“Poems in Paint”: George Ballantine Exhibition at DCHA - Exhibit Opening, Wine and Cheese Reception ~ Friday, April 8th, 4-6pm
George Ballantine of Andes celebrates his 94th birthday in April with an exhibition of his landscape paintings and wood sculptures at the Delaware County Historical Association on State Route 10 in Delhi. The exhibition has an opening reception Friday April 8th from 4 to 6pm and runs through June 5th.
George's grandfather owned the bank and a mansion in Andes and George's memories of growing up visiting Andes have been savored and recorded. He remembers active farms and farm animals in the village and walking down a dirt road to board the bus for induction into World War II.
In recent years George created and donated Ballantine Park, a landscaped ramble along a burbling brook on Tremperskill Road, to the Town of Andes. In his long life George studied opera and voice at Julliard in NYC, studied painting and sculpture at the Art Students League in NYC, bought a farm in Andes and had a family. Along the way, he also worked as a contractor building the Pepacton Reservoir and State Route 17. He has created many ponds in the region, including a string of seven on his former property.
George has been observing and admiring the Catskills for many of his 94 years. He painted many oils and watercolors of his beloved Andes landscape and his 80s may have been his most productive period. His winter scenes are hauntingly beautiful and his summer scenes lush and vibrant. His work has also been exhibited in Saint Thomas, New Mexico, New York City, and in various locations in upstate New York, as well as at 61 Main Street Gallery in Andes.
George has gifted many people with his 4x6 inch watercolors he calls bookmarks. Only with the recent fading of his sight has he given up painting. Whether in paint, clay, or earth, all of George’s creations strive to reflect the beauty, serenity, and sacredness in nature. His hope is that his work will stimulate an increased appreciation of the planet and contribute to a more peaceful world. Come greet George at his opening reception and enjoy his work.
Admission to the opening reception and the exhibit is free, Monday – Friday 10 am to 4 pm. For Saturday hours, call DCHA at (607) 746-3849, e-mail dcha@delhi.net . Visit us on the web at: www.dcha-ny.org . DCHA is located 2.5 miles north of the village of Delhi at 46549 State Hwy. 10.