Local landmarks like the Four Corners Luncheonette and Five Rivers Educational Center, painted lovingly by local artists, are now on exhibit and for sale at Town Hall from the Bethlehem Art Association. As well, black and white photographs of the town from the 50s and 60s are on display at the Bethlehem Public Library from the Bethlehem Historical Society.
In the Bethlehem Art Association’s third show at Town Hall, and their second show themed on Bethlehem landscapes, 23 pieces are on display from 13 local artists. The show will be at Town Hall through November and can be seen during normal hours.
The Bethlehem Art Association was first formed in 1966 in order to provide a place for local artists to meet each other and learn new techniques. Despite the name, artists from throughout the Capital District are welcome to join the group. The group meets about once a month from September to June. For most meetings, the organization finds a local artist of some notoriety to come and give a demonstration to help members learn new techniques.
When BAA President Peter Kietel retired a number of years back, he began painting as a hobby. Six years ago he learned of the Bethlehem Art Association and joined up. Kietel is joined in this exhibit by artists like Bob Lynk, a noted local water color painter, local Bethlehem teacher Carol Turner and others.
“I always like to emphasize the connections between the local artists who are members of the BAA and the community in which they do their work. The “Bethlehem Scenes” exhibit strengthens this connection by offering town residents the opportunity to view the work of talented artists and familiar scenes from our community.”
With 100 members, Keitel said interest in the art association has grown in recent years.
Most of the pieces on display range in price from $150 to about $350, with the least expensive being a $60 mixed media portrait and the most expensive being a $400 oil painting of the what is allegedly the oldest house in Delmar, the game farm house.
“This is a way to support local artists and to buy artwork at reasonable prices,” said Keitel.
While the show includes a wide range of scenes of Bethlehem areas, the most commonly painted scene is of Five Rivers. More unique landscapes include that of the playground at Bethlehem Town Park, the town clock and the small church under the bridge by Tastee Freez in Delmar.
A majority of pieces were made for the exhibit, while a few are repeats from last year’s Bethlehem landscapes show.
As next year will be the 50th anniversary of the Bethlehem Art Association, they are planning an even larger show for next year. The group also has a rotating show at the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce, as well as two annual shows at the Bethlehem Town Library.
Susan Leath, the town historian will also be showing photos of Bethlehem from 50s and 60s at the Bethlehem Town Library, using her archives as the town historian. The show includes both historic and modern scenes of Bethlehem and is a “interesting exploration of what makes the town unique,” said Leath.
To find out more about the Bethlehem Art Association, visit www.bethlehemartassociation.com.
