Upstate Art Weekend in Beacon
BAU Gallery, one of Beacon’s Upstate Art Weekend participants.
Upstate Art Weekend, now in its sixth successful year, takes place across ten Hudson Valley and Catskills counties—Columbia, Delaware, Dutchess, Greene, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster, and Westchester— from Thursday, July 17th to Monday, July 21st. The now expanded five-day event encompasses everything from large institutions like Dia Beacon to small independent studios including Beacon’s BAU Gallery and Distortion Society.
Showcasing more than 150 galleries, museums, artist residencies, studios, and public art installations, Upstate Art Weekend offers exhibitions, performances, and community events that highlight the breadth of the region’s creative energy.
Here’s a day-by-day breakdown of participating venues in Beacon to help art lovers make the most of this epic multi-day event. Note that in some cases, the hours and events may vary.
Thursday July 17th
Distortion Society, 155 Main Street.
2025 Chronogram Readers’ Choice runner up for favorite art gallery, DISTORTION SOCIETY (155 Main Street), presents “What She Builds, She Must Destroy,” a solo exhibition of new paintings by Gallery Director Michelle Silver. In this striking show, Silver explores the contradictions inherent in motherhood and questions traditional narratives around child-rearing. 11 AM to 5 PM.
The newly opened SHIGEKO KUBOTA VIDEO ART FOUNDATION (1154 North Avenue, 2nd floor), opens its doors to the public showing newly restored video sculptures as well as historic heirloom pieces from the renowned Japanese video artist, sculptor, and avant garde performance artist. 11 AM to 5 PM.
SOON IS NOW (8 Long Dock Road) presents artists in residence, Jennifer Lauren Smith and Andrew Brehm, at Scenic Hudson’s The River Center. Sculptor and performance artist, Andrew Brehm, salvages marine foam and other debris in the Hudson River to recycle in his work. Jennifer Lauren Smith will showcase a series of collaged cemetery flowers and large format photographs captured while wandering the hills and mausoleums of Brooklyn’s famous Green-Wood Cemetery with her children. 11 AM to 5 PM.
KUBE ART CENTER, ETHAN COHEN GALLERY (211 Fishkill Avenue). This former high school turned contemporary arts hub presents “Half the Sky,” an exhibition of 11 Chinese female artists. Refreshments will be available for purchase. 12 PM to 6 PM.
It’s the last weekend to see the HOWLAND CULTURAL CENTER’s (477 Main Street) “Work in Decay”, featuring Patrick Prosser’s evocative 1982 photo collection of Beacon prior to its renaissance. Food and refreshments available for purchase. 1 PM to 5 PM.
Friday, July 18th
DISTORTION SOCIETY (155 Main Street) presents “What She Builds, She Must Destroy,” a solo exhibition of new paintings by Michelle Silver. 11 AM to 5 PM.
SHIGEKO KUBOTA VIDEO ART FOUNDATION (1154 North Avenue, 2nd floor) features newly restored video sculptures, as well as historic heirloom pieces from Shigeko Kubota. 11 AM to 5 PM.
SOON IS NOW artists in residence Jennifer Lauren Smith and Andrew Brehm: an exhibition of photographs, collage works, and large-scale sculptures inspired by found materials, at Scenic Hudson’s The River Center (8 Long Dock Road). 11 AM to 5 PM.
KUBE ART CENTER, ETHAN COHEN GALLERY (211 Fishkill Avenue) presents “Half the Sky,” an exhibition of 11 Chinese female artists, plus a special artist conversation between Mickalene Thomas and Derrick Adams on their upcoming curatorial project takes place between 6 PM and 7 PM (Reservations are required for artist talks. Tickets via KuBe Art Center). Refreshments available for purchase. 12 PM to 6 PM.
HOWLAND CULTURAL CENTER (477 Main Street). “Work in Decay”, Patrick Prosser’s 1982 photo collection of Beacon. Food and refreshments available for purchase. 1 PM to 5 PM.
2025 Chronogram Reader’s Choice award winner for best gallery, BAU GALLERY (506 Main Street) introduces three new exhibitions. These include debuting works by Margaret Inga Urias, Soli Pierce, and its gallery artists, as well as multiple special programs including an evening social, artist talks, and community conversations about art. Free refreshments at some events. 4 PM to 7 PM. See their website for full details.
HOWLAND CULTURAL CENTER (477 Main Street) features Nerd Nite Hudson Valley. Ticketed event $15. Refreshments available for purchase. 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM.
Saturday, July 19th
DISTORTION SOCIETY (155 Main Street) presents “What She Builds, She Must Destroy,” a solo exhibition of new paintings by Michelle Silver. 11 AM to 6 PM.
New to Beacon, Shigeko Kubota Video Art Foundation, 1154 North Avenue.
SHIGEKO KUBOTA VIDEO ART FOUNDATION (1154 North Avenue, 2nd floor) features newly restored in Beacon video sculptures, as well as historic heirloom pieces from Shigeko Kubota. 11 AM to 6 PM.
SOON IS NOW artists in residence, Jennifer Lauren Smith and Andrew Brehm, showcase an exhibition of photographs, collage works, and large-scale sculptures inspired by found materials at Scenic Hudson’s The River Center (8 Long Dock Road). 11 AM to 9 PM. A reception will take place between 5:00 PM and 6:30 PM, followed by a performance in conjunction with the Goudy Wildlife Club of Newburgh.
KUBE ART CENTER, ETHAN COHEN GALLERY (211 Fishkill Avenue) presents “Half the Sky,” an exhibition of 11 Chinese female artists, plus an evening of special events. Choose from Afrofuturism and Beyond with Algernon Miller; a party on the balcony with art, drinks, and eats; and Dick Griffin Quartet performs Sun Ra Ascending in the new Saint Rita’s Music Room. Reservations required for all events. Refreshments available for purchase. 12 PM to 8 PM.
BAU GALLERY (506 Main Street) showcases three new exhibitions debuting works by Margaret Inga Urias, Soli Pierce, and gallery artists, as well as special programs including an evening social, artist talks, and community conversations about art. Free refreshments at some events. 12 PM to 6 PM.
HOWLAND CULTURAL CENTER (477 Main Street) features “Work in Decay,” Patrick Prosser’s 1982 photo collection of Beacon. Food and refreshments available for purchase. 1 PM to 5 PM.
Sunday, July 20th
DISTORTION SOCIETY (155 Main Street) presents “What She Builds, She Must Destroy,” a solo exhibition of new paintings by Michelle Silver. 12 PM to 5 PM.
SHIGEKO KUBOTA VIDEO ART FOUNDATION (1154 North Avenue, 2nd floor) Shigeko Kubota Video Art Foundation studio and inaugural exhibition space features newly restored video sculptures, as well as historic heirloom pieces. 11 AM to 6 PM.
SOON IS NOW artists in residence, Jennifer Lauren Smith and Andrew Brehm, present an exhibition of photographs, collage works, and large-scale sculptures inspired by found materials, at Scenic Hudson’s The River Center (8 Long Dock Road). 11 AM to 5 PM.
KUBE ART CENTER, ETHAN COHEN GALLERY (211 Fishkill Avenue) A former high school turned contemporary arts hub presents “Half the Sky,” an exhibition of 11 Chinese female artists. Refreshments available for purchase. 12 PM to 8 PM.
BAU GALLERY (506 Main Street) features three new exhibitions, debuting works by Margaret Inga Urias, Soli Pierce, and gallery artists, as well as special programs including an evening social, artist talks, and community conversations about art. Free refreshments at some events. 12 PM to 6 PM.
“Work in Decay” by Patrick Prosser at the Howland Cultural Center.
HOWLAND CULTURAL CENTER (477 Main Street) “Work in Decay”, Patrick Prosser’s 1982 photo collection of Beacon. Food and refreshments available for purchase. 1 PM to 5 PM.
HOWLAND CULTURAL CENTER (477 Main Street), features Rachael Sage, a soulful vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, singer/songwriter, and producer known for her dynamic performance. Ticketed event. 6:30 PM.
Monday, July 21st
DISTORTION SOCIETY (155 Main Street) presents “What She Builds, She Must Destroy,” a solo exhibition of new paintings by Michelle Silver. 11 AM to 5 PM.
SHIGEKO KUBOTA VIDEO ART FOUNDATION (1154 North Avenue, 2nd floor) features newly restored in Beacon video sculptures, as well as historic heirloom pieces. 11 AM to 5 PM.
SOON IS NOW artists in residence, Jennifer Lauren Smith and Andrew Brehm, present an exhibition of photographs, collage works, and large-scale sculptures inspired by found materials, at Scenic Hudson’s The River Center (8 Long Dock Road). 11 AM to 5 PM.
HOWLAND CULTURAL CENTER (477 Main Street) features “Work in Decay”, Patrick Prosser’s 1982 photo collection of Beacon. Food and refreshments available for purchase. 1 PM to 5 PM.
From Friday, July 18th to Monday, July 21st, DIA BEACON (3 Beekman Street) will host a series of special events including the opening of an exhibition of Japanese artist Kishio Suga’s work on Saturday, July 19, and play sets for the children five years and older focused on the work of Imi Knoebel. There will be 20% off all Dia publications and 10% on all other items in the bookshop, and a chance to enjoy Manhattan’s viral Roman gelateria, Caffè Panna, as well as scoring a complimentary ice cream with a membership purchase.
If you’re planning a visit to Beacon to take in everything there is to enjoy during Upstate Art Weekend, explore where to stay here. Art walking can be hungry work, so you’ll also want to dig into our Eat & Drink Directory to discover the best spots for whatever you’re in the mood for. And it would be a missed opportunity not to indulge in some retail therapy at the 90+ independent, one-of-a-kind shops on Main Street while you’re here.
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Until next time…
The Beacon Beacon 🧡