Richard Deon’s woodblock printson display at Millbrook Library

Guests at the Millbrook Library reception talked with the artist, Richard Deon Friday, Aug. 16.

Photo by Josie Duggan

Richard Deon’s woodblock printson display at Millbrook Library

MILLBROOK — Crowds at the Millbrook Library viewed the woodblocks of Richard Deon and spoke with the artist Friday, Aug. 16.
Richard Deon takes inspiration from the Hudson Valley to create his art. Deon has lived in the area for 40 years but originally hails from Potsdam, New York. Some of his works feature familiar monuments, including the Tappan Zee Bridge and Storm King Mountain.

Deon highlighted how the woodblock printing process allows for a community to be involved in their creation. “It takes 8 people to run the press,” Deon said. “So there is a real community at work.”

Deon’s inspiration for his work began in middle school during social studies class. Deon’s teachers used outdated history textbooks featuring illustrations that reflected “consensus history.” Deon explained, “I passed the time by extending the art, adding new characters, buildings, and backgrounds, and editing a world with many contributors.” The result was familiar texts and images in a dream-like state; Deon creates an unusual interpretation of history.

The artist has struggled for much of his career with the prominence of the Hudson River School as a style dominating the culture of art in this area. Museums and many contemporary artists continue to implore this style and vision.

Though Abraham Lincoln and the Hudson River School are unassociated, they both existed at the same point in history. As an act of rebellion, Deon decided to combine the two, once again creating this unique version of history. As a result, the viewer questions what is real, and what is imagination. In reference to his artwork, Deon explained, “I like how audacious it is.” He went on to say, “It’s not a cohesive story. It’s really a story from the past. It’s all fiction.” Through his artwork, Deon likes to challenge boundaries, and at times reality. The evening’s attendees appreciated this opportunity to circumvent history and hear the artist explain some of his works.

Deon’s art will be on display at the Millbrook Library until Sept. 26.

Latest News

Grace Golden

SHARON — Grace Golden, 78, of Sharon, passed away peacefully March 5, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Born Aug. 29, 1946, in Brooklyn, New York, she was the daughter of the late Ethel Jennings, adoptive daughter of the late Floyd Jennings. She attended Webutuck Central School and received her GED later in life.

Keep ReadingShow less
Pine Plains Bombers take home Section IX title

Michelle Blackburn, no. 12 of Pine Plains, helped lead the Bombers to victory over S.S. Seward Institute as point guard for most of the Section IX Class C tournament finals at Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh, N.Y., on Wednesday, March 5. The Bombers took home the title after winning the hard-fought game 55-42.

Photo by Nathan Miller

NEWBURGH, N.Y. — The Pine Plains girls varsity Bombers won the Section IX Class C girls tournament Wednesday, March 5, at Mount Saint Mary College.

The Bombers took an early lead against S.S. Seward's Spartans and didn't let off the throttle for the rest of the night, wining the game 55-42.

Keep ReadingShow less
Sign-ups encouraged for 2025 Webutuck Little League

Ben Coon, 10, on the “mound,” practiced his pitching on Tuesday, March 4, in the Webutuck Elementary School gym, with Coach Colby Dunlop, left, giving pointers.

Photo by John Coston

AMENIA — The 2025 Webutuck Little League season is around the corner and the League said players are still needed to fill out teams for games to be played in Millerton and Amenia.

Registration remains open for T-ball, majors, minors, seniors and girls’ softball teams. Some scholarships are available to cover costs.

Keep ReadingShow less
Lent: Time to consider social gospel movement

We are entering the annual Christian season of Lent this week.With its 40 days of contemplation and “little Easter” Sundays, it is a time to remember the healing ministry and the sacrifice of Jesus.During this season, we are invited to think deeply about our role as agents of grace and love in our hurting world.

There is a long history of making sacrifices and commitments for Lent, modeling our discipleship and hopes for a more heavenly world. It is through this lens that I invite you to join us in considering what gifts and services the community needs that we can commit to bringing forth in the weeks leading up to Easter.While many lean into solitary introspection during Lent, it may be particularly advantageous to use our meditations and sacrifices for the greater good this year.

Keep ReadingShow less