Show is Oct. 5-6 in Radisson
By Ashley M. Casey
Associate Editor
The Central New York Art Guild’s semi-annual Fine Art Show and Sale is in its 20th year, but the milestone is bittersweet. The fall show, which takes place Oct. 5 and 6 at Aspen House in Radisson, is dedicated to the memory of longtime CNY Art Guild member and Baldwinsville resident Bonnie Goetzke, who passed away Sept. 20.
“She was an incredible artist. She won an amazing amount of awards with the art guild,” CNY Art Guild President Laurel Butkins recalled of Goetzke, who was known for her watercolors. “She was a great person, too — a very warm person.”
In addition to honoring Goetzke at the fall show, the guild’s executive board will be establishing an award in Goetzke’s name at the organization’s annual Student Art Awards, held each April at Edgewood Gallery in Syracuse. High school seniors from approximately a 30-mile radius around Syracuse are nominated by their teachers to show their work at the spring show. Last year, the CNY Art Guild presented $750 in awards to area students.
“It’s nice to be able to have your artwork recognized,” Butkins said.
Visitors of the Radisson show can enter a raffle to win a mixed media painting, vase or an acrylic painting. The proceeds will benefit the Student Art Awards.
Butkins, a photographer who lives in Fabius, became involved in the guild in 2012.
“It’s a group that absolutely loves what they do,” she said.
This weekend’s show in Radisson will feature pieces from 40 artists.
“We have such a diverse group, so when you’re walking in, it’s not just a matter of seeing a bunch of paintings,” Butkins said.
Membership in the guild is open to all artists and art enthusiasts regardless of education or ability.
“Anybody can be a part of the guild, whether you just have a love of art and want to learn more or you’re a professional artist,” Butkins said. “I can’t paint or draw to save my life — that’s why I take pictures.”
The CNY Art Guild meets on the second Thursday of the month at Grace Episcopal Church in Baldwinsville. Meetings include guest speakers and hands-on demonstrations. The September meeting featured a presentation on the history of Greek art by Paula Lichvar, and the October meeting will be a demonstration of scratchboard art techniques.
“Every month we have something different. We want to make sure we have a good, diverse group of presenters so everyone can find something that interests them,” Butkins said.
In addition to the twice-yearly show, guild members participate in art shows across Central New York. Butkins said the organization’s first craft show will be in November.
This holiday season, the CNY Art Guild will be teaming up with the Onondaga Art Guild to decorate a tree with hand-painted stars for the Everson Museum’s Festival of Trees.
The CNY Art Guild’s Fine Art Show and sale takes place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5, and Sunday, Oct. 6, at the Aspen House in Radisson, 8550 N. Entry Road, Baldwinsville. Admission, parking and refreshments are free. Visit cnyartguild.org for more information.
