Folk artist Will Moses shares a view from Eagle Bridge

12:00AM / Monday, November 26, 2001Print Story | Email Story

Farms bordered by stone fences; miles of rolling hills and pastures, populated by languidly staring cows; newly painted red barns leaning precariously; antique's stores boasting of hidden treasures; small villages with steepled white churches and town squares; venerable houses with welcoming front porches. This is Will Moses country, viewed along the byways of upstate New York. Moses makes his home - just as he always has - in the town of Eagle Bridge, where he paints and farms. From the window of his studio, one can see the former homestead of "Grandma" Moses, the legendary artist who began painting in her eighties and achieved huge popular success. Far-reaching audience From this serene setting, Moses creates art, runs a business and lives a quiet life. Moses' work is distributed throughout the world, and he's carved his own niche in a legendary painting family. But the painter remains a prototypical Yankee; focusing on his work, shrugging off the trappings of the "art" world and preferring the comforts of home. Moses' loft studio, which is above his Nebo Gallery, is both functional and comfortable. A lounge area is furnished with leather chairs. The walls feature paintings and country-style dÃ©cor. The artist's work area seems relatively small, at least to a non-artist; a simple easel with paints and brushes. On the easel during a recent visit were sketches and outlines for a series of nursery rhymes that Moses is illustrating for a new book. A wooden sign that reads "Repent" is mounted over the window, reminiscent of the chapel scene in "Moby Dick" Family tradition Moses has been painting since the age of four; not surprising given his pedigree - his father and grandfather were established painters, as well as his grandmother. But Moses did not decide to make a career of art until his early 20s, after a period of working odd jobs and helping on local farms. He was not, in fact, driven by a passion to create art. "I wanted to make a living," he said. "I've never been someone who creates art for art's sake. Painting was something I knew how to do, or thought I did. I wanted to do it in my own way, a little bit differently. Nobody every told me I couldn't do it." Moses approaches art in a very business-like manner. When he began his career, he determined to create, market and distribute his own work. An admitted creature of habit, Moses spends part of his day painting and also attends to business and tends to the farm. "Basically, it's just like running a hardware store," he says. At the root of the business is the unique product of Will Moses' art. He paints in a style sometimes referred to as "primitive," a term coined to describe the work of artists - such as Grandma Moses - who were self taught. Moses himself prefers the term "folk art." Will Moses' paintings have gained acclaim throughout North America and Japan, in fact, his work is quite popular among Japanese collectors. Moses sells original paintings and creates prints for posters, calendars, post cards and framing. Illustrations of classic tales He also authors books. Moses has illustrated "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," "Silent Night" and "Rip Van Winkle." His latest work, "Johnny Appleseed: the Story of a Legend" offers both historical and mythical perspectives on folk hero John Chapman. "Sleepy Hollow" and "Silent Night," in particular, showcase one of Moses' best-known styles, nighttime scenes. Often against a dark blue or black sky, the artist intersperses familiar people and scenes, such as costumed children trick or treating, moonlit Christmas caroling or ships in port. One of his popular works, entitled "Girls' Night Out" depicts a bevy of smiling witches, gleefully celebrating the season. A sense of humor is typical in Moses' work. Moses enjoys contrasting light against against the nighttime backdrop; adding witches, he notes, was suggested by the women who work in his Nebo Gallery and he enjoys telling people that they are the inspiration for his witch paintings A longstanding love of painting Moses was just four years old when his famous great-grandmother died. He remembers her as a "neat old lady, full of spunk." He also recognizes the strength of the Moses family name in helping establish himself as an artist. Moses grandfather, however, had a much more direct influence on Will's painting career. The Moses grandchildren loved to visit their grandfather's studio, where Forrest K. Moses would insist that each child create a painting on every visit, a treat rather than a chore. The studio, Will Moses recalls, was somewhat of a haven for colorful local characters, who would gather to talk, smoke cigars and paint. "It was a fun place to be," Moses says. "It was kind of a hunting camp atmosphere. It was an eccentric group of people, the kind of guys you don't see much any more." Moses takes most of his images from the local scenery - many of his paintings could be scenes from Eagle Brook or the surrounding region. He also enjoys painting seascapes. The artist admittedly does not know what it is about his work that intrigues people from around the nation and around the world - it's not strictly nostalgia since many have never seen New England or upstate New York. Moses believes people, wherever they live, are drawn to simpler times and yearn for family and community ties. "Somehow, [folk art] makes the transition," he says. "Somehow, the sense of community translates to people." Focus and art stay close to home Despite his success, Moses eschews the cocktail parties and networking of the "art" community. "My idea of a big night out is getting a six pack of beer and watching jeopardy," he jokes. Moses and his wife, Sharon, have three children, Jerry, Lloyd and Georgianna. On the family farm, the Moses' raise Christmas trees and Scotch Highland cattle, and keep a few pigs and chickens. In the Nebo Gallery, visitors can purchase the farm's maple syrup as well as signed prints. A visit to the farm and gallery reveal why Moses' art continues to draw new fans. His thoughts, and his art, rarely stray far from home. Mt. Nebo Gallery is located 60 Grandma Moses Road in Eagle Bridge, New York. For information, call 518-686-4334 or 1-800-328-6326 On Saturday, December 8, Moses will sign copies of his book at Water Street Books in Williamstown from 1-3 p.m.

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McCann Recognizes Superintendent Award Recipient

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
05:32PM / Tuesday, December 23, 2025

Landon LeClair and Superintendent James Brosnan with Landon's parents Eric and Susan LeClair, who is a teacher at McCann.

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Superintendent's Award has been presented to Landon LeClair, a senior in McCann Technical School's advanced manufacturing course.

The presentation was made last Thursday by Superintendent Jame Brosnan after Principal Justin Kratz read from teachers' letters extolling LeClair's school work, leadership and dedication.

"He's become somewhat legendary at the Fall State Leadership Conference for trying to be a leader at his dinner table, getting an entire plate of cookies for him and all his friends," read Kratz to chuckles from the School Committee. "Landon was always a dedicated student and a quiet leader who cared about mastering the content."

LeClair was also recognized for his participation on the school's golf team and for mentoring younger teammates.

"Landon jumped in tutoring the student so thoroughly that the freshman was able to demonstrate proficiency on an assessment despite the missed class time for golf matches," read Kratz.

The principal noted that the school also received feedback from LeClair's co-op employer, who rated him with all fours.

"This week, we sent Landon to our other machine shop to help load and run parts in the CNC mill," his employer wrote to the school. LeClair was so competent the supervisor advised the central shop might not get him back.

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