UPSTATE ART WEEKEND August 29-30
UPSTATE ART WEEKEND is a new initiative organized by STONELEAF RETREAT that is taking place August 29-30, 2020. The two-day, self-guided event is intended to celebrate creative spaces in the Hudson Valley and includes more than 20 arts organizations located between Garrison and Hudson, NY. In a press release for the event, STONELEAF RETREAT founder Helen Toomer writes: “If there’s anything these past few months have taught us, it is that community, collaboration, art and the outdoors are essential to our well-being and UPSTATE ART WEEKEND is a combination of all of these.” STONELEAF RETREAT near Kingston, NY is an artist residency and connective space focused on supporting women and families that was founded by Helen Toomer and Eric Romano in 2017.
Toomer had the idea for UPSTATE ART WEEKEND a few years ago, but she wasn’t able to launch it. She commented: “I thought that this year, with the pandemic, it would be the same story. But after four months of quarantine and seeing spaces open up safely here in Phase 4, I knew the time was now! I missed people and I missed art and I wanted to bring the two safely together again.” Feeling lucky to be living in the Hudson Valley surrounded by space and nature, Toomer also wanted to provide a creative respite for those needing to escape New York City. When asked if there were challenges organizing a multi-venue art event during the Covid-19 pandemic, Toomer responded that it was not difficult to find participants. Overall, arts organizations have been enthusiastic and thankful for the support. The format of a self-guided tour ensures that each art space has its own health and safety guidelines and visitors can plan their own experiences to see what they want to see. Toomer hopes that UPSTATE ART WEEKEND can become an annual event, and planning has already begun for 2021. Organizations interested in participating next year may fill out a form to receive more information.
During UPSTATE ART WEEKEND participating museums, galleries, and other spaces will be open to view ongoing exhibitions. Some venues are offering special programming this weekend. On Saturday, August 29 from 12:00 to 2:00 pm at STONELEAF RETREAT in Kingston there will be an opening reception for an exhibition of work by Sonia Louise Davis, Leah Dixon, Rebecca Reeve, and Keisha Scarville. Click here for additional events at STONELEAF and to RSVP. The events are free, but registration is required. Other events on Saturday afternoon include Hot Topics: FUTURE HUDSON + Design For Six Feet from 1:00 to 2:00 pm at The Hudson Eye, Hudson. Reservations are also required for this event.
On Sunday, August 30, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm there is an exhibition open house for Laura Kaufman: Tension Bridge, organized by River Valley Arts Collective at the Al Held Foundation, Boiceville, NY. Reservations are required. The Hudson Eye also has events planned throughout the day. Click here for more information about special events and programs.
Visit upstateartweekend.org for a full listing of participating art spaces with links to websites, tickets, and more. Please note that some spaces require reservations to visit, while others are open to the public. Visit each organization’s website to plan your visit. Covid-19 precautions and safety area key concern and all organizations part of UPSTATE ART WEEKEND are in Phase 4 in New York State. Social distancing and mask-wearing are required to participate in the festivities.
Participating venues
Alexander Gray Associates, Germantown
Art Omi, Hudson
D-DAY, Woodstock
Dia Beacon, Beacon
Elijah Wheat Showroom, Newburgh
Foreland, Catskill
Hasbrouck House, Stone Ridge
JDJ, Garrison
Magazzino Italian Art, Cold Spring
MANITOGA / The Russel Wright Design Center, Garrison
Mother Gallery, Beacon
OLANA, Hudson
Parts & Labor, Beacon
Poetry Barn, West Hurley
PS21, Chatham
River Valley Arts Collective/Al Held Foundation, Boiceville
SEPTEMBER, Hudson
STONELEAF RETREAT, Kingston
Starlite Motel, Kerhonkson
Storm King Art Center, New Windsor
Strongroom, Newburgh
The Hudson Eye, Hudson
Window on Hudson, Hudson
Partners
Art Mamas Alliance, Beverly’s, Female Design Council, New Art Dealers Alliance (NADA), Yard Concept, Upstate Diary
Public Works on view 24/7
Forgetting the Words by Erik Benjamins / Presented by Foreland at 111 Water Street, Catskill
Hudson Valley Ghost Column by Alison McNulty / Presented by PS21 at 2980 Route 66, Chatham
New Davonhaime Flag by Azikiwe Mohammed / Presented by Strongroom at 1 Liberty Street, Newburgh
Tschabalala Self Installation / Presented by Window on Hudson at 43 South Third Street, Hudson
Various installations by David Hammons, Tommy Coleman & The Flow Chart Foundation / Presented by The Hudson Eye at various locations in Hudson
For further information, please contact Helen Toomer, hello@stoneleafretreat.com.
Website: upstateartweekend.org
Instagram: @upstateartweekend / #upstateartweekend
Top image: STONELEAF RETREAT, Johanna Goodman, Female Design Council, Kingston, NY
