Newburgh Gets Creative Neighborhood Loan Fund From Rhinebeck Bank and Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress

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A six-block radius of Newburgh has access to newly established capital through a program called the Creative Neighborhood Loan Fund, through the efforts of Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress and Rhinebeck Bank. According to a press release announcing the loan, Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress has launched an economic development plan with a goal of improving the business climate in an approximate six square block area within the City of Newburgh, near furniture maker and studio space rental initiative Atlas Industries, and SUNY Orange’s City of Newburgh campus. The zone roughly includes an area bordered on the north by Catherine Street and on the south by South William Street. To the west, it is bordered by South Johnston Street and to the east by River Road. See the full map here.

Rhinebeck Bank is enhancing the efforts of Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress on this project by "allocating $3 million of our loan portfolio to fund secured-term loans including commercial express loans, equipment and vehicle purchases, leasehold improvements and real estate transactions under favorable pricing, advance rates and terms to the prospective borrowers in the Newburgh Creative Neighborhood," according to their website.

Says Rhinebeck Bank's president and CEO, Mike Quinn in a press release from Pattern for Progress: “There’s a lot of great ideas, but just an idea doesn’t do it,” he said. “It needs financing [and] it needs advice.”

A business who has already benefited from the Creative Neighborhood Loan Fund is one of Newburgh's newest businesses, Liberty Street Bistro. Owner and Chef Michael Kelly discusses it here with Michelle Barone-Lepore.

For more information on applying for this loan, reach out to Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress, at rdegroat@pfprogress.org or call (845) 565-4900, or to Rhinebeck Bank's Richard J. Kolosky, Commercial Lending Director, Hudson Valley West, at rkolosky@rhinebeckbank.com or (845) 790-1538.

Editorial Note: Rhinebeck Bank is a sponsor of A Little Beacon Blog, but this article is not related to their campaign. A Little Beacon Blog learned about the program and thought readers would like to know more about it, as more Beaconites look to Newburgh for business space innitiatives.

Groups for Writers Proliferate in Beacon

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It’s a good time to be a writer in Beacon! If you are an aspiring wordsmith, an accomplished author, or looking to find a supportive literary community to help you work though a current project, there are so many resources for you right now. Here’s a rundown of some of what’s currently on tap.

Get Lit Beacon

This fabulous new literary salon, started by talented local author Julie Chibbaro (National Jewish Book Award winner for Deadly, a Junior Library Guild Selection for Into the Dangerous World, and American Book Award winner for Redemption), meets on the second Sunday of each month at Oak Vino Wine Bar at 389 Main St. You can find out more on the group's Facebook Page, but the idea is that it’s a casual gathering where published and aspiring adult writers of any genre can hang out, have a glass of wine and share their work. Feeling like expressing yourself? There’s a sign-up sheet at the door if you want to read aloud. Chibbaro reveals the genesis of the group: “I started this event because I often hear about other writers in my town, but since I’m a homebody, I don’t get to meet them. This is a way for me to invite them out and hear their work.”

There have been two Get Lit salon events so far, and they were both inspiring and well-attended. The next one, scheduled for Sunday, March 11, will feature a reading by novelist and children’s book author Jennifer Castle.

High School Writing Lab & Zine Club

Are you a teen and a writer? Beacon has you covered, too. The Howland Library has a writing group for teens designed to provide support, assistance, and encouragement for students in grades 9-12 who are working on school or creative writing projects and college essays. There’s also a Zine Club for writers, artists, and photographers (the next meeting is Friday, March 16, from 3 to 5 pm). More info about this and other great library offerings for teens can be found here on the Howland Public LIbrary's website (the top says February but it is March's events). In the past, the library has offered help sessions for writers in high school.

Other Goings-On for Writers at the Howland Public Library

Also at the library is an ongoing Book Club, an upcoming book launch for Judith Filc (Thursday, April 12). The Howland Library just hosted (on Saturday, March 3) a memoir-writing workshop for adults with Donna Minkowitz, the author of two memoirs, Ferocious Romance (a Lambda Literary Award winner) and Growing Up Golem (a finalist for both a Lambda Literary Award and the Judy Grahn Nonfiction Award). Donna became known for her coverage of gay and lesbian politics and culture in The Village Voice from the late 1980s through the mid-1990s, for which she won a GLAAD Media Award. She is a former feature writer for the Village Voice, and has also written for New York magazine, Ms., The Collagist, The Advocate, and Newsday. She teaches with the New York Writers Workshop and independently - sometimes in Beacon!

The Artist’s Way – A Creative Cluster

For folks who want to reflect on their own creative process, or tap into something that needs unclogged, this Creative Cluster is an exciting and creative group that meets at A Little Beacon Space on Sundays. It loosely follows the classic book, The Artist's Way, created and written by Julia Cameron. The group is being “lightly led” by Katie Hellmuth Martin. According to the event page's description, this is a “gentle group, where people who are reading the book and going through their journey can share their thoughts and connect with others.” Artists, Non-Artists, Regular People, and People Who Want To Be An Artist But Think They Are Far From Being An Artist are welcome. This session runs from March to May and is full, but check back for info about the next session. Lots of answers to all of your questions about participating can be found here.

