Mohonk Mountain House, a historic resort in New York's Hudson Valley, has unveiled a new art exhibition titled "Essence by Design" on Earth Day (April 22). The exhibition features 41 hand-painted glass slides from 1902, originally created by artist Walter T. Weaver, depicting exotic and native flora. The slides, preserved in the resort's archives thanks to Daniel Smiley and his daughter Pril Smiley, have been digitized into large-scale prints (26×32 inches) and permanently installed in the Grove building. Pril Smiley, a fourth-generation steward and Director of Art, curated the selection to continue the legacy of founder Albert Smiley, who believed in blending indoor and outdoor experiences.
This exhibition matters because it preserves and reinterprets a unique historical artifact—early 20th-century hand-painted lantern slides—using modern digital technology, making them accessible to contemporary audiences. It also highlights the ongoing cultural role of historic resorts like Mohonk Mountain House in connecting visitors with nature and art. By showcasing Weaver's meticulous watercolor technique and the Smiley family's archival stewardship, the exhibition underscores the importance of preserving regional art history and the emotional resonance of natural beauty.