Weekend recap

We attended the member's reception for the opening of Sol Lewitt's "Drawing Series...." on sat..and it was again a pleasure to see this work. The last post I wrote regarding the series of peices was based on my recollection of a few days ago, and upon seeing the work a second time, I'm really taken by the collection of pieces. There are 14 pieces on exhibit, not 9 as I had estimated earlier. Specifics on the installation can be found at ArtDaily.com . Also opening this weekend at Dia is a series of photographs called Trap Rock by An-My Le.

From Dia, we stopped off to visit Richard Bruce's opening at The Beacon Institute.

Our last stop saturday was Go North for the 100 Live 100 Work exhibit. It's a tiny joint with lots of people and lots of tiny artwork. The photos are from the gathering at Go North. The evening was enjoyable and full, but without the general "performance night" frenzy of a Second .

Postcard sized work at Go North.

Elia Gurna's "I Hear America Singing" found a home at Go North to complete the duration of the Windows on Main St project after the Library Board voted for its removal from the library.




On Sunday, I ran to the opening reception for the exhibit curated by Daniel Fuller "Only the Paranoid Survive." The Peekskill Project opened this weekend and there's a lot to take in.
If you're heading to Peekskill in the near future, here are some upcoming P.P. events:

Saturday, Sept. 23, noon: A meditation mediation event at RiverFront Green.
Sunday, Oct. 1, 4pm: Roundtable discussion, "Here, There, Everywhere: Peekskill Project 2004-2006." A discussion with participating artists looking back at past and current Peekskill Projects moderated by Ingrid Chu. Reception to follow.

Saturday, Oct 7:
1pm: Shaun El C. Leonardo "Self Portrait Icon: Retrato Iconico Individual" Starting at Riverfront Green and ending at HVCCA.
12-4pm: Elsie Green gives a presentation and workshop on making Zines at HVCCA.
Event info will be updated at the HVCCA website this week.

This Saturday

There are two openings happening in Beacon on Main St. tomorrow night:

Richard Bruce's exhibit, "Wetlands and Bodies of Water" is opening at the Beacon Institute for Rivers and Estuaries at 199 Main with a reception from 5-7 pm.

Go North's grand opening is happening from 6-9pm with a reception for its "100 Live, 100 Works" show. All of the 4x6" sized artwork is priced at $40 - a great opportunity to pick up a little something for not a whole lot of something.

Who was that headless man?

That's the question on everybody's lips this week.
Alright, maybe not.

Tony Moore is sizing up Harald Plochberger's choice of material at the opening of bau 21.
photo by Harald Plochberger.

The photo above comes from bau's website, and was taken by Harald Plochberger at the opening of his bau 21 show. I missed the spectacle because I was in Miami - honest. I'm just wondering who Harald could have gotten to play this crucial role for his opening. Simon Draper claims he was elsewhere that evening, and can provide witnesses to corroborate - we're looking into his story. On the other hand, I don't know if it has any significance, but I don't see Gary Jacketti mingling in any of the photos... You don't suppose?
If you have any you have any thoughts on who the mystery man might be, place your vote here.

Sol Lewitt Drawing Series... Opens

This Summer was bookended with holiday weekend visits to Dia:Beacon. On Labor Day, MeineFotoFrau and I enjoyed a picnic on the grounds of the museum. We were given a sneak peek at the recently completed Sol Lewitt Drawing Series... installation that officially opens this weekend. I was immediately struck by the extensiveness of the installation. Off hand, I'd estimate there to be about nine different pieces within a cluster of a handful of galleries.
Several pieces are more lyrical, and gestural than I would have expected, some pieces allowing for a fair amount of freehand drawing. There are two additional versions of the already installed series of squares with lines drawn in four directions, the two new installments being in color. The introduction of the restricted palette transformed these two pieces from drawings on the walls into subtle ghosts of frescoes that rest within the surface of the wall.
The one piece that felt jarring to me and I liked the least is one that depicts a series of thickly drawn arcs and straight lines. The breadth of the lines and their arrangement gave the sense of wallpaper, reminiscent of the Dia's Andy exhibit of last year and feels more like a moment of transition - and eye cleansing between two large sections of more delicate pieces.
I generally on cool burn when it comes to Sol Lewitt, but this is an installation that is full of grace, and surpise, and one that can be returned to many times, revealing something new with each visit.

Peekskill Project opening weekend.

The third Peekskill Project opens this weekend with citywide site specific installations and performances by over 100 artists from all over locally, regionally and interationally. I don't have details on specific events, but the schedule does include items through 9pm on Saturday at the waterfront. Information can be found at the waterfront, at HVCCA and at the gazebo on Division St. The Peekskill project will run through October 7. Any information on related programs and talks will be posted here as it becomes available.

HVCCA will also be hosting an opening reception on Sunday from 5-7pm for "Only the Paranoid Survive," an exhibit of new media work curated by Daniel Fuller.

A remembrance

On Sunday, Sept. 10, an item written by artist and Beacon resident, Sharon Watts, was published in The Patriot News, a newspaper in Pennsylvania where Watts is from. Sharon's piece a 9/11 remembrance and tribute to her friend, Captain Patrick J. Brown of the FDNY. Watts has written a book about Brown, with whom she was once engaged, and is in the process of showing it to publishers. Here is a link to her piece.

September 9 - 2nd Saturday in Beacon

Second Saturday will be here tomorrow. I've been frantic with my schedule, and various issues that have popped up this week, so I know I won't be covering everything....by far.

First of all, the Beacon Art Supply will be holding a HUGE sidewalk sale starting at 11 am and going all day. It seems there was a leak in the store, and some merchandise was damaged. Savings should prove to be HUGE HUGE HUGE.

For a complete listing of what's happeSecond Saturday will be here tomorrow. I've been frantic with my schedule, and various issues that have popped up this week, so I know I won't be covering everything....by far.

First of all, the Beacon Art Supply will be holding a HUGE sidewalk sale starting at 11 am and going all day. It seems there was a leak in the store, and some merchandise was damaged. Savings should prove to be HUGE HUGE HUGE.

