KINGSTON, N.Y. (April 4, 2014) — County Executive Mike Hein announces that Ulster County is celebrating the arrival of the spring season with several art gallery openings throughout Kingston and the surrounding areas.
The Arts Society of Kingston (ASK), an organization offering performance spaces and monthly art exhibitions, hosts monthly “First Saturday” art receptions featuring theater performances, live music and public workshops. Also in Kingston, the ARTBAR Gallery located at 674 Broadway in Kingston will be opening for the first time, with a reception scheduled for Saturday, April 5.
“We have so many talented artists in Ulster County,” said Hein. “It is fitting to celebrate the beginning of the spring season with art events, from “First Saturday” art receptions to numerous other gallery openings. In this way, residents and visitors can experience all that our creative County has to offer. Our vibrant arts culture is also an important facet of our local economy, encouraging tourism and new business growth.”
ASK’s “First Saturday” events feature exhibitions and performances at 17 different art venues, as well as the Hudson River Maritime Museum and the Ulster Performing Arts Center. Events throughout the year include open studio tours, live music, theatrical performances, historical reenactments and arts activities.
“The Arts Society of Kingston works to bridge cultural gaps, enrich quality of life and increase awareness and appreciation of the arts,” said Vindora Wixom, a prominent artist and executive director of the Arts Society of Kingston. “We strive to offer a diverse range of art so that everyone attending our events can enjoy and appreciate our city’s unique culture.”
On Saturday, April 5, ASK will host an opening reception for its regional Juried Exhibition. The reception will take place at ASK’s main building at 97 Broadway in Kingston from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., and will feature a variety of work from local artists. Jenny Nelson, a nationally recognized artist and teacher, will judge the exhibition.
At the same time, and as part of “First Saturday,” ARTBAR will celebrate its grand opening with a reception at its gallery at 674 Broadway in Kingston from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The reception is free and open to the public. The gallery’s first show, titled “Breaking Ground,” will feature artwork by the gallery owner, Allison Constant, as well as work by her former professors and mentors from SUNY Ulster, SUNY New Paltz and Kingston High School.
“ARTBAR is a bright, beautiful and clean space where you can truly relax and enjoy art,” said Constant. “My goal is to fill the gallery with new artists every “First Saturday,” and encourage everyone to come and look. We strive to create a pressure-free zone, where it’s always OK to look without feeling pressured to buy. Eventually, we hope to add a different twist to the gallery by turning it into a combined café and art space.”
Beyond its “First Saturday” events, the Arts Society of Kingston offers many additional opportunities to learn more about art and culture. ASK provides acting classes two days per week, as well as life drawing and figure drawing courses. On the third Friday of every month, the organization hosts its “ASK for Music” event, featuring live local music performances with an admission fee of only $6.
To learn more about ASK and upcoming art and music events, visit http://www.askforarts.org/index.html.
