farewell Old Girl.

David Figura has been The Post-Standard’s outdoors editor for nearly six years. Prior to that, he was regional editor for The Post-Standard for 10 years, and before that an editor and reporter on newspapers in Los Angeles; Auburn and the Catskills for 14 years. In addition to his outdoors sports writing, he is currently working on a book on middle age men, which he has tentatively entitled, “So What Are The Guys Doing?” His hometown is Endwell and he is a graduate of Cornell University. He and his wife, Laura, who have two grown children, Alex and Katie, and they currently live in Skaneateles.

John Pitaressi has been a writer for the Utica Observer Dispatch for almost 40 years, and an outdoor columnist since 1980. He is a long hunter and angler, and especially enjoys trout fishing.  He is a former member of the Outdoor Writers’ Association.

Leo Maloney is an outdoor columnist for the Oneida Dispatch and freelance writer for over 35 years and staff writer or editor for “New York Fishermen,” “Great Lakes Fisherman” and “Empire Outdoor Journal” magazines. He is currently editor of FishNY.com and Lake Ontario Outdoors.

“Spider” Rybaak is a freelance writer and photographer who is the outdoor writer for Oswego County Tourism fishing reports.  He is the author of “Fishing Eastern New York” and “Fishing Western New York” – the authoritative reference books for fishing 500 of the top waters in New York State.

Carol White has hiked all the peaks in the Adirondacks and the Catskills.  Her experiences are told in her books, including “Adirondack Peak Experiences,” “Catskill Peak Experiences” and “Women with Altitude.”

Tom Yacovella is an award winning wildlife artist, outdoorsman, record-setting angler and author. His book “Wildlife Art of Tom Yacovella: Keep Looking for a Bluebird,” is a studied search to explore nature’s delicate balance and represent it the way that it really is through his text and internationally acclaimed paintings.

Todd Mead is a tournament archer and north woods big game hunter from Queensbury who wrote a monthly column for “Outdoor Magazine.” He is the author of the Adirondack deer hunting book “A Lifetime of Big Woods Memories.”

For more information call 363-1669, or visit holycrossacademy.com.

Cazenovia College news

(Cazenovia, NY – Jan. 2012) The Cazenovia College Art Gallery in Reisman Hall opens Thursday, Jan. 26 with a Sabbatical Returns Exhibition that features work by Cazenovia College professors recently returned from sabbatical leave.

The exhibition includes the work of Corky Goss, professor of studio art; Karen Steen, professor of fashion design; and Anita Welych, professor of studio art. A reception, free and open to the public, on Jan. 26, from 4 to 5:30 p.m., will include lectures by the professors. The show runs through Feb. 17.

The Cazenovia College Art Gallery in Reisman Hall, 6 Sullivan St., is on the corner of Sullivan and Seminary streets, one block north of Route 20, in Cazenovia. Hours during the academic year are: Monday through Thursday, 1-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.; Friday, 1-4 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday, 2-6 p.m. Summer hours vary. All exhibitions are free and open to the public. For information contact Jen Pepper, gallery director, by e-mail to jpepper@cazenovia.edu, or visit www.cazenovia.edu/art-gallery (under Quick Links on the College’s website.)

Upcoming Student Exhibitions:
From February to May, Cazenovia College’s art students exhibit their work, beginning with the Annual Juried Student Exhibition, Thursday, Feb. 23, through March 4, with an opening reception for the students, Feb. 23 from 4 to 5:30 p.m..

The gallery is closed March 5 – 11 for spring break, reopening March 12 with the best work of bachelor of fine arts degree candidates from the divisions of art and design; visual communications; studio art; photography and interior design, from Tuesday, March 12 through May 1.

The Division of Art and Design Program Award candidates’ work will be exhibited from Wednesday, May 2 through Commencement Day, Saturday, May 12.