Forging Creative Journeys: A Conversation with John Van Alstine

The works of Adirondack artist, John Van Alstine, are on exhibit at View Arts Center in Old Forge until September 22, 2024. Photo courtesy View Arts Center.

In connection with the exhibit "Forging Creative Journeys — The Art of John Van Alstine," currently at View Arts Center in Old Forge, there will be an intimate conversation between the internationally acclaimed artist and esteemed American museum professional, curator and author Caroline Welsh.

Van Alstine’s and Welsh’s conversation will cover his work's foundational themes and ideas, the selection process for the show, and his current inspirations. Attendees are encouraged to bring questions for this in-person talk and have the opportunity to meet both the curator and the artist.

John Van Alstine, Adirondack original, respected global artist.

John Van Alstine is a native of upstate New York. He was born in 1952 and spent his formative years in the captivating southern Adirondacks. Following his education at St. Lawrence University, Kent State University, and Cornell University, he began his career in academia. He first joined the faculty at the University of Wyoming, located in the scenic city of Laramie, before later teaching drawing and sculpture at the University of Maryland in the vibrant College Park area.

Cronus, by John Van Alstine. Photo courtesy of the artist.

In 1986, he left teaching and moved to the New York City metro area to pursue studio work full-time. Then, in 1987, he purchased a 19th-century lumberyard on the banks of the Sacandaga River in the hamlet of Wells, New York. He returned to the Adirondacks, where he now lives and works full-time in the restored historic structure that is his studio, gallery, and sculpture park.

Van Alstine is an American artist whose work is widely exhibited and can be found in public and private collections across America and internationally, including Beijing, China.

Phoro courtesy View Arts Center, Old Forge.

Caroline Welsh: Adirondack art expert.

Caroline Mastin Welsh is an American museum professional and author. She has been in the museum profession since the late 1960s and has worked for the Smithsonian Institution and the Albany Institute of History and Art. She also served as the director of the Adirondack Museum on Blue Mountain Lake (the ADKX), which houses an extensive Adirondack art collection. Caroline Wels has published widely on the subject of the Adirondacks.

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