Naturally inspired

The vast Adirondack landscape of Hamilton County inspires a range of creative enterprises. Home to arts centers, antique shows, art galleries and shops, tours, and a world-class museum, you'll find everything from fine art and sculpture to Adirondack-style furnishings and crafts made by talented local artisans. 

The Adirondack Experience, the Museum on Blue Mountain Lake offers exceptional cultural programming and holds an expansive collection of Adirondack art. The museum's permanent exhibition, Artists & Inspiration, hosts four main galleries that illustrate how the light, forests, water, and mountains of the Adirondacks have continuously sparked creativity within local and visiting artisans for centuries. Adirondack-inspired works, including those of expert painters and sculptors are highlighted and celebrated in this must-see exhibit. 

Scenic Blue Mountain Lake is home to the Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts, which offers an array of events, workshops, and theater. Watch Shakespeare, re-imagined and performed outdoors, take a workshop on filmmaking or oil painting, explore the gallery, and even take home a one of a kind treasure. Exhibits here have ranged from exquisitely made quilts to oil paintings to pottery.

Keep an eye on the events page for live music and gatherings of talented artists from around the area, like the Rustic Furniture Street Fair in Blue Mountain Lake, Music on the Point in Speculator, the Adirondack Mountains Antiques Show in Indian Lake and Blue Mountain Lake, and Arts in the Park in Inlet.

You'll also want to be sure to visit the renowned sculpture garden of artist John Van Alstine in Wells, the Judy Nelson Art Gallery in Inlet, and the pottery studio of Greg Rudd.