Paul Gould was busy during the lockdown. He moved his easel so pedestrians could see him at work. And he kept changing the art on display in the front window. Then he started a new business.
Mr. Gould owns the Hudson Valley Gallery in Cornwall-on-Hudson. In addition to painting, he restores art, appraises it and gives lessons. Now he’s entering the world of apparel with a line of decorative masks.
Matt Soltis and Paul Gould have collaborated on projects in the past. It was Mr. Soltis who thought of using face coverings to display art. From March until June, the mask was our “ticket” to enter a business.
Now the mask can become a fashion accessory and a conversation starter.
The innovators believe that masks are a part of our future. Now that we’ve escaped the worst part of the pandemic, Mr. Soltis and Mr. Gould believe that we’ll rely on masks for the flu season and to avoid common colds.
At present, they are offering masks with any one of the following works of art – Paul Gould’s painting of the Moodna Viaduct or Dingle Beach in Ireland; the late John Gould’s rendering of the Beacon Ferry, a Teddy Bear, or a giraffe.
The original of the giraffe is being displayed at a zoo in Chattanooga, Tenn. “My father would be thrilled,” Paul Gould said. “He loved animals.” He drew many different species. But he didn’t name them. So now the public has a chance to add a moniker to the John Gould creation.
The public also has a chance to order from the new line of face coverings. The fabric comes from England; the printing is done in the United States.
“It’s a very good product,” Mr. Soltis says. “It’s comfortable, it’s breathable. It’s also washable and reusable. And, most important, you’ll get to wear art.”
You can order masks by texting or calling (845) 401-5443.
