Sandra Hildreth is not only a sensational artist but also a very good marketer. I am here today at her studio/home in Saranac Lake because I saw her Open House Studio posted on the North Country Public Radio Community Calendar.

Several artists in the area are having Holiday Open Houses and giving the public a chance to purchase fine art Christmas presents. Some of them I visited on the Artist at Work Studio tour but this is my first visit to Sandra’s studio.

Sandra specializes in original oil and watercolor paintings of wilderness landscapes in the Adirondack Mountains, the American West, and what I can only describe as other spectacular locations.

She says in her website that she loves, “the wilderness of the Adirondack Mountains - and most other wild places too. I find peace and harmony when I am out in the mountains hiking or skiing, or paddling my canoe in one of the rivers or ponds. This is what I hope to convey in my paintings.”

Originally from Wisconsin, Sandra moved to Saranac Lake about nine years ago from the Potsdam area. She was already an invited member of the Artist Guild here in town and was spending a lot of time hiking in the area so it made sense for her to make the move.

Today, Sandra is showing three rooms full of her amazing work—watercolors and oil paintings. I am drawn early on to a piece that she explains was made for folks who already have their walls full of art. It is a Lazy Susan unlike any other I have ever seen. It features the High Peaks in all four seasons and would be a stunning addition to anyone’s coffee table--I’m a sucker for utilitarian art!

Of course, the only works in my limited price range are her small but lovely watercolors which she tells me she whips up during her lunch breaks.

In addition to all the art I’m browsing today, Sandra’s work is also currently on display at the VIC in Paul Smiths and the Artist Guild in downtown Saranac Lake. She will be posting regularly on the Internet but if you’re in the area you can also call her for an appointment. Her number is 518-891-1388.

Before I leave, she proudly tells me that one of her works recently went viral on the internet. Her Facebook posting had 52,000 viewers and not surprisingly was SOLD!!!

To find out more cultural events, visit the Saranac Lake Region Events page.

Kathleen Recchia has been enjoying the arts in the Adirondack for about 20 years—both as observer and participant (acting, directing, and producing). She also enjoys cross-country skiing, swimming, juggling, and hosting visitors to the area at her bed & breakfast in Jay.