On June 13, the Cooperstown Art Association went to bat with an opening complete with impressive spreads of hors d'oeuvres for three new exhibits: "Essential Art," the annual regional juried art show running through July 11; "Babes in Bloom: Porcelain Dolls form Pat Spencer's Studio," a group show July 11; and the 38th annual fine art show of the Leatherstocking Brush & Palette Club, which can be viewed at the CAA through July 1.

The lead-off reception for The Smithy-Pioneer Gallery at 55 Pioneer St. was held on June 23 and featured a raffle, a "Garden Party Dinner" and live entertainment. Two permanent history exhibits for the season were unveiled in the third floor gallery, "The Paintings and Murals of John Lippitt 1911-1938" and "Odds & Ends of Otsego County Presented by the New Otsego County Historical Society," both of which can be viewed through Sept. 21.

The second floor gallery features work by Pioneer Members, and the first floor features pottery and "Garden Artistry" which includes paintings, ceramics, sculpture, photography and mixed media. The first and second floor exhibits run through July 19.

These galleries offer an occasion for local artists to display and sell their unique work, offering some balance to a town known mostly for baseball. Purchasing a work of art is an opportunity to be part of keeping that balance in full swing, bringing a piece of uncommon beauty into the home or office and possessing a potentially valuable Cooperstown autograph of a different kind.

If you struck out in attending either one of these initial functions, there's still a chance to see the current exhibits, and attend future openings.

The CAA is planning opening events through November beginning with a preview party on July 18, from 5 -7 p.m. for the 68th Annual National in galleries A, B and C, juried by Fred Tschida of Alfred University. Future opening reception dates include Aug. 29, Oct. 3 and Nov. 14. The CAA also features special events such as the "Pumpkin Glow & Contest" and "Fine Arts on the Lawn."

The next opening reception at The Smithy-Pioneer Gallery will be on July 21, from 5-7 p.m. and features a new Pioneer Member Group Show on the second floor and several new exhibits on the first floor including "2D/3D/4D," small paintings, mixed media representations of Cooperstown historic architecture, works in clay, "Earth, Fire and Atmosphere" and a solo show by Chris Baker. Two more openings follow on Aug. 11 and 25.

Opening receptions at both galleries are free and open to the public.

There are many other art exhibits, workshops, auctions and benefits taking place this summer - check local events listings for dates and times.

Fans of fine arts have plenty of opportunity to catch a variety of creative showcases in the area. Two important players in the effort to keep fine arts alive and well in Cooperstown are The Cooperstown Art Association and The Smithy-Pioneer Gallery. And they're just a short stop from the Hall of Fame.