Ernie Mortuzans is a graphic artist and independent video producer. He frequently volunteers his talents producing video locally, filming musical performances, the groundbreaking at the Partition Street project and a recent presentation by the Woody Guthrie museum.
What makes Saugerties unique?
The volunteer spirit of the people. People really love the place, and they love to contribute. People want to help and make this a better community.
What is your favorite virtue?
Honesty.
What profession, other than your own, would you like to attempt?
I started out in college thinking I would go into engineering, but my math was not great. I went into social sciences. I was going to get a doctorate in psychology. I found my talent was writing, worked for a newspaper in New Jersey for many years. I also wrote for trade magazines. I would like to be more adept at being a documentary filmmaker.
What are your favorite color, flower and animal?
Color, blue; flower, dahlia – my cousin’s son in Latvia is a dahlia grower and I’m working on a documentary of his work – and animal, the horse.
What do you like about this community?
I like the area, so full of people who are interested in life, interested in the arts. Any weekend you could go to Woodstock, Kingston, Saugerties and see excellent entertainment. And the people you are going to see are your friends, or friends of your friends. I know painters, sculptors, musicians – people in the arts.
Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here?
Ed Sanders in Woodstock. Also Willie Neumann, the sculptor. He’s very interesting.
What is your idea of a perfect Saturday?
Going out to a local restaurant to have a nice dinner, or have friends over for dinner, then listen to a concert – or play.
What qualities do you admire most in others?
Honesty, then determination, following up on the things you say you will do. Making the world a better place for all of us.