FRANKLIN - The brushes and palettes of three unique painters continue to breathe life into a region that is rapidly gaining recognition as a vibrant arts enclave. Jane Carr, Bruce Goddard, and Stefanie Rocknak are three of five artists who call themselves the Wednesday Painters, whose individual styles and dedicated camaraderie form the heartbeat of a community thriving on creativity and mutual inspiration.
A Wednesday tradition, creative kinship
Every Wednesday, the five artists gather in Goddard’s studios where they echo the energy of creation. It’s not just a social gathering, but a dedicated time and space where art and fellowship coexist in perfect harmony. From about 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. they immerse themselves in their work, occasionally pausing to seek counsel or critique from one another.
“It’s not a social event,” Jane Carr emphasizes. “We work hard and truly respect each other’s craft.”
The Wednesday gatherings began over eight years ago as a modest meet-up, evolving into a cherished tradition that sustains their artistic spirits.
“We influence each other for sure,” Rocknak said. They are all interested in similar subjects, they agreed.
Jane Carr: The Landscape Illuminator
Jane Carr of Treadwell, an egg tempera landscape painter, draws profound inspiration from the geographical and sometimes political landscapes that surround her. “The landscape and what happens to it by animals and farmers fascinate me,” Carr said. “It’s beautiful but can be altered in ways that aren’t always good.”
Her mastery of light reflection and the enduring quality of her medium set her apart.
“Egg tempera predates oil paints. The colors stay true, and the panels don’t crack,” she explained of her preferred medium.
Bruce Goddard: Capturing the Human Odyssey
Bruce Goddard of Franklin, a portrait painter, finds his muse in the human face. His acrylic portraits are vibrant and forgiving, allowing him to capture the essence of his subjects with bold strokes and colors that seem to leap off the canvas.
“I look at people’s faces. You can tell where somebody’s been and maybe where they’re going,” he muses.
He often reflects on iconic figures like Abraham Lincoln, whose visage, etched by history, tells profound stories. On exhibit is Goddard’s portrait of Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln, Goddard said, wore the Civil War on his face.
Stefanie Rocknak: Sculpting and Painting Narratives
Sculptor and acrylic painter Stefanie Rocknak of Otego brings a different yet complementary energy to the group. Influenced by bright, primary colors, Rocknak’s work spans both two-dimensional paintings and intricate sculptures. Her acclaimed public sculpture of Edgar Allan Poe in Boston captures the writer’s complex relationship with the city. Recently, Rocknak’s focus has shifted to painting, a medium she embraced with the encouragement of her peers.
“Acrylics are forgiving, and I needed a break [from sculpting],” she said.
Rocknak also has sculpture titled “The Queen and the King” currently on display on Main Street, Oneonta.
Her current project - a series - delves into historical narratives of women in World War II, such as the Russian squadron of night bombers.
“These subjects feel right, given the political climate and the under-recognized contributions of women,” she said.
A Region Blossoming with Artistic Vitality
Delaware County’s landscape isn’t just a backdrop but an active participant in the artists’ creative processes. The hills and their shapes influence his portraits, Goddard said. For Jane, it’s the intrinsic beauty of the area that draws her in. Though she moved to Delaware County for many reasons, one was the landscape - its look and feel - and found other artists. It’s a place that naturally attracts creativity, she said.
Their collective efforts, alongside initiatives like Stagecoach Run Art Festival, Upstate Art Weekend and AMR Studio Tours have placed Delaware County on the artistic map. The region is on par with art-centric hubs like the New York City metro-area, Rocknak said, highlighting Delaware County’s growing reputation.
“We are serious artists doing serious work. And, you know, some people might condemn some of the work that’s being done up here because it’s beautiful or decorative. But I think that’s a really important part of the human experience. Because sometimes we want to get home and have a respite from the war, you know, that we’re fighting out there in the world,” Rocknak said.
The Essence of Community and Art
For the Wednesday Painters, the region offers more than inspiration — it provides a community of like-minded individuals dedicated to their craft.
“The people here are genuinely invested in their work,” Rocknak said.
“It’s inspiring and supportive,” Carr agreed.
Artists of all genres and mediums continue to shape the cultural fabric of Delaware County. Their work reflects the transformative power of art and the unbreakable bonds of creative fellowship. Their Wednesday gatherings are not just about making art but about nurturing a community where creativity flourishes, and where the landscape and its people are intertwined in evolving narrative.
There will be an opening reception for the Wednesday Painters at Delaware Pantry, Saturday, Aug. 3 from 2 - 5 p.m.
Other Wednesday Painters are Laura Bredin Hussey and Bill Lee.
Their work is on display at Delaware Pantry through Aug. 24.
For more information, directions and hours email delawarepantrydelhiny@gmail.com
