‘Endless Mountains Rural Places, Rural Lives’ Exhibit Opens In Troy

TROY - Robyn Chamberlain, who helps out at the State of the Art gallery in Troy, thought a new exhibit on the Endless Mountains would remind local residents of the beauty of the area.

While out-of-town visitors are impressed by the Endless Mountains region, its beauty and appeal can get lost on people who live here year-round, she said.

"We live in a beautiful area, and I think it's taken for granted in daily life," she commented.

The exhibit is a reminder, in images and words, of the charm of the Endless Mountains.

This week, The Northern Tier Cultural Alliance (NTCA) announced the opening of the exhibit, called "Endless Mountains Rural Places, Rural Lives" at the State of the Art gallery, located in the State Farm Insurance building at 1109 Main St. in Troy.

It includes a wide variety of works, such as art by local artist Sadie Allen. One of her more well-known pieces in the exhibit is her "Thrill of Spring," which depicts cows "kicking up their heels." She also has a pastel drawing on display called "Fay's Barn," which she explained is "a real barn on the family farm" that's more than 100 years old and has been a shelter for many animals. "Currently, it is home to goats, ducks, and chickens," she notes in a description.

In addition, the exhibit features a photo by Maggie Belokur of Main Street in Monroeton. Ruth Tonachel has a photo of a Sap House from Fall 2009.

Also, there are some essays on display. An author identified only as Danielle S., an eleventh grader from Milan, wrote about the Valley: "The Valley consists of Athens, Sayre, and Waverly. It is small, rural, at times boring, but inside of this bantam town we have people that will back you up on your gloomiest of days."

She also writes about the "devastating flood" of September 2011, which she said "proves that this Valley can stand together to help make it through."

In a note, she said this is her favorite sentence "because it speaks the truth about the community I live in. Being small, we can do anything to help each other overcome difficult situations." She said witnessing this was "very touching and heartwarming."

"I recommend coming and enjoying the Valley whenever you are around," she wrote. "It is a place where you can feel welcomed and loved. This is an exact definition of what 'place' is to me. I am very fortunate to have grown up and found friends here."

In a news release, the NTCA offered the following information about the exhibit:

Half the exhibit was hung at the Weigh Station Cafe in Towanda in December but this will be the first chance to see all 50 panels.

Collected from 2010 to 2013, NTCA solicited photos, artwork and writing from local residents with a focus on the places that hold special meaning in their lives. Sometimes referred to as cultural landmarks, these are places that are part of our living culture and memory. As such, they help us understand and value the place where we live.

A wide array of images are included the exhibit with varying amounts of text accompanying each of them. One group of photos was collected by Dr. Simona Perry in 2010 as part of a participatory mapping project working with local landowners and sponsored by Dickinson College and the Mellon Foundation. Another series of poems and essays in the exhibit were submitted by students to the Endless Mountains Writing Project (EMWP) contest in 2011. Local artist Trudy Gerlach allowed the use of a series of seven stunning watercolor and oil images of farms in the New Era area of Bradford County that were created in the 1950's by her mother, artist Doreen Delbridge Gerlach.

Jumping cows, salt licks or springs in both Susquehanna and Tioga county, a cemetery in Towanda, a very rare tree, a pond, Trinket Community Hall and a sap house are among the wide range of special places celebrated by participants in this show.

An opening reception will be held from 4:30 to 6:30 Thursday, March 6 - all are welcome. The exhibit will be at the State Farm Gallery until March 30. Hours are Monday to Friday, 9 to 5; Tuesday and Thursday until 7 p.m. and Saturdays 9 to 12. We have a special Facebook page (Endless Mountains Rural Places, Rural Lives) and would love to see your comments.

Endless Mountains Rural Places, Rural Lives is being scheduled into galleries and other exhibit spaces for the next two years. If you are interested in booking it, contact Ruth Tonachel at 570-265- 7455 or [email protected].