Keep your eyes glued to this space, and refresh often!
We're constantly updating the Guide as we hear about new events and openings.
"Second Saturday" is a lively day into night in Beacon, and is a celebration of Beacon's galleries, restaurants and other businesses on the second Saturday of every month. Dan Rigney, former president of BeaconArts (the organization who encouraged this movement to happen over a decade ago and heavily promotes the events) says: "Back then, Beacon was one of the last places people outside of town thought to go on a Saturday night. Now Second Saturday has become a part of the fabric of Beacon. It's such a part of it, many galleries have their opening events on other Saturdays, so that they get two big crowds each month." Second Saturday provides a great reason to walk Main Street and beyond, and explore the events going on around town. It's always a pleasure to dine your way through Beacon, so turn to our Restaurant Guide to help you puzzle out where to eat and drink as you explore special exhibits and happenings.
What to Know About This Guide:
- This Guide includes gallery and art showings that may be hosted in the gallery or in a shop or restaurant.
- Many of these shows run through the current month, so check back often if you are on an art hunt.
- Closing times posted here are for Second Saturdays only, and may not reflect regular Saturdays. Always call an establishment directly for current hours, offerings, or any other questions.
- Parking can be found on side streets, on Main Street, and in municipal lots. Click here for A Little Beacon Blog's Free Public Parking Guide, with pictures and cross streets!
- Live-tweet your way through Second Saturday by using the hashtag created by BeaconArts: #2SAT, and tack on #beaconny or #SecondSaturday if you have room in your tweets or Instagram postings.
- If you are a gallery and have something special to add, please email editorial@alittlebeaconblog.com.
Late-Night (After 9pm) Spots to Eat and Drink:
After you walk the galleries, you'll be hungry and need (another) drink! See our full list of restaurants who are open prior to 9 pm in our Restaurant Guide.
- Bank Square 129 Main St.
- Chill Wine Bar 173 Main St.
- Max's On Main 246 Main St.
- Baja 328 328 Main St.
- Quinn's 330 Main St.
- The Towne Crier (bar only) 379 Main St.
- Oak Vino Wine Bar 389 Main St. (Call first to see if cheese plates and dessert are still being served!)
- Draught Industries 394 Main St.
- The Beacon Hotel Restaurant 424 Main St.
- The Vault 446 Main St.
- Joe's Irish Pub 455 Main St.
- Roundhouse 2 East Main St.
- Dogwood 47 East Main St.
Leave all Guides open on your phone because they include addresses and phone numbers. Tap on a phone number to call anyone!
For the third Second Saturday in a row, there are some raindrops in the forecast. By now, then, you're probably a pro at grabbing an umbrella and your galoshes and hitting the pavement. Because awesome art happenings don't stop for rain. Neither should you! There are a bazillion great events going on around the HV today. Check out our Guide to a bunch of said events, and let us know which ones you opt for! In Beacon tradition, there will also be music galore: kids' hootenanny in the morning, and Second Saturday Live at Polhill Park (where 9D, Main Street, and South Avenue meet) from 5 to 7. This week, the series features two rockin' boot camps from Beacon Music Factory. Now, let's get to July's art openings and happenings:
NEAR THE TRAIN, BEFORE MAIN STREET
Dia:Beacon
3 Beekman St.
Beacon, NY
(845) 440-0100
One of the preeminent modern art museums in the world, Dia:Beacon opened in 2003 in a former Nabisco box-printing factory on the shore of the Hudson River. Many people point to the museum's arrival as a turning point for Beacon's arts-intensive revival.
Special for Second Saturday - there are a bunch!
• 11:30 am: Family Tour: Moving Through Color. An art educator will guide families and kids through new explorations of color, using the work of three Dia artists as backdrop.
• 1 pm: Material Play: Live Score. Another family-friendly program! Score! This one will be held outside. Participants will get inspired by Bruce Nauman's work, creating and performing live scores.
• 1 pm: After Truitt. A curator will talk about the impact of Anne Truitt's work, sculpture and paintings that reveal differences at various distances.
• 2:30 pm: Gallery Talk: Anna Lovatt on Michelle Stuart. Stuart's Sayreville Strata Quartet features rubbings from a New Jersey quarry's colorful dirt - an extension of Dia's longstanding engagement with land art.
• 4 pm: Collection Overview Tour. For those of us who may be modern art novices, or others of us who are crunched for time, this one-hour tour is a good way to see Dia's important works, guided by a trained professional (Suzy Sureck, a Dia educator) to explain the context of each.
