Arts in the Park!
Melissa Dvozenja-Thomas, Executive Director, Arts Mid-Hudson
Warmer weather means more time for hiking, biking, and convening in our region’s beautiful parks. Many of these locations have programming geared towards different sports or other physical activities, but if you make your way to Downing Park in Newburgh, you will get the opportunity to experience the park reimagined with free arts and cultural programming called Arts in the Park!
Arts in the Park brings unique and playful experiences to visitors and the broader community. It allows visitors to be inspired and grow an appreciation for the park's historic beauty, revitalization, and stewardship of this shared space.
On Saturday, June 22, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., bring a blanket or chair and relax on the park lawn while listening to the offerings of the musicians of the Greater Newburgh Symphony Orchestra (GNSO). Concertmaster, Adreinne Harmon will be at the amphitheater with a string quartet playing a classical music concert for all to hear. If you are not familiar with GNSO, they believe that communities are enriched by the power of live orchestral music. GNSO provides a place where people from all backgrounds can come together and hear a high-quality orchestra made up of members from their own neighborhoods.
Later that same day, from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m., drop in on an African dance class with Assane Badju of Melody Africa. Take off your shoes and feel the earth beneath your feet. No experience is necessary. “There is something about moving together that creates an ephemeral bond,” said Carlye Eckert, Director of Programming for Arts in the Park. “It’s like an instantaneous community from this incredible shared experience.” If you are unable to make this class but are interested in attending a future class, there are more opportunities on June 29 and July 6 at 4:00 p.m.
On Sunday, June 23, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., head back to the amphitheater to see “Colors of Mexico: A Performance by Mazarte Dance Company.” Mazarte Dance Company exposes the history and the art of indigenous Mexican culture through dance. Their goal is to promote Mexican culture and heritage, and bring history to life. Participants will have the opportunity to learn some steps as well as meet the dancers.
The concluding weekend of this program is on Saturday, July 6. At 1:00 p.m., head over to Shelter House for “Shapes Of The City: Participatory Activity With Artist/Designer Chat Travieso.” Travieso is an artist, urbanist, and designer. He creates participatory, architectural, and research-based projects that reinforce social bonds in public spaces and interrogate the histories and policies that have shaped the built environment.
“The underlying mission of this program is to create a greater accessibility for the arts,” stated Ekert. “Having people reconnect or connect with something they have never tried before creates a strengthened community through art.”
If you go:
Arts in the Park!
Downing Park, 181-141 Carpenter Ave, Newburgh, NY 12550
Dates: June 22 & 23, June 29 and July 6, 2024
Time: Various times
Contact: chapmansteamerarts@gmail.com
www.chapmansteamerarts.org/arts-in-the-park
