The Plein Air Show & Sale at the Heart of the Keeseville Community Arts Festival
Every summer, the quiet charm of Keeseville, NY, transforms into an artistic hub that draws painters from across the Northeast—artists whose talent and passion bring new life to our beloved small town. At the core of the Keeseville Community Arts Festival is the much-anticipated Plein Air Show & Sale, where around 40 accomplished artists create and exhibit their work inspired by the landscapes, history, and spirit of the Adirondacks.
This year, we want to spotlight the incredible skill and diverse backgrounds of these painters who come to Keeseville not just to visit, but to immerse themselves in its beauty and community.
Meet Some of the Remarkable Artists Painting Keeseville
Patricia Bellerose (Amherst, QC)
Patricia’s paintings pulse with movement and life, whether she’s capturing a still life or an orchestra in motion. Hailing from Québec, Canada, Patricia’s journey began with early encouragement to explore watercolors and drawing, eventually leading her to a graphic design degree and later, award-winning work in oils. Her art, exhibited internationally, balances technical skill with an expressive vitality that captivates viewers.
Noah Bonesteel (Averill Park, NY)
A recent SUNY Plattsburgh graduate, Noah’s work is deeply connected to nature and environmental
advocacy. His layered, textured paintings explore the struggles of pollution and climate change, influenced by artists like Anselm Kiefer. Noah’s poignant landscapes and natural forms remind us of the urgent need to protect our environment.
Jackie Clark (New York, NY)
Manhattan-based Jackie Clark brings an exuberance to her landscape and figurative paintings, with brushstrokes full of vitality. A seasoned artist, Jackie has an impressive background in decorative arts and historic restoration, including an Award of Excellence for work at the Thomas Jefferson Library. Her plein air paintings capture the Northeast’s natural beauty with a distinctive energy.
Kari Ganoung Ruiz (Interlaken, NY)
Growing up at the edge of Finger Lakes National Forest shaped Kari’s profound relationship with nature. She has traveled the country painting en plein air, seeking to learn directly from the natural world. Kari’s adventurous spirit and keen eye for light and shadow inform every piece she creates.
Sandra Hildreth (Saranac Lake, NY)
Sandra’s art celebrates wild places—Adirondack old-growth forests, Glacier National Park ridges—where nature reigns. With a background as an art educator and plein air artist, Sandra’s oils and watercolors capture the quiet power of landscapes where humans barely leave a trace.
Jim Laurino (Connecticut)
Jim’s expressive plein air landscapes often showcase historic New England architecture bathed in natural light. A longtime painter with a foundation in design and color theory, his work has earned accolades at prestigious festivals and is cherished in collections throughout the U.S.
Patrick McPhee (Upstate NY)
A lifelong lover of the outdoors and fishing, Patrick’s paintings reflect his passion for nature and serene landscapes. Inspired by the Hudson River School, he meticulously restores natural scenes on canvas, sometimes removing modern elements to celebrate the original beauty of mountains, rivers, and lakes.
George Van Hook (Cambridge, NY)
Rooted in the traditions of Pennsylvania Impressionism and enriched by time spent studying European masters, George’s plein air paintings blend classical technique with a deeply personal response to landscape. His award-winning work is influential in the plein air community as both artist and teacher.
Dennon Walantus (Schuyler Falls, NY)
Dennon, a native of West Chazy, embraces the Adirondack Mountains as his muse. Inspired by Winslow Homer, his plein air oil paintings capture the fleeting moods of nature with expressive textures and a harmonious palette. Dennon’s dedication to capturing light and seasonality shines in every brushstroke.
Meet All 40 Talented Artists
A full list of this year’s participating artists — representing towns and cities all across the Northeast — is available below.
Janet Arsenault
Patricia Bellerose
Noah Bonesteel
Christina Boyd
Lisa BurgerLentz
Jan Byington
Lisa Carlyon
Beth Carr
Jackie Clark
Vera Doumanoff
Steve Duprey
Mary Freida
Jennifer Gibson
Annemiek Haralson
Cindy Harris
Sandra Hildreth
Frederick Holman
Katie Langford
Catherine LaPointe-Vollmer
Jim Laurino
Elaine Liberio
Alison Lusardi
Matthew McGarr
John McNally
Patrick McPhee
Mary Mitchell
Lynda Mussen
Terry Peca
Jan Romeiser
William Rothfuss
Kari Ganoung Ruiz
Jerry Russell
Mitchell Saler
Cheryl Simeone
Patricia Valens
George VanHook
Dennon Walantus
Catherine Whitehead
Susan Whiteman
Valentina Yannotti
We’ve also created an interactive Google map so you can see the many places these artists are coming from, from small towns to big cities, across New York, New England, and beyond.
Artists will be painting Keeseville and surrounding areas Tuesday July 15th through Friday July 18th. Follow AdkAction on Facebook or Instagram to find out where they are painting each day, and check out their works starting Friday evening at the Stone Mill, 126 Ausable Street, Keeseville.
Don’t Miss the Awards & Opening Reception — Friday, July 18 at 5:00 PM
Join us at the Opening Reception for the Plein Air Show & Sale, where we’ll announce this year’s awards:
Juried Awards
First Prize: $1,000
Second Prize: $500
Third Prize: $250
Special Awards
Ausable Chasm Award – $1,000 Prize
Sponsored by Ausable Chasm, this optional award celebrates the best painting of the iconic Ausable Chasm, chosen by our panel of judges.Uplifting Community Award – $250 Prize
This optional award highlights artwork priced at or below $250, helping to make original art accessible to more community members. Artists may submit one additional piece in this category, which won’t count toward their show limit and will only be judged within this category. Framing is optional, and artists are encouraged to paint on any surface they choose.
The Keeseville Community Arts Festival and its Plein Air Show & Sale are a rare chance to witness incredible artistry inspired by our local landscapes — created by painters who travel from near and far to celebrate this special place. Whether you’re an art lover, collector, or simply curious, this event promises stunning views, powerful stories, and a vibrant connection between artist and community.
Mark your calendar and come meet these gifted artists, explore their work, and support the thriving arts scene right here in the Adirondacks.
The Keeseville Community Arts Festival is a Creative Placemaking initiative of AdkAction. A portion of the proceeds from each artwork sold benefits community revitalization in Keeseville. For the full festival schedule of events, check AdkAction.org/Art