Classes, Readings and Book Clubs

Around town, several writing groups who would like to remain anonymous meet regularly at various watering holes and other locations. At their meetings, more active or professional writers workshop their projects and critique one another’s work. There's even a secret writers' group who won't reveal their details, but we can tell you that they meet inside of The Telephone Building, which is also the location of A Little Beacon Blog's office. They are so elusive and quiet as they hide behind their laptops, that we can only tell you that it’s for writers who have been published in national magazines and so forth.

If you are interested in small writers workshops or classes, poets Ruth Danon will soon be offering some in Beacon, while Jeffrey McDaniel offers workshops in Cold Spring. And Julie Chibbaro, of Get Lit Salon fame, also offers a writing workshop that is mostly for fiction and non-fiction writers.

On Facebook, there are a few Book Clubs, like The Beacon Book Club, and The Beacon Moms Book Club.

Finally, we can’t pass up a chance to big-up Binnacle Books at 321 Main St., Beacon, NY. They offer an impressive selection of books, a willingness to order anything we want as long as it’s available, and a number of great readings, events and book club meetings.

Plus, see here for the great lengths gone to by Beacon Reads, the little bookstore next to the Howland Public Library. Proceeds from their book sales (of donations and retired library books) go toward the Howland Public Library. In this photo below, a volunteer from Beacon Reads hand-delivered a copy of The Artist's Way to the first meeting of the creative cluster.

A volunteer from Beacon Reads (left) hand-delivered a copy of The Artist's Way to a study group participant, Martha P. Humphreys (right).Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin

A volunteer from Beacon Reads (left) hand-delivered a copy of The Artist's Way to a study group participant, Martha P. Humphreys (right).
Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin

Storefront Comes to Life with Book Signing by Photographer Ronnie Farley

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For those who like to find tucked away events that may fly past your radar, then the book signing (dare I call it a pop-up book signing?) by renowned photographer Ronnie Farley is for you. It takes place over October's Second Saturday weekend, Saturday, October 14, and Sunday, October 15, from noon to 8 pm. The storefront space is that of the designer Gwenno James, and is across from The Roundhouse, and down the street from Dogwood.

Ronnie has just released a new photo book "documenting the 'chemtrails' (albedo modification) and other geoengineering effects on the atmosphere in the lower Hudson Valley in New York," according to her website. Books, prints, paintings and T-shirts by Ronnie will be available. This is your chance to get art that is otherwise hard to find. You'll also get exposure to a special performance by Craig Chin of Errant Space: Ambient Soundscapes from 5 to 7 pm.

Ronnie lives in Beacon, and is a well-respected and documented photographer. If you'd like to experience some inspiration, check out her body of work below (and check out her impactful portrait photography here). This may push you over the edge to add this book signing to your to-see list for a wildly busy Second Saturday (we have the full Second Saturday Guide for you here!).

Ronnie Farley is an award-winning fine art and editorial photographer. Ronnie's books include Women of the Native Struggle: Portraits and Testimony of Native American Women (Crown), Cowgirls: Contemporary Portraits of the American West (Crown/ Thunder’s Mouth Press), Diary of a Pedestrian: A New York Photo Memoir (Third Eye Press), New York Water Towers (KMW Studio) and the latest, Ghost Plane (Third Eye Press).

Ronnie's work has been shown both nationally and internationally, and has been critically acclaimed by The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Huffington Post. Her work is also in the permanent collections of the Museum of the City of New York, The National Museum of the American Indian in New York City, The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum in Cleveland, Ohio, The Nicolaysen Museum (Casper, Wyoming), and the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame (Fort Worth, Texas). Her images have appeared in Rolling Stone, USA Today, Sierra Magazine, Western Horseman and The Sunday Times of London.

In addition to her own photography, Ronnie Farley’s career includes working for the Associated Press in New York City over a span of 20 years as a photographer, a photo librarian, and a national photo editor.

"Fragments Remnants Leftovers," An Architectural Study at Matteawan Gallery

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Building up and across is booming all around us in Beacon, making the most recent show at Matteawan Gallery all the more relevant. Björn Meyer-Ebrecht, born in Germany, was the debut artist for Matteawan Gallery back when it opened in 2013, and he has returned for this show that runs through November 5, with a reception on October's Second Saturday.

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"The title of the show, Fragments Remnants Leftovers," says the gallery's owner Karlyn Benson, "refers to the end of major cultural and political eras, such as modernism or the Cold War. Meyer-Ebrecht’s drawings approach architecture solely as material. As artifact this material carries over historic knowledge into our present time and the specific place of the gallery."

