Newburgh Arts Scene

©Katarina Premfors/Photographers for Hope 2015

You might have seen some out-of-towners running around Newburgh for the past week with cameras and a hunger for stories. They are now coming to the end of their photo project, Newburgh Revival, and would like to invite you to join them for the opening of their photo exhibition.

When: Saturday, October 3^rd; 5-8pm

Where: Newburgh Armory Unity Center, 321 South William Street, Newburgh NY, 12550

What is this all about?

Newburgh, one of the country’s most important cities, historically and architecturally. However that proud history, dating back to George Washington and the Revolutionary War, has been overshadowed by economic decline and decay. In the past 40 years, the community has fallen on hard times and struggled repeatedly to pick itself up.

This photo project will tell the stories of ordinary but extraordinary people and organizations that are determined to build a better future for their families and community. They might not know it, but they are already part of a movement to resurrect a great city, a city that is on its way to regaining its past grandeur. These photographs will bring to life stories of entrepreneurship, struggle, resilience and it will give voice to a community that really believes they can change the trajectory of history. Indeed Newburgh’s grandeur, and the heart to this photo project, is not the mansions or the broad streets; its greatness is the spirit of the people who are building and rebuilding their lives.

Their hope is that these photos, taken by 9 photographers from all corners of the world, will inspire people to play a positive role in their own community and for the government and businesses to applaud and support these efforts.

For more information see the Photographers for Hope website.

I’m very excited to share this project that I participated in, PIVOTAL, Faces of Change: Newburgh. This is a photography exhibition that will take place this Friday, September 25 6-9pm at the Thornwillow Institute 7 South Lander Street, Newburgh, NY. Entrance for the event will be thru the side yard with the main doors to the show in the back.

The exhibit is just a keyhole view of the hundreds of people in Newburgh whose contributions are helping to rebuild the city. It is also a view into the Thornwillow Institute- a warehouse, which, for as long as I can remember has never been used as an art venue.

“Newburgh, once a city of innovation, once an “All American City,” Newburgh fell to its knees. Today, right now, there is a real shift. The scale is tipping. A city that so often over the years has been discussed in terms of its potential, but somehow never able to actualize, held back by unseen forces, is now truly beginning to rise back up, poised to regain a position in the Hudson Valley for the 21st century.”

If you are creative minded, or just interested in seeing what change is brewing in Newburgh, do not miss this event. Here, you will get to see photographs and rub shoulders with participants of change in the city that come from many walks of life. The experience will be enhanced by the Live Portrait app which will allow you to see the portraits of your liking. This exhibition/reception serves as the kickoff for the Open Studios event that will be happening for the rest of the weekend. Make a weekend out of it and try to attend them both.

Bravo to all doing such positive and great things in Newburgh!

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The Safe Harbors of the Hudson Ann Street Gallery is pleased to present Mélange, their newest exhibition with and Artist Reception on Saturday, August 15, from 6:30-8:30pm.

“Mélange is artist Ryan Roa’s tenth solo exhibition, featuring his most recent sculptures and drawings. The sculptures on display in this exhibition are comprised of everyday utilitarian materials: expanded steel, nuts, bolts, washers, and threaded rods, which are in complete contrast with the fluidity of the sculptures shapes and forms. By employing a harsh metal to fabricate delicate shapes, the artist felt it was not only challenging the material’s limitations but helped to emphasize the duality of the sculpture’s aesthetic quality.”