Keeseville Community Arts Festival

The Keeseville Community Arts Festival focuses on the tradition of plein air painting, where artists work outdoors to document the scenery of the Keeseville area. Participants set up easels at various landmarks, including Ausable Chasm, the Stone Arch Bridge, and local riverside locations. In the 2026 edition, 40 artists produced approximately 120 original works, capturing the character of the community from sunrise through sunset while staying with local hosts.

The festival concludes with a grand finale held at the Old Stone Mill, featuring an opening reception, an awards ceremony, and a public art sale. Juried awards recognize excellence in several categories, such as the Adirondack Architectural Award and the Street Scene Award. Notable highlights of the exhibition include oil and watercolor depictions of historic bridges and natural chasms.

In addition to promoting the fine arts, the festival serves as a charitable event for the community. A portion of the proceeds from the artwork sold during the final reception is donated to support the Keeseville Free Library. The event attracts a diverse group of artists from New York, Maryland, and Canada, making it a significant cultural gathering for the region.