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To illustrate this, the artist has built a wall in the middle of the gallery, dividing the room into two spaces, connected by a passageway. The back of the wall reveals its structure and consists of unpainted wood, Masonite panels and metal studs. "Meyer-Ebrecht sees this work as both an abstract painting and as a utilitarian object," says Karlyn. "As the viewer passes from one side to the other, the painting reveals itself as functional architecture: as a room divider. The shapes painted on the wall refer to geometric abstract painting, flags, political symbols, billboards, and film or theater sets."

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Meyer-Ebrecht’s ink drawings are made on separate sheets of paper joined with transparent tape. The construction of the drawings relates to the building processes they illustrate, but it is also a device to bring the drawing out of the illusionistic into the actual space. Colored ink is applied over some of the black-and-white drawings, creating a layer of artifice and what the artist describes as “looking at history through the proverbial rose-colored glasses."

Experience the wall in its final form and the art meshed into one gallery, on weekends or by appointment. For more information, contact Karlyn Benson at info@matteawan.com or (845) 440-7901.

Rhinebeck Bank Re-Launches Art Program In Its Beacon Branch (Sponsor Partner Post)

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Eager to support its local community, Rhinebeck Bank has dedicated the lobby of its Beacon and Rhinebeck branches to feature the art of local artists for six- to eight-week exhibitions, a program they have re-launched to include more artists.

The first artist to be featured in the Beacon branch, at 1476 NY-9D (technically in Wappingers Falls, across the street from the Dollar General) is Stanley Lindwasser, a new Beacon resident from Forest Hills, Queens, and Hoboken, New Jersey. Stanley spent decades teaching in the New York City public school system, and relocated to Beacon with his wife Helen and little dog Rembrandt last year. This is his first opportunity showing in a gallery in Beacon, albeit a comfortable waiting lounge for customers of the bank.

"Because we are a community bank," says Michelle Barone-Lepore, Vice President of Marketing for Rhinebeck Bank, "it's important for us to stay connected to art and the artists in the community. Supporting the community is very important to us, and this is one way in which we do so." As for participating in Beacon's Second Saturday with their new gallery, the Beacon branch is open on Saturdays from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm. Stanley Lindwasser's paintings will be on display for October's Second Saturday, and will remain up through November 3.

Artists who are accepted into the program and have shows in the gallery reap the benefit of Rhinebeck Bank's social media reach, as well as an Opening Reception put on by the bank. How has the reaction been received by the public? "They love it," says Michelle. "For some artists, we hold receptions after-hours for people to come view their artwork. We had a reception for the artist Harvey Silver. He had over 50 people attend his artwork reception and he auctioned off a framed print to raise money for the victims of Hurricane Harvey in Texas."

The artist Stanley LIndwasser pictured in his studio on the left. On the right are several of his paintings hung in his exhibit at the Beacon Branch of Rhinebeck Bank.

The artist Stanley LIndwasser pictured in his studio on the left. On the right are several of his paintings hung in his exhibit at the Beacon Branch of Rhinebeck Bank.

How to Apply to Rhinebeck Bank's Art Program

Interested artists can email artwork@rhinebeckbank.com or call (845) 454-8555. Include one or a few photos of your artwork so that the deciders can have an immediate frame of reference for your work. Artwork may be displayed for six to eight weeks in either the Rhinebeck or Beacon branch locations. Artwork may be listed for sale if desired, but that is not a requirement. Rhinebeck Bank does not make a commission from sales of artwork, and there is no fee to display.


Rhinebeck Bank is a sponsor of A Little Beacon Blog, and this article was created with them as part of our Sponsor Spotlight program. It is with the support of businesses like this, that A Little Beacon Blog can bring you coverage of news, local happenings and events. Thank you for supporting businesses who support us! If you would like to become a Sponsor or Community Partner, please click here for more information.

Anamario Hernandez To Show in New Gallery at Inn and Spa Beacon

Photo Credit: Inn and Spa Beacon

Photo Credit: Inn and Spa Beacon

The Inn and Spa at Beacon first opened up its doors with walls featuring art from a variety of artists, and they are at it again for October's Second Saturday. The new hotel, located at 151 Main St. in Beacon, NY, is officially designating its walls as the Anamario Gallery on Saturday, October 14, 2017 through December 3, 2017. An opening reception for the artist and public will be held on Saturday, October 14, from 5 to 7 pm. 

Internationally acclaimed artist Anamario Hernandez has created unique representational works that are both classical and modern. Ms. Hernandez exhibits worldwide and was recently honored in the Biennale Internazionale Dell’Arte Contemporary Cita Di Firenze.

Author, critic, and NYU Art History Professor Edward J. Sullivan writes: “There is a sense of classical calm, dignity and monumentality to the work of Anamario Hernandez. She is the quintessential describer of things. In her still life [paintings], each individual component seems to possess a life of its own. Whether humble objects such as jars, glasses, bottles or plates are depicted, or the artist concentrates on more fancy objects like exotic shells or rich cloths - the subjects of Anamario’s paintings are not only the things depicted but the inner life of objects.”

