LAKE HUNTINGTON, NY — Local artists are calling it a fusion of community, art, environmental advocacy and fun.

For the first time, the Lake Huntington Lake Association (LHLA) has arranged for public access beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 20 to the LHLA property alongside the lake. The group’s Adopt an Artist program will match artists to the landscapes, cow fields and other scenic vistas they’d most like to capture on canvas. 

The community painting-party is the first in a series of Plein Air Lake Huntington events. Upcoming events are listed below.

The event is open to artists of all ages and experience, and they will be paired with seasoned local artists.  An open invitation has been sent out to youth groups, school groups and Scout troops to participate, making this “a multi-generational expression of creativity and appreciation of the arts,” a spokesperson said.

Artists start the day with a complimentary pastry and coffee at the registration desk on the front porch of the Arts Nest, 6692 Route 52. Then the artists will be escorted to sites at Lake Huntington.

Art supplies are provided for beginners. 

“We’re doing this to build community and to shine a light on the pressing issue of toxic algae bloom in our Lake, which we are actively working to eliminate,” said Rob Senzon, LHLA board member.  

“Delaware Valley Opera [DVO] is so proud to be a co-sponsor,” said Carol Castel, artistic director of the DVO.  “We can’t think of any other series of events that provides the opportunity to build community, support the arts, protect our local environment, and have fun at the same time.”

The Plein Air Lake Huntington series of events includes:

The outdoor community painting party, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 20.

An exhibit showcasing the finished artwork on Saturday, June 1

A closing reception, date to be announced.

There is no charge to participate, but space is limited and registration is required.  Contact barryvilleareaarts@gmail.com to register or for more information.

This project is sponsored by the Lake Huntington Lake Association, Inc., the Delaware Valley Opera and the Barryville Area Arts Association. It is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrant Program, a program of the NYS Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the NY State Legislature and administered by the Delaware Valley Arts Association.