The Saranac Lake Arts Movement

Art Works in Saranac Lake!

From 19th century’s Winslow Homer and Seneca Ray Stoddard to the 20th century’s Rockwell Kent and David Smith, to today’s up-and-coming creative minds, the Adirondacks has long been the muse of many fine artists - and Saranac Lake continues to stand out as the artistic heart of the region. Art works in the Village of Saranac Lake, where we have six art galleries, a professional theatre, live concerts, arts festivals, and countless local artists practicing traditional and contemporary crafts.

Theatre

Saranac Lake is home to Pendragon Theatre, the Adirondacks only year-round professional theatre. For over 25 years nearly 200 productions from the classics to world premieres have played at Pendragon, toured the state, and traveled to Dublin, Stockholm, and Edinburgh.

Music

Throughout the year local pubs host a variety of bands, but summer brings a surge of live music to Saranac Lake. Musical performances are often a feature of a variety of events throughout the summer, including the Third Thursday Artwalks downtown. If you look around you might also find karaoke and open-mic nights where you too can get up on stage and sing like the stars.

Crafts

Weaving, basketry, pottery, wooden boats and rustic furniture are just a few of the many fine crafts practiced by local artisans in the Saranac Lake area. Whether you’re looking for an authentic Adirondack Guideboat for your camp or an Adirondack Chair for your backyard, Saranac Lake is the place to find it. Annual antique and craft shows include Craftsfest, Holiday Crafts Show in November, and Sparkle Village Art Show & Sale during the first weekend of December.

Visual Arts

North Country artists exhibit their award-winning work in galleries throughout the region. The Adirondack Artists Guild represents 14 regional artists. Bluseed Studios hosts art and cultural events, workshops, musical and performing arts year-round. ArtWalks are held on the third Thursdays of June, July, August and September, and offer gallery open houses and street performances throughout downtown Saranac Lake. A Plein Air Festival is planned for August. As our fall foliage reaches its peak during the last weekend of September, over 30 area artists open their homes and studios for the annual Artists at Work Studio Tour. Whatever time of year you visit Saranac Lake, there’s no doubt you’ll see how art works!