Mark Jenkins, art critic for the Washington Post, wrote about Ms. Hernandez's recent exhibition at the Cultural Institute of Washington, D.C., noting that a "classical sensibility tempers even her more experimental works, highlighting not only the artist’s craft, but also the limits of our perception.” Additionally, art critic Mireya Folch affirms: “Like magic, she transforms the simplest of things and gives them meaning.”

The Anamario Hernandez exhibition will continue through Sunday, December 3, 2017.  For more information on this gallery exhibition and other arts and wellness programs at the Inn and Spa at Beacon, please call Roger Greenwald at (845) 505-9331.

Second Saturday Art Gallery Guide For September 2017

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Happy Second Saturday, Beacon and fans of Beacon! Fall is in the air - schools are back in session, leaves are crunching, and there's just something invigorating about all of it. Make like the kids this weekend and work on expanding your horizons: Seeing a variety of art is a most excellent way to learn new things. Check in with nature at Theo Ganz, Catalyst and Matteawan, or find your softer side at Clutter. Practice civic engagement with two interactive art projects at the Howland Library. It's the final weekend for two exhibitions (Cathouse FUNeral and Beacon Institute)that blend history and art in very different ways. Don't miss out!

Get the scoop on all the Second Saturday happenings around town in our Guide to Second Saturday Art Gallery Showings

As always, a huge, big thanks to BeaconArts (BACA) for the tireless efforts promoting Saturday. And another huge, big thanks to A Little Beacon Blog's advertising partners, without whom this production would be exceptionally difficult. Please support the businesses who support us!

PHOTOcentric 2017 - Garrison Arts Center Call for Entries Sept. 5, 2017

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The Garrison Art Center's deadline for PHOTOcentric, this year's International Juried Photography Exhibition, is fast approaching on Tuesday, September 5, 2017. This is open to amateur and professional photographers in all mediums. There is a $50 entry fee for five images, and $10 for each additional image. This year, the exhibit will be juried by Francis M. Naumann, an independent scholar, curator, and gallery owner of Francis M. Naumann Fine Art in New York. Naumann specializes in the art of the Dada and Surrealist periods, including the noted photographers Man Ray and Naomi Savage. He has recently organized museum shows for the Whitney Museum of American Art and the American Craft Museum of New York.  

The opening reception will take place on December 9, 2017, and the exhibit will last through January 7, 2018, at The Riverside Galleries at Garrison Art Center in Garrison, NY (right next to the train station). "Best in Show" will be awarded $1,000, be featured on the cover of the exhibition book, with the image, artist's biography and website or email address in book, and link on Garrison Art Center website. Awards will also be given to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each category with a cash prize. 

All work must be submitted online using this link. The format for your images should be 72 ppi resolution and JPEG format. 1280 pixels on the longest side and RGB color space (standard) with layers flattened, 8-bit mode. To view the full prospectus for this exhibit, click here to download

Second Saturday Art Gallery Guide For August 2017

Happy Second Saturday, Beacon and fans of Beacon! Don't let the threat of some showers keep you inside. There's art galore happening around town: An artist/gallery owner Russ Cusick will be performing classic TV theme songs *inside a TV* at another gallery, Marion Royael, Beacon seniors exhibit paintings at the library, and colorful critters take over a West End space!

Get the scoop on all the Second Saturday happenings around town. ➡️ http://alittlebeaconblog.com/second-saturday

As always, a huge, big thanks to BeaconArts (BACA) for the tireless efforts promoting Saturday. And another huge, big thanks to A Little Beacon Blog's advertising partners, without whom this production would be exceptionally difficult. Please support the businesses who support us!

Magazzino Italian Art Space Comes to the Hudson Valley

The vibrant Hudson Valley art scene, home to Storm King Art Center, and Dia:Beacon, just got a brilliant new addition. Be prepared to be amazed by post-war Italian art. And you need not go far: Magazzino Italian Art (“Warehouse for Italian Art”) has opened its doors in Cold Spring. 

Off a verdant stretch of Route 9, Nancy Olnick and Giorgio Spanu have created Magazzino Italian Art, a bold exhibition space that houses a remarkable collection of post-war and contemporary Italian art. It is breathtaking to note that Magazzino’s Arte Povera collection is likely the largest outside of Italy.

Both Olnick and Spanu have been long-term collectors of Arte Povera – an avant-garde conceptual art movement that took root in 1960s Turin, Italy. A defiant response to commercialization and industrialization - strong, provocative artworks created from “throw-away,” industrial materials and typically large in scale - defines the movement. 

The inaugural exhibition at Magazzino puts a tantalizing spotlight on Arte Povera, showing 70 works that span four decades. Olnick and Spanu are activating the dream of Italian art visionary and Arte Povera collector Margherita “Christian” Stein. In their words, “Magazzino salutes Margherita 'Christian' Stein for her steadfast vision and commitment to her artists and for her courage to embark on an adventure that would last a lifetime. Her dream was to create a home for her artists in the United States. We hope Magazzino will fulfill her dream.”

