Art In The Open

  |  April 21, 2016
Omi-Arcs-In-Disorder-by-Bernar-Venet-1000x665

Editor’s Note: This originally appeared in Explore the Hudson Valley on April 16th, 2016. What can we say? We can’t wait to take our artistic pursuits outdoors.]

Even art-enthusiasts need their vitamin D. This summer, visit our top picks in outdoor art venues and events! Whether you’re into music, visual art, or pop culture, you’ll find somewhere to pursue your aesthetic interests under sun and stars.

Sculpture: OMI Art Center in Ghent brings you The Fields sculpture park, and annually rotating set of outdoor exhibitions by internationally recognized  contemporary and modern artists. And if you happen to be on the Hudson’s west bank, Storm King Art Center in New Windsor has over 100 carefully sited outdoor installations across its 500-acre park. Also be sure to catch the summer-long pop-up outdoor sculpture exhibition In:Site in Rosendale’s Widow Jane Mine, featuring the work of fifteen northeast artists. Omiartcenter.org. Stormking.org. Insiterosendale.org

Hudson-Valley-Shakespeare-Festival_photoby-William-Marsh

Theater: This year, the esteemed Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival celebrates its 30th anniversary with productions of “Measure for Measure,” “As You Like It,” “Macbeth,” and Thornton Wilder’s “Our Town.” Its picnic-friendly outdoor theater at Boscobel in Garrison looks out onto a breathtaking vista of the Hudson River. Powerhouse Theater’s summer apprentices also perform thespian classics on the grounds of Vassar College in Poughkeepsie. These renditions are free and open to the public. Hvshakespeare.org. Powerhouse.vassar.edu

Art In The Open

Music: West Point Band’s annual “Music Under the Stars” concert series takes place at Trophy Point, an outdoor amphitheater overlooking the Hudson Highlands. Rest assured, they pull out all the stops on July 4th.

hiway drive in

Movies: What if you’re more into the cinematic arts? The Greenville Drive-In is pampering its patrons with a new beer garden, which serves local brews to pair with their snack shack’s offerings. The theater screens popular classics like Breakfast at Tiffany’s and the work of local emerging filmmakers. Drivein32.com

art outside

Tours: See more than thirty murals, sculptures, and other examples of urban art in downtown Poughkeepsie on their guided walking tour, or check out local artists’ open studios in Phoenicia (July) and Saugerties (August).

Poughkeepsie: Call 845-486-1378 to book the tour.

Phoenicia: Shandakenart.com

Saugerties: Saugertiesarttour.com

Art Spotlight: 

Equis Art Gallery: The EQUIS ART GALLERY, is a purveyor of sophisticated, non traditional Equine artwork for the discerning collector. Offering painting, sculpture, fine art photography and more.

153 W. Market St, Red Hook/ (845) 758-9432

Francis Lehman Loeb Art Center: With Egyptian artifacts, Hudson River landscapes and works by Picasso, O’Keeffe, and more, great art is closer than you think!

124 Raymond Ave, Poughkeepsie/ (845) 437-5632

Woodstock Artists Association & Museum: Exhibiting and collecting outstanding regional art since 1819. For upcoming monthly exhibitions, lecture, films, and performances check their website.

28 Tinker St, Woodstock/ (845) 679-2940

About Nicole Hitner

Nicole fell in love with the Hudson Valley a decade ago and has since refused to leave. With a soft spot for stone cottages, she aspires to be a homeowner and in the meantime will continue her work as a writer and communicator.

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