Inspiration can come from many places but this past weekend I found inspiration at the Arlene Abend Exhibit and Reception. The event was located at the Stone Quarry Hill Art Park in Cazenovia, New York and hosted by the Cazenovia Counterpoint. The Stone Quarry Hill Art Parks grounds are open daily from dawn to dusk and has unique outdoor art throughout the 104 acres. There are four miles of trails with breathtaking views.
Land was purchased in 1958 by Dorothy and Robert Riester and the house and studio at the top of the hill are now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Arlene Abend’s reception included a documentary film by Courtney Rile which I found entertaining and inspirational. Abend is a small woman with a big personality. She has spent the last four decades creating her wonderful sculptures. Some of her favorite tools are the welding torch, plasma cutters, vices and grinders.
I found her large sculptures captivating and thought-provoking. Her story of overcoming challenges was inspiring to me and I was very happy to watch the film by Courtney Rile. Abend worked as an artist in the field of metal work which was pretty much dominated by men. She was not deterred but forged ahead with new ideas and techniques. She has great enthusiasm which motivates me to continue on with my art.
If you are in the area, I would invite you to stop in at the Stone Quarry Art Park to walk some trails, look at some art and then head into town to visit some of the great little shops and restaurants in Cazenovia.