The work of numerous artists Stein passionately encouraged and exhibited at the legendary Galleria Christian Stein in Turin are displayed here in Cold Spring. 

At Magazzino, you will view the works of Giovanni Anselmo, Alighiero Boetti, Pier Paolo Calzolari, Luciano Fabro, Jannis Kounellis, Mario Merz, Marisa Merz, Giulio Paolini, Pino Pascali, Giuseppe Penone, Michelangelo Pistoletto, Gilberto Zorio, Marco Bagnoli, Domenico Bianchi, and Remo Salvadori. For a number of the artists, you can see works that span several decades.

The sleek warehouse space designed by Spanish artist and architect Miguel Quismondo, offers a light-filled backdrop for these towering and dramatic works. The white concrete warehouse space is an exciting example of adaptive reuse. (Before this reinvention, the buildings housed the Cyberchron computer factory. And before that, the land on which the building sits was a dairy farm.)

Quismondo choose to work with the existing structures rather than tear down. With a new configuration, the two dramatic buildings, sharing an expansive courtyard, stretch over 20,000 square feet. The sparse, elegant space, created in the “rationalist style” is modern and meditative at the same time. The outside setting is lush and retains an ancient orchard.

Admission is free, but an appointment has to be made prior to visiting. Magazzino will mirror the schedule at Dia:Beacon – open Thursday to Monday from April to December, and Friday to Monday from January to March. 

Be prepared to spend an afternoon at Magazzino. The compelling works exhibited have detailed descriptions in a very informative booklet that provides a roadmap as you travel through the exhibit space.

You will see the fantastical igloo created by Mario Merz - built from sheets of slate - and Giulio Paolini’s “Mimesi” - a towering sculpture of a double “classical” Hermes that represents one of Paolini's most iconic pieces. The mirrored plate of Luciano Fabro will mesmerize you. Each glorious piece evokes response and awe from the viewer.    

In September, Magazzino will open a research library comprising over 5,000 volumes. It will be accessible to scholars and those interested in delving more deeply into the world of Arte Povera and Italian contemporary art.

Under the directorship of Vittorio Calabrese (a brand-new Beacon resident), Magazzino will also look to foster collaborations with neighboring institutions and the surrounding communities.

For further information on visiting, go to magazzino.art or call (845) 666-7202.  Magazzino is located at 2700 Route 9 in Cold Spring, New York. 

Storm King Art Center Best-Kept Secret Membership for Beaconites (Sponsored)

Take a deep breath of relaxation, because we're about to discuss the inspiring, relaxing Storm King Art Center. More than just one of the best outdoor sculpture parks in the nation, Storm King Art Center is a community cultivator. The center offers a myriad of events for people of varied interests, in addition to dozens of artists displayed outside in their collection. Only 7 miles away from Beacon, this destination offers you unique things to do every week, from Moonlit Walking Tours to Summer Fridays with Music and Happy Hour, to outdoor yoga in the morning, to private viewing hours. All of which can happen with free admission through a membership to Storm King Art Center.

Free admission? Yes: Pay once, then don't worry about it again for 365 days. Storm King Art Center has made it very easy for you to come visit: Parking is free for all, and a very reasonable Family Membership for a total of six people (up to two adults and up to four children) costs only $125 for everyone. This year, the center has created a Beacon Discount, bringing the total to $110 for the whole family for a year! This is a deal you will not find at Splash Down or other attractions' member programs. Do check their membership page for more details, discounts, and how to sign up.

Member Perks

Summer Fridays
If you wanted to go to a Summer Friday Music Night with Happy Hour, you could just flash your membership card to get in while the general public paid an individual admissions price. There is one happening this Friday featuring Beacon favorite Decora, and you can dine from Storm King Art Center's Food Truck. The next Summer Friday is in July, and the theme is Sunset Music and Sketching. Sounds dreamy.

Moonlit Walking Tour
If you wanted to take a moonlit stroll of the expansive grounds, with ginormous skies and acres of trees, you could, included with your membership, while the general public pays an admission price.

Yoga Outside and Other Member Morning Themes
Come the weekend, Storm King Art Center is thinking of you. The center has early morning activities planned for Saturday and Sunday mornings from 9 to 10 am, followed by free coffee from 10 to 11 am. Plan for a mini concert by a string quartet, yoga, meditation, or a tour of a new exhibit.

If you go for the day and pay regular admission, and then decide "Hot dawg, this place is awesome, I simply must stay more attached with a membership," then walk yourself to the Visitors Center right away and sign up for the membership (mention you are a Beaconite for the extra savings!) and Storm King Art Center will deduct your admission paid from your new membership.

So go. It's not far off the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge. When you go, tag us in your Instagram photos and contribute to the conversation of people experiencing amazing things at Storm King Art Center.

