In a recent blog I discussed my  experience as a Juried Artist in The Roycroft Arts & Craftsmen Guild on the Roycroft Campus. When talking to people at art festivals, I realize many people outside of East Aurora, New York, are unfamiliar with Roycroft. The campus is a cultural treasure with a rich history that I will share with you in this blog.   The Roycroft Campus is a “best kept secret” located in East Aurora, New York.  The campus is the best preserved and most complete complex of...

Nature has always been my greatest muse. Living in and exploring the vast, quiet beauty of the Adirondacks shaped not just my identity as an artist but also the way I experience the world. I am Diane Castle Babcock, and I transform these serene, majestic landscapes into hand-carved, original linocuts. Through a process that blends time-honored techniques with personal reflection, I create linoleum block prints  that capture the essence of upstate New York—its forests, lakes, mountains, and...

Artists often face unique challenges that can feel isolating, from creative blocks to managing the business side of their work. Yet, many find strength and success by joining groups where they support each other. These artist communities provide more than just friendship—they offer constructive criticism, moral encouragement, and practical help with running their creative businesses. In this post I relate my experience as a member of an informal group of artists in the Finger Lakes area of...