Earlville Opera House Art Galleries will present the final round of visual artist exhibitions on Saturday, September 27, from 1-3pm. (Submitted photo)

EARLVILLE - Earlville Opera House Art Galleries are proud to present the final round of visual artist exhibitions on Saturday, September 27, from 1-3pm.

This series boasts the work of three incredibly talented artists representing diverse and unique forms of artistic media rich in the areas of Expressionist traditional painting, Primitive Folk Arts with a touch of whimsy, and paintings conveying the essence of abstraction and minimalism.

Come join us in celebrating amazing original artwork, browse in our Artisan Gift Shop and visit the 1892 National Landmark Theater, also view our new Courtyard mural depicting the architecture of our historic theater captured in time. This round of exhibits is up through November 1, with the Arts Café exhibit on display through December 13. Gallery openings and visits are always free and open to the public. 

Highlighted in our Arts Cafe is Tyrone Johnson-Neuland with his exhibit “Road Stories”. An Oswego, NY-based artist, Johnson-Newland carries the torch of Expressionism, with a BFA from Syracuse University in 1990 and an MA from SUNY Oswego in 1999. Following the footsteps of Expressionists, he delves into personal emotions, communicating human intricacies through vibrant colors and dynamic brushstrokes. His canvases become battlegrounds where chaos and introspection clash, resulting in mesmerizing outcomes.

In his artist statement, Johnson-Neuland emphasizes his dedication to the expressive tradition, using color and gesture to convey emotional intensity and existential complexity. His paintings, whether abstract or representational, serve as pathways for exploring the profound depths of the soul and the world around him. Each stroke on the canvas embodies a fusion of personal encounters and societal observations, prompting viewers to reflect on their own experiences.

Embark on a journey through Johnson-Neuland's work, where vibrant hues and dynamic compositions unveil the intricacies of the human condition. Witness the interplay between chaos and introspection and find resonance in the shared mosaic of emotions that connects us all. Johnson-Neuland has exhibited throughout New York State and as far away as California. This exhibit will be on display through December 13. For more information, visit https://www.tyjnartist.com. 

Our West Gallery boasts the talents of Primitive Folk artist Dode Page, owner of Black Cat Antiques & Gifts located at 14 East Main Street in Earlville, NY, with her exhibit "Primitive Folk Art with a Touch of Whimsy". Dode lives in Morrisville, NY with her husband Charlie. She is a stepmom, mother-in-law, grandma and a great grandma, and has been in business in her Earlville shop for over 22 years. 

In 2017, Dode saw a primitive Santa in her favorite magazine and thought she’d try making one, it was a challenge. She made a pattern and sewed it together by hand. It looked nothing like the Santa in the magazine, but it looked OK, so she made a few more and sold all of them! After that, Dode taught herself how to create her own designs and patterns, it was a challenge for someone who has never made anything like this ever! Now Dode sells her Primitive Folk Art dolls, sunflowers and more in her own shop and has sold to people from California, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Canada and all-over upstate New York.

Dode loves being next door to the Earlville Opera House. Through the years she learned to appreciate different forms of art. She had never dreamed she’d be a Primitive Folk artist displaying her work in an art gallery at the Earlville Opera House, but here she is!

Dode’s favorite holiday is Halloween and it’s her favorite time of year. This is her inspiration for her current exhibit. She likes to work with wool material, craft felt, yarn, twine, vintage and new buttons, rusty things and whatever she can find to create her pieces. Dode’s studio is a comfortable chair in her shop where she relaxes and has been creating Primitive Folk Art with a touch of whimsy! Dode hopes we enjoy her art exhibit as much as she enjoys creating it. Have a Happy Halloween!!

Showing in our East Gallery is Garlyn MaGinnis, a contemporary abstract landscape painter from Fort Plain, NY. Her passion for painting began in early childhood, first inspired by her mother, who was also an artist. MaGinnis holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design from The College of Saint Rose. After college she joined a team of stained-glass artisans at Adirondack-Stained Glass Works. She also joined a band and was a commissioned pet portrait artist and a life drawing model. MaGinnis worked as a historic site interpreter at Fort Klock and was a member of the Society for Creative Anachronism. This led to a brief stint as a movie extra in The Time Machine (2002). MaGinnis’ rich background in all things creative, including drawing, painting, music, dance, writing, and pottery, has made her the artist she is today. 

In 2020, the pandemic lockdown provided an opportunity for MaGinnis to contemplate her authentic place in the art world. Dog walks, a search for home, and Instagram, inspired her to begin making the kind of art she wanted to see more of. Weathered, well-worn, rustic and oxidized surfaces began to emerge and dissipate into wispy cloud mists and stormy seas. Having endured many of her own personal storms, MaGinnis is no stranger to change. Her evocative landscape paintings reflect resilience and offer a calm respite in an often-chaotic world.  

MaGinnis is a mother, an artist, and an employee at Fort Plain Central School. Her paintings are shown in local art exhibits and displayed in private homes across the country. Memberships include Mohawk Valley Center for the Arts, Cooperstown Art Association, and The Smithy Gallery. As stated by MaGinnis, “My paintings convey the essence of land and the formlessness of atmosphere through abstraction and minimalism. I choose not “to paint the lily”, but rather the obscurity of a horizon line shrouded in mist. Internal dialogue and environmental forces are revealed in layers of acrylic paint and mixed media. Often combining found objects with unconventional painting methods, my art explores material, change, and resilience.  Don’t miss this unique exhibit entitled “Rebirth”. 

Earlville Opera House annually presents 12-15 solo exhibitions of regional and national contemporary visual artists in all media. Galleries also feature annual group shows highlighting talents of regional artists as well as an annual exhibition of contemporary and traditional quilt artists. Curators may also propose group exhibitions. If you would like to submit your proposal, please follow the guidelines on our website at www.earlvilleoperahouse.com and note the deadline for 2026 exhibitions is October 1, 2025. More information on our exhibiting artists can be found on our website, or by calling the Opera House. 

This current round of exhibits is on display until November 1, with the Arts Café exhibit on display through December 13. Gallery hours are Tuesday – Friday 10-4pm and Saturdays 12-2:30pm. We look forward to your visit!

Earlville Opera House Arts Center is located at 18 East Main Street in the charming Village of Earlville and is wheelchair accessible. The 1892 National Landmark Theater is equipped with a hearing loop provided by Hamilton Hearing LLC. Please check our website for information on our programs and services, also like us on Facebook and Instagram.

EOH events are made possible with support from the Office of the Governor and NYS Legislature, with support from the New York State Council on the Arts, and through the generosity of EOH members. Special thanks to Golden Artist Colors for their support of our Visual Artist Program, and to Jewett’s Cheese House, SWANK by Design, and Nazzitto’s Wine & Liquors for being our hospitality sponsors.

 - From the EOH