The Trautmans and the Windham Arts Alliance

JEWETT - They will tell you there is much, much more to the Windham Arts Alliance than themselves and that would be true. 

On the other hand, Sheila and Paul Trautman are undeniably the seemingly inexhaustible little engines that could and the doers of a lot of things needing doing to keep the train chugging.

Sheila is the program and artistic director, also submitting paintings to the periodic art shows hosted by the non-profit organization.

Her private works, preferably in watercolor, have evolved and deepened over the years which, in a happenstance way, likewise describes the purpose and mission of the organization.

Thirty or so years ago, a group of geographically scattered mountaintop artisans got together on the second floor of a Windham art gallery.

They were wanting to mingle with kindred spirits and possibly establish a place, or places, to exhibit their individual paintings, drawings, etc.

It hasn’t always been easy and there have been moments when the dream was in jeopardy of disappearing from the landscape.

Au contraire. WAA is perhaps more visible than ever today, finding a close-to-home venue at the Main Street Community Center in downtown Windham while simultaneously spreading its wings.

A year-end letter sent out in January by Paul, in his role as secretary/treasurer, pretty much sums up the continuing growth.

In addition to their weekly online newsletters, informing the public about events in the immediate area and beyond, the WAA is involved in the popular Windham Path Story Walk, in partnership with “Briars and Brambles Bookshop” in Windham.

Pages of a children’s book, protected from the weather, are spread out along the Path, offering a unique reading stroll, and there are frequent demonstrations, lectures, workshops and concerts.

“We had an exciting 2023,” Paul writes. “Many of you have participated or enjoyed these events and we anticipate continuing our work towards making our community a wonderful place to live and visit.

“As a preview, we are working with the Schoharie Reservoir Watershed to showcase a different perspective on the arts and our fantastic environment.”

A collaboration between the Mountaintop Library in Tannersville, the Greene County Soil and Water Conservation District, Main Street Community Center and WAA is producing “Flowing Impressions.”

The multi-faceted exhibit, celebrating Watershed Month in May, features an artists show opening on May 4 from 1-5 p.m. at the Community Center.

Well known rock lovers Bob and Johanna Titus will speak at 2:30 p.m. that same day about the geology, history and art of the Watershed district.

Meanwhile, over in Tannersville, student artwork will be on display at the Mountaintop Library, coinciding with the Mountaintop “Earth Day” celebration.

And the Robinson Wildlife Center will be onsite, presenting “Birds of Prey” at 12 p.m., always a popular event with young and old. 

Between then and now, the WAA will traverse the Rip Van Winkle Bridge to take part in “Artists From Across the River,” an exhibit by the Circle 46 Gallery at 46 Green Street in Hudson. An opening reception is April 6 from 6-8 p.m., running through May 18, highlighting 21 WAA artists.

Sheila and Paul let their tasks on behalf of the organization speak louder than words, moving here permanently in the early 2000’s and getting “shanghaied” into becoming part of the team.

Sheila is originally from Queens. Paul is a native of the Bronx. They met at Queens College when he took a seat in front of her in an art class.

“The rest is history,” Sheila says, noting she was a teacher at a school for hearing impaired and deaf children and Paul was a longtime school administrator. 

Sheila’s parents, many years ago, bought property here, prompting countless weekend and summer visits before finally staying put.

Their introduction to the WAA was abrupt. “We got conned into joining,” Sheila says, laughing good-naturedly. “I got a call from [WAA charter member] Iris Kaplan saying, ‘we need you!’

“She didn’t give us much choice. They were a sort of strange group for us   at the beginning but we quickly became very fond of everyone. The next thing we knew, we had the whole thing.”

There were others keeping the ship afloat, such as Sue Kowalski and Ruth Saxe, but as time passed, Sheila and Paul have become the faces and voices behind the scenes.

“The arts help make us a civilization,” Sheila says, explaining her devotion to the WAA, “Without them we lose so much. Whether it’s art or theater, sculpture or pottery, they are the essence of who we are as a people.”

What they achieve is appreciated. “Paul and Sheila take leadership roles in so much that they do for the community,” say Gail Spindell and Joel Kosofsky, friends and WAA colleagues of the Trautmans.

“Their energy and devotion are inspiring. They are loved deeply and respected by so many of us on the mountaintop and I’m sure beyond.

“If you want further expressions of affection toward them, we’d be happy to reach out to others who feel the same way.”