Ira Randall’s Legacy Lives On: Exhibition to Showcase Landscapes of Naples and Bristol Hills
Table of Contents
- 1. Ira Randall’s Legacy Lives On: Exhibition to Showcase Landscapes of Naples and Bristol Hills
- 2. A Life Captured in Paint
- 3. “en Plein Air” and a Lasting impact
- 4. Exhibition Details and Accessibility
- 5. Supporting Local History
- 6. The Enduring Appeal of Local Artists
- 7. Frequently Asked Questions about Ira Randall
- 8. What types of handmade crafts are especially well-known in the Finger Lakes region?
- 9. Exploring the Artistry of Finger lakes: A Showcase of Local Talent
- 10. The Flourishing Finger Lakes Arts scene
- 11. Visual Arts: Galleries, Studios & Inspiration
- 12. Music in the Finger Lakes: From Vineyards to Venues
- 13. Theater & Performing arts: Stages across the Region
- 14. literary Arts: writers & Bookstores
- 15. Craft & Artisan Markets: Handmade Treasures
- 16. Supporting Local Talent: Benefits & Practical tips
Naples,NY – The artistic contributions of Ira Randall,a longtime Naples resident and educator,will be celebrated with a comprehensive exhibition of his original paintings. The show will open to the public on September 18th, accompanied by a free lecture detailing his life and artistry.
Historian Kenton Poole, who spearheaded the project, described Randall as a “local legend.” Poole dedicated months to researching Randall’s career and carefully curating the exhibition, assembling artwork on loan from numerous private collectors.
A Life Captured in Paint
The opening lecture, scheduled for 7:00 PM on september 18th at the Bristol Hills Past Society’s grange Hall, located at 6457 State Route 64 in Bristol Springs, will offer insights into Randall’s life, spanning from 1903 to 1986. Poole intends to use Randall’s journey as a lens through which to understand the evolution of Naples and the surrounding Bristol Hills during the early and mid-20th century.
Randall, a self-taught painter, dedicated 30 years to teaching art within the Naples school system.His prolific output resulted in hundreds of paintings, many of which adorn homes throughout the region. According to recent data from the National Endowment for the Arts, participation in visual arts activities has remained consistently high, with over 30% of U.S. adults attending at least one visual arts event annually.
“en Plein Air” and a Lasting impact
Randall was known for his practice of “en plein air” painting – creating artworks directly on location, typically completed in a single day. This method contributed to the sheer volume of his work and the authentic representation of the landscapes he depicted. Later in life, Randall transitioned to art direction at the Woodcroftery Shops in Wayland, crafting decorative bowls and baskets.
The exhibition is a collaborative effort between the Naples Historical Society and the Bristol Hills Historical Society, highlighting the importance of preserving and celebrating local artistic heritage.
Exhibition Details and Accessibility
The exhibition will officially open from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM on September 18th. Additional viewing hours are scheduled for September 19th from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM and across the weekend of September 20th-21st from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
Accessibility note: the lecture and portions of the exhibition will be held in the Grange’s second-floor auditorium, which is unfortunately not wheelchair accessible. Though, select paintings will be displayed on the accessible first floor.
| Event | Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opening Lecture & Exhibition | September 18th | 7:00 PM | bristol Hills Historical Society’s Grange Hall |
| Exhibition Viewing | September 19th | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Bristol Hills Historical Society’s Grange Hall |
| Exhibition viewing | September 20th-21st | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Bristol Hills Historical Society’s Grange hall |
Did You Know? “En plein air” painting became popular in the mid-19th century with the advent of portable paint tubes, allowing artists to more easily work outdoors.
Supporting Local History
The naples Historical Society is dedicated to fostering an appreciation for the history of Naples and its environs. They achieve this through the preservation of historical collections, exhibits, and educational programs, primarily operating from the Morgan Hook and Ladder Building. More information can be found at naplesnyhistoricalsociety.org, on Facebook at facebook.com/naplesnyhistory, and on Instagram at @naples_ny_historical_society_society.
the Bristol hills Historical Society, formed in 2020, works to preserve and educate about the history of Bristol and South Bristol, and the surrounding Bristol Hills. They maintain the 1923 Grange Hall and the 1846 Methodist Episcopal Church. Details are available at bristolhillshistory.org, on Facebook at facebook.com/bhhistorical, and on Instagram at @bristolhillshistory.
pro Tip: Support local historical societies – they are invaluable resources for preserving community heritage!
