The Peru Gazette

By John T Ryan

Peru, NY –  The art and graphic design show underway through March 7 at the Peru Free Library has an intriguing title – “The Light We Carry.” Abigail Duquette, a Cadyville native, is the artist/designer whose works are on display. Abigail graduated from Saranac Central High School in 2020 and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree at SUNY Plattsburgh in 2024.  Many people attended the show’s opening reception on Saturday, January 10.

A show that combines secular and religious-themed art is unusual in today’s secular world, especially for a young person like Abigail. Talking about her “The Light We Carry” theme, she explained, “It expresses my faith, carrying God’s light wherever we go, especially in times of darkness. It’s needed now. I feel called to do it.” 

Abigail said her 10th-grade art teacher, Amy Guglielmo, sparked her interest in art. She said, “Amy is an educator, an artist, and a writer. She truly sparked my interest in art and design.” The two women stayed in contact during Duquette’s college years and have collaborated on the City of Plattsburgh’s outside art. 

While the show at the Peru Library is Abigail’s first solo show, she’s exhibited in several area galleries, at SUNY Plattsburgh, Saratoga, Lake Placid, and Ogdensburg. She also operates a small company, Duquette Designs, where she specializes in graphic design and is a social media manager for local companies.