WATKINS GLEN - Looking for something to do in the middle of January? The Franklin Street Gallery and Gift Shop in Watkins Glen offers an opportunity to gather, meet friends and business associates while viewing and supporting the arts and a local artist. The Gallery at 209 Franklin St. in Watkins Glen, NY, will hold an Open House and Artist Reception on Wednesday, January 13, 2010 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public and food and drink will be available. In addition to welcoming the business community, the general public and art lovers to see the Gallery, the open house will also feature the artwork of Montour Falls artist Robert ‘Corky' O'Neill. O'Neill's work is being featured at a month long exhibition at the gallery beginning on January 3, 2010.

O'Neill studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts in Philadelphia and runs the O'Neill Art Gallery in Montour Falls. Always experimenting with new ideas, his creative paintings, collages, and sculptures run the gamut from whimsical realism to abstraction. O'Neill works in range of styles and considers his work to be explorations into the corners of his mind.

The Gallery is operated by The Arc of Schuyler, a nonprofit organization that provides supports to people with disabilities and their families. The Gallery was established as a community art center to promote the arts in Watkins Glen, Schuyler County and the surrounding area and to encourage the participation of artists from diverse backgrounds and life experiences. Artist receptions, shows and small group activities also take place at The Gallery.

O'Neill's artwork, along with the work of many other regional artists, can be seen at the Franklin Street Gallery from noon to 5 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and 10 am to 3 p.m. on Saturdays or at other times by chance or by appointment.

To support the Franklin Street Gallery's operations, volunteer or for more information on the Gallery or how you or your group could take advantage of the Gallery space for lessons, readings or other activities call 607-535-6934 and ask for Misty Jones or Peter Greaves or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .