Do you need a break from your busy life? In the bustle of social media, national politics, and the hottest summer on record, couldn’t you use some time to get away and paint by a lakeside? Then join the Cayuga Museum at Vanderkamp resort near Oneida Lake for the revival of the FLARE program.

FLARE (the Finger Lakes Artist Retreat Experience) was one of the most distinctive programs of the Cayuga Museum for many decades. Led by Syracuse University Professor and the Museum’s first director, Walter Long, the program invited artists to join him for a daylong retreat along one of our region’s many incomparable natural vistas and capture the moment and scenery in paint. Upon Professor Long’s death, the program was discontinued: but now the Cayuga Museum is bringing it back!

At Vanderkamp, tucked away in the heart of rural Upstate New York, you will learn from master plein air artist, Hetty Easter, as you immerse yourself in the art of nature itself from sunrise to sunset at this limited palette oil painting retreat. This program is designed for painters of all skill levels, whether you're just starting out or looking to hone your talent further.

The program will be held in the waning days of Summer on Saturday, September 21 from 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM. Registration is $300, and includes chef made lunch, access to Kempwick Commons at Vanderkamp, one-on-one instruction from Hetty Easter, and some art materials. Registration costs may be paid in a series of installments if preferred. A supply list will be provided upon registration. Reservations are required as spots are limited in order to ensure every attendee has equal access to instruction from the artist. To view the full program schedule, learn more, and register go to cayugamuseum.org/flare or contact Kirsten Gosch by email at kirsten@cayugamuseum.org or phone at (315) 253-8051.