The first place prize — $1,500 cash and merchandise — went to Connecticut artist Jim Laurino. Laurino has attended the Adirondack Plein Air Festival for a number of years and has often won an award, but never first place before. His oil painting focused on the Ausable River as it flows through the Wilmington Notch.

George Van Hook from Cambridge, last year’s first place winner, was awarded the second place “Founders, Spirit of the Wilderness” award. He received $1,000 and merchandise.

Third place, $500, is the Tom Boothe Memorial Award. This award was won by Pennsylvania artist Fred Jackson.

A new award in 2024, $500 for the best painting done on or from the new rail trail was awarded to Quebec artist Patricia Bellerose.

George Van Hook, second place winner (Provided photo)

The following awards were each $250 in cash, plus a variety of donated art products:

¯ Chantal Julien, Quebec, Adirondack Daily Enterprise Award

¯ Kari Ruiz, New York, Paul Smith’s College VIC Award

¯ Patrick McPhee, New York, Bookstore Plus Award

¯ Peter Seward, Saranac Lake, Traverse Lodge Award

Fred Jackson, third place winner (Provided photo)

¯ Oleg Shvets, Maryland, Nocturne Contest Winner

¯ Kari Ruiz, New York, Artists Choice Award

¯ Jim Laurino, winner of the Quick Draw Competition

The public voted for their favorite artist and Robin Roberts, of Ohio, won by a narrow margin. Photos of all the winners and their paintings can be found on the Saranac Lake ArtWorks Facebook page and website.

The 2024 Adirondack Plein Air Festival was organized by first-year Saranac Lake ArtWorks employee Lorraine Merrihew of Saranac Lake. She took over the reins from event founder and Artworks board president, Sandra Hildreth.

Patricia Bellerose, winner of a new award sponsored by the Adirondack Rail Trail Association for the best painting done on or from the new rail trail. (Provided photo)

“It was incredible to see the talent of each artist. Seeing hundreds of blank canvases become beautiful works in a weeks time was amazing,” said Merrihew.

The dates for the 17th Adirondack Plein Air Festival are already set for Aug. 18-23, 2025. The festival is the primary fundraising event for Saranac Lake ArtWorks.

ArtWorks is now seeking residents in the Saranac Lake area who may be willing to host an artist during the week of the 2025 festival. A firm commitment is not required at this time. All that is needed is a private room and bathroom, and perhaps kitchen privileges. No meals or entertaining and the artists are instructed to gift a painting to their hosts as a token of their appreciation. Contact Lorraine at admin@saranaclakeartworks.org to find out more about being a host.