John Emmett Connors

An artist's appreciation of the Collar City, Troy, New York.

Although he has traveled and painted throughout the world, John Emmett Connors has returned time and again to paint the houses, buildings, and neighborhoods of his hometown, Troy, New York. Collected here are his depictions of some of his favorite places in the Collar City and the surrounding area, including the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, the Frear Building, Oakwood Cemetery, the Melville House, and many others. Also included are his memories of growing up in Lansingburgh and his reflections on the ways in which the history and architecture of Lansingburgh and Troy affected his growth and development as an artist. Vito F. Grasso's collaboration with Connors adds a distinctive voice to the artist's recollections of his youth and his impressions of how the many familiar places of his childhood impacted his personal and professional development. The result is a visual and narrative account which transcends the skills of both the artist and the author and offers the reader a unique insight into the creative process. Anyone who loves art, architecture, or the city of Troy will find this a fascinating look into the deep connections that can be formed between an artist and a particular place.