Our family’s journey from Indiana to the Adirondacks, discovering a lifelong love for nature, art, and tradition. Join me as I share the unexpected twists that led to finding my forever summer home—and how you can be part of the magic.
I can’t believe I’ve never shared this story with you…
In 1987, my father made an announcement that shook our family to its core: He was selling our beloved lake home in Indiana — a sanctuary that had sheltered three generations of memories — and moving to some unheard-of lake in upstate New York.
I was devastated. Lake Wawasee wasn’t just water and land to me; it was where I’d fished with my grandfather, where the walls of my grandparents’ cottage held the echoes of our family birthday parties. This place had cradled my childhood and witnessed my growth into adulthood.
My anger toward my father was intense.
“When I was a kid, this was a beautiful lake,” he explained. “But now it smells like exhaust and there are hundreds of noisy boats too big for the lake. It used to be peaceful; now it’s horrible.”
I couldn’t argue about the noise and the crowds, but my heart refused to let go of the memories — those golden summers with friends, those perfect days on the water.
But he asked me to just try the new place. “Just visit once,” he urged.
The Unexpected Love Affair
That first visit to the Adirondacks — a place I’d never even heard of — changed everything. I was instantly captivated by the breathtaking landscape: mountains that seemed to hold up the sky, crystal-clear lakes that mirrored the clouds, streams that sang ancient melodies, and old-growth forests that whispered secrets of centuries past.
I learned that this paradise was protected as a New York state park — 6 million acres of pristine wilderness, preserved for generations to come.
What began as reluctant curiosity blossomed into deep love. I spent summers there whenever possible, and after my children were born, we made it our seasonal home every year.
History Repeats
Then came another blow: My father announced he was putting the Adirondacks lake house up for sale. Once again, I felt the ground shift beneath my feet.
“I’ll buy the house from you,” I immediately offered, though we both knew it was beyond my means.
“We’ve had lots of great times here,” he said gently, “but now it’s time to leave.”
By then, the Adirondacks had become my creative sanctuary — my muse for plein air painting. The thought of losing this connection felt like losing a part of myself.
Finding a Reason to Return
Coming to terms with what seemed inevitable, I devised a plan: “I need an excuse to come back here and paint at least a week every year.”
So I approached the local college and established an annual event that would guarantee my return. I called it the Publisher’s Invitational — a gathering of artists to paint the magnificent Adirondack landscape together.
Life’s Unexpected Turns
As fate would have it, my father had priced the house ambitiously high. Despite interest, no buyers emerged, and we continued to spend summers there for several more years. Still, I maintained my event — just in case.
Sensing my anxiety about losing our foothold in this magical place, my wife made a life-changing suggestion: “It’s time we find a place of our own on the lake.”
After three years of searching, we discovered our perfect haven — a century-old cabin with original features, filled with antiques and old books, accessible only by boat. It matched our casual lifestyle perfectly, lacking even central heating but overflowing with character and charm.
When COVID struck, my father couldn’t travel to his lake house for two years, but we continued to visit our secluded cabin, finding solace in isolation. After my father passed away, his house was sold, closing that chapter of our Adirondack story.
We had been blessed with many wonderful years at my father’s camp, and now we’re blessed with our own.
The Evolution of Tradition
Today, I no longer need an excuse to return to the Adirondacks — it’s my summer home. And the Publisher’s Invitational continues, though it has evolved. No invitation is required anymore; anyone with a passion for plein air painting can join us.
I never have to say “I’m leaving the Adirondacks forever” again. It has become my favorite place on earth, where I hope to spend all my summers.
Will the Tradition Continue?
People often ask whether the event will go on, especially since we’ve held it annually since 2012 and have many regulars who return year after year.
I’ll admit that before each gathering, I tell myself it might be the last because organizing it requires tremendous effort. But I’ve found a solution by hiring help, allowing the tradition to continue as long as I choose. Let’s hope that works out.
However, change is inevitable. We’ve been fortunate to hold the event at Paul Smith’s College — a stunning lakefront campus with mountain views — every year except during COVID. With new management and an uncertain future, our continued use of this perfect venue isn’t guaranteed beyond this year. Finding a comparable location at the same value would be nearly impossible in today’s market.
The Magic That Brings People Back
What makes the Publisher’s Invitational special enough to draw participants back year after year?
Imagine a week dedicated entirely to painting in one of America’s most breathtaking landscapes. We handle all the planning — mapping out painting locations and scheduling — while you focus on your art. We provide meals, evening portrait sessions, campfire singalongs, and an environment where deep friendships form naturally.
Newcomers find themselves welcomed immediately into our community. Whether you’re an experienced artist or just beginning your plein air journey, you’ll find support here. Though it’s not structured as a workshop, everyone shares knowledge freely, with no minimum skill level required.
Secure Your Place Soon
The event begins June 7, and historically, registration accelerates rapidly. To ensure your participation, I strongly recommend reserving your spot as soon as possible before spaces fill.
A Full-Circle Journey
What began as a heartbreaking announcement— “leaving the Adirondacks forever” — transformed into finding my forever home. This magnificent region, somehow still a well-kept secret to much of America despite hosting Olympic games among its majestic mountains, offers painting opportunities beyond compare and friendships that last a lifetime.
You won’t want to leave either. I promise: It will be one of the best decisions of your artistic life.
How to Join Us
Register today:
- Visit www.paintadirondacks.com
- Click the Register button
- Complete the form and payment information (payment plans still available)
- Finalize your registration
