75th Central Adirondack Art Show Returns to View Arts Center in Old Forge

A family visits View Arts Center for the 75th Central Adirondack Art Show in Tupper Lake — Photo courtesy View Arts Center.

In the heart of the Adirondacks, the 75th Central Adirondack Art Show at View Arts Center in Old Forge offers a compelling look at the region’s creative spirit. This long-running Adirondack art exhibition, now open through May 9, brings together artists from across the Central Adirondacks and beyond, continuing a tradition that began in a front yard and has grown into one of the region’s most enduring cultural events.

What started in 1951 on Miriam Kashiwa’s lawn—artwork clipped to chicken wire, neighbors wandering through—has evolved into a juried exhibition that still feels deeply rooted in place. At View Arts Center in Old Forge, that sense of accessibility remains. This is not an intimidating gallery experience. It’s an open invitation.

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The View Arts Center in Old Forge, NY — View Arts Center’s campus.

A cornerstone Adirondack art exhibition at View Arts Center in Old Forge.

The Central Adirondack Art Show is open to artists age 16 and older working in any medium, provided they live within 200 miles of Old Forge. That wide geographic net results in a diverse exhibition—paintings, photography, sculpture, mixed media—each piece offering a distinct interpretation of the Adirondack experience.

Visitors can expect a thoughtfully curated gallery that balances emerging voices with established regional artists. Landscapes are, of course, present—but so are abstract works, contemporary interpretations, and pieces that challenge the familiar Adirondack aesthetic.

View Arts Center, located in Old Forge—the traditional gateway to the Fulton Chain of Lakes and the Central Adirondacks—serves as a cultural anchor for the region. Its mission to make art accessible and participatory is especially evident during this annual show.

What visitors can expect in Old Forge and the Adirondacks.

A couple admiring local art work at the 75th Central Adirondack Art Show in Old Forge. — Guests perusing the 75th Central Adirondack Art Show in Old Forge.

The exhibition runs through May 9, aligning with the Adirondack “shoulder season”—that in-between stretch when winter loosens its grip and spring begins to assert itself. It’s a fitting time for an art show. Trails may be muddy, but inside View, the experience is crisp, thoughtful, and quietly energizing.

Hours follow the fall/winter schedule:

Monday – Saturday: 10 am – 4 pm
Sunday: Closed

Visitors can move at their own pace through the galleries, taking in work that reflects both the natural landscape and the human stories embedded within it.

For travelers planning a visit to Old Forge, the show pairs well with a drive along the Fulton Chain, a stop at Inlet or Eagle Bay, or simply a slow wander through town. It’s an easy and worthwhile addition to a Central Adirondack itinerary.

ADK Taste insight.

Seventy-five years is no small milestone, especially for a regional art show. What makes the Central Adirondack Art Show notable is not just its longevity, but its continuity of purpose. From Miriam Kashiwa’s front yard to a modern arts center in Old Forge, the throughline remains the same: create space for local artists and invite the community in.

That continuity is rare—and worth experiencing firsthand.

ADK Taste recommendation.

Go mid-morning on a weekday if possible. The galleries are quieter, the light is softer, and there’s space to linger. Don’t rush—this is a show that rewards slow looking. If a piece catches your eye, spend an extra minute with it. The stories tend to reveal themselves.

Who should attend.

This event is ideal for:

Travelers seeking cultural things to do in the Adirondacks
Local residents looking for a low-key, meaningful outing
Art enthusiasts interested in regional voices and perspectives
Anyone curious about how the Adirondack landscape continues to inspire creativity

Plan your visit.

The 75th Central Adirondack Art Show is open now through May 9 at View Arts Center in Old Forge. Visitors are encouraged to check View’s official website or Facebook page for updates, special programming, or related events.

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