View Arts Center: 75 years of Arts and Culture in the Adirondacks

In this episode of ADK Talks, we head to Old Forge to visit View Arts Center, one of the Adirondacks’ longtime homes for art, performance, classes, exhibitions, and community gathering.Jane and Steve sit down with Bernadette “Bernie” Sunderland, Executive Director of View, and Travis Kiefer, Director of Operations, to talk about the organization’s 75th anniversary, its roots in a front-lawn art show, and how a small mountain-town arts guild grew into a year-round cultural center.What began in 1951 on founder Miriam “Mernie” Kashiwa’s lawn, with artwork displayed on chicken wire and tree branches, has become a multidisciplinary arts campus with galleries, a pottery studio, performance space, workshops, a gift shop, a nature trail, and a packed calendar of programs for locals and visitors alike.What you’ll hear in this episodeHow View Arts Center grew from a front-lawn art show in 1951 into a year-round cultural hub in Old Forge.Why arts organizations matter in Adirondack communities, not just for visitors, but for the people who live here year round.A look at View’s exhibitions, performances, pottery studio, workshops, and children’s theater.Highlights from the 75th anniversary year, including the Stickley furniture exhibition, watercolor show, quilt show, and plein air paint out.The behind-the-scenes work that keeps View running, from installing exhibitions to managing a packed calendar with a small staff.Resources:View Arts Center75th Central Adirondack Art Show at VIEW Arts CenterOld Forge HardwareThe Strand Theatre in Old ForgeHerb Brooks Arena and the Miracle on IceSouvenir VillageStickley MuseumProduced by NOVA