History and art after a weekend in Cooperstown

Oliver Corey House outside of Cooperstown

I enjoyed a visit to Cooperstown over the Memorial Day weekend, and stayed in a B&B called The Menagerie at the Corey House (now closed, unfortunately). For the sake of disclosure, it was owned by long-time friends of mine, but I wanted to write a bit about my own curiosity for a better understanding of … Read more

A good location to hang art in Pearl River, NY

Chinese restaurant in Pearl River, NY

I was strolling around Pearl River, NY, when I passed by what used to be a Chinese Restaurant – and may still be – but the front window was papered-over and some sort of work was going on inside. But it was the outside that grabbed my attention, in particular, this little nook with the … Read more

Planning for the Glen Ridge Arts and Eco Fair

Glen Ridge Arts Fair 2023

Despite having curated and organized numerous art exhibitions over the years under the “McKinney Arts” banner, they’ve always been indoor gallery situations. This year I decided to participate as a solo artist in the Glen Ridge Arts & Eco Fair, which will take place (weather permitting) this Saturday, May 20th. Since I’ve never done a … Read more

A case for buying original art over mass produced art

people buying mass produced art

I remember visiting a Pier 1 Imports store a few years ago, I was shopping for some items for my kitchen. As I got on the line to pay, I noticed the couple in front of me, holding some mass produced image on canvas, I think it might have been some clouds, or some sort … Read more

Architectural details that aren’t really there in Lambertville

faux painted shutters on windows in Lambertville

I was walking around side streets to get away from the crowds at Shadfest in Lambertville when I noticed this charming little house. But as I got closer, I realized that some of the architectural details that I had seen from afar were in fact not what I thought they were. The front window (seen … Read more

Inspired by Richard Tuttle to use styrofoam

My finished painting on styrofoam, hung on the wall at McKinney Arts.

I saw the Richard Tuttle show of paintings on styrofoam at Pace Gallery yesterday, and I think most people have strong reactions to the work – they either love it or think it’s absurd. I’m somewhere in-between, as I can appreciate the simplicity and beauty of some of the works as art objects, and have … Read more

Billy Cowan: the Angel with a halo

California Angels Billy Cowan with a halo over his head

This 1972 Topps baseball card, with Billy Cowan of the California Angels, has always been a favorite in my baseball card collection. The photographer must have had a good sense of humor, to have Cowan pose in this exact location, allowing the halo in the background to be perfectly positioned over his head! Curious about … Read more