Historic Saranac Lake Presents:
THE ART OF THE CURE
This exhibit highlights the origins of Saranac Lake’s rich history in the arts. The Trudeau Sanatorium and the Study and Craft Guild offered groundbreaking occupational therapy programs to tuberculosis patients, many of whom went on to become accomplished artists, writers, and craftspeople. Art of the Cure will remain on display until late Fall 2020. (Please note that the Saranac Laboratory Museum will be closed until further notice to help protect against the spread of novel coronavirus.)
Click the buttons below to jump to different parts of the exhibit, and use the slideshows to learn more!
Click the buttons below to jump to different parts of the exhibit, and use the slideshows to learn more!
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The Art of the Cure exhibit is made possible by Humanities New York
and the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature. |
WELCOME TO THE WORKSHOP
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Saranac Lake's thriving arts community is rooted in its history as a health resort. Many talented artists came to Saranac Lake as tuberculosis patients. Here they refined their skills. Some shared their talents as teachers. Occupational therapy offered thousands of patients the opportunity to learn new skills in arts and crafts. Saranac Lake boasted a cosmopolitan arts community which still flourishes today.
Download the Art of the Cure Catalog and Map (above) to learn more about the arts in Saranac Lake today.
Download the Art of the Cure Catalog and Map (above) to learn more about the arts in Saranac Lake today.
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
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Curing could be a lonely experience. Far from home, patients spent many hours alone on the porch. The Scholfield Workshop was a place to make friends with fellow patients. Some, like Betty and Martin, even found romance there. Where do you meet new people in your community?
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TRY IT YOURSELF: Draw Dr. Brown!Use the photos to sketch Dr. Brown, founder of the occupational therapy program at Trudeau Sanatorium! Email your sketch to mail@historicsaranaclake.org.
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THE STUDY AND CRAFT GUILD
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TB patients were often confined to bed and isolated from loved ones. The Study and Craft Guild classes helped keep patients occupied and gave them a sense of purpose. What hobbies keep you occupied?
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THE ART LEAGUE
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Having TB could make doing everyday activities almost impossible. Occupational therapy helped isolated patients regain their strength. Charlotte Geffken spent thirty years healing patients through arts and crafts. Do you know anyone who has benefited from occupational therapy?
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THE PAINTERS
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Sometimes challenges are good! They can help us to think in new ways. For Maxfield Parrish, the bad weather forced him to learn a new medium. As a result, he produced some of his most famous works. How have you turned a challenge into an opportunity?
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THE ARCHITECTS
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Faced with their own mortality, many TB patients dove fully into life. William Scopes became interested in architecture while watching construction at the Sanatorium. A correspondence class in architecture unlocked a skill and helped him discover a new passion. What new skill would you like to learn?
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THE PHOTOGRAPHERS
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Artists closely observe the world around them. Through photography, Kollecker became well acquainted with the community. Look at the room around you as though you were going to photograph it. What new details do you notice?
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THE WRITERS
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Confined to bed, many TB patients took to keeping journals. These memoirs inform much of what we know today about the curing experience in Saranac Lake. In what ways do you document your personal life?
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THE PERFORMERS
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Because TB was so contagious, patients were isolated from their family and friends. Institutions like the National Vaudeville Artists Home brought together patients with similar interests. Having a community was an important part of “the cure”. How do your interests connect you to your community?
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THE ARTS IN SARANAC LAKE TODAY
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The arts are an important part of community in Saranac Lake. Many artists find inspiration in the natural vistas of the Adirondacks. In times of trouble, being creative can help combat anxiety. What role does art play in your life?
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