Art, community and creative risk collide this Saturday in Barryville.
At Second Marks, a collaborative art show at Chester’s Creative Studio, 12 local artists are doing something few creators willingly attempt: handing over their finished work to another artist — and trusting them to transform it. The result is part creative experiment, part celebration of the area’s deep artistic bench — and part lifeline for local public media. Proceeds from the show will benefit Radio Catskill.
From Leftover Canvases to Fresh Vision
The idea began with artist Leigh Allison, who noticed something many creatives quietly admit: finished pieces often linger in studios, tucked away once exhibitions end.
“Most artists have artwork kind of laying around,” Allison said. “And I really wanted to show off the artists in the Catskill area — mainly Sullivan County — where there’s so much inspiration.”
The twist? Artists would swap those existing works and reinterpret them into something entirely new.
Allison approached Catherine Chesters, founder of Chester’s Creative, with the concept. Chesters was immediately on board.
To keep things fair — and unpredictable — the pair invited about two dozen artists, ultimately landing on 12 participants. Pairings were decided by drawing names from a jar.
“We didn’t want to be responsible for matching people,” Chesters said, laughing. “So we did a draw. That was actually the most complicated part.”
A Creative Challenge — By Design
Participants described the process as both exhilarating and intimidating.
“There was some caution,” Chesters said. “It was a challenge.”
But that tension is the point. The show embraces what might be called creative recycling — or shared authorship — as artists surrender control and reinterpret someone else’s voice.
The roster spans mediums and styles: painters, graphic designers, digital artists, ceramicists. Some pairings revealed surprising synergy; others pushed artists into unfamiliar territory.
“It was incredible to see,” Chesters said. “Some people’s work really complemented each other in ways we couldn’t have planned.”
Opening night will also feature sound by Alex Fable, turning the exhibit into a multi-sensory community gathering.
Supporting Local Media in a Tough Moment
The event’s fundraising mission adds urgency. With federal funding shifts affecting public media nationwide, stations like Radio Catskill are increasingly dependent on community backing. For Chesters, supporting local journalism and storytelling isn’t optional — it’s essential.
“It’s essential that we have national and local radio. A voice and a medium for investigative journalism and truth to be reported. We have to support what roots us together. Supporting each other is what it’s about,” Chesters said. “In hard times, you need to see bright things.”
Second Marks opens February 28 from 4-7pm at Chesters Creative in Barryville.
Image Credit: Chesters Creative