Not interested in the winter weather or participating in winter sports, but still experiencing a bit of cabin fever, and gotta get out of town for a bit? We understand! If you’re looking to expand your horizons, entertain your friends and family, and enjoy a memorable trip outside of the city area, we’ve got just the thing for you. Our blog post today is dedicated to highlighting incredible arts organizations and museums. Get out of the house and do something new this weekend in the Catskills and beyond!
Opus 40 in Saugerties New York
Opus 40 is a sculpture garden and museum created by artist and professor HArvey Fite. The park boasts more than 60 acres of land including meadows, forests, and bluestone quarries. Abandoned quarries are repurposed for stages and performance spaces for outdoor arts events, and spaces to explore and observe. The stone itself has been repurposed into 6.5 acres worth of earthen sculptures and decoration. And the tools left behind have become artifacts and art pieces in the on-site museum. Opus 40 is an incredible opportunity to observe the intersection of art versus life versus nature, and the cyclical nature of creativity and inspiration. It’s open year round, and is host to many special events and exhibits.
Thomas Cole National Historic Site and Museum in Catskill New York
The home and workspace of famed American artist Thomas Cole has been preserved as a museum for visitors to visit and pass on his legacy of creativity. Cole was an artist and environmentalist known for his beautiful paintings and landscape artwork. He is considered the founder of the USA’s first art movement, and the originator of the Hudson River School which focuses on landscape painting. A visit here will connect you with art and nature like never before! You can tour the home, observe his workspace, take a workshop, and even hike the preserved trails on the property. The site is open all year round to visitors and hosts many special events.
Woodstock Artists Association and Museum in Woodstock New York
Founded over 100 years ago, this not for profit organization aims to foster the visual arts and expand arts education through a variety of year round exhibitions, programs, and workshops for the community. Each month you can enjoy a group exhibition in the Main Gallery, while the middle gallery features solo shows, and the Phoebe and Belmont Towbin Wing hosts the organizations permanent collections. There’s even an exhibition space for students and children, the “YES!” Gallery (Youth Exhibition Space.) Upcoming events include solo artist talks, film screenings, gallery walk-throughs, art and healing, and a wealth of virtual online events and live streamed performances. It’s a wonderful place to engage with the arts and local creatives!
Orpheum Film & Performing Arts Center in Tannersville New York
This gorgeous 247-seat Cinema and Performing Arts Center is maintained by the Catskill Mountain Foundation. All year long the facility hosts a variety of live music events such as chamber music, folk music, pop concerts, global music, and all kinds of lovely dance performances. The Catskill Mountain Foundation hosts over 200 films per year, as well as Summer Arts Intensives, Children’s Programming, and more. It’s a fantastic place to experience new music, new and classic films, and even learn a thing or two! It’s a great way to support the arts and have fun at the same time!
Dia Beacon Museum in Beacon New York
The Dia Beacon is home to the Dia Art Foundations art collection from the 1960s and present day, and opened its doors along the banks of the Hudson River in 2003. It sits on an incredible 27 acres, located inside a former Nabisco box-printing facility. The Foundation’s mission is to preserve, advance, and share the work and vision of artists. They host single-artist exhibitions, group exhibitions, site-specific installations, and collect a wide variety of artworks from around the world. It has been an integral part of redevelopment for the city of Beacon, and creating a bustling arts destination for the whole community! If you’re looking for unique, interesting works of art and fascinating sculptures, this is the place to be.
The Catskill Arts Society Center in Livingston Manor New York
This nonprofit organization aims to cultivate public interest and participation in the arts, creating community connection and enjoyment in the arts! It hosts a wide variety of programming and events which feature diverse and dynamic artists and styles. Events include Solo and Group shows, art workshops and classes, lectures, and even artist residencies. There’s so much to experience for adults and children, and it would make a great destination for family fun! The CAS is aiming to build their own Tiny Town, and has invited children and young people in the region to build their own with a little kit. This is just one of the fantastic projects they’re doing to connect the community with art; you’ll have to see for yourself what’s in store next!
The Museum at Bethel Woods in Bethel New York
History Buffs and Music Lovers, this one’s for you! Highlighting the incredible music and pop culture of the 1960s, and paying special attention to the 1969 Woodstock festival, this multimedia exhibition and movie theatre is a top destination to enjoy. Full of bright, vivid colours, music memorabilia, and an incredible amount of documentary footage, you’ll be captivated from the moment you step through its doors. For an extra special day, you can couple it with one of the center’s fantastic live performances and festival events.
There’s no shortage of excitement in New York State!
Let us know your picks for best venues to check out art, music, dance, and more in the comments. We may just feature your suggestion in a future post.
