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Julie Torres, Susan Carr and Ellen Letcher at LABspace.
D.H. Callahan
As gas prices surge, so do other oil-based products, including paint. The art world is seeing an unprecedented price hike that is proving prohibitive for many artists. Carr, though, has a deep love for her chosen medium and plans to work through the current trends rather than around them.
Carr’s subject matter varies widely, as she takes inspiration from disparate genres and periods of history. She’s particularly interested in medieval art and draws from centuries-old works, reinterpreting them in her signature style.
“The 13th century,” she said at the gallery, “was a very good century for me.”
But ancient references are just one of a variety of themes. Other pieces tap into Western interpretations of Eastern religions, surrealism, everyday life and even cubism.
In addition to the paintings, “Sick of the Devil” also features some of Carr’s sculptural work. The sculptures are unmistakably made by the same hand, though their materials vary. Some are ceramic, with glazes in a palette similar to that of her paintings. The others are wooden, puzzle-like structures covered with her signature layers of oil paints.
“Together” by Susan Carr at LABspace. D.H. Callahan
The bright whimsy of Carr’s works contrast with the story of her life. She had three children by the age of 22 and worked tirelessly to raise them while pursuing her master’s in fine art at Tufts University’s School of the Museum of Fine Arts. Two of her children are grown and thriving adults, but one of her sons died years ago. Carr considers some of her paintings a way of communicating with him through her art. But even when the subject matter is sad or uncomfortable, Carr’s bright, accessible style makes it all a little easier to confront.
While Carr is far from slowing down, producing dozens of pieces for these annual exhibitions, it’s Torres and Letcher who are moving on. LABspace was founded by Susan Jennings in 2014 as a place for artists to exhibit their fellow artists’ works. In 2018, she passed it to Torres and Letcher, both painters in their own right. While the gallery is still going strong after eight years under their watch, the duo has decided to focus on their individual artistic practices and plan to find a new artist or group of artists committed to the common cause in the coming months.
To learn more about LABspace and “Sick of the Devil,” visit labspaceart.blogspot.com.
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Photo by Nathan Miller
Photo by Nathan Miller
Affordability was the theme of an information fair organized by Dutchess County Representative Eric Alexander (D-25) at the Town Hall on Thursday, Sept. 17. Among the organizations on hand to answer questions was the Hudson Valley Animal Rescue of Poughkeepsie, which offers deeply discounted veterinary care. Representing the nonprofit were Chris Coon, Community Outreach Director, and Ashley Pastor, Program and Outreach Manager.
Photo by Leila Hawken
Alexander said he organized the fair because Amenia residents appear to use government assistance programs at lower rates than residents of some other Dutchess County communities. On a per-capita basis, he said, Pleasant Valley residents are five times more likely than Amenia residents to request services such as home-delivered meals, case management and health insurance counseling.
“It seems like Amenia does not take advantage of all the available government programs and services the county offers,” Alexander said. “My job as representative is to bring information to my constituents and make it easy for them to access the programs and services.”
Closing that gap has become more urgent as household budgets tighten, Alexander said. He attributed rising prices in part to the conflict in Iran, higher insurance costs and tariffs, adding that wages and Social Security benefits have not kept pace.
The fair offered information about assistance with property taxes and utility bills, as well as senior and veterans’ services, meal delivery, prescription drug savings, veterinary services and grocery discount programs.
Alexander organized the event with state Sen. Michelle Hinchey, Assemblyman Anil Beephan and Dutchess County Legislature Chair Yvette Valdés Smith. Participating organizations and businesses included Freshtown, Cornell Cooperative Extension, the Dutchess County Office of Veterans Affairs and Hudson Valley Animal Rescue.
Photo by Leila Hawken
Several organizations attended to answer questions about services available to residents. Pictured from left are Dutchess County Legislators Eric Alexander (D-25), and Kris Munn (D-20), assistant majority leader of the County Legislature, and Yvette Valdes-Smith, Chairwoman of the County Legislature.
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