Connecting with the Past Art Exhibit

Description

Art Exhibit

The Ogdensburg History Museum presents "Connecting With The Past: Ogdensburg Revisited," a compelling solo exhibition of watercolor paintings by award-winning artist Valerie Patterson.

The exhibit opens April 1 and runs through April 30 in the hallway of the Blevins Building, at 206 Ford St., Ogdensburg.

The public is invited to a Grand Opening Reception on Sunday, April 12, from 1 p.m.  to 3 p.m. where they can meet the artist and explore a body of work that serves as a visual bridge between the city’s storied past and its present.

A Homecoming Through Art
Born in 1963 and raised in Ogdensburg, Valerie Patterson’s deep humanitarian roots were planted by her parents, a Presbyterian minister and a public school teacher. After a distinguished 34-year career teaching visual art, Patterson focused on her own practice.
"Coming back to Ogdensburg has given me a renewed understanding of the importance of place," said Patterson. "This city—its people, its history, and its memories—has helped shape who I am. Each painting in this exhibition creates a space I invite you to enter emotionally."

Where Archival History Meets Contemporary Vision

"Connecting With The Past" features meticulously researched representational works, many of which utilize archival imagery from the Ogdensburg History Museum and local collections, such as Chuck Kelly’s historic scrapbooks. Patterson’s process is one of patience and contemplation; each piece begins with a conceptual framework and pencil studies, followed by months of building translucent watercolor layers. Each large-scale (27”x35”) painting takes approximately three months to complete.

Key works in the exhibition include:

• "Investigating Local History": A vibrant scene at State and Ford Streets where modern children leap into a historic trolley.

• "Dropping By The Family Business": An exploration of the legendary Hackett’s Hardware, featuring a modern-day Hackett descendant visiting his ancestors.

• "Connecting With The Past": A poignant look at downtown before Urban Renewal, featuring a contemporary figure using a cell phone to point the way to the Museum.

• "Home": A somber and reflective look at the former United Helper’s Orphanage that once stood at 1200 State Street.

About the Artist

Valerie Patterson earned her degrees in art and education from SUNY Potsdam. Her award-winning watercolors have been exhibited extensively across the U.S. and abroad, including at the Bond St. Gallery (Brooklyn), the Torpedo Factory Art Center (Virginia), and the Dayton International Peace Museum. She is a recipient of the "Juror’s Award of Excellence" from the Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center and multiple "Awards of Excellence" from Manhattan Arts International.

Exhibition Details: