Beacon Open Studios weekend; some images

The Mill's movie set-like exterior.

The Beacon Open Studios was pretty colossal this weekend.  I was only able to make it to a portion of the spaces.  Here are a few images of what I saw.

 

Above and below:  Stephan Spaccarelli's space at the Mill.

 

 

Above, Greg Slick's studio and below, Sara Corson's  portrait setup, both at the Mill.

 

 

 Alice Vaughn's Hudson River Bindery workspace at Beacon Studios - which is a name I've given up using.  Bulldog is what spills from most folk's lips still.

 

 

Jean-Marc Superville Sovak's stack in the library gallery of the old high school

 

 

Kirsten Kucer's drawings.

 

 

Theresa Gooby's napkin installation above, and her plastic bag works below.

 

 

Thomas Huber's work above and below.

 

 

Richard Bruce's studio.

 

Virtually everywhere I went, I encountered this baby stroller woman, let's call her "Kathy Feighery" and her adorable daughter whom we'll simply refer to as "Tess".  I swear she was intentionally following me.  She did it so well that her arrival in a location actually preceeded mine...very clever.  There was an episode of South Park where Ginger kids (a term I had never heard) run amok, led by the character Cartman.  Obviously, I was starting to get nervous.

Elia Gurna's work in her studio.

 

Outside Stephen Dickens' and Marsha Aliaga's Dirt Floor Studio.

 

Marsha's stair installation above and some of Stephen's paintings below.

 

The next several images are from my own open studio:

 

Below, some of the goodies provided by the Funky Baker.  I'm really trying to pimp her stuff. MMm, its good. These marble topped brownies that a surprisingly rich, Rich cocoa flavor.

 

 

 My now-upstair-neighbor, Marc Schreibman's photos on the front of the house.

 Above:  Elia Gurna's installation on our porch.  Below:  Inside the kitchen, Peter Iannarelli's work appropriated from byproducts of my studio labors.

 

 

 Stephen Dickens and friends krafting sound at the BOS after party at Spire Studios.

 

 Indeed.

Kudos to Theresa Gooby in pulling this off, with the assisstance of BACA, and other helpers.  My impression is that it was very successful over all.  Saturday seemed awash with visitors and Sunday featured a steady stream of people despite the threatening rain. 

A survey is being prepared to collect the feedback from artists which will shape the event next year.  And indeed, there will be an event next year, Theresa's already laying out her approach.

If anyone has any thoughts, any input from the weekend and what they saw, throw down some comments here.

I now have many more artist links to add to the sidebar.

May 17-18, 2008: Beacon's unSitely afFair

So the Sitelines Art Fair has been cancelled, but you really had your heart set on making it up to Beacon for the day or for the weekend. What's a body to do? Come what may, come mid-May, we're here for you, and you're welcome. There's plenty of other stuff on tap for the weekend. Here's the shakes on, hopefully most, of what's happening.


View Larger Map>
Here's a map showing what's going on where. Green pins indicate what's happening on Saturday, Red pins represent Sunday.
Saturday May 17th:

Dia:Beacon
10:30am - 2pm Dia:Beacon will be closing at 2pm for its annual benefit.
Two new installations are opening
Kamp Maykr
10:00am-5pm. Welcome to Kamp Maykr, we're hosting a pot luck brunch in the morning and an exhibit of yardwork at 1172 North Ave. Start your day off right, bring a dish, hang out for a while, and build your strength for the adventure ahead. Work on view by the likes of Michael Natiello, Steve Rossi, Kathy Feighery, me. The brunch will run til noon or so, but the artwork will be on view both Sat and Sun 12-5pm. Stay tuned right here for further details
Beekman Banner Project
noon - There will be a ceremony featuring Mayor Steve Gold and Dutchess County Art Council President Benjamin Krevolin to inaugurate a series of banners featuring work of local artists lining Beekman St.
Electric Windows
12:30-through the day. Electric Windows is bringing together 24 artists near and far to create
Artists will be painting through the day while accompanied the entire day by music provided by a range a selection of bands and DJ's. Check the above link for line up and schedule info.
Beacon Studios
1-5pm The many artists of Beacon Studios will be hosting an open house.
In addition, in the building's library gallery, there will be a preview of The Media Church, an installation by a guy named Russell, which will officially be opening on May 31.
Habitat for Artists


1-5pm Habitat for Artists will be celebrating the launch of the studio cum sculpture (or sculpture cum studio) project which has been taking shape in the parking lot of Spire Studios for the last several weeks. Participating artist will be on hand in their temporary digs, working and hanging out.
Donald Kimmel of Flying Swine will doing performance piece at some point in the afternoon.
Spire Studios
6pm - on. Spire Studios will be hosting open studios.

If have some yawing need to hang with an artist, this is the day. I can't say that I'm much good for company, but given the multitude of them roaming about on this day, you're bound to meet one with some charm.
Hermitage
7:30 Allan Kaplan reads from his new book "Like On Of Us."

Next Step
10:30pm - on. The Piggy Bank, Open Space, Burlock, and Break Beats will be bringing us this NonSecondSaturday Edition of Next Step complete with DJ's, dancing, and live painting at the Piggy Bank, 448 Main St. (I still owe Tom Moore $5 from the Next Step of a couple months back. I ain't forgotten ya Tommy.)

And that's just Saturday.
On Sunday:
Dia:Beacon
Dia's got several things going on this day in conjunction with the two sold out performances being presented by the Merce Cunningham Dance Company. There's a family day kicking off at noon that includes a movement based tour of artwork. A selection of items relating to the work of John Cage will be on view. There might be a few other things going on, but I can't quite decipher them, and they may be applicable to members only, like a reception for a Tacita Dean projection based on footage of Merce Cunningham performing.

Electric Windows
The pieces that were created through the day Saturday will be installed in the windows of the Electric Blanket Factory at 1 E. Main St. I don't know what time.

Country Folk @ Zahra's Studio
noon - on. If you simply can't get enough live painting, stop by Zahra's at 496 Main St. and catch the Country Folk crew creating a wall piece that will be part of their June exhibit at the gallery.

Kamp Maykr
12-5pm. Someone will still be hanging out, so stop by and check out what's been done in our yard.

That's what I know at the moment. Check back for updates.

Rhinoceros at Beacon Studios May 2-3 & 9-10

Oy. How late am I on posting this info?

Susan Osberg, Marika Blossfeldt, Dean Sharp and Susan Magnus are collaborating to produce a "salon-style, inter-art performance" called Rhinoceros. As the press release states, "Rhinoceros is a big thing in a small room." The piece will be performed in said small room before an audience of ten.

Choreographer, Susan Osberg was interested in developing a
piece for a small room and breaking away from a theater setting, into a
visual/sound space. This dance will eventually tour to Sweden to be performed in
a clone space called 25 sq. meters. Marika Blossfeldt, an Estonian performer,
known for her presence and haunting ‘Butoh-based’ lyricism, is one of her
favorite dancers, and they have worked together in numerous performances in New
York City. Marika will perform ‘Rhinoceros’, an hour-long solo for an audience
of ten, in a movement narrative that unwinds like a mobius strip. She will take
the audience on an intimate journey through a world of her own, accompanied by
composer, Dean Sharp, who will be playing live, mixing his contemporary Gamelan
with computerized sound loops, and poetry by Susan Osberg. Visual artist, Susan
Magnus has provided the visual concept and reflective materials for
‘Rhinoceros’.

Performances are scheduled for Friday and Saturday Nights, May 2-3 and May 9-10, 2008 at 8pm at Beacon Studios, 211 Fishkill Ave in Beacon.
$12 at the door, reserve in advance, seating is limited to 10.
For reservations call: 845 831-1832 or e-mail susanosberg{at}mac.com with subject “Rhinoceros”.

Vote on the sale of old high school to be held March 4.

On March 4, Beacon residents will be asked to vote on whether or not to give the Beacon City School District permission to sell the old high school building - again. The building reverted back to the school district at the end of 2006 after the BCF filed for bankruptcy. An affirmative vote by the residents will allow the district to entertain any potential offers to purchase the property. Word has it that there have been parties interested in acquiring the building, but I don't know if there is a current offer on the table. Last week the Poughkeepsie Journal announced the upcoming vote and stated that proceeds from an eventual sale, after expenses, will be used to reduce the tax levy.

Residents can vote on the sale of the old Beacon High School from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. March 4. Polls will be at Beacon High School, Glenham Elementary School, Chelsea Firehouse and the district bus garage. The school district covers the City of Beacon and portions of the towns of Fishkill and Wappinger. Call 845-838-6900 ext. 2017.

In June 2002, voters approved the sale of the high school to Terminal Associates for the creation of the Decorative Arts and Design Institute. Plans for that project never came to fruition, and eventually, under the management of the Beacon Cultural Foundation, the building was opened as artist studios in 2003.

Update: On March 5th, the Poughkeepsie Journal reported the vote results: 496 to 41 to allow the BCSD to sell the building.

Rakin' it in

December is here and along it comes the annual program of a multitude of small work group shows cooked up to serve art in buyit sized portions meant to tease some attention from your wallet.

It's a fanciful idea. It's an idea that entices one covet a little more that low hanging fruiart just within the reach of a little coin. And it's an idea whose ubiquitousness just softens my stool. Please, do go to a mall for crying out loud.
It's not a big deal, but each December, I'd really like to hear more about shows that may very well be unattainable or unaffordable and at the very least unpandering to one's panicky sense of purchasing before a deadline. That's why, at least on the face of it, this exhibit feels particularly refreshing and timely. I haven't seen it yet, but I will do so when I finally make it back home....Here's Jerry Saltz's giddy review of Urs Fischer at Gavin Brown's Enterprise.

So, anyway. Next weekend is Second Saturday, and I'll miss it as I expect to be somewhere in the Central Time Zone traveling in an easterly direction. But here is what I know now:


Ann Polashenksi, Japanese Interior Obliteration.
Go North will be having an opening for a group exhibit called Evolve/Dissolve. Although this is a group show, in December, the press release contains neither the word "gift" or "affordable." The press release does include the words "Fallujah, " "underpinnings" and "debris stream." Happy Holidays. The artists included in the exhibit are: Jonathan Allen, Aaron Sing Fox, Julie Anne Mann, Sarah Moran, Anne Polashenski and Stacy Seiler. Go North is located at 469 Main St. The reception will be happening from 6-9pm.

Jennifer Ruell-Huckell, Spellbound, mixed media.
Also opening on Saturday: The Cult of True Womanhood: Reliquaries, Rituals, and Remedies by Jennifer Ruell-Huckell at Zahra Studio, 496 Main St. Regarding the piece Spellbound:

This piece is a play on old wife's tales and witchcraft and the desperation felt to find a man and keep him. The largest box is filled with three vials containing, hair, fingernail clippings, and blood. It is to be
believed that an actual piece of a person's body is the most potent ingredient in spells of the heart. The four other containers have actual love spells written on them including, To Get A Man, To Keep A Man, Arousing His Lust, and To Make Him Come Back To You. The containers are filled with objects to aid in the casting of the spells.

In the event that you don't get what you want from Santa, you ladies, and some
men too, have another course open to you.

Dec 2007 Beacon Open Studio Map.

The Beacon Art Salon is sponsoring city wide Open Studios on Saturday and Sunday from 1-5pm. Beacon Studios (specifically the artist studios housed in the old high school, not to be confused with the general notion of artist studios located in Beacon) will be holding their Holiday Open House from 1-5pm on Saturday.

On Sunday from 1-2pm the Chthonic Clash (460 Main St.) will be hosting a booksigning/music event. Beacon illustrator and artist, Sharon Watts will be reading selections from her recently published book, "Miss You, Pat: Collected Memories of NY's Bravest of the Brave, Captain Patrick J. Brown," and Kathleen Pemble will sing songs from her CD, "Learning To Listen Again. " More information on the event can be found here.

By the way, I do have a selection of reasonably priced porn-based paintings in an array of festive colors well suited for the Season. What better way to experience the splendor of sharing by giving your loved one a bit of subliminal smut.

Flying Swine: Poe's Mask of the Red Death. This weekend only.

Beginning tonight, Flying Swine will be performing Edgar Allen Poe's Mask of the Red Death in the theatre at Beacon Studios. Poe's The Raven will also be presented.

Performances will be held at:

8pm Friday, Oct 26

7pm &10pm Saturday, Oct 27

7pm Sunday, Oct 28

Admission: Adults, $10. Students, seniors, and groups of 15 or more, $7

For information and reservations, call the Swineline: 845-230-7010.

I could be wrong, but I believe that these performances will be the first to be held in the old high school's theater since the students moved in 2002. At one point, here were big plans for the use of the theater under the direction of The Beacon Cultural Foundation, but other than a few community meetings, I think the theater has remained dormant for years. If someone knows otherwise, please let me know.

Old BHS building plea on agenda for Aug 14 City Council Workshop Agenda

A letter to members of the Beacon City Council sent on behalf of a coalition of interested residents, businesses and non profits has been included on the agenda for tomorrow evenings workshop session of the City Council.

The letter urges the City to consider buying the property and keeping the building in the public domain as a possible mixed use facility that might serve as community center, home base for local non profit and city services as well as the Howland Public Library and leasing office and studio space.

The City Council Workshop will take place at the Municipal Center starting at 7pm. The workshop is open to the Public, although there is no opportunity for public opinion. Information on City Council Meeting and Workshop agendas and minutes are available at www.cityofbeacon.org.

"Name That Collection Of Artist Studios Formerly Known As Bulldog Studios" Contest!

As of late, I have found myself occasionally referring Beacon Studios as Bulldog, which I'm sure is some sort of violation of trademark. I notice that I'm not the only one either. I've heard many folks (even a few residents) roll back to the more engrained moniker in conversation, and there are still many people coming to maykr via searches for Bulldog Studios.

