Located in historic Hubbard Hall in Cambridge, NY, and amidst the rolling hills of Washington County in upstate New York, Valley Artisans Market is one of the oldest arts cooperatives in the country. Local fine artists and craftsmen work in a variety of hand-crafted media including glass, paper, cloth, photography, oil paintings, pastels, wood, mosaic, sculpture, metal, jewelry, ceramics and more. The Small Gallery features rotating shows by members and guest artists, and the market is always staffed by one of its artisan members.
Small Gallery
August 31, 2018 - September 25, 2018
Ann Larsen, OPA, AWAM, AIS
Artist Statement
“Having done hundreds of sketches and paintings en plein air, I think the landscape process is more about what you don’t say then what 
you do say. Working from nature is both exciting and challenging, but ultimately there is a dichotomy between painting and creating a work of art that hopefully my collectors respond to. I strive to simplify and strengthen my compositions. There is nothing more powerful in painting than a well composed, reserved and solid statement. Such a painting can stir your soul and take your breath away.”
Biography
Ann Larsen travels extensively throughout the year painting from Maine to California. She has been in over 70 gallery and museum exhibitions.
Among the many awards Larsen has received are an Award of Excellence, Oil Painters of America, Eastern Regional 2016; Masters Signature Silver Medal, American Women Artists National Competition 2016; Best Landscape, American Women Artist National Competition 2017; Award of Excellence given by Quang Ho at the Paso Robles Invitational 2014; First Place, Master’s Division, 63rd Adirondack Art Exhibit, Old Forge, NY 2013; Second Place, Finger Lakes Plein Air, 2013; Juror’s Award, Randy Higee, 6x6 show 2013; Award of Merit, Outdoor Painters Society Southwest Salon 2014; two Honorable Mentions, Oil Painters of American On-line Showcase 2013.
In addition, Ann has been invited to participate in the Artist’s for the New Century Exhibition hosed by the Bennington Center for the Arts and invited by Art of the West Magazine; Sedona Plein Air Festival; Grand Canyon Plein Air on the Rim; Rocky Mountain Plein Air Painters Grand Teton Paint out and Exhibit and the Paso Robles, CA Signature Invitational.
Publications include: “Landscape Feature” Article, Art of the West Magazine, 2016, “Artist to Watch”, Southwest Art Magazine, June 2013, “Artist Profile”, Plein Air Magazine, August/September 2013.
Her affiliations include Signature Member Oil Painters of America, Master Signature Member American Women Artists, Signature Member American Impressionist Society, Signature Member Outdoor Painters Society, Signature Member Rocky Mountain Plein Air Painters..
Artist reception will be held on Saturday September 1st 3:00 -5:00 PM Public is welcome
Featured Artist
Arleen Targan
Arleen Targan, of Greenwich, was a long-time member of Valley Artisans. She had to resign several years ago when she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. We are so sad to announce she died on Monday, July 2, 2018. Our condolences go to her family, especially her husband, member Barry Targan.
Born Arleen Caplan on July 12, 1934 in Abington, Pennsylvania, near Philadelphia, her surname was later changed to Shanken when she was adopted by her grandparents. Arleen graduated from the Philadelphia College of Art and began her long and successful career as an artist, drawing portraits on the Boardwalk in Atlantic City. It was there that she met the love of her life, Barry, to whom she would be married for sixty years. They would go on to live, work, travel, camp, and sail in many places in the United States and Europe, spending much of their lives in upstate New York.
Arleen was a brilliant, gifted artist, excelling at many different art forms. She was especially known for her paintings of local landscapes and her portraiture at county fairs. Her granddaughters fondly remember numerous art projects with Grandma, who “made art fun.” Arleen’s creativity extended beyond the easel and into the kitchen. Always the gracious hostess, she delighted in preparing memorable meals for family and friends. Her love of the natural world was evident in the time she devoted to gardening, hiking, and swimming. A gentle, kind-hearted, and talented woman, Arleen will be deeply missed by her family and her many friends, including her fellow artists at the Valley Artisans Market in Cambridge, New York, as well as residents and staff at the Fort Hudson Nursing Center.
Arleen was predeceased by her parents, Harry and Ruth Caplan, and her sister Joan Shanken. She is survived by her husband, Barry, of Greenwich; son Anthony Targan (Holli Hart) of West Bloomfield, Michigan; son Eric Targan (Dollene Coolidge) of Belchertown, Massachusetts; and granddaughters Rebecca (Tomer) Dorfan, Alexandra Targan, and Hannah Targan. Those who wish to make a contribution in Arleen’s memory may make a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association or to a charity of your own choosing. To leave an online message for the family, please visit www.flynnbrosinc.com.
Upcoming Shows
- Seline Skoug Photography-Images from the Valley
September 28, 2018 - October 23, 2018
- Judith Plotner: Metropolitan Jazz an exhibition of mixed media work
October 26, 2018 - November 18, 2018
- Holiday Show
November 20, 2018 - December 31, 2018
See past shows →
News
New website
VAM member Carolyn Kibbe has a new website: http://ckibbe.com. Her homepage features a picture of the month so you can check out her new work even when VAM isn't open!
read moreMember wins award
Congratulations to VAM member Barbara Sarvis who won "The Most Luminous Landscape" at The Vermont Pastel Society's Annual Member Show for her painting, Pullman...
read more