Columbia County Habitat For Humanity Takes A Break For Art

Lisa Green reports from East Chatham. Supporters and volunteers for Columbia County Habitat for Humanity eased off from building homes and community for a bit on Sunday, April 22 with Brunch for Habitat, held at the Society of New Concord Meeting House. The program that followed the well-attended brunch featured Christopher Rothko, son of the artist Mark Rothko and author of “Mark Rothko: From the Inside Out.” For 25 years, the former psychologist has been engaged in promoting and presenting his father’s work, and he gave an illuminating talk about the artist’s philosophy. “He wanted us to shift our focus and draw our attention to the inner world,” Christopher Rothko said. As far as the outer world is concerned, Habit for Humanity covers that. The organization has four houses under construction and fosters programs such as The Ancram Rural Build, which help families whose occupations support Columbia County’s agricultural economy find a home with an affordable mortgage. [Above, Brenda Adams, executive director of Columbia County Habitat for Humanity, with Peter Cervi, president of its board of directors, and Jenny Nightingale, the event's host.]

Isabel Rothko with her father, Christopher Rothko, who gave the presentation about the work of his father, the artist Mark Rothko.

Sharon Lips and Lisa Thomas of Stair Galleries;Henrique Nogueira with Tina Williams, who is the human resources director at Lowe's in Hudson.

Sara McWilliams and Barry McWilliams.

Stone House Properties' Nancy Cuddihy with Diane Hersey; Artist Jeanne Butler and Jack Butler, who have been renovating their second home right in New Concord.

Laurie Schnerson, Chris Kersten,Mary Lou Kersten, owner of Hillsdale Country Realty, and Steve Bluestone, a builder and founder of ICF Panels.