Editorial Note: This has been a sponsored article by Storm King Art Center that A Little Beacon Blog's editorial team approved of to write and research, as part of our Sponsor Spotlight series. To learn more about Storm King Art Center's programs, including their Summer Camp and Family Membership Programs, visit www.stormking.org as well as their Dedicated Sponsor Page here at A Little Beacon Blog that highlights their event dates and must-do programs.

Beacon Open Studios 2017: Pirates, Paintings, Treasure

Beacon Open Studios (BOS) is a signature, citywide event in Beacon. For some, including myself and this year's new director, Samantha Palmeri, the discovery of this citywide art show happened quite by accident while meandering outside. Every year, dozens of Beacon artists clean up their studios, organize their brushes, and put out their best tools and works of art. Through this project, the public is invited in to directly access artists and their productions. Beacon Open Studios is going on now, on May 13 and 14 from noon to 6 pm. The kickoff party was Friday evening at Oak Vino.

How to Experience Beacon Open Studios

Open studios are identified by a large red dot in the yard of the artist's home studio, or on the studio door of an artist's space in a building. There is an official map that you should pick up or visit on the BOS website, but there is something quite special about stumbling upon a red dot and following your curiosity inside. This wonderment continues to be my favorite way to experience Open Studios.

However, the more one learns about each artist, the longer the list of which artists to visit. Some participants are longtime artists who dropped "practicing artist" for a few years and are returning anew, while others are artists who make commissions for private clients or advertising agencies, while others still are artists who produce fantastic work yet only display during times like these.

Who Is Participating In Beacon Open Studios This Year?

Over 50 artists are taking part this year. Several of them are emerging artists and some are simply to to the event. The physical map, which you can pick up at Hudson Beach Glass or at many restaurants or shops, is organized by artist, but also groups artists by location. For instance, if there are six artists showing in one location, you can search by geography as well, if you wanted to see a bunch at once. 

Let's take a peek!

Artist: Chris Sanders, "Treasures of the Hudson Highlands"Photo Credit: Treasures of the Hudson Highlands

Artist: Chris Sanders, "Treasures of the Hudson Highlands"
Photo Credit: Treasures of the Hudson Highlands

"Treasures of the Hudson Highlands"

Chris Sanders is a storyboard artist for the film and television industry. Pirate lore of the Hudson River and Valley captivated her, and she began creating graphic novels inspired by pirates who did travel up and down the Hudson River years ago, in search of treasure, or hiding their own. Her first book, a historical fantasy, was published in November. You can meet the artist and see the original pages during Beacon Open Studios. The best part? She's full of Hudson Highlands pirate knowledge, so best ye get thee there.

Location: 45 Beekman Street, one of the artists in Spire Studios


Artist: Stan LindwasserPhoto Credit: Stan Lindwasser

Artist: Stan Lindwasser
Photo Credit: Stan Lindwasser

Stan Lindwasser

Stan Lindwasser is new to Beacon, but not to the art scene. Stan has been a professional painter for decades, and has designed installations that were shown at the Brooklyn Museum and the Brooklyn Public Library in Brooklyn, NY, and the Bertha Urdang Gallery in New York City. An excerpt from his artist statement includes: "I question the place and role of color: on lines, as lines, or replacing lines. The works I have been doing reflect my careerlong interest in the details of line and color, the creation of shapes and the placement of these on paper, or in space. These paintings reflect my thinking about direction and how changes in density of paint or use of water define and subtly change the composition."

Full disclosure, the design services extension of A Little Beacon Blog works with Stan on his website, so we are familiar with several years of his work, and appreciate his fascination with color.

Location: 35 Monell Place

Rosemary Braghieri Rednour

Photo Credits for above photos: Rosemary Braghieri Rednour

Rosemary makes "jewelry and sculpture from a different perspective," as she puts it. She's opened up her studio for visitors to see how she does it all.

Location: 17 East Main Street

Here's a sampling in video of what the Open Studios experience is like:

 

The New Director at Beacon Open Studios

This year marked the event's transition to a new director, Samantha Palmeri. She too discovered Beacon Open Studios while meandering around town, and for her, it made a life-altering impact! We interviewed her for this article:

What is your background?

I'm from Staten Island originally. I've lived in Beacon 2 1/2 years now. This will be my third year as a participating artist in BOS. I graduated from the School of Visual Arts with a major in painting, and since graduating I've held practically every job in the art world, including teaching, directing, curating, art handling etc. I've owned and directed two separate art galleries, one in Staten Island and one in New Jersey. And I've been a practicing artist for the last 20 years.

Why did the directorship appeal to you?

Open Studios' Director Samantha Palmeri's artwork, on display at 11 Creek Road.Photo Credit: Samantha Palmeri

Open Studios' Director Samantha Palmeri's artwork, on display at 11 Creek Road.
Photo Credit: Samantha Palmeri

When I moved to Beacon I was very content to just be in my studio working. We moved here because we liked that there was already an art community happening. I wanted to join something that was already established and not have to start from scratch. When I heard that BOS was in need of a director and it might not happen this year, I didn't even hesitate to find out how I could volunteer.

