Obituary: Bartholf

PHILMONT– An exhibition by alumni of Ockawamick Central School opens at the Philmont Library on June 8. Ken Bovat, Susan Bues, Richard Wambach and Steve Wildermuth will display their photographs, paintings, drawings and prints, including new original works. The theme of this year’s exhibition, Anything Goes, is the group’s whimsical take on their craft. This represents a change from some of the more recent displays that have been reflections on their early years or works that delve deep into artistic expressions and lives.

All artists are alumnae of Ockawamick Central School and were taught by Mrs. Kathryn Nicke, who they credit for inspiring in them a sense of creativity and allowing them the space to grow in their talents. They began exhibiting together as part of the collective Ockawamick reunion in 2015 and have continued together, each year (except 2020) with a new theme.

Ken Bovat of Photo-Art by Ken Bovat in Claverack, was named New York State’s top photographer in July of 2022 when he received the New York State Court of Honor for Best Portrait, New York State Court of Honor for Best Illustrative Category and New York State Best in Show as well as the Judges Choice Award by the Professional Photographers’ Society of New York State. Graphic artist Richard Wambach, owner of Wambach Communications Group, celebrates 52 years in business, and presents drawings and prints of local and regional historical structures. He has had one-man shows at the Hyde Park Library gallery and the Rhinebeck Bank atrium gallery. Displaying in several gift shops in Vermont and at arts & crafts shows, farmer’s markets and other weekend street festivals in Columbia and Dutchess Counties, both on commission and continuing to build his own portfolio of popular historic subjects, his work is represented all over the Northeast. Steve Wildermuth is a painter and photographer, and his work appears frequently in the Columbia County Photography Club, the Art School of Columbia County and the Spencertown Academy. He creates works that often have spiritual depth, flights of fantasy, magical or religious themes. Susan Bues pairs her nature and landscape photographs and paintings from her travels with poetry, mostly her own writing, reflective of choices we make every day of both personal and global issues. She has recently exhibited with others at the Berkshire Botanical Garden and other venues. Each artist is active in their local arts organizations, showing their work in solo and group shows, and is represented in private and public collections.

The show opens June 8 with an Artists’ Reception from 2-4 p.m. at the Philmont Library, 101 Main Street, Philmont. The show will run through July 13. For more information on the show, call the Library at (518) 672-5010.