KENOZA LAKE – Artists and art lovers will gather at the site of an 1892 hex murder to paint until dark and hold a vigil.  It starts at 3pm on May 17,  and goes until the bravest artist leaves the scene. 

In case you don’t know the story, in 1892 the cows on Heidt’s Farm began giving bloody milk.  According to an article in the River Reporter, Amish “hexenmeisters” from PA Dutch Country believed this was due to a spell Markert transmitted with a hug—with three pats on Heidt’s back.

The Heidts were convinced that the only way to break the spell was to kill Markert by three separate methods.  His body was found in Callicoon Creek, shot, stabbed, and bludgeoned.  The Heidts confessed and pleaded self-defense against a practitioner of black magic.

On May 17 at the scene of the crime, area artists will be trying to capture the ever-changing light at dusk, while their eyes regularly sweep the scene of the 1892 “hex murder”, where Markert was murdered by the father-son team of Adam and Joseph Heidt. 

This is a free event and all are welcome, but registration is required; email barryvilleareaarts@gmail.com. Complimentary refreshments provided. 

A reception and exhibition of the completed work is being planned at the Jeffersonville Branch of the Western Sullivan Public Library for June 7, from 12-2pm.

This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrant Program, a program of the NYS Council of the Arts, with the support of the Office of Governor and the NYS State Legislature and administered by the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance.