Once again, I am torn between art event venues. The North Country is so vast and rich with cultural events and fine artists, this time of year there is a bounty from which to choose. While the brilliant colors of the leaves transform our landscapes into artistic canvases, our local artists are unveiling their most recent works.

On the east side of Whiteface Mountain, there is another artist studio tour in the Boquet Valley and on the Adirondack Coast but between work obligations and weather, it is the art opening in Saranac Lake that I am headed to on this rainy Friday evening.

The Adirondack Artists' Guild on Main Street is bustling and buzzing when I arrive. There are at least 50 people nibbling, chatting and absorbing art in this intimate space—many of them are member artists whose works are also on display.

But the opening and back wall of the gallery are devoted to the artist being honored tonight--Ursula Trudeau with her exhibit titled, "A Little on the Wild Side." The title says a lot about the artist as well. I have been running into Ursula over the years at performances, art events, and other cultural gatherings. She is easy to spot with her big hat and little dog. It is always a memorable encounter because Ursula has lots of interesting life experiences to share. But this is the first time I have been able to share in one of her openings.

The range of the work exhibited tonight varies from nature themes to Adirondack interiors—from the subject matter of the interiors, I correctly guess they are her own.

Ursula Wyatt Trudeau studied art at the Montreal Ecole des Beaux Arts and painting with the late Hans Hoffman, Stanley Cosgrove and Alfred Pellan. She now divides her time between the Adirondacks and the Caribbean and manages to work in trips to New York City along with time for her art.

Her exhibit will be on display here at the Guild through October 31.

There's lots more to see and appreciate here. The walls are chockfull of works that demand one's attention. I am drawn to Burdette Parks' powerful photographs—especially his "Redundant Recumbent."

There are so many remarkable pieces on display here, it's quite an immersion into the art world of the Adirondacks that shouldn't be missed.

 The Adirondack Artists' Guild is a cooperative retail art gallery representing a diverse group of artists residing and working in the Tri-Lakes Area of the Adirondack Park. Many have shown throughout the United States and internationally. The Guild promotes development of the arts in the community year-round by featuring the work of guest artists, hosting an annual juried show, and sponsoring cultural events. For more information or exhibit hours, click through to the Guild web site or call: 518-891-2615.

Kathleen Recchia has been enjoying the arts in the Adirondacks for about 20 years—both as observer and participant (acting, directing, and producing). She also enjoys cross-country skiing, swimming, juggling, and hosting visitors to the area at her bed & breakfast in Jay.