On July 18 in Upstate New York, the resplendent fifth edition of Upstate Art Weekend (UAW) will spark lively cultural connection throughout eleven scenic counties of the Hudson Valley and the Catskill Mountains, on view through July 21.
From its beginnings with 23 exhibitors, the much-anticipated annual event has greatly expanded, now welcoming more than 145 participants representing prestigious and leading-edge galleries, local arts organizations, museums, and innovative endeavors. Bespoke exhibitions and compelling events draw thousands of local and international guests alike, immersing all ages in a collective celebration of creativity in the height of nature’s summertime bloom.
Lizania Cruz at Open Studios Event at STONELEAF RETREAT during UPSTATE ART WEEKEND, courtesy of UPAW and BFA.
It’s All About the Journey at Upstate Art Weekend
“Upstate Art Weekend is about community, collaboration, art, and the outdoors, which are essential to our well-being,” said Helen Toomer, UPAW Founder. “We are thrilled for our fifth year and cannot wait to connect more visitors with the arts Upstate.”
“The number one thing to note is that it is impossible to do everything during Upstate Art Weekend and I encourage people not to rush,” Toomer added. “There’s much to see, but it’s also about the journey between participants and the experience of basking in the natural beauty of the Catskill Mountains and Hudson Valley.”
Courtesy of River Valley Arts Collective.
Utilize the Google Map for Seamless Artistic Discovery
A parade of diverse and experiential participant categories await visitors, including Art Studio/Design Space, Cultural Center, Gallery, Historical/Architectural Space, Museum, Multi-Purpose, Out In Nature, and Temporary Projects & Events.
With UAW’s comprehensive and customizable google map as a trusty guide—spotlighting all key program details—newcomers can enjoy serene days of artistic discovery throughout the picturesque region.
Courtesy of Sky High Farm.
Expect Singular Artist Encounters and Exhibitions
This year, singular encounters with visionary artists unfold at UAW. Founder and artist Dan Colen of Sky High Farm offer his critical insights with a special tour, while artist Jean Shin hosts her own private tour with Powerhouse Arts. Catskill Art Space beckons with magnetic explorations by James Turrell, and Assembly’s presentation of Bosco Sodi will no doubt beguile. Artwork by the eminent Jeffrey Gibson—who represents the US in the latest Venice Biennale with kaleidoscopic investigations—will be displayed at Alpana Bawa.
Additional must-see presentations champion the remarkable Nina Chanel Abney with an intimate solo show at Jack Shainman, as well as the iconic Carrie Mae Weems with a riveting solo exhibition within CCS Bard. A1 Held Foundation presents a myriad of events and exhibitions by the imaginative River Valley Arts Collective, and a bright, new era of creativity is unleashed at the Bard MFA Thesis Exhibition.
“Upstate Art Weekend is about community, collaboration, art, and the outdoors, which are essential to our well-being,”
— Helen Toomer
Open Studios Event of Art Mamas Alliance & Female Design Council
at STONELEAF RETREAT during UPSTATE ART WEEKEND: Maya Evans, Tiana Webb Evans, Lora Appleton, Helen Toomer, Nina Garcia-Vasquez, Hayley Carloni; courtesy of UPAW and BFA.
New Spaces Offer Critical New Perspectives
Brand new spaces in Upstate New York exhibiting at UAW for this year’s momentous edition includes Gretchen Jones’s Weird Speciality, Zero Art Fair, and the Edward Hopper House and Museum. Gallery 495 makes its debut with curator Mike Mosby—the deft partner of majestic artist Tschabalala Self, and in an act of pure collaboration, The Campus is unveiled from six New York City-based galleries.
Gracious Outdoor and Female-Forward Programs Abound
Newly open to the public for further revelation in nature’s abundance is a notable collection of programs by Foxtrot Farm & Flowers, Sunfair Farm, Art on Gosheen Green Farm, Ravenwood, and Macedonia Institute.
The annual Art Mamas Alliance & Female Design Council Gathering will offer joyful and sage experiences at STONELEAF RETREAT alongside the novel ARTNOIR x Upstate Color Gathering. Open Studios will bring the vibrancy of STONELEAF alum Moko Fukuyama, ARTNOIR Fellow Adrienne Elise Tarver, and Baxter St Fellow Joiri Minaya.
“I love discovering different things during UPSTATE ART WEEKEND, whether it’s a new project organized by local artists, or work by a new artist at an institution or gallery I already know,” said Toomer. “It’s full of surprises and the great thing is that there’s something for everyone.”
Courtesy of Jeffrey Gibson.
