Art Gallery
June 2-28
Collin Douma: United Fauna Defence Forces
What if a time came when the direct impact of humans on the oceans and planet had a rapid evolutionary effect on Earth’s fauna? What if they teamed up and used our weapons to defend themselves?
Inspired by Archibald Stansfeld Belaney, commonly known as Grey Owl, who was once a fur trapper in the Canadian wilderness, but became a popular writer, public speaker, and conservationist who is credited with saving the Canadian Beaver from extinction.
Artist Statement
WHAT IF…?
Many people dislike this question. Asking retrospectively about your path not taken is more
about nostalgia or rationalization than truth. But when asked in the face of opportunity, it
becomes inspiration, the creator of worlds. When wielded correctly, it slays the doubters and
shields the dreamer. What if King Kong didn't want to fight but just wanted to head home?
What if animals adopted our technology and declared war on us? What if you could read a
book from a different character's perspective? What if one's potential rather than circumstance
defined their beauty?
So I ask, "What if...?" Come what may.
Artist Bio
Collin is a visual artist born in Woodstock, Ontario, Canada. Through life’s coincidences, he now lives near Woodstock, New York.
His career spans fine art, illustration, animation, digital and figurative works. Ink and watercolors have become his most frequent mediums, although he works in whatever medium is called for.
Collin has exhibited work across the US and Canada and in the Netherlands, Belgium, and France. Like most, Collin started drawing as soon as he could lift a crayon, but he never stopped. The son of a cop and a nurse, Collin grew up in the blue-collar world where art was his escape. He studied traditional animation at Algonquin College in Ottawa, Canada. He lived in Toronto for over a decade, married, had a son, and established a career in Advertising. His family immigrated to New York City in 2010 and finally settled in Boiceville, NY, in 2017, where he lives and works today.
Collin is actively participating in the Hudson Valley art scene, having exhibited work in and around the area.
July 1-31
Pat Smythe
Pat studied Art and Graphic Design at Pratt Institute and later Typography and Book Design at the Art Academy in
Stuttgart, Germany. In her career as a book designer and Art Director, she worked in book publishing at Harcourt Brace & Jovanovich, Macmillan and Pearson. In the late 90s, she began studying watercolor at the Ridgewood Art Institute with Charles Brandenburg. Pat has traveled a great deal in Italy and wanted to capture the wonderful vistas that are everywhere you look, form Venice to Tuscany.
Many of Pat’s scenes are houses, flower gardens and Italian landscapes, also scenes from Key West. Pat accepts commissions for painting pet portraits and house portraits. She has also taken painting workshops with a nationally known watercolor artist, Jan Pollard. Her work has been exhibited at several local libraries besides the R.A.I. Barn Galleries in Ridgewood and the Valley Hospital Art Gallery.
She won Best in Show at Art in the Park event, sponsored by the Pascack Art Association. Her painting of the Inn at Philip’s Mill was exhibited at the Kent Art Association Gallery in Kent, CT., where she also won an award. She recently exhibited her work in the Bergen County Art Amble in June 2022 and Arts Fest in Glen Rock. She is a member of the North East Watercolor Society, Creative Bergen and the Arts Council of Glen Rock.
Artist’s Statement
“I believe no two artists paint the same. I’m fascinated with watercolor painting because of its flexibility. You can paint realistically or loosely abstract.
My painting style is more detail-oriented. I spend up to 20 hours on each painting. I love color, so when I choose a subject to paint it has to be colorful. Landscapes and interesting buildings with flowers and ivy are my favorite subjects to paint.
Watercolor is a challenging medium. You need to control how and where you put the colors down on the paper, because mistakes are hard to fix. Watercolor painting is an amazing outlet for me — I can create my own world of beautiful images.”
August 2-31
Plein Air Painters
The group, Pier Plein Air Painters, originally founded in Paterson, New Jersey in 2017, disbanded during the Covid pandemic, but is now back in full swing with headquarters in Piermont. About 25 members are enlisted. Most of the members are years experienced and passionate.
The members meet every Thursday at various locations. It is a friendly group and welcome new members. Bring your own supplies and enjoy working in the fresh air with fellow artists. For more information contact John Park qrsjangpark@gmail.com.
Contact us about displaying your art
Send an email to Caroline Siecke-Pape with at least 4 images representing your art. View the Sample Exhibit Agreement below as well as the Gallery Dimensions.