For a complete listing of what's happening this 2nd Saturday, visit BACA's website, beaconarts.org. There's a link in the sidebar. I'm just not sure exactly what's happening
I do know what's not happening - Spire Studio's Quarterly Open Studio! For the 2nd quarter this year, there will be no open studio bender at Spire. The excuse for June was that many people were so busy with other projects, there was little energy or time to put together a shindig. The reason for the no go this month is that many of the studio artists themselves will be no shows. I cannot speak to everyone's whereabouts on Sept 9, but I do know that:

Kathy Feighery will be at the opening of her recent work at Van Brunt Gallery. Also showing, are Susan English and Jane Bloodgood Abrams.



Angelika Rinnhofer will be in Miami,at the opening of her exhibit "Seelensucht" at the Bernice Steinbaum Gallery.

Todd Spire will have his face buried in the latest issue of "Modern Bride" planning his dream wedding.

Alexis Elton will be at bau where she will have an installation in the back room.

and Chris Albert will be with Angelika Rinnhofer.

Stay tuned though, We'll have two open studios' worth of pent up energy when the December 2nd Saturday rolls around.

Finally, This Second Saturday is the last chance to see the Windows on Main St. project. If you've read the last two posts in this blog, you know that the library is asking that Elia Gurna's piece be removed from the window prior to the completion of the exhibit. The artwork will be taken down sometime Friday, Sept 8, but it will finish out the term of the exhibit installed in the window of GO NORTH at 469 Main St. Elia's piece should be installed at GO NORTH by early Saturday.

I have to go pack a bag. If anyone has images of Saturday's events, email me at info@maykr.com. I'll let you know the best way to get them to me so I can post them.

and bits

Via today's POJO:
Vassar College will be screening films of Rudy Burkhardt from 7-9pm, Sept 8 in Taylor Hall.
There will also be a talk given on Tuesday at 12:30 in the Francis Lehman Loeb Artcenter's Prints and Drawings galleries by Stephen Koch, executor of the Peter Hujar Archive.

I can no longer find the page on the website, but yesterday's POJO mentioned that Poughkeepsie artist, and bau member, Frank Palia is hosting a local television show devoted to art and artists in a multiplicity of disciplines. The show airs on Thursdays, but I believe it's on Time Warner Cable, so we don't get it in Beacon.

Howland Library Board votes to remove artwork

Tuesday night, I attended the public comment period of the monthly Library Board meeting at the Howland Public Library. Approximately 10 men and woman opposing the display of Elia Gurna's piece, "I hear America Singing" in the window of the library also attended the meeting. Those opposed to the installed artwork who spoke at the meeting each used their allotted five minutes to relate their anguish, and deep sense offense taken by seeing what they percieve to be a desecration of a hallowed emblem. The general thrust of the statements was that the alteration of the flag's symbolic coloration is an affront to the memory of the men and women who have served and sacrificed their lives for this country and its flag, and the display of such in a public institution adds to the insult, and at least one person stated that if its presence in the library continued, their support for the library would not. BACA President, Sara Pasti and I spoke for the other side in this issue. As Elia Gurna was away and not able to attend. I read aloud her statement on the piece, and sought to convey the sense that the piece is a desecration in neither intent nor execution. The artwork is the expression of a personal relationship with a symbol that, although singular in its identity, constitutes an amalgamation of individual meanings for the citizens of a pluralistic nation of 200 million people, and I find this element of the individual's expression of his and her own "Americanness" to be a prime element in the Whitman poem on which the artwork is based.

I received a call from Sara Pasti on Wedsnesday informing me that the Library Board voted - unanimously - to have the flag remove by this coming Friday. Up to this point, I think the library has handled the controversy well, and has supported the principle behind displaying the artwork. The Windows on Main St. project relies on the hospitality of local businesses and institutions to host the installations created by the participating artists, and if an establishment chooses for some reason to have the artwork removed, we as organizers, and our sponsor, BACA accept that as an establishment's perogative, and we will honor such wishes if they occur. We are grateful to all of our participating businesses. The library in particular has been very enthusiastic in both this and last year's project, and has expressed interest in participating next year, and we welcome them. I am disappointed by the decision, and I figure it's a way for the library to save face in a way that, while the removal of the piece will occur just a couple of days short of the full term of the exhibit which is scheduled to end on Sept. 10, it should placate a very vocal demographic.

I honor the opinions of those who have voiced opposition to this artwork, but I certainly disagree with their position. This particular instance is a specific flash point of debate, but it speaks to a current of underlying issues that have formed with the influx of new residents to Beacon, and the changes it affects. I think moments like this can bring these issues to the front, potentially bearing positive results ...or they can go the other way. I'll hope for the former, not the latter.



On my way home Wednesday night, I saw that an actual American flag had been placed in the window, hanging in the same manner as Elia's piece, just a little smaller. I'm not sure what to think of it, except that with the opportunity to compare/contrast the two emblems in question, I feel it further illustrates the distinction between the actual item and the actualization of a poetic concept. I think this "side by side" setup inadvertantly serves to demonstrate the true and significant distance between Elia's artistic exploration, and a desecration of the nation's flag.

I expect there will be more comments on this topic, and I'll pass them along as I recieve them.

The text of "I hear America Singing" by Walt Whitman:

I hear America singing, the varied carols I hear;

Those of mechanics—each one singing his, as it should be, blithe and strong;

The carpenter singing his, as he measures his plank or beam,

The mason singing his, as he makes ready for work, or leaves off work;

The boatman singing what belongs to him in his boat—the deckhand singing on the steamboat deck;

The shoemaker singing as he sits on his bench—the hatter singing as he stands;

The wood-cutter’s song—the ploughboy’s, on his way in the morning, or at the noon intermission, or at sundown;

The delicious singing of the mother—or of the young wife at work—or of the girl sewing or washing—Each singing what belongs to her, and to none else;

The day what belongs to the day—At night, the party of young fellows, robust, friendly,

Singing, with open mouths, their strong melodious songs.

WOMS Flag controversy at Howland Public Library

There have been some complaints lodged at the Howland Public Library, and at least one letter to the editor of the Beacon Free Press (which can be seen in this week's issue) critical of the Windows on Main St installation of Elia Gurna in the window of the Library.
The installation consists of a replica of the American flag created by Gurna using translucent tinted vinyl, and a cd recording featuring a sound piece created by Gurna's collaboration project, einLab, that recites the Walt Whitman poem "I hear America Singing." Elia's piece share's the same title of the poem, and stands as a visual interpretation of the poem.
I understand the objections that have been raised stem from the offense some have taken with with the alteration of a sanctified symbol.
Below, I've posted Elia's statement on the piece. As an organizer of the WOMS project, I'll simply say for the moment, that it seems to me the intent and of the piece actually shares much of the sentiment behind the reasoning of those who object to the piece, and the divide rests within the nuances of "art" and not of message. I'm sure I'll have more to say soon, and I hope to be able to post some contrary opinions on the issue as well.

Elia Gurna

I hear America singing

A Piece based on and inspired by Walt Whitman’s poem of the same title

I chose to make a piece at the library because it is a public institution dedicated to the betterment of its community and because literature often inspires my work. I believe that all art, like literature, should be for everyone, not just the people that can afford to pay for it.

I hear America singing is an idealistic piece about hope in America for America. I chose Walt Whitman’s poem because it is homage to the working class. To me it serves as a reminder to preserve the public good (like the library!), at a time when the notion of the public good is being redefined by corporate and consumer interests. The piece is also about imagining and remembering an idealism that to me is specifically American – it calls to mind a vision of productivity and hard work towards a common constructive goal.

I chose to make a pink and green replica of the flag to accompany my recording and musical adaptation of the poem, because I mourn the America that Walt Whitman describes – that idealistic America with its belief in hard work towards a public good, and because I wanted to reimagine the flag. The traditional red white and blue is probably the most abused emblem that exists. It adorns chewing gum packets and signs announcing sales for corporate chain stores. It is my view that it has become a symbol used to promote unchecked capitalism and imperialist war.

I chose pink and green because they are lively colors of growth. I made the flag out of vinyl so that it would not block the light to the reference room and because I wanted passers by to see themselves reflected in it, to be a part of the piece and to consider the meaning of this emblem that is all over Main Street.

Sewing this flag is my gesture of hope, reminding myself that the first flag was sewn (by a woman!) as the symbol for a revolution from oppressive conditions, and that Walt Whitman’s (and in turn my own) idealism and love for the country should not be considered cynically or nostalgically, but are useful and most necessary today.

August 2006

The Library Board will be meeting tonight, at 7 pm. There will be a period for public comment, and if anyone wishes to share their thoughts on the piece, they are invited to do so. I will be attending the meeting tonight as will, my co-organizer, Karlos Carcamo.

Recap of the Howland Library Board meeting and text of the Whitman poem on which the piece is based.

Comments from Go North co-directors Karlos Carcamo and Gregory Slick.

kibbles and bits

This year's Dutchess County Executive's Arts award for an art organization will be given to bau in an awards ceremony on October 19, 2006.

The recipient of last year's award for arts organization, Bulldog Studios, continues to be a topic of discussion. Kathleen Murray, in her column from last week, discovers that it is a rare occurance for a non profit to file bankruptcy instead of simply folding.
This month's Beacon Dispatch carries a editorial on the developments at Bulldog, and there have been some reader comments posted on their blog. You'll have to scroll down a bit to the post.

September's dispatch also carries a first person account by Rick Price of the mural he is creating for the Howland Public Library. Price is currently using donated space at Bulldog Studios to complete the mural.

I'd like to commend the collaborative concepts group on the design of their website for the Saunders Farm project. The website uses the blog format, but has eliminated many of the telltale blog characteristics giving the site a cleaner feel with the navigational feel of a traditional site. As bau was being formed, we found that the blog was a convenient and free way to maintain a site, and have information updated constantly and easily and with the flexibility to customize the design. I expect that I'll be borrowing some of the elements from the collaborative site for future projects.

Dakin Roy at Saunder's farm

The Saunder's farm sculpture project in Garrison opens tomorrow.

Below are images of Dakin Roy's installation for the project.

Dakin Roy, Untitled 8/200d. cotton fabric, fishing line, sisal, metal gears

The suspended bells in the foreground are part of a piece by Nancy Bauch.
photos by Dakin Roy

Linda Stewart's Ellenville installation images

Linda Stewart sent over a couple of images of her installation titled "East of the Mountains..." for the 10x10x10 project in Ellenville which just concluded this week. Last week, the Ellenville Journal featured an article on Linda.

photos by Linda Stewart

Richard Bruce on Long Island

Richard Bruce is having an exhibit of recent paintings at the Karin Sanders Fine Art, in Sag Harbor, NY. This show will run from Sept. 2 thru Oct. 26, and there will be an opening reception on Sept. 2 from 6-8pm.

Richard also has a show coming up coming up shortly at the Beacon Institute.

In today's Poughkeepsie Journal

Today's POJO has two Beacon art related items.

In today's installment of her weekly column, Kathleen Weresynzki Murray focuses on the Jill Freedman photography exhibit at Wild Wood Gallery.

Elsewhere in the paper, Murray reports on the filing of Chapter 11 bankruptcy by The Beacon Cultural Foundation, and how the reorganization may affect Bulldog Studios and its tenants.

Times reviews Agnes Martin at Dia:Beacon

Holland Cotter reviews Dia's most recent installment in the series of exhibitions of Agnes Martin's paintings in the NYTimes today.

Heavy in lead are the offerings at Dia:Beacon. The review's headline: "A Series of Lines in Pencil, Leading to a Realm of Joy," might just as well apply to the newly completed Sol LeWitt wall drawing.

Call for entries for Go North's Inaugural exhibit

GO NORTH - A Space for Contemporary Art

469 Main Street

Beacon, NY 12508

Contact: Karlos Carcamo (347) 531-6111; Gregory Slick (917) 576-0187; Gallery e-mail: gonorthgallery@hotmail.com; www.gonorthgallery.blogspot.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NEW BEACON ART GALLERY TO OPEN SEPTEMBER 16, 2006—Featuring 100 Live 100 Works, a group show of index card-sized works on paper

Karlos Carcamo and Gregory Slick are pleased to announce the grand opening of their new gallery, GO NORTH - A Space for Contemporary Art, located at 469 Main Street in Beacon, NY. GO NORTH is the latest addition to the Hudson River towns’ vibrant art scene, which includes such notable venues as Dia:Beacon, Van Brunt Gallery, Max Protetch, BAU, and Yellow Bird Gallery. The gallery's aim is to further enhance the cultural life of Beacon through group exhibitions, individual artist projects, and site-specific installations.

GO NORTH’s grand opening will be held on Saturday, September 16^th, with a reception for the artists from 6 to 9 pm, and will feature an open invitational group exhibition titled 100 Live 100 Works. The artworks will be on index card-sized paper, made by 100 artists, many of whom live in the Hudson Valley. All work on view will be sold on a first come basis until September 24th.

After September 24^th, GO NORTH will be closed briefly for renovation and installation of its first solo artist show, opening October 14^th, 6 to 9 pm. Regular business hours commence with the October show: Friday to Sunday 12 to 6 pm, and by appointment.

Artists interested in participating in GO NORTH’s inaugural exhibition should contact either Karlos Carcamo or Gregory Slick at gonorthgallery@hotmail.com. Work can also be dropped off at World’s End Books, located at 474 Main Street, Beacon, NY (Thursday to Monday 11:30 to 6 pm). To be included in the exhibition all work must be on index card-sized paper (4” x 6”), with the title of the work and artist’s name, phone number and/or e-mail address printed clearly on the back. Only one submission per artist.

Brandon Ballengee gives artist talk at The Beacon Institute, Aug 26 4pm

Brandon Ballengee "Cleared and Stained Sturgeon"
on view in the storefront of the Beacon Institute through Sept 10.

Windows On Main Street Presents:
A talk by participating artist Brandon Ballengee.

When:
This Saturday August 26th, @ 4pm
Location:
The Beacon Institute of Rivers & Estuaries, 199 Main Street, Beacon, NY
Admission:
Free

Brandon Ballengee’s work attempts to blur the already ambiguous boundaries between environmental art and ecological research. When initiating a project he often solicits technological or theoretical information from field biologists, or zoological organizations. In other cases, Brandon has collaborated with scientists to create a work. As an artist involved in wildlife preservation, global disappearances of biodiversity is both a concern and a focus.
Earlier Earth/Eco artists such as Betty Beaumont, Agnes Denes and the Harrisons have influenced Ballengee’s approach towards nature. Likewise it is inspired by the political philosophies of Thomas Cole and the Hudson River School.
Ballengee is probably best known for attempting to breed an extinct species of frog back into existences and a series of, "Dioxin Drawings," painted with pollutants found in waters around the state, and distilled down into a sludge of dioxin, PCPs, petrochemicals, etc., which he then used as his paint medium. The images he paints suggest the human skeleton, which is where the artist says these pollutants come to reside in our bodies.
Headquartered on the Hudson River in the City of Beacon, in Dutchess County,
New York, The Beacon Institute's mission is to create a global center for interdisciplinary research and education for the study of rivers and estuaries and the central role they play in the lives of nearly every living creature on this planet.
Its work will proceed from many platforms – out on the water, in an education and resource center, in a state-of-the-art laboratory, within the scientific and academic community and through ongoing collaborations with partners. Its plans are continuing to evolve, with future designs for satellite facilities along the Hudson and elsewhere. With a team of scientists, educators, engineers, historians and other experts, The Beacon Institute will become a center for excellence in the study of rivers and estuaries and a bold voice for policies and practices to benefit waterways and society alike.
For further information please contact The Beacon Institute at info@thebeaconinstitute.org or (845) 838-1600. Windows On Main Street is sponsored by The Beacon Arts Community Association and Dutchess County Arts Council. Refreshments will be served.

WOMS2006 update

I've been recovering from the post Windows preps so I haven't had a chance to begin posting images and artist info from the project onto the WOMS blog, but I will commence shortly.

There will be a walking tour of the Windows on Main St. exhibit at 4pm today. We will be gathering at the Muddy Cup at 129 Main St. The tour is free, and everyone is welcome to join.

Next Saturday: In Connection with the Windows on Main St project, The Beacon Institute will be hosting an artist talk by Brandon Ballengee. Information will be posted shortly, so please check back.

Heading further North

Carol March has curated an exhibit of inkwash drawings by Jake Berthot, which will be on exhibit at the Kleinart/James Art Center through August 31.

Though not a Beacon Artist, Peter Acheson is a friend to the Beacon Artist. Acheson's most recent attempts to create complete sentences in the medium of painting are on view at A D D Gallery in Hudson NY, also through August 31.

Go North!

This in from Karlos Carcamo:

Aug 15, 2006

Dear All,

I would like to thank everyone for the wonderful support that I have so far received and to all the great artists who exhibited their work at Parasite Art Space. I will be closing down the gallery at the end of the current exhibition (Sept 10th). Please stop by and take a look.

Many thanks to Mark Roland of the Iron Fish Trading Company for allowing me the opportunity to establish this unique venue for creative expression. Fortunately, this is not the end of my curatorial interests but the beginning of a new venture.

Along with Gregory Slick, I will be launching a new project space at 469 Main Street, across the street from the Carl Van Brunt Gallery. Our aim for this space is to enhance the cultural life of Beacon through group exhibitions, individual artist projects and site specific installations. I hope you are able to stop by our grand opening sometime in September.

Best regards,
Karlos Carcamo
Co-Director,
GO NORTH - A SPACE FOR CONTEMPORARY ART.
469 MAIN STREET
BEACON, NY 12508


Sponsored by Beconstruction, Inc

For almost a year and a half, Parasite has consistantly stood as the most thoughtful and interesting exhibition space in Beacon. Silently nestled away from the street in the back of Iron Fish Trading Co., the small space has been exactly what its name states; an organism of art that, with the will, and a willing host, has created a cultural life within the cracks of everyday Beacon. Regardless of the show, I've always been rewarded with a sense of discovery by the contents of the room after threading through Iron Fish. Karlos Carcamo has packed more oomph in that brilliantly constrained joint than any other space in Beacon. A few of the recent exhibits that stand out are the inspiring installation of drawings, notes and studio paraphernalia by Charlotte Schulz, the elegant and spare exhibit of paintings by Joan Mellon, and the show of text based work, curated by Greg Slick. The programming in the space has offered a stimulating mix of work by artists from New York, and those who live and work in Beacon, giving a platform to view the explorations that are going on here in our home, and adding the context of a broader view. The limitations of the space, (approx. 8'x8') have done much to shape the character of the exhibits and they impose a requirement that installations be focused in vision and content. I'm pleased that Karlos and Greg are moving into a similarly small location for the Go North, as I'm sure it will demand a level of rigor that will characterize their activities going forward.

Karlos is a friend, and we've worked together on the Windows project. I sincerely appreciate his ideas and I admire his vision, focus and energy to initiate activities and projects that enhance the creative life in Beacon and beyond. His ability to face difficulties with a cool calm, adapt to a new situation, and move along in a new direction without qualm are inspiring. I've only seen him crack once...ok, twice, on his wedding day. A fine example of his ability to shift was seen at the first exhibit at Parasite, which was originally slated to be held in the Ritz theater in Newburgh. After a series of issues with the fire marshall, and fearing more complications once the show was open, Karlos, at the last minute, moved the work of the 20+ artists, and install it in Parasite and the basement and back portions of Iron Fish and made it work.

This post is not an excercise in blowing smoke up Karlos' hoohaa.
I think the work he has done at Parasite has been valuable if not entirely visible, and this new venture with Greg, whose Quinn the Eskimo events have been loose, lively and fun will offer more visibility, and wider reach.

Holy Cow

There have been two topics that have been floating around over the past couple of weeks that have had folks asking how much each other knows about them. The first topic revolves around the charges of animal cruelty against Sandy Saunders, and whether the charges would or should have any effect on the sculpture project that the Collabortive group is putting together on Saunders' land in Garrison NY. The Second topic that has come to the fore regards the possible fate of the Beacon Cultural Foundation, and how that may affect Bulldog Studios, and the tenant artists with workspace therein.

As to topic #1, The sculpture project at Saunders' farm is on, and scheduled to open on Sept 2. The group has set up a website with information on the exhibit. As far as I have heard, the group has not had any comment on the incident involving Saunders.

In regard to topic #2, I have no definite information to share. I've only heard broad speculation as to the future of BCF, and some anxiety about the certainty existing leases will continue to be honored. I imagine, and hope, that the current state of affairs will be made clear for those with workspaces at Bulldog.
If anyone would like to share thoughts or info on these or any other pressing topics, feel free to coment.

2nd Saturday revisited.

Kevin Stapp at Parasite

The Sidewalks lining Beacon's Main St were majorly full of people moving from one location to another for 2nd Saturday events. By all accounts, the number of people that came out was exceptionally high. As usual, there were openings happening at all the galleries. I was on the street, but unfortunately, did not make it many places.

The first of the receptions we held for the Windows Project was quiet, but we dovetailed the 2nd Windows reception, with the end of the Living Artists of Beacon reception at Muddy Cup which is where many folks ended up after the galleries closed. After Muddy Cup closed, some people headed over to Max's on Main to finish the evening.
I'm disappointed that I was not able to make it down to Zahra's to meet the artists gathered for the non graffiti graffiti show, but Dakin Roy, our man on the scene, described the vibe as "chill," and the show drew a wholly different crowd to the area.

Vivian Altman opened an exhibit of recent paintings at bau. Parasite opened its final show with work by Keven Stapp. Van Brunt's new exhibit features paintings by Norm Magnusson, photos by Melanie Einzig, and sculpture by Chris Meyers.

Chris Meyers' work at Van Brunt Gallery

Update:
Kathleen Murray's column in the Poughkeepsie Journal's August 18th Enjoy section served as a quick review of Saturday's events.

I also want to mention that Jen Bradford has new paintings up at Chthonic Clash. Gallery 475/Backroom Gallery has a figurative group show, and Wild Wood Gallery has a show of photography by Jill Freedman.

Windows On Main St. opens August 12

Dakin Roy, Sonia Roy
"For The Love of Ivy"
@ Relic, 484 Main St

The Windows on Main St project opens Saturday with 29 Beacon businesses hosting artwork and installations in their windows.
There will be 2 opening receptions on Saturday:
The first will be at Chthonic Clash, 453 Main St. from 6-8pm, then continue at The Muddy Cup, 129 Main St, until 11pm.
The images here are of a few of the windows. there will be more images, and artist information here, shortly.

Kirsten Kucer
"La Cortina De Tortilla"
@ Mexi Fruits Market, 346 Main St.

Karen Ostrom
"Window Pain"
@ The Framery/ For Gilded Paws, 480 Main St.

"Living Artists of Beacon" at Muddy Cup

The Muddy Cup, and bau are presenting the 1st Annual Living Artists of Beacon Exhibit. The exhibit, juried by local artist, and author, Mia Barkan Clarke, and artist, and Senior Administrator of Dia:Beacon, Jennifer Mackiewicz. There will be a reception at the Muddy Cup from 6-9pm

The participating artists are:

Shirley Botsford, Nancy Catandella, Michael D'Antuono, Kate Daly, John Fasulo, Mary Ann Glass, Erin Kaleel, Kirsten Kucer, Sara Pasti, Roseann Petrie, Stacey Ward Kelly, Sharon Watts, Catherine Welshman.

The Muddy Cup will be hosting an opening Reception from 6-9 for the exhibit. --Don't forget that the reception for the Windows on Main St. will move from Chthonic at 8pm, and migrate over to the Muddy Cup, and keep things going until 11 pm.

Preview at Zahra's Studio

I was running around last night, taking pictures of the some of the pieces in the Windows On Main St, and I stopped into Zahra's Studio. Keith's next show is "Non Graffiti Graffiti Writers Show," and is featuring graffiti writers from around the country. The show includes work by: Tupher, Vatoe, Steps, Dever, Dement, Troph, Imitation Crab Meat, and 78. I don't know who's work was what as there was no information available when I stopped in.
I'm fond of different applications in the graffiti form, and I dig the feel of this show. One thing I find that Zahra does in many of his exhibits is give you some small, fresh bit of weirdness to covet, and I can see that happening for me with this show.



NGGWS at Zahra's Studio opens this Saturday, Aug 12 and runs through Aug 31. The reception on Saturday will be held from 6-11pm.

Art Auction seeks donations

Planned Parenthood of Newburgh will be holding an art auction fundraiser on October 22, 2006. If you are interested in donating a piece for the auction, email Vivian at vivian_altman@yahoo.com.

The last week of Anxious Objects

This is the last week to catch Anxious Objects, a juried exhibition at the Samuel Dorsky Museum in New Paltz. The exhibit is a survey of work in"craft media" by Hudson Valley artists. Sydney Cash whose wall pieces have been shown at Van Brunt, and jewelry carried at Hudson Beach Glass is included in the exhibit, as is Gary O'Connor. Anxious Object is on exhibit through Aug 13 in the museum's west wing.

On for this weekend

Here's what I know is going on this weekend.

Saturday, 1pm - Karen Kelly, Director of Publications for the Dia Art Foundation will be giving a gallery talk on Robert Smithson--at Dia:Beacon.

Across the river, the Newburgh Sculpture Project kicks of at noon on Saturday in Newburgh. Beacon resident, Thom Joyce is among the participating artists. There are other goings on in Newburgh on Saturday as part of their series of Last Saturday events.

On Sunday, bau is hosting an artist talk by Egon Zippel. The talk starts at 5pm, followed by a music performance by eddi at 6pm.

Animal Tales

Several local papers, last week, carried items on this story regarding the arrest of Alexander "Sandy" Saunders on 9 counts of animal neglect. Putnam Sheriff's deputies department had removed some animals from Saunders' farm citing the unhealthy condition of the animals, and the stables in which they were kept. Saunders denies the charges and claims the accusations are the result of a politically motivated attack on him for hosting a Jackson Browne concert to benefit Democratic Congressional candidate, John Hall. Saunders is scheduled to appear in court on Sept 13.

The group from Collaborative Concepts has been organizing an outdoor exhibit of sculpture to be held on Saunder's acreage. The exhibit will feature the work of approximately 30 artists and is scheduled to open in September.

Van Brunt hosting artists

Artists Colin Barclay and Lori Field will be at Van Brunt Gallery from 1-3:30 today to speak about their work.

Independant film in Newburgh

The Downing Film Center will open Saturday night with screenings of the 2006 film Water.
Located on the bottom level of Yellowbird Gallery, the film center plans nightly screenings of independant, classic and foreign films. There will be two films every night of the week with matinee screenings on Fridays and Sundays. Adult tickets range between $6 and $8.

The Downing Film Center is located at:
Yellow Bird Gallery
19 Front St, Newburgh, NY 12550
tel: 800.974.8594 or845.561.3686

Call for Commuters' photos of Bannerman's Castle

As part of Beacon's upcoming Windows on Main St. exhibition in August, The Bannerman Commuter Project is seeking Photographs of Bannerman's Castle taken from Metro North and Amtrak trains. The rail line running along New York's Hudson River Valley boasts numerous natural and manmade wonders, none of which are more intriguing than the ruins of Bannerman's Castle, set on an island located just south of Beacon. The former armory of sorts, was built to simulate a Scottish castle and recalls creates a romantic scene of another place and time. The island and castle represents a form of magical realism that has become part of the daily commute for thousands of people. We want to see how you see Bannerman's Castle. This project is made possible (in part) through a grant from the Dutchess County Arts Council, administor of public funds through NYSCA's Decentralization Program. Submission Guidelines: Email images to: info@maykr.com Submission Deadline: Wednesday, August 2, 2006 Anyone is welcome to submit images. Send us digital jpeg images captured with your camera, or camera phone. Please limit resolution to the equivalent of a 5"x7" at 300 dpi. We will accept up to 3 images per person, although we may not be able to use all 3. Images received will be incorporated into an installation in the window of the Bannerman Island Gallery at 150 Main St in Beacon. All contributors will retain the rights to the images and receive photo credit. for more information, please contact us at info@maykr.com

work live work

Here are a couple of rental opportunities that are floating out there.

The First is in Peekskill:

APARTMENT FOR RENT IN PEEKSKILL

Looking for someone to share a very large Apartment/Artist Studio in Peekskill’s historic downtown Artist District (perfect for Peekskill Open Studios and Studio Visits). The space is 1850 sqft – split into separate 925 sqft lofts. Upstairs lives a local Curator of Contemporary Art (www.hvcca.com) who is around about half of the week. Perfect location in the center of town. Steps to local Farmers Market on Saturdays and Flee Market on Sunday. Peekskill Coffee shop is around the corner and the N. Division Street restaurants will be right outside your door. A short walk gets you to the Metro-North train station for a one hour ride to the city. The space is large and full of sun - Central A/C, separate bathrooms, every appliance brand new, $755 plus your share of utility bills (about $25).

If you are interested in seeing the space, please call Daniel Fuller at 315.572.6111 or email danielfuller@hvcca.com .

The second is a short term opportunity to share an art studio at Bulldog Studios from now until September. The studio is roomy and full of natural light, perfect for a consciencious , neat artist. $350/month. Conact Carol at. carolmarch@earthlink.net.

einLab on the radio: Sunday July 16, 10 pm

einLab will be performing on the Columbia University radio program,
“Live Constructions” on WKCR 89.9 FM next Sunday, July 16th
from 10-11pm Eastern Time. If you are not within the station’s
50-mile broadcast radius or have poor reception, it is also
available via real audio or mp3 stream at:

http://www.WKCR.org/

(click on ‘live broadcast’)

We hope you can tune in! For more info / music previews, you
can visit einLab at:

http://myspace.com/einLab
http://purevolume.com/einLab

current events: Iannarelli, Rinnhofer

We're All In This Together, via nynarts.com

Peter Iannarelli's sculpture, We're All In This Together is included in the 70th Annual Mohawk Hudson Regional exhibit at The University Art Museum at The University at Albany. Lily Wei juried the exhibition which runs through August 5. Peter's artwork is included in a catalogue of pieces that recieved juror's awards.

Angelika Rinnhofer's work has been included in Photography Now: One Hundred Portfolios; a juried survey of photographer portfolios in DVD format released by Wright State University in Ohio.

Kathy Feighery's latest

This week is a big one for Kathy Feighery. Project Runway returns this week with a new season, bringing with it a sense of purpose to her Wednesday nights. Also, on Thursday, July 13, Kathy opens an exhibit of new work at the Brenda Taylor Gallery in New York with a reception from 6-8pm.

Kathy Feighery

Jeanne Gentry Keck

July 13^th- August 12^th

Opening July 13^th 6:00-8:00pm

B R E N D A

T A Y L O R

511 W. 25^th Street New York, NY 10001

212. 463. 7166

www.brendataylorgallery.com

If you're heading down to Chelsea, you can also catch more of Kathy's work in a group show through July 15 at Heidi Cho Gallery, located at 522 W 23rd St.

2nd Saturday recap

A few images of some goings on July's 2nd Saturday.

Michael Natiello with Model for Efficiency and Performance, Take Five, 2006, his collaboration with Sara Mussen at Victoria Raabin's Imagine That Studio. The pairing of Natiello and Mussen is the second in a series of informal collaborations between area artists called Tink Tanc. Below, "Model" in motion.

Curry Mendes' opening at Chthonic Clash.

Colin Barclay's opening at Van Brunt.

Lori Field's work at Van Brunt.

Van Brunt's Hudson Room, featuring a new Jen Bradford.

Above, and below: Egon Zippel's installation at bau.

As a service to artists

Trolling around the web:

Via NYFA.org, I found Service Works, this grant making project created by Josh Greene.

Last Week, Edward Winkleman opened a discussion on artist resumes.

There has also been a circle of discussions/debate on artist statements spawned by Tyler Green at MAN. Art Soldier has links to plug you into the exchange if you choose.

July 8 - 2nd Saturday

Egon Zipple, "Bits, Pieces, Gold....and Waiting" at bau.

It's here again. This month finds openings at Riverwinds, Bannerman Island Gallery, the Back Room Gallery, bau, Van Brunt Gallery, and Chthonic Clash.

Feel Design is celebrating it's 1st year anniversary, and is featuring an exhibit of photography.
For more details, visit the 2nd Saturday info page at beaconarts.org.

Curry Mendes, "Indigo" at Chthonic Clash.

Images from Change of Altitude/New York Expansion

The images below are from the exchange exhibits between artists in Beacon, and artists in Denver CO.
The first five images of the Change of Altitude exhibit of Denver artists at Spire Studios through July 16. The exhibit is open Satuday and Sunday from 12-5pm. As this coming Saturday is 2nd Saturday in Beacon, the hours will be extended. Press release.






The next four images are of the New York Expansion exhibit of Beacon artists at Edge Gallery in Denver. This exhibit also runs through July 16.

Ten Tents

Walking along Main St. yesterday, I noticed some work has been done in the old Juicy location at 502 Main. There is a sign on the door stating the space will become a non profit organization called Ten Tents.

Among the objectives listed on the notice on the door:
- multi purpose art-lab for emerging & underrepresented artists working on paper
- produce gallery shows
- maintain a reading room
- grow a permanant collection
- establish an art materials fund
- create a "cabinet" of work by artists working on paper, including photography.

The website, tentents.org is not yet operational, but I'll be looking for more info.

In the Naus

I was perusing some of the additions on bau's website today. I'm aware that Gary O'Connor, who joined bau at the end of last year has left the group recently. The listing of the current membership now lists Poughkeepsie artist, Franc Palia as the new member filling the vacancy.

There's a new page on the site that profiles the current state of composor, Joseph Bertolozzi's project "Bridge Music." The ultimate intent of the project is to perform a musical composition by using the structure of the Mid Hudson Bridge as an instrument. You can check it out here.

Living Artists of Beacon juried exhibit

There is a call for entries for The Living Artists of Beacon Juried Exhibit to be held at the Muddy Cup.
The exhibit is open to all artists that are listed in the Living Artists of Beacon Directory. 24"x24" is the maximum size for submitted artwork, and the deadline is July 21. The opening reception will be held on August 12, 6-9pm at the Muddy Cup.
The jurors for this exhibit are: Mia Barkan Clarke, editor of the artist directory, and Jennifer Mackiewicz, Senior Administrator, Dia:Beacon.

If you are interested having more details, email me at info@maykr.com, and I'll pass them along, or you can email Mia at miaart@aol.com.


Mia, the editor of the Living Artists of Beacon Directory announced recently that a grant that was hoped to pay for publishing the directory did not crystalize, and she is looking for financial supporters to help pay to get it published. She'll be trying to sell ad space to facilitate publication. I realize that the desire is to have a physical format of the directory so that visitors to Beacon may pick it up, but I wonder why it couldn't just exist as a downloadable pdf file on BACA's website - at least for the time being.

The art of stupidity

Today's POJO is carrying an item about the Saturday night burning of the mailbox behind Beacon's Post Office. The fire, set sometime after midnight, destroyed the box and all the mail inside. If you think you might have had mail that was destroyed, there is a phone number to call listed in the newspaper.

Summer has arrived in Beacon, and the hordes of young folks loitering on the street are again growing. Though certainly most of the kids are not doing anything wrong the apparant dirth of activities for young people in Beacon provides an environment for such acts of destruction to occur - and they do occur.

There's been talk of Beacon's need for some sort of youth rec center, but the development of such an institution is highly unlikely. It seems to me there is plenty of room for individuals - and individuals in the art community - to take up some slack.

The art community gets yolked to a number wagons by many interests looking for benefit in the boon of the developing "creative class." So many towns and villages in the Hudson Valley and beyond are touting that they are in the middle of an "Arts Rennaissance." Such importance has been place on the arts as economic driver, and thought of as such so universally, that I think this movement will one day be considered together with the urban renewal efforts of forty years ago as the folly of municipal management. It may work in some places, but this donkey simply can't pull that cart everywhere.

But what the art community can do, and has done historically, is make a difference in the quality of life for a community one individual at a time. This issues facing Beacon's youth can be well impacted by the efforts and skill sets of artists and others involved in the creative community in this city.

Some efforts to get involved with Beacon's young people do exist. Dia has an education program that that involves Beacon area students at the Elementary, Middle and High school levels. I know that some local artists have done talks at the high school in the past, but I'm not aware of any current program that engages the wealth of artists active in Beacon with the youth or general public of Beacon. Bulldog Studios' lease agreements stipulate that tenants are required to devote time public service, but that seems to be a mythical beast.

I've meandered a bit now, I was simply struck by this asinine vandalism over the weekend and it got me going. I think more should and could be done.

If anyone knows of other art related community based programs, let me know. I would like to help promote these efforts, and if they don't currently exist, try to get something started.

10 x 10 x 10 in Ellenville NY

Jill Reynolds, Linda Stewart and Steven Spaccarelli are among the ten artists from ten Hudson Valley Communities that have installations in ten vacant storefronts in the village of Ellenville NY. The work featured in this project includes sculpture, performance and installation.

The other participating artists are:
Huma Bhabha, Isolde Kille, Grace Knowlton, Jesse Meyer, Anat Shiftan, Eeo Stubblefield

The exhibition runs through July 30.
For more information, contact Michelle Booth at 845.647.7080 x303.

Holiday Weekend in Beacon Town.

If you're hanging around town this weekend, looking for something to do:

You've seen the dismembered heads all over town, now hear Tony Moore's fully constituted body give an artist talk at 4pm today at bau, 161 Main St.

You can check out Dia's film screenings today and tomorrow at 2pm.


You can also check out Dakin Roy's Huge Yard Sale today and tomorrow.












Yes indeed these are Beacon's cultural salad days for sure.

Highland Studio is Moving.

Highland Studio, Beacon's resident print studio offering an array of digital services and archival printing for artists is moving from it's Main St. location to a temporary space at 14 N Chestnut in Beacon. Joe and Lisa expect to relocate into a new permanent location in Cold Spring in the Fall.
All contact info for Highland Studio remains the same, however, the phone number will change after the permanent move in the Fall.

I spy

We were at Dia this past Saturday to see some films, and caught a glimpse of Daniel Libeskind in the Ryman gallery.

Friday, June 23 7pm- Opening Reception at Spire Studios

Spire Studios in Beacon is hosting:

"Change of Altitude:
An exhibit of artists from EDGE Gallery in Denver, CO." June 23-July 16

Spire Studios in Beacon will be exhibiting the work of a group of Denver based artists as one half of an exchange between artists of Beacon, NY and Denver, CO. The Denver artists are all members of EDGE Gallery, an artist run contemporary gallery that has been a staple of the Denver art scene for 20 years.


The artwork of the Beacon artists working under the name Via Beacon will be on exhibit EDGE Gallery.

Both groups are working within the constraints of artwork that will compress to fit into a standard Postal Service flat rate box and then expand when installed in the gallery.

The concurrent Denver-Beacon exhibits will open on June 23 and run through July 16.

The exhibit at Spire Studios will open with a reception starting at 7pm on June 23. Hours for the exhibit will by Sat, Sun 12-6pm and by appointment.

Exhibiting artists include: Susan Berkley, Mark Brasuell, Jane Davis, Tim Flynn, Mark Guilbeau, Rian Kerrane, Jennifer Hope, Gayla Lemke, Joan Macdonald, Russell Bay McKlayer, Sara-Lou Klein McKlayer Ken Peterson, Peter Arcidiacono, Kimberly MacArthur Graham, Tom Robertson, Gail Wagner, Mala Setaram-Wolfe.

Change of Altitude:
An exhibit of artists from EDGE Gallery in Denver, CO.
June 23-July 16 2006
Opening reception: June 23, 7–10pm
Spire Studios
45 Beekman St, Beacon
Sat, Sun 12-5 pm
for more info: 914.844.6515,
www.maykr.com
www.spirestudios.org
www.edgegallery.org


Via Beacon artists participating in the Denver exhibit:
Chris Albert,
Vivian Altman
Charlotte Schulz
Kirsten Kucer
Claire Lofrese
Kathy Feighery
Lacy Fekishazy
Harald Plochberger
Sara Mussen
Elia Gurna
Gary O'Connor
Michael Natiello
Grey Zeien
Catherine Welshman
Simon Draper
Marnie Hillsley
Peter Iannarelli
Alexis Elton
Matt Kinney
Linda Stewart

Around town today

There has not been much time for typin' on the computer machine for me lately.

A couple of quick things:

Tony Moore will be giving a talk at bau this afternoon at 4pm. If you miss it today, there is another talk scheduled for July 1.

Yesterday's POJO ran a story on the current exhibit of artwork done by artists working at the Tallix, Arcos and Polich founderies at the Howland Art Center.

Dia's Film Series continues today with:

Ken Jacobs and Bob Fleishner
Blonde Cobra, 1963
Andy Warhol
The Velvet Underground and Nico, 1966
Camp, 1965
Andrew Meyer/Victor Hock
Match Girl, 1966
[Total running time: 2hrs., 38 min.]

The artists participating in the Via Beacon exhibit in Denver Colorado caused a rush of unusual traffic at the Beacon Post Office on Saturday as they mailed off their artwork in USPS flat rate priority boxes before the deadline. As I approached the counter with my box, the woman asked me "Is that box going to Denver?" I said yes, and she continued, " I don't know what's going on, but something is up with these boxes."

EDGE Gallery, an artist run space in Denver, is hosting the exhibit of Beacon area artists. The work of the Denver will be on exhibit at Spire Studios. The Denver and Beacon exhibits will run concurrently from June 23 to July 16. The opening reception at Spire will be held on Friday, June 23 starting at 7pm.

Last night and today

Well, last night was Second Saturday. Van Brunt was the only place I managed to hit early in the day. I think the show is a nice gathering of the works of Richard Butler, Catherine Welshman, and Scott Daniel Ellison in the particular and odd way each treats narrative and figure in his/her work. I find this presentation of Butler's work more concise and effective that his VB show from last year.

A group of us headed out to Ridgefield CT last night for an artist's mixer at the Aldrich. I hadn't been since befor the addition was finished and it is a remarkable space. There's a great selection of work there right now, from a Kiefer installation to an exhibit of Damien Loeb to a selection of regional artists including Mary Temple and Michael Zansky.

Beacon artist, Charlotte Schulz was there last night. She is scheduled to have an exhibit at the Aldrich in sometime 2008.

Events on today's agenda include a Reading by John Ashbery at 2pm at Dia:Beacon.
I'll be in Peekskill today. Peekskill's annual open studio tour continues until 5pm.
There's a reception at HVCCA for Artist in Residence, Itziar Barrio. Itziar is showing work done while in Peekskill over the last two months. After the reception, the museum is hosting a discussion on spirituality and art in connection with the current exhibit Reverence.

Leonard Freed to give talk at Van Brunt Gallery

Photographer Leonard Freed will be giving a talk on Saturday June 3 at Van Brunt Gallery in connection with his current exhibit at the gallery. The talk starts at 4pm.