Gaffney Smith, Windham Path I

WINDHAM — Windham Arts Alliance in collaboration with the Main Street Community Center is excited to present works by local artists that are inspiring and expressive in a show called Artistry Unveiled. The Opening Reception and music by the Running the River Duo will take place on May 9, 2026 from 3:00 to 5:00 at the Main Street Community Center at 5494 State Route 23 in Windham. 

What is artistry? Artistry is partially defined as creative skill or ability.  Athena Billias found many adjectives that define this elusive concept, such as expressiveness, sensitivity and virtuosity, as well as proficiency and craftsmanship. Laura Avello elaborated on this theme by describing what we as artists are looking for in a finished piece: “Artistry is developed, curated through time, observation and practice; the results are woven into a piece that conveys an emotional response.”

Each artist is sharing works that express their definition of the word artistry. We have asked them to share what inspired their piece. Each work is unique and the combination will make an exciting presentation. We hope their work evokes a moving response in you the viewer.

The works of Sheila Trautman, Susan Kukle and Pamela Quick speak to the preservation of the environment in very different ways. Sheila’s painting of the old factory on Kings Highway, Saugerties NY, was inspired by the Hudson River School’s idea of commenting on environmental issues while painting the landscapes of the Catskills. She took a risk of painting this scene in a more abstract style than usual in order to caution against the destruction of our landscape with the lessening of environmental protections. In contrast, Susan’s watercolor of a leaning apple tree gives us hope and a feeling of serenity. Her painting’s sensitivity and calm clearly supports the definition of artistry. She says, “Making art for me is to celebrate the environment. I am deeply connected to the nature around me. I delve into my landscape paintings with the emotion of one who is delightfully entering the forest or fields with a reverence to the sacred place that it is and that it takes me to…. I hope that by looking at my work one might be inspired to care about the earth!” Pamela’s style is very distinctive, combining a portrait with a close-up image of an animal. Pamela states, “This piece reflects the quiet trust shared between the human and the untamed. The raccoon, a symbol of cleverness and nocturnal mystery, rests calmly in her presence, a companion from the wild who feels safe in stillness. As with all my paintings in this series, I’ve added buttons from my mother’s collection—a personal thread of remembrance and care.”

Nancy De Flon took an entirely different approach when she described her process of photographing Trees on the Horizon. She describes her process and craftsmanship when she says, “I've processed several such pictures in black and white  but wanted something different and so retained the color this time, which presented its own challenge, namely, injecting some vibrance into the green grass.” Here again her creativity and expressiveness have come into play. Carol Slutzky-Tenerowicz used her artistry and creativity when she rescued a monotype that did not satisfied her and created a work on paper by using other mediums such as Prismacolor markers and pastel pencils thus creating an exceptional piece, called Jewett Spring.

Sometimes illness and loss help to bring out the artistry in us. Kathleen Landrigan shares her photograph called Why and a very poetic, thought-provoking description of her work. She states, “The title Why is both simple and complex.  Each person who sees the photographic piece will have their own very personal why. Some will finally have answers; some will not. Take a silent and precious moment to enjoy the gifts the carrot cake [in the photo] and friendship give us.” She continues, “I chose this image because the carrot cake and friendship are from the same bakery of life. Both are treats to be savored and relished for each one needs to be shared. They both possess different layers and are rich in flavor. A fusion of ingredients creates their base...each holds flour to support it...sugar/sweetness, bits of this and that, water/tears, love and pinches of other secret spices. With each one added and mixed together, the cake and friendship rise and form its own delicacy. The cake and friendship have their own distinct crumbs. The cake with its tiny, tasty bites.  Friendship with its crumbs of difficult times.”

According to Linda Nicholls, “We painters serve as visual poets of place. Work that is shaped by our own eyes and hands offer a transparent connection with the physical world of nature. I am most intrigued and inspired by the captivating beauty of sunsets, sunrises, water and meadows. My wish is that through my artistry viewers will pause to recognize beauty not as a limitless resource but as something precious and worthy of our stewardship.”

Artistry is not just a term used for two-dimensional works since it can also be used to describe music and poetry. We are excited to present the band the Running the River Duo. This is the second time they have performed at the Main Street Community Center for a WAA opening. Mara Lehman says , “Running the River Duo plays the best country, folk, and fiddle tunes. You won’t be able to resist singing along and dancing.”  Their artistry and virtuosity, and  flair were noted by all who attended the last time they performed. Everyone joined in and began to dance. They are a duo featuring Barry Weinstein on fiddle and Neil Yetwin on guitar and vocals. They perform a wide variety of traditional American folk songs, fiddle tunes, Western ballads and originals. The duo credits musical influences from Erick Friedman, Mark O’Connor, Kenny Baker and Alison Krauss to Doc Watson, Woody Guthrie, the Carter Family and early Bob Dylan. Running the River Duo performs regularly at coffeehouses, clubs, cultural events, fairs, festivals, town concerts and private venues throughout the Capital Region and beyond.” We hope you come to the opening and enjoy both the art and the lively music. The event is free to all and promises to be a fun afternoon.

Jewett Spring, Carol Tenerowicz

Laura Avello, Sunset on the Marsh

Marcia Johnson, Prehistoric Rainforest

Newly Green