Lynn Benevento’s art reflects her passion for preserving our region’s rich rural heritage.

Born in Brooklyn, Gino Benevento served in the Air Force and was a rodeo rider in Arkansas before arriving in upstate new York where he tended bar for twelve years, worked at Glens Falls Hospital for sixteen years, and, basically, came to know just about everyone.

“I used to be known as Gino’s wife,” Benevento chuckles.

“Now, I’m Lynn’s husband,” Gino sights. “We take our turns.”

Since its grand opening in 1999, the Benevento Gallery has become somewhat of a social hub/information center for the town. “People stop in just to chat and catch up on local news and events,” says Benevento, “and they’re always stopping to ask directions.” She points to a rack of tourist brochures near the door. “Gino set that up. He even made a map of how to get from here to Hadley Mountain.”

Lynn Benevento has been exploring the great outdoors all her life. Upon meeting her, Gino eagerly joined in. Although their earliest hiking excursions with two young songs included the usual fumbles – forgotten flashlights and elusive matches – the family quickly fell into step. Lynn and Gino have climbed 41 of the 46 Adirondack high peaks and look forward to completing the challenge. For now, however, health concerns have taken precedence.

“Years ago Gino had lupus, and it damaged his kidneys,” Benevento explains. “Ten years ago, after several years of dialysis, Gino had a successful kidney transplant. It worked well until six months ago when problems set in again. Now he’s back on dialysis.”

With their High Peaks adventures temporarily on hold, the couple has turned to shorter hikes and an all-new passion: kayaking.

“We found two yellow kayaks at a garage sale,” Gino beams, “and they’re so easy. We just throw them in the back of the truck, head to nearby Lake Luzerne or Lake Vanare, and we’re back home in an hour.”

“We can get so much closer to bog flowers,” Benevento says.

The only down side?

“Getting in and out, definitely,” she says, laughing. “And spiders! Gino always checks them both before we climb in. We’ve found some big ones, too, which he blasts out with a garden hose. Usually it works, but one time a spider disappeared under the seat. Gino took that one,” she adds, shooting her husband an affectionate smile.

The Beneventos’ two grown sons are both professional white-water rafting guides. After rafting many years on California’s Kern River (of River Wild fame), Michael, 29, now rafts Montana’s Gallatin River and hikes extensively in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. Giani, 27 – who also enjoys sculpting, drawing and writing – spends each May through October rafting the Gauley and New Rivers in West Virginia. “He tents outdoors with wolf spiders, copperheads, ticks, and poison ivy,” his mother adds, shuddering, “and this winter he plans to hike the Appalachian Trail.”

“When they were babies, we carried them on our backs in those baby backpacks,” Benevento says with a proud grin. “We hiked everywhere. They’re definitely outdoor kids.” - Wendy Hobday Haugh

Some Favorite Scenic Spots

Visiting Lake Luzerne for the first time? Be sure to check out Rockwell Falls. Just a minute away from the Lynn Benevento Gallery, the falls are spectacular in any season.

For a beautiful walk along the Hudson River, check out the newly created Hadley Historic rivers Trail. Cross the bride into Hadley, take a right on Woodard Avenue, then watch for the “Hadley Canoe Take-out” sign on the right. The 2,100-foot loop begins to the left of the parking lot.

For a loftier view, continue through Hadley along Saratoga County Route 4 until you reach the spectacular overlook above the Conklingville Dam, separating Great Sacandaga Lake from Stewart’s Pond. You can read about this great dam’s history while savoring a visual feast!