funded by the New York State Council on the Arts' Folk Arts Program
The Folk Arts Program at the Arts Council for
Wyoming County is working
with the Beaver Meadow Audubon Center, in its final presentation this
summer of its “All in the Family” series. Many area residents will
recognize the names of Gladys Hotchkiss, Lunamae Flint, and Arlouene
Quackenbush, three sisters from southeastern Wyoming County, as
long-time artisans in heritage crafts such as rug hooking, theorem
painting and quilting. Along with daughters Cathy Swales, Judy Sawyer,
Donna Barber, and granddaughter, Abigail Swales, the family will join
arts demonstrators at the Beaver Meadow’s annual Homestead Festival on
Saturday, September 11, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Center is
located on Welch Rd. in North Java, NY, and there is a small admission
fee.
The women will demonstrate and display a variety of arts associated with
18th and 19th century life, which is the theme of the Festival. Each of
the sisters learned to sew and quilt as a part of growing up in a farm
family, but also had the advantage of an artistic mother who painted
and sang as well. In addition to the arts mentioned above, country tin
painting, reverse glass painting and stenciling have all come alive in
the sisters’ hands. A tradition of homemade arts continues in the
family, as shown by Arlouene’s daughters, Judy Sawyer and Donna Barber.
Judy will exhibit and demonstrate mountain dulcimers she has crafted,
and Donna will join her mother in a quilting techniques and display.
Abigail Swales will model and demonstrate her handcrafted period 19th
century clothing, assisted by her mother, Cathy (Flint) Swales.
The Homestead Festival runs both Saturday and Sunday, September 11 and
12 and features demonstrations of blacksmithing, woodcarving, heritage
food, nature walks, and more. For more information on the Festival
contact the Center at 585-457-3228, or contact Karen at the arts
council, 585-237-3517. The folk arts program is supported, in part, by
funds from the New York State Council on the Arts.
Other Upcoming GO ART! Events: