The fifth annual edition of Upstate Art Weekend (UPAW) will take place Thursday, July 18, through Sunday, July 21, 2024. Upstate Art Weekend spans more than 10 counties above NYC from the Catskills Mountains and up and down the Hudson Valley. The Upstate Art Weekend is an annual event, for residents and tourists alike, celebrating the cultural vibrancy of Upstate New York. Finding places to go can be easily found using the comprehensive interactive google map the UPAW compiled to help visitors discover the arts Upstate. In addition, the full list of all 2024 participants can be found here.
UPAW launched in 2020 with 23 participants, and has now expanded to over 145 participants this year, welcoming thousands of visitors to the region. Participants are comprised of local arts organizations, galleries, museums, residencies and creative projects, mixed with temporary exhibitions and events staged especially for UPAW.
Locally, the Flatiron Artists Studios in downtown Peekskill will open over 6 galleries, KinoSaito in Verplanck, The Capa Space in Yorktown, and Manitoga, the Garrison Art Center, and Boscobel House and Gardens in Garrison will all open their doors and are participating in the Upstate Art Weekend.
Photo Credit: Peekskill Flat Iron Art Gallery Facebook Page
In Peekskill, the Flatiron Artist Studios will open their doors to studios and shops. The Flatiron Artists Studios will include Elizabeth Castaldo, Alison Pascoe, Melissa Pracht, Bérit Schumann, Lavinia Wiggins, Maureen Winzig and the Flatiron Gallery.
Elizabeth Castaldo creates multi-layered, visually abundant works on paper and artist’s books that explore nature, the divine feminine and interconnectivity. Alison Pascoe creates unique handmade work in stained glass. Melissa Pracht uses surrealism to explore women’s interior experiences. With a background in figurative abstract oil painting, her recent focus is on black and white printmaking and ink and charcoal drawing. Bérit Schumann borrows the concept of Yin and Yang from Tai Chi. Appearing as black and white, or male and female, her work also transcends these opposites. Lavinia Wiggins’ work is often inspired by the past, and a love of vintage and forgotten places. Her studio is filled with treasures in every corner. Maureen Winzig creates watercolor dreamscapes and flowers, oil paintings of portraits and landscapes and brand new abstracts in muted tones, as well as one of a kind handcrafted jewelry. Flatiron Gallery is a gallery space and shop devoted to handmade unique art and gifts. In addition, check out the Peekskill Coffee House that will feature the work of a Hudson Valley artist(s) as well as the new artwork on the outside of the building.
Photo Credit: KinoSaito Facebook Page
In Verplanck, KinoSaito will also participate in the Upstate Art Weekend with a full lineup of events all weekend long with expanded open hours, an outside pop-up art installation with a garden party, an Artist in Residence performance, and a kids’ workshop.
On Friday, July 19th, KinoSaito presents Brian’s Wieners, an interactive booth that showcases ceramic anthropomorphized hot dogs made by artist, Lauren Cohen, from 10 am to 5 pm. During the height of the pandemic, Brian emerged from Cohen’s psyche as she delved into further explorations of her own traumas and internal family systems. Both the artist and her fictional character, Brian, are constantly searching for love. By dressing in drag, Cohen becomes Brian and produces numerous comedic performances which allow her to explore the most vulnerable parts of herself. Brian has filled a void through his obsession with processed meats, turning his love of hot dogs into a replacement for the real thing. Along with the outdoor art installation, there will be a Garden Party with a Weenie Roast, drinks, and music from 1 pm to 4 pm.This event is free to the public.
On the following day, Saturday, July 20th, Artist in Residence at KinoSaito, Maiko Kikuchi, will perform Note from a Sheep I Met at the Dawn at 1 pm and 3 pm presented by La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club. Kikuchi’s performance unfolds in six captivating vignettes, where she, adorned in a business suit and glasses, brings to life surrealistic worlds inspired by nonsensical diary-like narrations. Using props and ordinary materials, she transforms the neutral white space into an immersive installation of visible daydreams, inviting viewers to ponder the delicate boundary between reality and dreams. There is a ticket fee of $20 per performance. Seating is limited, and reservations are required at: https://www.kinosaito.org/performances.
On the last day of Upstate Art Weekend, July 21st, from 1 pm to 4 pm, the regular Sunday program of KinoKids will be offered. In this month’s workshop, Sound Collage, participants are invited to engage their senses of sight and hearing by creating their own sound sculptures. Inspired by the work of Naama Tsabar on display, they will explore some of the different ways that visual art can be enjoyed and interacted with. All materials are provided. Kids and families of all abilities are welcome. This is a free drop-in program occurring weekly. For more details please visit: https://www.kinosaito.org/classes.
Visit the Peekskill Herald Events Calendar Features and the Peekskill Herald Event Calendar to see more local events.
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