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By KASIA KOPEC [email protected]
Monday, August 04, 2003     Page: 1A

NUANGOLA – As the haunting song of a lone bagpiper floated across Lake
Nuangola on a Saturday morning, 15 local artists painted under the sun.
   
When the rain came Sunday afternoon, the painters and sketchers moved their
completed works indoors, to the Nuangola Grove, where the fruits of the
weekend’s labor were offered for sale.
    While visitors browsed through the offerings at the fifth annual Artist
Walk at Lake Nuangola, an acoustic guitarist strummed soft melodies from the
stage where Kirk Douglas starred in his first-ever leading role more than 60
years before.
   
The combination of sights, sounds and history drew hundreds to this year’s
event and brought broad grins to the faces of organizers, artists and guests
alike.
   
Sue Hand, who has painted en plein – in the open air – at Lake Nuangola
since the community first organized the Artist Walk in 1999 said, she looks
forward to the event every summer.
   
“There is a wonderful spirit here at the lake. The people are so kind to
us and so supportive of our work. They open their houses to us, let us use
their bathrooms and, sometimes, when you’re painting outside, finding a
bathroom is really a concern.”
   
In addition to the hospitality of lake residents, Artist Walk organizers
have worked hard to create a welcoming atmosphere, said Bobbie Graham, who
serves as a member of the lake association’s board and as chairwoman of the
Artist Walk.
   
Among the group’s biggest efforts has been the renovation of the grove
building, which housed the Grove Theater – where Douglas starred – from the
1930s to the 1950s. For the next four decades, the building served as St.
Ann’s Catholic Church before the Scranton Diocese closed it because of a
shortage of priests.
   
Graham said the freshly painted walls and other improvements were made
possible, in part, by funds raised from previous Artist Walks.
   
“We get 20 percent of whatever the artists sell,” she said. “So this is
a big fund-raiser for the association and it helps us provide a venue for all
sorts of community events throughout the year.”
   
Bob Gaetano, a Crestwood High School teacher and Mountain Top artist who
has shown his wares at the show since its inception, said he enjoys having the
chance to talk with other artists and lake residents while capturing a bit of
the lake on his canvas.
   
“There’s a real camaraderie. A chance to meet other people and show our
work; it’s a lot of fun.”
   
Kim Derrickson, whose mother bought a piece of art for her home, said the
interaction among artists and residents benefits both groups. “The artists
are just great, especially with the kids. They talk with them about color and
what they’re working on. It’s wonderful.”
   
Greg Koons, who, with his brother, Steve, the guitarist playing on stage
Sunday afternoon, came up with the idea of adding music, said he is thrilled
about how the Artist Walk has continued to evolve.
   
“It’s growing and we hope that will continue,” said Koons, who grew up at
the lake and lives there with his wife and baby. “Someday, we envision a Lake
Nuangola Fest with exhibits and music all around the lake.”
   
Kasia Kopec, a Times Leader staff writer, can be reached at 970-7436.