UPSTATE ART WEEKEND
Melissa Dvozenja-Thomas, Executive Director, Arts Mid-Hudson
Summer is officially here which means options for indoor, outdoor and special arts and cultural events appear around every corner. And while many might consider traveling outside of our area, there is no need as the Hudson Valley has so many opportunities. Coming up Friday, July 21 through Monday, July 24, all can celebrate our vibrant culture with the fourth annual UPSTATE ART WEEKEND.
This annual event launched in 2020 with 23 participants and this year has over 130 in Columbia, Delaware, Dutchess, Greene Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster, and Westchester counties. It welcomes thousands of visitors to enjoy special opportunities at art organizations, galleries, museums, residencies and creative projects. UPSTATE ART WEEKEND was founded by Helen Toomer, who also founded STONELEAF RETREAT artist residency, to ignite appreciation for the arts from visitors and residents alike.
In Dutchess County, head over to WomensWork.Art in Poughkeepsie on July 22 from noon to 5:00 p.m. for Art Happens In Poughkeepsie! A block party of artists who call Poughkeepsie their home will be celebrated. And on July 23 from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. attend the Seen/Heard: A Celebration of BIPOC Feminine Artistry Artists’ Talk with featured artists from this group juried exhibition, where the guests will get the opportunity to talk with the artists and gain more insight into their creative processes.
If you are interested in exploring the Beacon area, the Ethan Cohen Gallery at the KuBe Art Center is open the entire weekend with special events on Saturday, July 22 starting with Beacon Film Society presenting an hour of short films from the Hudson Valley. In eastern Dutchess, Millbrook Arts Group is presenting a daylong event where local artists will open their studios to the public, the Millbrook Library will host a group exhibition by the Longreach Arts Collective and several workshops and artist demonstrations are planned throughout the village. Closing the event will be an outdoor evening concert, HAMMER & STEEL, Hammerhead Horns (Boogie from the Bayou) and Long Steel Rail (Southern String Band Sound) at the village bandshell.
Orange County has many diverse offerings during this weekend. On Friday, July 21 starting at 1:00 p.m., all are welcome to tour Urban Art Project (UAP) in Rock Tavern. Through this workshop tour, participants will explore the latest UAP projects with artists and creatives; delving into modern methods of art-making and the integration between art, architecture, and design.
Looking closer to the Hudson River? On Friday evening, enjoy a site-specific reception in Newburgh hosted by Elijah Wheat for the work of artists: Caitlin McCormack and Kat Ryals and their installation Souvenirs of the Wasteland. Visitors are welcome to enjoy a dance party in a presentation referencing a museum of unnatural history—a curated glimpse of the world left behind after human intervention.
Woodstock School of Art in Ulster County is hosting a gallery exhibition of instructors’ work (40 local and regional professional artists), art/supply sale, and interactive workshops in sculpture with Tricia Cline and collage with Melanie Delgado during the weekend.
In the Kingston area, Headstone Gallery will be open for A Sackful of Seeds, a two-person exhibition with Joshua AM Ross and Judd Schiffman as well as a Headstone Ceramics Pop Up Shop on Saturday and a Keap Candle Pop Up Shop on Sunday.
With so many more events and locations to explore, visit the UPSTATE ART WEEKEND map located on their website. Some venues require registration prior to attending. Grab some friends and explore as many art offerings as you can.
If you go:
UPSTATE ART WEEKEND
Various Locations
Friday, July 21 through Monday, July 24, 2023.
Details: www.upstateartweekend.org
Map: www.upstateartweekend.org/map
