June 2008

The Shawangunks have been a part of my outdoor experience for many years, beginning over 15 years ago when I first started mountain biking on the wonderful carriage trails of Minnewaska State Park and the Mohonk Preserve. Both are now one of my favorite landscape locations, and I was recently asked by the Mohonk Preserve if I would be willing to donate a print for their 2008 Benefit Auction. “Storm Clouds Over Mohonk” was the image they specifically suggested, and I was more than happy to donate a 19×32 matted and framed original. It is continually one of my best sellers at art shows, and always elicits positive comments from locals who know the area well. I don’t think I could have made this image without my own familiarity of the nature and character of the “Gunks” as it is often called.

The auction finally took place this past Saturday June 21, and the print was auctioned off for $1,200. This is much more than I expected, and I’m very happy that it will help to protect and preserve a wonderful location that inspires me each time I visit. The opportunity to have a positive effect with my photography is both humbling and tremendously satisfying, especially when the results go beyond any monetary value. If you’ve never visited the Shawangunks, I highly recommend a visit where you can enjoy wonderful hiking, biking, wildlife, and beautiful scenery just 90 minutes north of NYC – a real treasure.

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