The Enduring Appeal of Local Artists
The story of Ira Randall underscores the notable role local artists play in shaping community identity and preserving cultural heritage. Supporting these artists, through attending exhibits, purchasing their work, or donating to local historical societies, helps ensure that their legacy continues to inspire future generations. The increasing focus on ‘buy local’ movements highlights a broader trend of valuing artists who directly reflect and contribute to their communities.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ira Randall
Have you ever visited an art exhibition dedicated to a local artist? What’s your favorite way to support local arts and history?
Share this article with your friends and family to help spread awareness of this exciting cultural event! Leave a comment below with your thoughts on preserving local art and history.
What types of handmade crafts are especially well-known in the Finger Lakes region?
Exploring the Artistry of Finger lakes: A Showcase of Local Talent
The Flourishing Finger Lakes Arts scene
The Finger Lakes region of New York State is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, award-winning wines, and increasingly, its vibrant arts community. Beyond the vineyards and waterfalls, a wealth of creative talent thrives, encompassing visual arts, music, theater, literature, and craft. This article delves into the diverse artistic expressions found throughout the Finger Lakes, highlighting key artists, venues, and opportunities for experiencing local artistry. Discovering Finger Lakes artists is becoming a major draw for tourism and enriching the lives of residents.
Visual Arts: Galleries, Studios & Inspiration
The landscape itself serves as a muse for many Finger Lakes art. Numerous galleries and studios dot the region, showcasing a wide range of styles and mediums.
Watercolor & Painting: The soft light and rolling hills inspire many watercolorists and painters. Look for exhibitions at the Arnot Art Museum in Elmira and local art cooperatives.
Sculpture Parks: Several outdoor sculpture parks, like the Sculpture Park at the Museum of Glass in Corning, offer unique artistic experiences amidst the natural beauty.
Pottery & Ceramics: The region boasts a strong tradition of pottery and ceramics, with numerous working studios offering workshops and sales. Local pottery is a popular souvenir and gift item.
Photography: Capturing the stunning scenery is a popular pursuit. Many Finger Lakes photographers exhibit their work in local galleries and online.
Music in the Finger Lakes: From Vineyards to Venues
Music is integral to the Finger Lakes experience. From intimate vineyard performances to larger concert venues, the region offers a diverse musical landscape.
Live Music Venues: The region is home to a variety of venues, including the Clemens Centre (Elmira), the State Theatre (Ithaca), and numerous smaller bars and clubs that host local and touring acts.
Vineyard Concerts: Many wineries host live music events during the warmer months, creating a unique and relaxing atmosphere. Finger Lakes wineries with music are a popular attraction.
Finger Lakes Folk Music: A strong folk music tradition persists, with numerous festivals and performances celebrating this genre.
Jazz & Blues: Ithaca, in particular, has a thriving jazz and blues scene.
Theater & Performing arts: Stages across the Region
The Finger Lakes offers a surprisingly robust theater and performing arts scene.
Glimmerglass Festival (Cooperstown): A world-renowned opera festival attracting audiences from across the globe.
Hangar Theatre (Ithaca): A professional theater company known for its innovative productions.
Local Community Theaters: numerous community theaters throughout the region provide opportunities for local actors and audiences.
Dance Performances: Dance companies and studios offer performances and workshops.
literary Arts: writers & Bookstores
The Finger Lakes region has long been a haven for writers and literary enthusiasts.
Cornell University’s Creative Writing Program (Ithaca): A highly respected program attracting talented writers from around the world.
Autonomous bookstores: Several independent bookstores, like Buffalo Street Books (Ithaca), offer a curated selection of books and host author events.
Poetry Readings & Workshops: Numerous venues host poetry readings and writing workshops.
Local Authors: Discovering Finger Lakes authors and their work is a rewarding experience.
Craft & Artisan Markets: Handmade Treasures
The Finger Lakes is a hub for skilled artisans and craftspeople.
Farmers Markets: Many farmers markets feature local artisans selling handmade goods.
Artisan Trails: Several organized artisan trails allow visitors to explore studios and shops showcasing a variety of crafts.
Handmade Jewelry: The region is home to numerous jewelers creating unique and stunning pieces.
Woodworking & Furniture: Skilled woodworkers craft furniture and other items using locally sourced wood. Finger Lakes crafts are highly sought after.
Supporting Local Talent: Benefits & Practical tips
Investing in the arts benefits the entire community. Here’s how you can support finger Lakes local talent:
Attend Performances & Exhibitions: The most direct way to support artists is to attend their events.
Purchase Art & Crafts: Buy directly from artists or through local galleries and shops.
* Donate to arts Organizations: Support local arts