Anyone can submit artwork for the Great Swamp Celebration Art Show, and if you are looking for some inspiration, we have an inviting schedule of Plein Air artist events over the summer, led by our Board member Sharon Nakazato. Both experienced and aspiring artists are welcome, and all mediums including photography are eligible for the Show. Dates offered include a variety of times of day as well as weekdays and weekends. The schedule for May and June is as follows (more are being planned):
- May 4, Thursday — Great Hollow Nature Preserve CT, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
- May 9, Tuesday — Connecticut Audubon at Deer Pond Farm CT, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
- May 18, Thursday — Diverting Reservoir & River Trail, Brewster NY 9:00 am – 12:00 pm (Contact Sharon for meeting point.)
- June 6, Tuesday — Great Hollow Nature Preserve CT, from 4:00 pm, Beautiful sunset views!
- June 15, Thursday — Connecticut Audubon at Deer Pond Farm CT, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Please RSVP! If you plan to attend, or have any questions, please email or message Sharon Nakazato at [email protected] or 845-612-1046. Some of the locations are private so we need to know who is coming and provide access details.
Patterson Environmental Park features a long entranceway through forest to the Great Swamp River with a newly installed boardwalk that offers space to paint/photograph the Swamp in close proximity.
Ray Lake is a private estate with, yes, its own lake and little island, surrounded by forest and hiking trails, open vistas and a variety of forest environments. One time will not be enough!
Brewster Diverting Reservoir offers both riverside views and forest as well as the panorama of the mountains in the background. The bridge at the ball field is a perfect place to set up and see both upriver and downriver. It is closed to motor traffic.
Great Hollow Nature Preserve, just over the border of NY into CT, has miles of hiking trails, all kinds of views both close up and distant, and changes with the light throughout the day. Last year the Plein Air event scheduled for late afternoon into evening provided some absolutely spectacular sunset viewing time.
Connecticut Audubon at Deer Pond Farm, over the border from Pawling NY, is another gem with almost endless variety, from pond to bog to wetland paths to pine forest to…. Some amazing trees and a gorgeous butterfly garden. Formerly a private estate devoted to environmental conservation for wildlife, especially birds, this is another place to visit again and again as the seasons go through their changes.
More details of the 2023 Fall Show and how to submit artwork can be found here.
