Art Walk Kingston
Melissa Dvozenja-Thomas, Executive Director, Arts Mid-Hudson
It is exciting when you get the chance to see the behind-the-scenes of a project. Whether it is the making of a film, a talkback with a director, or an interview with a maker, it’s intriguing to go in-depth about the creative process. Artists’ studio tours are some of the best opportunities in our area to get that exclusive access. If you are unfamiliar with these types of events, it is an opportunity for the public to tour and explore artists’ private studios or galleries. During that time you can talk with the artist, learn about their work, and often experience a part of the creation. Art Walk Kingston is one of the largest open studio tours in the Hudson Valley. It is celebrating its ninth year on September 21 and 22 with over 200 artists participating at nearly 70 locations with some special activities throughout the weekend.
This event started nine years ago when two friends were chatting about art happenings in the area and realized there were no studio tours despite the incredibly high volume of artists. After sending out a survey to the public with an overwhelmingly positive response, volunteers set out to make this tour available to everyone. The rest - as they say - is history.
This popular event allows visitors to plan their route, so no encounter is the same. “New people are participating every single year,” says Joe Gonzalez, Art Walk Kingston coordinator. “Whether it is because they recently moved into the area or because they are available for the weekend.” With a tour this large, there is something for everyone to enjoy. No matter what medium interests you, there is an artist, gallery, or event for it. Gonzalez explains,“[My] favorite thing about this event is the intimacy of artists opening the door to the public to witness a real working space and a process that no one would normally see.”
Another unique opportunity within the tour includes Music and Painting in the Parks presented by the City of Kingston. This will be a live performance by the Levanta Music Ensemble while Kate Hymes (Ulster County Poet Laureate) recites “Jazzoetry” with a live painting interpretation by artist Nancy Ostrovsky. That is three different art forms in one. The performance will be on Saturday from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. (Rain date will be on Sunday) in TR Gallo Park.
Participating galleries include ArtPort Kingston, Art Society of Kingston, At Land, brookelane, The Department of Things, D.R.A.W. at MAD Kingston, Gallery @ 107, Grand Street Studios, Headstone Gallery, The HoloCenter, HV Silverworks, Kingston Ceramics Studio, Kingston Pop Museum, The Lace Mill Gallery, Lockwood Gallery, The Neighborhood Print Studio, One Mile Gallery, Pinkwater Gallery @ Kingston Social, Pollyanna Projects, Reher Center, Uncanny Gallery, Unfettered Arts Gallery, Upstairs Gallery at Old Dutch Church, and West Strand Gallery.
You can start planning now with the online map at map.artwalkkingston.com. Physical maps showing all participating artists and locations are available starting September 14 at Rough Draft Bar and Books, Village Coffee and Goods, Kingston Wine Company, and Village Grocery. Check out the map early and make your plans for this year’s event.
If you go:
Art Walk Kingston
Various Locations in Kingston, NY
September 21 & 22, 2024
12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
www.artsmidhudson.org/artwalkkingston
Digital Map: map.artwalkkingston.com
artwalkkingston@gmail.com
