Another Benefit in Saratoga Springs

It's that time of year in Saratoga Springs -- our calendars are chock full of events. Tuesday evening it was Anne Palamountain's Skidmore by Twilight -- an annual scholorship fundraiser attended by everyone who is anyone. No polo - the polo fields were too wet from all the rain. Last night we went to the annual Saratoga Hospital And We're Off! fundraiser. It was held on the grounds of The Lodge and thank heavens they had an airconditioned tent -- it was a steamy night. It is always a fun event with lots of interesting silent auction items and great auction packages -- I lusted after Gretchen Hunt's Designer Jewelry and Private Cocktail Party for 10 at Historic Jumel Mansion. It went for $$$$$$$.

Patricia Powers @ Gallery 100

ART HORSES Arrive

Nancy and I are working like mad to open ART HORSE on time this Thursday. The work is big and beautiful and we are so excited about exhibiting Brian Hibbard and Patricia Powers - two talented equine artists. It is a wonderful show and hopefully our equine clients will also relate to it. Our opening reception is this Saturday!!!!

John Van Alstine strikes Olympic Gold

John Val Alstine, sculptor extraordinaire, was chosen to be one of 50 artists - 25 from China and 25 from elsewhere - to display their site specific artwork around Olympic venues in Beijing. JVA's piece, Rings of Unity - Circles of Inclusion, is a 16 foot bronze ring with a large stone suspended in the center. He draws a parallel between the endurance of Sisyphus and the perseverance of Olympic athletes. John has exhibited at Gallery 100 ---

William Brian Hibbard

OK Now we're gearing up for the opening of the Saratoga racing season. The track opens it's 6 week meet next Wednesday, July 23 and the town is booming already. Gallery 100 is exhibiting equine artwork for the second year --- ART HORSE featuring Patricia Powers, William Brian Hibbard, and Erik Johnsen. That's one of Brian's horse sculptures on the left.

Paul Kolnik - Artist's Reception

What a memorable opening at Gallery 100 last might. Beautiful music played by six members of the NY City Ballet orchestra, Paul's amazing photographs and a hunk of a bartender - that's Karl. Plus I finally met Wendy Whalen who is one of the great ballet dancers of our time. It was a great evening - plus sales were excellent. What more can we ask for?

Leah Paints Pet Portraits

Leah McCloskey is returning to the sidewalks of Saratoga Springs during the DBA Sidewalk Sales Friday and Saturday, July 18 and July 19, 2008. Leah is well known for her spontaneous pet portraits – so bring a photo of your favorite pet – puppies, cats, dogs, fish, ferrets, etc. Leah will paint the most charming portrait of your beloved pet. Cost per painting is $55

NYC Ballet Opens

The New York City Ballet opened it's summer season at SPAC last night. Paul Kolnik just visited the gallery dropping off more of his beautiful ballet photographs. The balletmaniacs are stopping by Gallery 100 to view our lastest collection of Kolnik's NYC Ballet photographs. My favorites are his photographs that transcend time -- Allegra Kent and Mikhail Baryshnikov/Maria Calegari and Afshin Mafid in Afternoon of a Faun - and Janie Taylor and Damian Woetzel/Margaret Tracey and Albert Evans in Afternoon of a Faun. Same ballet, same poise, different years -- 1978 - 2008. Check out Antique Epigraph -- one version from 1984 and another from 2008.

Saratoga is Buzzin'

We had a fabulous 4th of July weekend -- a great picnic under Mark's tent lit with red, white, and blue lights. Complete with American flags and a Union Jack flag .. and Pims. We crossed the street to Congress Park and viewed a spectacular fireworks display. The park was really crowded but worth getting close to the action. With all the excitement in the air, Gallery 100 is experiencing the best sales we've had in about two years. It is truly amazing to see our sales pick up from rock bottom. We are thrilled!!!!

Paul Kolnik Review by Shawn Banner

Dance and photography lovers alike have the opportunity once again to enjoy the spectacular photography of Paul Kolnik, official photographer for the New York City Ballet. “Jerome Robbins Continuum/Photographs of The New York City Ballet by Paul Kolnik will be on view at Gallery 100, 462 Broadway, 2nd Floor, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, July 3-27, 2008

In a sense, dance photograpy is a paradox, creating permanence from that which is ephemeral. For more than 30 years, Kolnik has captured the bravura leaps, expansive gestures, fleeting grace-notes and iconic motifs of the New York City Ballet repetoire, freezing moments in time like amber jewels. With an unerring eye, he preserves on film the defining gesture that distills the essence of each dance and illuminates the emotional line of each dancer. With a keen understanding of the formal aspects of his craft, Kolnick transforms the act of recording one art form to creating images that are works of art in their own right.

This year's special exhibition follows the New York City Ballet's celebration of the brilliant American choreographer, Jerome Robbins. Robbins made NYCB his artistic home for more than 40 years. Paul Kolnik has been capturing images of Robbins' oeuvre for over 30 of those years. Ballet fans will also be excited to view Paul Kolnik's most recent photographs of cherished NYCB dancer, Damian Woetzel in his farewell performances on June 18th from Lincoln Center. All work is available for purchase.

Paul Kolnik, a native of Chicago, Illinois, began his study of photography and painting at Columbia College and the Art Institute of Chicago. In 1975 he moved to New York and became associated with the New York City Ballet under the direction of Choreographer George Balanchine. His intimate association with the New York City Ballet during the past thirty years has produced hundreds of thousands of photographs. These images have become the iconography of the company in all printed media.

There will be an artist reception on Saturday, July 12 from 5-7pm. This event will feature live music by members of NYCB Orchestra. Light refreshments will be served. This event is open to the public.