First of all, it's one of my favorite events of the year in Beacon, plus it was good timing for me, and again, it was already an established community event that had its own footprint and identity. I felt especially as a participant myself I had enough ideas and experience to be able to add to what was already a great event.


What was your favorite thing about Beacon Open Studios the first time you experienced it?

There are a lot of artists in Beacon! There's a lot to see and experience. The overall quality and diversity of the artwork is great, and it's special to this town because a lot of events like this [in other locales] tend to all look the same with the majority of artists all making similar looking things.

The first BOS I went to was before I lived here. We had sold our house and were coming up here expecting to get confirmation on a place to rent. That place fell through and we were wandering around BOS a little depressed because we didn't know if we could find a place to live. We happened to start up a conversation with one of the participating artists and she said, "Oh, I know another artist in town who has a place for rent." We ended up calling her that day and finding the house we rented for the next 2 years. So, I suppose BOS will always be extra-special to me and my family because of that! It just was a perfect example of how welcoming and awesome this art community really is!

What can we expect this year from Beacon Open Studios?

Because it's my first year directing, I really didn't want to make too many drastic changes. We ended up picking the second weekend of May for the date. That's the first thing, the fact that it will fall on Second Saturday this year. I thought it would only bring more visitors so it's a win-win. It happens to also fall on Mother's Day but again, I think the town will be hopping that whole weekend! We're also revising the color catalog. The more sponsors and registered artists we get, the bigger the budget we'll have to work with. We'd like to make a fold-out map this year so it's easier for visitors to find artist studios and figure out how to spend their day in Beacon. There will be musicians playing at certain venues and there are a few new locations to visit this year, including the Shambhala Yoga Center and the Creekside Lofts behind the Howland Cultural Center.

Does this kind of event run in other cities? If so, where? Is it all connected? Or a general concept that gets picked up?

There are open studio events all over the place. They're not connected in any way. It's a boost to any community to be considered a cultural destination. Not every town or city has a substantial community of artists like Beacon does. And even places that do, don't necessarily have open studio events. It takes a lot of dedication and hard work. BeaconArts and BOS is run completely by volunteers, and believe, me these people work hard!!

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Beacon Open Studios is made possible with funds from the Decentralization Program, a re-grant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature and administered by Arts Mid-Hudson.

Beacon Open Studios is a sponsored project of BeaconArts, a 501(c)(3) organization supported through grants and donations and run entirely by volunteers.

Chime in here with where you were able to visit, and tell us your favorite parts!

New Art Gallery From The Raft Pops Up on Beacon's East End

jack fuller's paintings are part of the raft's pop-up gallery at 1 east main.photo credit: toni tan

jack fuller's paintings are part of the raft's pop-up gallery at 1 east main.
photo credit: toni tan

One of Beacon's best qualities is the way its residents rush to shine a spotlight on one another. In this case, Toni Tan of TanDao Studio sent up a flare to A Little Beacon Blog, to make sure we knew about The Raft’s pop-up gallery. “I reached out to you on their behalf because they are fabulous,” Toni said in an email. 

The Raft is a three-person art collective whose members' day jobs include architecture and fashion design. “Two of the artists are Beacon homeowners,” Toni says, and “all three are friends.” The group's members have been afloat in Beacon for a while: Beatrice and Jack met four years ago as neighbors in the Roundhouse's artist lofts. Jack brought Ben into the fold, and The Raft was launched.

the raft's pop-up gallery opened last weekend and continues this saturday and sunday. the show includes paintings, photography, and other media from three artists.photo credit: toni tan

the raft's pop-up gallery opened last weekend and continues this saturday and sunday. the show includes paintings, photography, and other media from three artists.
photo credit: toni tan

The former electric blanket factory at 1 East Main Street has been heating up once again in recent months: Visitors will find The Raft’s pop-up space next door to a swanky new bridal boutique from Lambs Hill. The gallery initially popped up last weekend, and continues this Saturday and Sunday (open from 1 pm to 7 pm) on the city’s East End, heading toward the mountain.

This weekend’s pop-up gallery will showcase photography, projections, and paper sculptures by Ben Boltin, and paintings from Jack Fuller and Beatrice Vann. The spark behind starting the collective will ring true to many artists, especially those who work hard to balance the day-to-day of “day jobs” with the impulses of creativity beyond the office. Beatrice explains: “It’s about finding the support you need to nurture and sustain a life in the arts - support from fellow artists whose work you admire and respect - and even envy a little.”

The group only plans to exhibit work this weekend - for now. Second Saturday and other ongoing events may be in the works, though. Keep your eyes on this space! We'll let you know as soon as we know.

