Artworks “Main Street” and “The Circus Comes to Town” were donated to the Tahawus Cultural Center in AuSable Forks. (Photo provided)

AuSABLE FORKS – Tahawus Center will host an open house Friday, June 21 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. for the Ausable community.

Announcements of summer programs and community activities will be available.

The center is located at 14234 state Route 9N in Au Sable Forks.

A highlight of the open house celebration includes the unveiling of two town history-inspired paintings by artist Heidi Gero.

“Main Street,” inspired by a pre-1925 postcard, depicts a view looking north to the 9N Bridge over the Ausable River. The Tahawus building, built in 1911, is just to the right of the bridge.

“The Circus Comes to Town,” inspired by an original photograph, shows a scene of Sig Sautelle’s Circus procession of elephants down Main Street, toward the “Jersey City” section of town, suited to pasture the large caravan of horse drawn wagons with jungle animals.

The open house is free to the public and all are welcome. Refreshments will be served.

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About the Artist

Heidi Gero, born and raised in the North Country, began painting in high school, college, and beyond, taking art classes in drawing, design, pottery, pastels, watercolor, oils, ink transfer and more.

The inspiration for the two paintings came from black and white photographs of Robert “Bob” Torrance.

“I was fascinated by the rich history and the stories they told of AuSable Forks from a time which would never be experienced again,” Gero said. “The paintings began as an attempt to create that fleeting moment onto canvas. Gifting the paintings to Tahawus has been an important project for all involved. I am deeply humbled by the interest given and the opportunity for the paintings to become part of the permanent collection for all to enjoy, therefore preserving the rich history of Au Sable Forks.”