Creatives, pack your bags!
The Lake Champlain Region, with its pretty mountainscapes, farms, and lakeside towns, has long been a hub for creatives to unwind and work on their projects. Think your own artist residency in the countryside, complete with cozy accommodations and plenty of opportunities to get out there and grab inspiration from your surroundings (minus the fabulously wealthy patron, but we can dream, right?). Scenery and vibes aside, artists will find galleries, studios, and shops around the region tailored to their creative side. Spend the week dabbling in watercolor, pastels, and the occasional studio hang with these artist-approved stops.
The Mill ADK
Restored from a former grain mill, the Mill blends loft living, exhibitions and art installations, a performance hall, and a 21st-century speakeasy into one epic space. The Mill celebrates and supports the creative work of world-class contemporary artists, musicians & comedians through exhibitions, site-specific installations and performances which provide engaging, multi-faceted cultural experiences for visitors. Within The Mill, stop by The Knock, their 21st-century speakeasy featuring craft cocktails (also known as Knocktails) and a dinner menu. Looking to stay a while? The Mill houses three apartments in what was once the building's original sifting tower. Each apartment boasts a clean, minimalist design while also highlighting the building’s historic beginnings, incorporating original exposed beams and high ceilings to boot.
Ticonderoga Arts Downtown
At Ticonderoga Arts Downtown, experience the work of local artists in an equally sleek and cozy gallery. Peruse the collection of media including paintings, photography, pottery, wood, textiles, printmaking, sculpture, and jewelry on exhibit and for sale. Throughout the year, the space transforms with arts and cultural events, most of them free!
Ticonderoga Downtown Murals
If you take a stroll into downtown Ticonderoga, you’ll be greeted by murals, nine of them to be exact! Blending themes such as local history, wildlife, and industry with modern painting techniques has resulted in a colorful display that encourages everyone to keep exploring the heart of town. The murals have been made possible by the Walls Between Waters project, a public art initiative in Ticonderoga designed to transform the town's downtown corridor. The project selected vacant or otherwise under-utilized properties and transformed them into “artscapes”, working simultaneously with housing revitalization and economic development in Ticonderoga. These beautiful works of art have brought new color to downtown, in more ways than one!
Whitcomb’s Arts
What was once a used car garage has now been transformed into a charming and convivial gathering space for artists and collaborators. With a dedicated team of volunteers, Whitcomb’s is a beacon for artists to come create, learn, or simply hang out with coffee. It’s here that an art gallery and lounge space combine with a meeting space and a retail store. Throughout the year, check their calendar for workshops, exhibitions, and other events.
Ledge Hill Studio Downtown
An active studio, gallery, and gift shop all in one, Ledge Hill Studio Downtown is the perfect spot for artists who make their passion a lifestyle. Throughout the season, the studio is busy hosting events including fundraisers for the arts, classes, and more. Come with an appetite for shopping local, as the studio is also stocked with products from around the region! Here you’ll find plein air watercolor paintings, hand-carved wooden fixtures, stone-carved animals and figurines, and crystals. If you’re looking to soothe the senses, you’ll also find beautifully decorated balsam bags and essential oils.
1719 Block Gallery
In Keeseville, 1719 Block Gallery is dedicated to celebrating fine art crafted by local artists. The owner, Clark, spends his time finding local artists who portray the life of the Adirondacks and capture the natural beauty that surrounds the gallery. Stop in to see them with rotating exhibits of new work!
ADK Art Association
Right in the heart of Essex, the Adirondack Art Association is hard at work displaying and sharing the work of Adirondack artists. Since 1963, the AAA has upheld its mission by featuring rotating fine art exhibitions and artist demonstrations, and by participating in and encouraging arts-in-town festivals and celebrations. Just a short walk from the Essex Ferry, this is the perfect destination as you complete your artsy road trip.
Let your creative side flourish in the Lake Champlain Region
With a region primed with studios, galleries, co-ops, and a blossoming artistic co-working scene, creatives and those simply looking to tap into their artsy side will have plenty to do in the Lake Champlain Region. Looking for the perfect stay? Check out the options from town to town.
