Hooked on the Salmon River Juried Art Exhibition 2026
Sponsored by Douglaston Salmon Run
Current Exhibition
Exhibition Dates: August 27 - October 10
We are proudly presenting our seventh annual Hooked on the Salmon River Juried Exhibition, a themed exhibition featuring work inspired by the Salmon River and its surrounding landscape. This year’s exhibition showcases 69 pieces of fine art and fine craft from 26 area artists. It offers a unique opportunity to view the region through the eyes of local creators.
To ensure fairness, judge Claire (Ellsworth) Ames evaluated the artwork anonymously. Awards were based on technical skill, craftsmanship, originality, and adherence to the theme. Be sure to visit the show to see this year’s winners as well as the whole show. When you visit, cast your vote for your favorite art. We will let the artist know who has the most popular votes from visitors at the end of the show.
Exhibition. The exhibition will be from August 27 - October 10 in the Fine Arts Center and can be seen during gallery hours.
Pick up art. Artwork can be picked up October 15-17 during gallery hours or by scheduled appointment.
Return of the King
William King
Our Juror for the 2026 Hooked on Salmon River Juried Art Show
Claire (Ellsworth) Ames is an award winning North Country artist and educator whose deeply textural charcoal drawings serve as intimate portraits of the natural world. Born and raised in Upstate New York, Claire was immersed in the arts from an early age, profoundly influenced by her parents. This lifelong connection to the region’s flora and fauna forms the emotional core of her creative work. Claire has shown her work in several local galleries and shows.
Claire holds both a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) from SUNY Oswego. This dual foundation as both a creator and an educator shapes her daily practice. Based in the Watertown area, she balances her time between her studio and the classroom, where she teaches high school art. For Claire, these two worlds are deeply intertwined; she routinely brings her professional studio experiences, technical challenges, and creative breakthroughs directly to her students.
Thank YOU to our Sponsors!
We wish to thank Douglaston Salmon Run and Fulton Boiler Works whose contributions make the Salmon River Juried Art Exhibition a success. Your generous support awards the achievements of talented fine artists and promotes fishing and the beauty of the Salmon River and surrounding area.
