Moving Mountains Comes to Saranac Lake Free Library This May and June

Painting of fjord "Luminescence," oil by Peter Seward. — "Luminescence," oil by Peter Seward. Photo courtesy of the Adirondack Artists Guild.

An evocative new exhibition, Moving Mountains, arrives in the Adirondacks this spring at the Saranac Lake Free Library in Saranac Lake, NY.

Running May 1 – June 27, 2026, this art show brings together the work of Ren Davidson Seward and Peter Seward, offering a compelling look at how distant landscapes—from the Canadian Rockies to Iceland—can reshape an artist’s perspective while still echoing the spirit of the Adirondacks.

A cross-border artistic journey rooted in the Adirondacks.

Moving Mountains draws from the Sewards’ December 2025 residency at the Gushul Studio in Blairmore, Alberta, a rugged outpost in the Canadian Rockies. For Peter Seward, a longtime Adirondack artist and former New York City illustrator, the residency provided a chance to immerse himself in a dramatically different northern landscape.

His work captures shifting light, seasonal contrasts, and the subtle tension between beauty and disruption. It’s a familiar Adirondack theme—nature as both muse and force—translated through a new geographic lens.

Ren Davidson Seward’s contribution adds another layer to the exhibition. A writer and visual artist, she spent the residency working on a forthcoming memoir. At the opening reception, she will read a short excerpt, offering visitors a rare glimpse into the creative process behind both the written and visual words.

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What to expect at this Saranac Lake art show.

Visitors can expect a thoughtfully curated mix of paintings and drawings shaped by time spent in remote, mountainous terrain. While the work originates from outside the Adirondack Park, the connection feels immediate.

Peter Seward’s use of watercolor leans into fluidity—letting color and form shift and bleed in ways that mirror the natural world. His subjects often begin as serene landscapes but reveal subtle disruptions upon closer inspection.

One notable piece—a 27-foot drawing created during the residency—will appear at the library, offering a sense of scale and ambition rarely seen in local exhibitions.

Opening reception at Saranac Lake Free Library.

The exhibition opens Friday, May 1, with a reception from 5 pm – 7 pm at the Saranac Lake Free Library, located at 109 Main Street in the heart of downtown Saranac Lake.

At 6 pm, Ren Davidson Seward will read from her upcoming memoir, creating a moment that blends literary and visual storytelling—something that feels particularly at home in this creative Adirondack village.

The setting itself adds to the experience. The library has quietly become one of Saranac Lake’s more accessible cultural hubs, offering a welcoming space for both locals and visitors to engage with the arts.

Why this exhibition resonates in the Adirondacks.

There’s something fitting about an exhibition shaped by distant mountain landscapes landing in Saranac Lake. The Adirondacks have long drawn artists seeking inspiration from light, weather, and terrain.

Moving Mountains continues that tradition—but with a twist. It reflects how artists carry the Adirondacks with them, even when working far beyond its borders.

For travelers exploring the Tri-Lakes region—or locals looking for a low-key cultural outing—this exhibition offers a thoughtful pause. It’s not just about viewing art. It’s about seeing how place, memory, and movement shape creative work.

Watercolor painting by Peter Seward. — “Wind in the Fjord,” watercolor by Peter Seward. Photo courtesy of the Adirondack Artists Guild.

ADK Taste recommendation.

Arrive early for the May 1 opening reception to enjoy the artwork before the crowd gathers, then stay for Ren Davidson Seward’s 6 pm reading—it’s the kind of intimate, one-night-only moment that elevates this from a gallery visit to a full Adirondack cultural experience.

Plan your visit.

Event: Moving Mountains
Dates: May 1 – June 27, 2026
Opening reception: Friday, May 1, 5 pm – 7 pm (reading at 6 pm)
Location: Saranac Lake Free Library
Address: 109 Main Street, Saranac Lake, NY
Hours: At publication, current hours:

Monday - Friday: 10am - 6pm
Saturday: 10am - 2pm

Phone: 518-891-4190

Visitors are encouraged to check the library’s website or Facebook page for any updates or additional programming tied to the exhibition.

A quiet highlight in the Tri-Lakes arts scene.

While large festivals and headline events often dominate Adirondack itineraries, it’s exhibitions like Moving Mountains that offer something more personal. A chance to slow down. To look closely. To connect.

And in a place like Saranac Lake, that’s often where the most memorable experiences begin.

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FAQ

What is the Moving Mountains exhibition?
A two-month art show featuring work by Ren Davidson Seward and Peter Seward, inspired by their residency in the Canadian Rockies.

Where is the exhibition located?
At the Saranac Lake Free Library in Saranac Lake, NY.

When is the opening reception?
Friday, May 1, from 5 pm – 7 pm, with a reading at 6 pm.

Is the event free to attend?
Yes, library exhibitions and receptions are typically free and open to the public.

What makes this exhibition unique?
It blends visual art and literary work, all inspired by remote mountain landscapes outside the Adirondacks but deeply connected to its artistic traditions.

How long is the exhibition on view?
From May 1 through June 27, 2026.

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