Reflecting the issues of our rapidly changing world, in July, local artist Zack Lobdell’s energetic largescale paintings launched The Coop Contemporary’s inaugural season.

The Coop Contemporary, the home and gallery of
Dan and Ardie Russell, located in a standout 2021 structure a short walk from Saratoga Lake, was built on the site of a circa 1893 chicken coop in Saratoga’s Greenbelt (an area of low-intensity development that surrounds the city’s core).

“I love showing off this property. Its interesting design inspires living a minimalist lifestyle,” said Ardie.

Helping to maintain the rural character of our “City in the Country,” The Coop Contemporary celebrates nature and sustainability while promoting cultural tourism.

Nearly 200 people attended the opening night of Lobdell’s one-week show “Sanctuary,” a series of 13 paintings and three steel sculptures spread throughout the home’s interior and exterior spaces, launching this gallery’s unique way of providing the public with a museum-level experience in an idyllic atmosphere. A portion of the proceeds from the event were donated to The Hyde Collection, where Lobdell’s solo exhibition, “Ethos” will be on display from October 5th – January 5th, 2025.

Embracing Change

Merging residential and commercial construction aesthetics, The Coop Contemporary’s crisp white walls and finished concrete flooring are flooded with natural light. A vertical garden cascades down from the second-story loft, and seeing artists’ work displayed here, like Zack Lobdell’s densely dynamic stream-of-consciousness imagery, encourages visitors to envision how these pieces could look in a variety of environments.

With more than 30 years of experience in art curation, direction, and communications, Ardie said that providing an arts venue in a natural setting further embraces what the city is already doing.

“Preserving our green spaces is critical to maintaining the Saratoga Springs’ brand as a world-class tourist destination. The balance of commerce, outdoor recreation, the arts, and cultural heritage has been lovingly shepherded by many hard-working people, organizations, and businesses with vision over the years.”

Growing Free

This fall, The Coop Contemporary will align with Pitney Meadows Community Farm and feature an exhibition of abstract florals by Ithaca-based artist, architect, and interior designer Cindy Kaufman. Breaking free from industry constraints, her delightful paintings dance with movement and light.  They are the perfect complement to residential and commercial spaces seeking to bring nature “inside.”

Two events will launch Cindy Kaufman’s exhibition, and a portion of sales will be donated to the farm.

Opening reception: Saturday, September 21st, 5pm – 7pm
Brunch with the Artist: Sunday, September 22, 9:30am – 11:30 am with musical accompaniment by The Wildwoods.

Both events are free, open to the public, and will be held at 499 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs.

As the gallery continues to grow, The Coop Contemporary will provide more opportunities for the public to experience the visual arts through exhibitions, intimate gatherings, and artist demonstrations.

For more information and pricing on current work, go to coopcontemporary.com