Like it or not, the Bulldog name was concise, and singularly identifying. 'Beacon Studios' has neither of those attributes, nor does it truly capture the imagination. Not only does it consist of 5 syllables, there is no neat manner of abbreviating it to the 2-syll format which has continued to be all the rage in upwardly hip enclaves around the nation; ala SOHO, or, as I heard someone describe our area, NOBRO - I guess anything north of The Bronx.

Ok, perhaps you could craft BEaSTUD, or 'CONUDIO. Or if it can't be shortened, perhaps a nice anagram is in order. Bios Outdances sounds very avant to me.

The artist/tenants at the old high school building have much on their plate in working to secure their place in the building, and and certainly the name of the joint is probably the least of their worries.

So to that end, we here a maykr would like to announce the "Name That Collection of Artist Studios Formerly Known As Bulldog Studios" Contest!

If you have an idea you'd like to enter, please deposit it in the comments section of this post, or email us at info@maykr.com .

I'm not sure what you can win yet....but that'll be worked out in good time. Really.

A few images from Second Saturday, June 2007

Last week's Second Saturday line up of happenings were blessed with great weather which resulted in what felt like one of the more bustling, well attended installments of the monthly event.

I wasn't able to make it around to many places during the day, but here are a few images of things I did see - primarily a few spaces at the Beacon Studios, and the opening at the Ann Street Gallery in Newburgh. I will be posting more images later this weekend on the maykr flickr page. Angelika posted images on her blog of some of the gallery goers attending the opening reception at the Ann Street Gallery. Stacey Ward Kelly's website has images from the installation of Rick Price's mural at the Howland Public Library, and other studios.

Suspended pieces in Will Walker's studio at Beacon Studios.

Elia Gurna's Studio at Beacon Studios.

Flying Swine's reading of "Inventing Van Gogh"

Kirsten Kucer's installation at Beacon Studios

Peter Iannarelli installation in his space at Beacon Studios.

Richard Bruce's studio at Beacon Studios.

Opening Reception at Ann Street Gallery in Newburgh.


Eleanor White at Ann Street Gallery.

Installation of Bo Gehring's 60' long sculpture in the gym at Beacon Studios.

Carol March and Shannon Murphy's shared space at Beacon Studios.

Super Happy Colossal Second Saturday Fun Time

There is much much going on tomorrow for Second Saturday.

As I mentioned in a previous post, Flying Swine will be giving a reading of "Inventing Van Gogh" 7:30pm at 458 Main St.

BAS's open studio map.
Artists throughout the city will be opening their studios for visitors as part of the Open Studio event organized by the Beacon Art Salon . The Open Studio will run from 1-5pm.

The largest concentration of open studios is at the newly renamed Beacon Studios at 211 Fishkill Ave. This weekend's edition of POJO's Enjoy section covers the open studios.

As for galleries, bau's new exhibit is bau 30: Fresh Ink, a printmaking event. A group show of various printmakers. The reception is 6-9pm, bau is located at 161 Main St.

Bannerman Island Gallery at 150 Main St. is hosting a reception from 4-6pm for "CANACADEA" Landscapes in Resin by Carla Goldberg.

RiverWinds at 172 Main St is opening an retrospective exhibit of plein air painter Peter Billman. Reception is from 5-8pm.

Freshman Fine Art at 4 S Chestnut new exhibit is Denise MastrosimoneSmith: "Plantscapes - Transforming Images - Large Scale Color Drawings." Reception from 4-7pm.

Van Brunt Gallery will be opening a group show called No East No West featuring Lori Field, Reiko Fujinami, Elisa Pritzker, Hu Ren Yi, Kathleen Sweeney, Carl Van Brunt and Catherine Welshman. Reception from 6-9.

There is an art auction and reception happening at the Tallix facility located at 310 Fishkill Ave at 5pm. I had to go to Peekskill to learn about this event, and all I know is that it is going on. The event is sponsored by Hudson River HealthCare, The Preservation Company and Entergy. I can't tell what organization the auction is benefiting, but if you'd like event and ticket info, click here.

I'm sure there's other stuff going on, and of course, other galleries will be open late.....of course stop by Go North, I'll be there earlier in the day, and I'm sure a bit at night.

Plus, don't forget "In the Mix" at Ann Street Gallery in Newburgh, (see previous post)

If you happen to be in Peekskill on June 9 or 10, that city's annual open studio event will be happening.
Also in Peekskill on Sat., HVCCA will be hosting an opening reception for Size Matters XS, and exhibit of small painting.

That's all I've got to give on this subject.

Bulldog Studios is now Beacon Studios

The workspace formerly known as Bulldog Studios is now, rather generically, being called Beacon Studios. The space has a new website that lists all of the tenants of the building. The building will be having an open studio on June 9 from 1-5pm.