What: The Raft Pop-Up Gallery
Where: 1 East Main Street, Beacon, NY

When: Saturday and Sunday, March 25 and 26, 1 pm to 7 pm

Visiting and Local Artists Have a New Teaching Studio To Host Workshops In (Sponsor Post)

Owner and artist Maria Amor in The Atelier Room 205. Call or email her to book: (646) 705-3833 AtelierRoom205@gmail.com

Spring planning has begun. The arts scene in Beacon is flourishing, attracting artists from all over to spend the day or a week here. With the Atelier Room 205, visiting and local artists have a wonderful and inspiring studio to host a workshop in. The Atelier, one of Beacon's newest teaching studios, is located in the old Beacon High School, a building brimming over with creativity. It is a school building converted into artist studios. Your students will feel the creative impulses for sure during your workshop!

Book now for Spring and Summer dates by calling owner Maria Amor at (646) 705-3833 or email AtelierRoom205@gmail.com.

For more pictures, please see here: http://www.alittlebeaconblog.com/atelier-room/


This message has been a sponsored post from our Sponsor Spotlight partner, Maria Amor, founder of the Atelier Room 205. Thank you for supporting businesses who support us!

BeaconArts Elects New President and Other Key Positions - Plus a Song! (Partner Post)

BeaconArts member meetings are super welcoming and easygoing, yet are packed with information about what is going on around Beacon, NY. The meetings are fueled by each member's excitement about what he or she is contributing to the community at large through individual creative projects. This beat runs through every meeting, but January's is exceptional. Members recall what the organization and its fiscally sponsored projects accomplished over the past year, then an election for board members (or re-election, for some) is held.

Elevating the start of this month's member meeting was a performance of the song "Freedom and Truth," composed by Debra Kaye with words by the late Margaret Fuller. Fuller was a visionary women's rights and social activist, a transcendentalist poet, and an intellectual scholar and writer who used the power of her pen to advocate for women’s equality, abolition of slavery, prison reform, democracy, and human rights.

The song's performance honored one of BeaconArts' 2016 accomplishments: aiding in the installation of a Margaret Fuller Marker at the Beacon Visitor Center, commemorating Fuller's historic visit to then-Fishkill Landing in Fall 1844. Fuller lived in this area for seven weeks while writing America’s first feminist work, Woman in the Nineteenth Century. The book's publication profoundly impacted the women’s rights movement, inspiring the 1848 Women’s Rights Convention in Seneca Falls, New York. BeaconArts commissioned this song for the Margaret Fuller Historical Marker Dedication on May 21, 2016. The trio of performers - Debra Kaye, Kelly Ellenwood, and Kathleen Bosman - reunited to perform it live at the beginning of January's meeting.

New BeaconArts Board Members and Positions

Longtime Board of Directors President Dan Rigney ended his term of eight years at the helm of BeaconArts, leading it through an invigorating time for Beacon and growth for BeaconArts. Citing his background and involvement in artistic movements in other states, Dan may or may not have gotten choked up during his final speech as president, but promised to stay on as an active strategic planner with the group.

New to the helm, but no stranger to the daily workings of BeaconArts, is Kelly Ellenwood (professional opera singer and now teacher). She has long been an active promoter of members and BeaconArts fiscal sponsorship projects, and as a citizen, she is deeply rooted in several volunteer organizations in the area, including Beacon Art and Education Foundation.

Stepping into the Vice President role is Theresa Gooby, artist and former director of Beacon Open Studios. (The fiscally sponsored project of BeaconArts kicks off May 12 this year.)

The newly elected Treasurer is Aaron Verdile. He also serves as Treasurer for the Beacon Sloop Club, and is a financial advisor at Prudential.

Continuing their roles on the Board of Directors are Secretary Erica Hauser of Catalyst Gallery, and Members at Large Pamela Dailey of Pamela Dailey Design and Christina Jensen of Jensen Artists

Re-elected to her role as a Member at Large is Sommer Hixson, a PR professional and the Director of Communications for Glynwood. New Members at Large include the artist Rick Rogers, who almost always has an open studio in his gallery overlooking Fishkill Creek near Dogwood. Terry Nelson, founder of the Beacon Independent Film Festival and new Head of Day-To-Day Operations at The Ground Radio, is also a new Member At Large. 

If you're not a member yet of BeaconArts, you can join right here, and it's really easy.

BeaconArts Annual Member Meeting Held At The Beacon Music Factory

The Beacon Music Factory may best be known by some as the home of Rock Band Boot Camps, where adults and kids immerse themselves in the study of covering of bands they love - costumes and all. The newest location for The Beacon Music Factory is on Rt. 52 and recently re-opened. The new space was renovated to accommodate the steady flow of aspiring musicians of all ages who come in for private and group lessons, band rehearsals, and sometimes occasional related gatherings, like a BeaconArts meeting.

The welcome desk at Beacon Music Factory.
Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin

One of several private music rooms inside of Beacon Music Factory.
Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin


BeaconArts is a Community Partner of A Little Beacon Blog and is part of our Sponsor Spotlight program. This article was part of their monthly messaging partnership. Thank you for supporting organizations who support us!