Spectacular Views from the Hudson River Walkway

The Poughkeepsie-Highland Railroad bridge has been closed since a devastating fire May 8, 1974. Such a large part of the city skyline, it has seemed almost a ghostly presence, a foresaken steel relic doomed to one day simply fall into the river below. Walkway over the Hudson has been trying to convert the bridge into a public walkway since 1992. Construction finally began on this dream project last year and the bridge was officially opened to the public as part of the 400th Centennial Celebration of the 'discovery' of the Hudson River.

The fall foliage made my first walk across the bridge truly spectacular. Though sometimes afraid of heights and despite a healthy wind (see the flag), the bridge didn't sway at all. As you leave the Poughkeepsie side, you walk above houses and roads and rail lines. It's truly breathtaking to stand mid-river and take in the view—Catskill mountains to the north, the Mid Hudson Bridge to the south. I was particularly impressed with the steel truss structure. The 80-spot parking lot is no nearly enough to accommodate the curious. So, best to visit during the week until the crowds thin out.

Originally constructed in 1889 with funds from prominent tycoons Henry Clay Frick and Andrew Carnegie, the Poughkeepsie-Highland Railroad Bridge was deemed to be an extraordinary engineering achievement. The bridge stands 212 feet above the river, stretches 6767 feet and is a classic cantilever and truss bridge.

2009 Photo Contest

It's time to comb through your photos and pick the best one to enter in Molly Ahearn's 2009 Photo Contest. Remember, it's not judged in the usual way by a photography professional, but is selected by popular vote of my blog readers. Last year there were many, many beautiful images making the vote a very close one. For complete rules and instructions, check my website.

Last year's winning photograph was taken by Nadine Robbins.

The second place winner was: Dave Clarke of Scotland with an outstanding black-and-white image.


The third place winner was: Tracy Sofka of Poughkeepsie. Gorgeous blue jewels.

ASV Tour Draws A Crowd in Clinton Corners

Rather than clean out the barn, my husband suggested setting up a portable gallery under a rented tent for the Art Studio Views Labor Day tour. We had a few tense moments on Friday trying to figure out how to hang my photographs from the rented pipe and drape setup. Five trips to the hardware store and a lot of worrying on my part resulted in a simple, elegant solution involving chains, s-hooks and shower curtain rod hangars! It really looked beautiful (thanks Bill!). The weather was spectacular and a slight breeze drifted through as people wandered through the last 20 years of my photographs. My sister Margaret was such a huge help. She helped talk to people about my work and made tons of sales for me (my mom was her best customer!). I couldn't have dreamed up a better advocate. Her husband, Smitty, made delightful summer treats—heirloom tomatoes with celery on cucumber slices. I met many new neighbors and enjoyed talking at length to everyone, especially the handful of young aspiring artists and old family friend Jimmy Borghoff and his family. I was deeply touched by everyone's genuine interest in me and my work. Thank you all!

p.s. If you're wondering, I rented the tent from Paul Crittenden at Aladdin Tent 889-8547 in Hyde Park. He's wonderful to work with.

Oblong Offers Deep Discount on My Book to Fairgoers

For anyone who hasn't wandered through either of its homey stores—one in Rhinebeck and the original in Millerton—Oblong Books & Music is a local treasure. Time will disappear as you comb through recommended novels, art books and books featuring the local area. Their music collection is simply outstanding. If you're looking for hard-to-find blues or folk recordings, Oblong is the place to be.

I jumped at their invitation to sign books at their booth at this year's fair. AND they're selling the book to fairgoers for only $9.99, down nearly 40% from its normal $15.95 price tag. Find me in Building A on Saturday from 3pm to 5pm and I'll sign your copy!

Please pass the word about this special opportunity to anyone who might be interested. Remember, this book makes a great gift to parents and grandparents with long memories of the fair.

American Youth: Images of the Obama Generation

Been so busy working, decided I needed some inspiration, so I went to the Fovea Gallery in Beacon Friday afternoon. An impressive group of photographers from every genre—portrait to documentary—was assembled to take part in pictorializing the lives of today's 18-24 year olds. I was drawn in by this powerful cover image from the book by Erika Larsen and wasn't disappointed when I got there.

The images were mounted very simply on thin board with brief captions. Young debutantes at the Plaza Hotel in New York in their virgin white gowns. A lusty lesbian couple embracing legs and hearts entwined. The boots of a never-to-return Iraqi soldier sitting inside the front hall. A series of portraits posed with their messages to god—Can you hear me? What the F#@k were you thinking!? A Palestinian-American woman sips the sunlight through a forest of trees in an Ohio park. Go-go boot-clad Seattle Seahawk Sea Gal cheerleaders in their tanned muscles and exploding bustier tops.

Also going on right now is a Windows on Main Street show. A couple dozen storefronts have been turned into gallery space. A perfect 1-mile stroll winds you up at a mural exhibit public art display on the side of an old factory building. So, spend an afternoon in Beacon! Find the Fovea Gallery at 143 Main Street/www.foveaeditions.org.

Hudson Valley Art Studio Views Tour Labor Day Weekend

Are you staying home this Labor Day and looking for cool stuff to do? The annual Art Studio Views Tour will be Saturday and Sunday September 5 & 6 from 11am to 5pm. I’m stop #1 (sometimes it pays to have a last name that begins with ‘A’!). Come on by and see what photography I’ve been up to. There are 22 other talented artists on the tour, so make sure to leave time to visit other studios. You can download a map and artist details at artsnortherndutchess.org/asv to plan your route. My friend and fellow Hudson Valley 7 member, Joanne Klein lives just around the corner from me.

I’m going to have all kinds of photographs for sale—Dutchess County Fair, Cowgirls, Truths, Lies and Legends, New York City, Ominous Skies and more. I’ve got to clean out the barn so prices will be discounted at least 50%.

As an extra bonus, I designed the ASV brand this year—from logo to website to brochure and more. So when you go the ASV website, know that it was a Full Deck Design project. I can’t wait to see the logo plastered all over Northern Dutchess!