Featured Artist

I’ve known Karen Martin long enough to know that she is never short of ideas and that she is always supporting creative expression. What she has lined up as a fundraiser for the Art School of Columbia County this month is just one example, but wow is it a good one.

Karen is the current Director of the Art School of Columbia County in Ghent, NY, which will be celebrating its 15-year anniversary in 2027. It takes a lot to keep any non-profit going, as we are all aware. And fundraising season is upon us. What to do at this difficult time both to raise funds and to generate enthusiasm?

Something Special

Turns out Karen saw an offering of art through an estate sale on Facebook Marketplace this summer. When she went to look at it, she found a collection of 250 paintings by one artist. When she saw the works, she knew that there was not only something special about the art and the artist, but also that there was an opportunity that could benefit the Art School and the artistic community for which she is an ardent cheerleader. She bought the lot.

The artist is Vincent Esposito (1927-2018). After the passing of his wife, the family had an estate sale. Their three sons each kept some of their father’s work and agreed that the rest could be offered for sale as a lot. The collection includes works that Esposito did throughout his lifetime. There are watercolors, pen-and-ink drawings, landscapes, studies of wildlife, and a remarkable group of egg tempera paintings. And the paintings are in perfect condition – some framed, some loose, all sizes. 

Karen’s idea? “When I learned that this body of Vincent Esposito’s work was available,” she says, “I saw an opportunity to honor an artist who had passed while helping to support the future of the Art School. I’m a gardener, a seed collector and a scatterer of seeds,” she continues, “and I think growing an art school is a lot like growing a garden. You nurture what’s already there, plant new things, and give them room to grow, and sometimes you’re surprised by what takes root. Both bring beauty into the world, and both bring me tremendous joy. I love the idea that Vincent Esposito’s art can continue to do that – finding new homes while helping the next generation of artists grow.” 

First, Karen contacted the family to be sure they were comfortable with the works being exhibited and offered for sale. Not only were they comfortable, they were enthusiastic, understanding that this was a way for the works to bring others joy and for his talent to be further recognized.

On With an Exhibition

Karen and the team at the Art School started planning the event. It’s called “Rediscovering Vincent Esposito: Celebrating a Life in Art, 1927-2018.” The exhibition opens on Friday, November 13, with a reception “buy and bid” from 5 to 8pm. It continues Saturday and Sunday, November 14 and 15, from noon to 5pm. Attendees will be able to make purchases to take home with them that day and will be able to bid on select pieces that will be part of a silent auction. 

About Esposito

The 250 pieces that are part of the exhibition tell infinitely more about the artist than the words in this article can, and they are well worth looking at and experiencing. Vincent Esposito studied briefly at New York University and trained as a draftsman during his service in the US Marine Corps. He became known for his extraordinarily steady hand and meticulous attention to detail.

Esposito and his wife owned and operated family restaurants for over 30 years. Their son, Joe (one of three sons), followed in their footsteps – with the help of Vincent. According to Joe, when he wanted to open his own place, his father helped him search for the right location, which turned out to be New Milford in Connecticut. 

Joey’s Seafood Restaurant became a New Milford area fixture for over 30 years, and Joe said he would have failed without his father, who had promised to help for a few years and ended up staying for over a decade. He was disciplined and hard-working.

When did Vincent have time for art? He did it as time allowed. His family recalls that he was always looking at the world with a keen eye, finding beauty in ordinary places and nature. Landscapes, wildlife, old barns, weathered farmhouses – all were inspiration for him. 

Art All the Time

When he finally retired, Vincent was able to devote himself almost entirely to painting. He and his wife moved to North Chatham, NY where inspiration abounded. He was a big fan of Andrew Wyeth and of Albrecht Dürer, who both worked in the demanding medium of egg tempera, and he took it on, as well. 

Vincent was represented by the Harrison Gallery in Williamstown, MA, a community-oriented art space that represented contemporary American artists. Founded by Jo Ellen Harrison, it thrived from 2001 to 2015. Vincent sold a number of pieces through the gallery, some for several thousand dollars. He worked well into his later years, and his family feels some of his best pieces were created in the final two decades of his life.

Back at the Art School of Columbia County, Karen reflects on the opportunity of exhibiting and selling Esposito’s collection. “I love that it’s an artist of the past helping artists today,” she says. “This event is intended to place Esposito’s artwork into new homes where it can continue to be enjoyed and appreciated,” she adds, noting that 100% of the proceeds will benefit the Art School of Columbia County’s Capital Fund. The money will go toward preserving the future of the historic building, including replacing the aging HVAC system and other essential facility improvements.

Gotta Love the Art School

The Art School of Columbia County was the vision of Nicole Furnee and Thomas Chulak, who purchased the building in 2005. Nicole originally ran Red Maple Books out of the building, but she and Tom always imagined it as a great space for artists to meet, take classes, exhibit their work, and eventually take their talents out into the community. They imagined it as a home base for “art for everyone,” and that’s how it got its start in 2012.

Karen first became involved in 2018 when she joined the board, becoming in short time the board president. She has been with the School through COVID, through transitions in executive directors, and as the current director since January 1, 2025. The Art School is humming along, guided by its reimagined vision of “Transforming Lives Through Art Since 2012.” 

The School offers a variety of classes, from traditional painting and drawing to working in fabrics and other mediums. It also hosts a “Creative Table” gathering, where a guest speaker presents something art-related followed by a potluck dinner. The School also works with St. Catherine’s Center for Children in Albany to bring art to children, families, and young adults living in temporary housing due to financial hardship or domestic issues. (Learn more at artschoolofcolumbiacounty.org and follow the School on social media.)

At its heart, of course, is art, and this is where the upcoming Esposito exhibition and fundraiser bring things full circle. A local artist’s works available for purchase to support the work of artists today – and tomorrow. Karen and I reflected on the randomness of recognition for artists (in any medium) and the fact that she basically stumbled upon Esposito’s stunning collection. “If the right person had ‘found’ him,” she says, “I believe he would have been a famous artist.” 

The exhibition is everyone’s opportunity to bring an original Esposito into their world. Don’t miss it. •

Rediscovering Vincent Esposito: Celebrating a life in Art, 1927-2018. Nearly 250 original works spanning six decades. Watercolor, gouache, egg tempera, pen, and ink. Opening Reception Buy & Bid: Friday, November 13, 5 to 8pm. Exhibition & Benefit Sale: Saturday and Sunday, November 14 and 15, noon to 5pm. The exhibition will feature a selection of framed and unframed display-ready works throughout the historic Art School building. Additional original drawings, watercolors, and studies will be available for visitors to browse in archival museum-quality sleeves. There will also be a link to an online auction through the School’s website. Art School of Columbia County, 1198 Route 21C, Ghent, NY. artschoolofcolumbiacounty.org.