“Discoveries and Prayers: A Painting Journey Together”

Paintings by Carolyn Koutcher and Mary Adams on view at The Old Stone House of Hasbrouck, September 6–28. Opening reception: Saturday, September 6, 3-7 PM.

What began as a shared exploration in creative expression has blossomed into an artistic collaboration. Local artists Carolyn Koutcher and Mary Adams will debut their first gallery exhibition, “Discoveries and Prayers: A Painting Journey Together,” opening Saturday, September 6 at the Old Stone House of Hasbrouck.

This exhibition showcases the artistic evolution of two friends who embarked on a four-year painting journey together. Meeting 13 times since 2021 under the guidance of Intentional Creativity teacher Debra Babcock, Koutcher and Adams created a body of deeply personal acrylic works on canvas that reflect their individual spiritual and creative discoveries.

What makes this exhibition compelling is how two artists, working side by side—often virtually during the pandemic—developed distinct powerful artistic voices. Mary Adams’ paintings evolved into what she describes as “visualization prayers,” works that have transformed and refined through the years as meditative expressions of faith and hope.

Adams describes her work as “paintings feel literally like embodied prayers exploring some unresolved issues or strong intentions in my life.”

Meanwhile, Carolyn Koutcher’s canvases reveal what she calls “Heart Friends”—mysterious beings that literally emerge through her brushwork, carrying messages of support and self-discovery from what she describes as “the creative consciousness.”

The opening reception will take place Saturday, September 6 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Gallery hours are Saturdays and Sundays in September, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The exhibition closes Sunday, September 28.

The Old Stone House of Hasbrouck is located at 282 Hasbrouck Road in Woodbourne.