ACE

Upstate Alliance for the Creative Economy

Maureen Sager

Culinary Arts Program Prepares Youth For Success

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The Culinary Arts program at Questar III follows the ProStart curriculum developed by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, which gives students the opportunity to learn about the art of cooking and managing restaurants by training with professional chefs and getting classroom instruction, while also earning college credit and making money while they’re in high school.

TV culture of celebrity chefs and cooking-related programming has awakened a surge of interest in culinary arts, but one of the more recent popular concepts around food has been sustainability and farm-to-table restaurants. Questar has a Farm-to-Table unit in the Culinary arts program that teams up with Sylvia Center at Katchkie Farm, where students visit the farm, learn about food deserts, and source local produce to create dishes on-site. This experience further solidifies a hands- on learning experience while teaching strong lessons in sourcing and sustainability that will shape how these student think about the food industry and quality ingredients.

Culinary Instructor Peter Desmond says, “Some of our students would not normally get the opportunity to do this without the program. K farm has been very generous in collaborating with us on this program and it really helps students to learn about healthy foods, how they are grown, and more.”

Although most Questar III students continue their studies at organizations like SCCC (please give full names here) or CIA, some students have received scholarships to Johnson & Whales University, or end up going directly into the workforce to use their skills in job throughout the region.

The Rodney Shop Brings an Artist’s Whimsical Creations to Catskill

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Artist Rodney Alan Greenblat, world famous for his whimsical, vibrant, and fun artwork, is the owner/operator of the Rodney Shop boutique, one of the many artist-run boutiques on Main Street in Catskill, NY. His interest in art began as a young child and he was propelled into the arts world with his first “gig” doing an illustration for his school PTA handbook at the age of 11.

As a sculptor and painter, his work became an integral part of the East Village Art scene of the 1980s, where he had several one person shows at the legendary Gracie Mansion Gallery. In 1985 his large sculpture “Ark of Triumph” was featured in the prestigious Whitney Museum Biennial exhibition.

In the 1990’s Rodney took on another title, and published four children’s books published by Harper Collins. Uncle Wizzmo’s New Used Car, Aunt Ippy’s Museum of Junk, Thunder Bunny, and Slombo The Gross.

When newer technologies started to revolutionize the video game industry,  he became the artistic force behind the best selling game for Sony Playstation called “Parappa The Rapper.” This led to a whole line of products distributed in Japan, and a weekly animated television series. Rodney is known as one of the world’s top character designers.

Rodney is a great example for artists everywhere, especially younger artists. He is a living breathing example of how a passion for the arts can lead to many options beyond the stereotypical “starving artist” if that talent and passion is nurtured and supported.

His artwork is shown regularly at the prestigious BCB ART gallery in Hudson NY. His wares can be purchased online, or in the Rodney Shop store at 362 Main Street in Catskill NY.

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Article by Ashleigh Kinsey

ACE Indian Ladder Farms Mixer Photo Highlights

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Creative Economy Mixer at Indian Ladder Farms

WHEN: September 5, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: 342 Altamont Rd, Altamont, NY 12009

Were you at the Indian Ladder Farms Creative Economy Mixer?

At this #CreativeEconomyMixer we had:

Check out the Photo highlights below. These photos were taken by Ed Sager of Ska City Photos.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Workforce Development Institute, Community Loan Fund, MVP Health Care, and our event host, Indian Ladder Farms. Produced in partnership with Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy, Helderberg Brewing at the Carey Institute for Global Good, 2440 Design Studio. and WMHT.[/cs_text][x_image type=”none” src=”https://upstatecreative.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/IMG_5451.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][x_image type=”none” src=”https://upstatecreative.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/IMG_5363.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][x_image type=”none” src=”https://upstatecreative.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/IMG_5368.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/2″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://upstatecreative.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/IMG_5372.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][x_image type=”none” src=”https://upstatecreative.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/IMG_5384.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/2″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://upstatecreative.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/IMG_5376.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][x_image type=”none” src=”https://upstatecreative.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/IMG_5387.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”2/3″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://upstatecreative.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/IMG_5394.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][x_image type=”none” src=”https://upstatecreative.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/IMG_5475.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][x_image type=”none” src=”https://upstatecreative.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/IMG_5501.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/3″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://upstatecreative.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/IMG_5400.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][x_image type=”none” src=”https://upstatecreative.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/IMG_5393.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][x_image type=”none” src=”https://upstatecreative.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/IMG_5518.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][rev_slider IndianLadderMixer][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][/cs_content]

