Adam Prudhomme
Editor
Newburgh had more artwork on display than the Louvre on Saturday as the village hosted the first annual Stoney Steps Artfest as well as a special Pride themed Hollow Square Market.
Following in the footsteps of the renowned Art Among the Ruins, the Stoney Steps Artfest saw over 60 artists displaying their creations-from paintings to wood carvings to designs made from metal to even some living succulents.
“We’ve got a wonderful and talented group of artists, a very diverse group of artists,” said Martha Embury, who opened her picturesque riverfront property on County Rd 11 to the public to host the event. “It’s a beautiful day, perfect temperature, the sun is shining.”
Laurie Sponagle of Artfully Recycled. Photo by Adam Prudhomme.
The event was well attended with a steady crowd throughout the day, browsing the tents set up by local artists.
“We’re really pleased to succeed Art Among the Ruins when they retired from doing it I took on the role in carrying it on in Newburgh because it draws a lot of people to our village,” said Embury.
Lisa Ray Koenig of Groovy Cats shows off some of her paintings, each one containing a hidden cat named Felix, as well as some mugs and her book. Photo by Adam Prudhomme.
Stoney Steps was first announced in 2020, shortly after the organizers of Art Among the Ruins, which had been a Newburgh tradition for 14 years, would be discontinued. Stoney Steps’ debut was delayed a couple of years due to the pandemic but based on Saturday’s turn out, art collectors were eager to return.
NDSS School to Community teacher Nancy Yanaky with students Sarah, Carlee and Quinn. The students had some of their original creations on display. Photo by Adam Prudhomme.
“This was well worth the wait,” added Embury.
A few kilometres down the river the Hollow Square Market was decked out in rainbow flags to celebrate Pride month. Front and centre of the market were freshly painted rainbow rocks, replacing the vandalism that had been done earlier in the week. To show that love trumps hate, members of the community brought their own painted rocks to add to the display.
Vicki Gallagher had some pride themed creations available at Newburgh’s Hollow Square Market on Saturday. Photo by Adam Prudhomme.
Defaced by vandalism earlier in the week, the rocks at the entrance of the Hollow Square Market look better than ever with a fresh rainbow coat. Members of the public added to the display with painted rocks of their own. Photo by Adam Prudhomme.