Hey, art lovers (and those just looking for a cool way to spend a day in Kingston)! If you’re anything like me, you’re probably wondering how to soak up the last bits of summer while getting into the cozy fall vibes. Well, guess what? Kingston’s art scene is here to rescue you from your seasonal dilemma. I’ve scoured the town and found five art exhibitions that are an absolute must-see this September. Trust me, these shows are so good, you’ll be bragging about them at your next brunch.
1. Lindsey A. Wolkowicz’s "Holding Pattern" at Maiden Lane Gallery
Let’s kick things off with Lindsey A. Wolkowicz’s "Holding Pattern." This isn’t just any art show, folks—this is the kind of exhibition that makes you rethink your life choices (in a good way). Wolkowicz, who moved to Kingston from Brooklyn (and thank goodness she did!), has created a series of works on wood and paper that explore how we relate to the spaces around us. Think of it as a visual diary of the last few years, capturing all the chaos, the calm, and everything in between. Her work is both intimate and expansive, making you feel like she’s somehow peeked into your soul and put it on display.
Dates and Times
- Dates: August 9 - September 31, 2024
- Gallery Hours: Monday - Friday, 1 PM - 6 PM
- Location: Maiden Lane Gallery, YWCA of Ulster County, Kingston
- More Info: YWCA Ulster County (https://www.ywcaulstercounty.org/)
Why You Need to Go
If you’ve ever felt like the world is spinning out of control and you’re just trying to hold on, this exhibition will speak to you. Plus, it’s at the YWCA’s Maiden Lane Gallery—supporting local spaces while getting a dose of culture? Yes, please!
2. "Reflections: The River and the Artist" at Arts Society of Kingston (ASK)
Alright, next up is a show that celebrates the lifeblood of the Hudson Valley—the mighty Hudson River itself. "Reflections: The River and the Artist" brings together local artists who’ve drawn inspiration from our beloved river. Whether you’re into serene landscapes or more abstract interpretations, this exhibition has something that’ll catch your eye (and maybe steal your heart).
Dates and Times
- Dates: September 5 - September 30, 2024
- Gallery Hours: Wednesday - Sunday, 1 PM - 6 PM
- Location: Arts Society of Kingston (ASK)
- More Info: Arts Society of Kingston (http://www.askforarts.org/)
Why You Need to Go
It’s the Hudson River, people! Seeing how different artists interpret the same subject is like going on a mini-adventure with each piece. Plus, it’s a great excuse to take a riverside walk before or after your gallery visit.
3. "Visions of the Past: A Journey Through Historical Landscapes" at the Dorsky Museum
Okay, so this one’s technically a little outside Kingston, but you know I wouldn’t send you out of town if it wasn’t totally worth it. The Dorsky Museum’s "Visions of the Past" takes you on a journey through the Hudson Valley as seen by artists way back in the day. Think 18th and 19th-century landscapes that make you appreciate how little—and how much—has changed. It’s like time traveling, but with art (and without the risk of messing up the space-time continuum).
Dates and Times
- Dates: September 1 - October 15, 2024
- Gallery Hours: Wednesday - Sunday, 11 AM - 5 PM
- Location: Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art, SUNY New Paltz
- More Info: Dorsky Museum (https://www.newpaltz.edu/museum/)
Why You Need to Go
Sometimes, to appreciate where you’re at, you’ve got to see where you’ve been. This exhibition is like a history lesson, but way more beautiful and a lot less boring.
4. "Emerging Voices: Young Artists in Kingston" at Green Kill Gallery
Let’s shine a spotlight on the future! "Emerging Voices" at Green Kill Gallery is all about giving young, up-and-coming artists a platform to showcase their work. These are the creatives who are going to be making waves in the art world, so why not catch them before they’re famous? The energy in this exhibition is palpable, and you’ll leave feeling inspired (and maybe a little jealous of their talent, but that’s okay).
Dates and Times
- Dates: September 10 - October 5, 2024
- Gallery Hours: Thursday - Sunday, 12 PM - 5 PM
- Location: Green Kill Gallery, Kingston
- More Info: Green Kill Gallery (http://www.greenkill.org/)
Why You Need to Go
Supporting young artists is like investing in art’s future. Plus, you get to see some truly innovative work that breaks the mold in the best possible ways.
5. "Urban Landscapes: The Intersection of Nature and City" at the Lace Mill Gallery
Last but definitely not least, we’ve got "Urban Landscapes" at the Lace Mill Gallery. This exhibition explores the ever-complicated relationship between urban environments and the natural world. How do these two often-opposing forces coexist? The artists in this show have some answers, and they’re presenting them in a way that’ll make you see your surroundings with fresh eyes.
Dates and Times
- Dates: September 7 - September 28, 2024
- Gallery Hours: Monday - Friday, 1 PM - 6 PM
- Location: The Lace Mill Gallery, Kingston
- More Info: Lace Mill Gallery (https://www.rupco.org/the-lace-mill/)
Why You Need to Go
The Lace Mill Gallery is a cool space (it’s in a converted factory, after all), and the theme of this show is so relevant, especially if you’ve ever felt like you’re stuck between the hustle and bustle of city life and the peace of nature. It’s a little bit of everything, just like Kingston itself.
Larie’s Ending Thoughts
Alright, here’s the scoop—art is like a mirror to the soul, and sometimes that mirror shows us a reflection we didn’t even know we needed to see. Whether it’s the serene landscapes of the Hudson River or the chaotic beauty of Wolkowicz’s "Holding Pattern," there’s something about stepping into a gallery that makes you feel connected to something bigger than yourself.
Personally, I love how art exhibitions can make me feel like I’m both lost and found at the same time. And let’s be real—there’s nothing better than having a solid art-related anecdote to drop at the next dinner party. “Oh, you haven’t seen Wolkowicz’s latest work? You simply must!” (Feel free to borrow that line.)
So go on, get your art on this September. And if you happen to see me at one of these exhibits, come say hi—I’ll be the one pretending to understand all the abstract stuff. But seriously, these shows are too good to miss, and you know I wouldn’t steer you wrong. Happy art hunting!
