New Woodstock artist’s work on display at library

Through Sept. 30, visitors to the Cazenovia Public Library Art Gallery will enjoy a remarkable exhibition of artwork by New Woodstock artist Gordon F. Muck (1926-1994).

Included are 14 paintings on canvas, nine watercolors and four drawings — all made possible through the generosity of Muck’s widow, Bertha Muck (19312013), who bequeathed her own private collection of her husband’s work to the New Woodstock Free Library. Additionally a scrapbook documenting Muck’s life is on display, as well as prints of two of his earlier floral watercolors available for purchase.

Born in Syracuse in 1926, he showed a propensity for drawing and painting at an early age. It has been said that people are born with their life’s work already inside of them. Such was the case with teacher and artist Gordon Muck. As a high school senior, he won a fouryear scholarship to study art at Syracuse University. At age 19, he was painting floral and local scenes. By the time he was a junior in college, he was displaying his artwork and giving painting demonstrations; his desire to teach was strong even at age 20.

After university, Muck took a teaching position in the small community of DeRuyter, where he taught a promising young student named Nancy Skeele, who later received a full art scholarship. She later became Mrs. Nancy Edwards, and went on to have an outstanding career as an art teacher and artist. Muck later taught at Nottingham High School, where he men- tored a student teacher named Jim Ridion, who would continue his full and varied career as a professional football player, professor of art at Syracuse University, and nationally recognized artist.

Muck’s final teaching position was at Fayetteville-Manlius High School, where he served as department chairperson and full-time high school art teacher. From 1965-81 his department won as many awards and scholarships at the annual Scholastic Art Awards Competition as any other school district in the state. His name was synonymous with success in that competition.

Muck loved being an artist and his passion for art was infectious. No matter where he taught, he squeezed every drop of talent out of each of his students and they excelled.