Local Lands, Local Art: Creating a Sense of Place

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[cs_content][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://upstatecreative.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Art-in-Nature-maidenhair-fern-at-the-Normanskill-West-Preserve.-Photo-by-Mohawk-Hudson-Land-Conservancy.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]At the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy, we’ve been talking a lot about art.

The connections between creativity and conservation run deep. The Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy (MHLC) was founded in 1992 to protect the natural, scenic, agricultural, and cultural landscapes of the Mohawk and Hudson river valleys. We protect natural resources, working farmlands, air and water quality, and climate-resilient landscapes. Yet there are other benefits, less tangible but equally significant, which these spaces provide: and these benefits connect us with the creative communities in our service area.

These forests, fields, mountains, and rivers are not only ecologically and economically valuable; they are beautiful, and there is value in that beauty. From the vistas of the towering Helderberg Escarpment south of Albany to the rolling farmlands of Montgomery County, these undeveloped lands inspire reflection, creativity, and a palpable connection to the natural world.

Tens of thousands of visitors enjoy 2,000 acres and over 36 miles of trails at our 18 public nature preserves every year. We continue to find that these visitors receive a creative boost from their time outside. A walk in the woods, an afternoon sitting by a stream, a morning trail run… these are experiences to be shared, cherished, and protected. Without the natural world made available to the public, the constant thrum of development in our region will continue to take away our opportunities to experience, draw inspiration from, and find solace in nature.

As MHLC provides natural experiences for our community, many of our partners provide artistic, cultural, and musical experiences. Last June, we collaborated with the brass musicians of the Albany Symphony for an al fresco Celebration of Music and Nature in Rensselaerville. Our plein air painting classes led by art educators have been a powerful opportunity for local painters to find inspiration from the sights and sounds of our preserves. Our Family Wilderness Crafts workshops with Ondatra Adventures encourage young people to use their hands, engaging with the natural world and with their own creative spirit.

Our volunteer Art on the Rail Trail (ART) committee has been an incredibly successful creative endeavor. This dedicated group of neighbors began fundraising and installing public pieces of art along the Albany County Helderberg-Hudson Rail Trail in 2017. Vibrant pieces by local artists Andrea Hersh and John DeMarco have been installed, and the committee is already seeking proposals for a third mural. This volunteer committee encourages local artists to connect their art to the landscape, encouraging a community sense of ownership and pride for the Rail Trail.

These connections between local landscapes and the local creative economy continue to develop and deepen. Earlier this year, at MHLC’s 2018 Annual Awards Dinner, guest speaker Elizabeth Sobol, President and CEO of the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, spoke of the ties between conservation and the arts, and encouraged the audience to work together to cherish, preserve, and protect beauty in all of its forms. Ms. Sobol declared, “It is at that moment of shared beauty – birdsong, sunset, Mahler, Bach – that we are most utterly – and most fully – human. This, ladies and gentlemen, is what we are here to preserve and protect.”

Our staff and Board of Directors are continuing to follow these moments of shared beauty, these connections between nature and art, as we strive to foster a deep connection between residents of the Capital Region and nature. By creating outdoor experiences, and by encouraging a creative engagement with our local landscape, we can create a sense of place. This sense of connection to the farmlands, the river valleys, the hill tops, and the forests of the Capital Region will help us love, cherish, and protect the open spaces of our home.

Join the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy, Upstate Alliance for the Creative Economy, Indian Ladder Farms Cidery and Brewery, and other community partners for a Creative Economy Mixer on September 5. Indian Ladder Farms was protected by the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy through a conservation easement in 2003.

We’ll enjoy tours and tastings of their amazing cider and beer and learn more about the creative collaborations and networks that make our rural regions work and connect us with our natural world.

Guest post by Daron Blake, Communications and Outreach Coordinator for the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy
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