Community Free Day! Residents of Columbia, Dutchess, Greene, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Ulster, and Westchester counties receive free entry today, and there are a ton of family-friendly tours, workshops, and other activities. If you're a Hudson Valley resident who's been waiting for a reason to visit Beacon, this is a good one! (Don't forget: Beacon residents get in free every weekend!) Bookend a trip to Main Street with a guided tour of the museum's permanent collection, including works by Walter De Maria, Louise Bourgeois, Robert Smithson, Agnes Martin and many more, as well as visiting works. Reservations aren't necessary, but may be made at the admissions desk.
Hours: 11 am to 6 pm
St. Andrew's Episcopal Church
15 South Ave.
Beacon, NY
(845) 831-1369
Special for Second Saturday: Monks have a long history with calligraphy, going back to illuminated manuscripts from medieval Europe. Brother Roy Parker, of Holy Cross Monastery in West Park, NY, continues the lettering tradition. This exhibition will showcase his script skills and his artistic spirit. At 4 pm, there will be a brief class/demonstration, with materials provided.
Hours: 3 to 6 pm
THE WEST END
(Close to the train station)
ReMADE
133 Main St.
Beacon, NY
We've seen a lot of changes over the years in the space that is now home to ReMADE. The shop started a Second Saturday tradition of spotlighting a single artist, no practical function necessary for their work. ReMADE fills an entire wall with the work of a single artist.
Special for Second Saturday: Last month it was the work of Keith Décent - not just the inspiration for a sandwich at Harry's! Keep your eyes peeled for July's featured artist.
Hours: 11 am to 6 pm
Catalyst Gallery
137 Main St.
Beacon, NY
(845) 204-3844
The intention of this artist-run space is to create an opportunity for individual artists or groups to show and sell work in a vibrant community that supports the arts.
Special for Second Saturday: Newburgh-based artist Rachel Williams creates art through drawing, painting, and printmaking. You may have seen her murals or portraits in homes or other spaces around the Hudson Valley. Figuratively Speaking is a selection of her subtly-shaded paintings.
Hours: Noon to 6 pm; opening reception, 6 to 9 pm
Theo Ganz Studio
149 Main St.
Beacon, NY
(917) 318-2239
Theo Ganz Studio, the little gallery with the big windows in Beacon's west end, was founded by artist Eleni Smolen as a venue for contemporary artists working in all media. Recognizing the importance of exhibitions in an artist's career, Smolen concentrates on presenting actively engaged emerging and mid-career professionals in either solo or group exhibitions.
Special for Second Saturday: Continuing this month: Persistent Song, a fifth anniversary exhibition, showcases 14 artists to celebrate the gallery's longevity. Their names will be familiar to anyone who has kept an eye on Beacon gallery openings over the past few years. Participating artists include Lori Adams, Samantha Beste, Michael Bogdanffy-Kriegh, Gerardo Castro, Howard Goodman, Elana Goren, Beth Haber, Hiro Ichikawa, Insun Kim, Wendy Lindbergh, Ilse Schreiber-Noll, Judy Sigunick, Emma Tapley and Jayoung Yoon.
Hours: Noon to 8 pm
Bannerman Island Gallery
150 Main St.
Beacon, NY
(845) 831-6346
This gallery is devoted to showcasing the beauty of Bannerman Island Castle and the Hudson Highlands that surround the former arsenal. Works in the gallery are available for purchase, benefiting the Bannerman Castle Trust's preservation efforts.
Special for Second Saturday: The B.I.G. Hudson River Art Exhibition shows off the work of more than two dozen artists, working with paint (as we so often enjoy), but also drawings, sculpture, photography, and mixed media. Many of the works will be for sale.
Hours: Noon to 5 pm; opening reception, 5 to 8 pm
The Inn & Spa at Beacon
151 Main St.
Beacon, NY
(845) 205-2900
Beacon's newest West End destination is ready for the viewing public. (Read our scoop here!) The lobby of The Inn & Spa at Beacon features evocative still-life paintings, etchings, and art jewelry by the acclaimed Anamario Hernández.
Special for Second Saturday: Stop by the gallery to see what's new!
Hours: Call for hours.
Marion Royael Gallery
159 Main St.
Beacon, NY
(727) 244-5535
Special for Second Saturday: Is the latest Directed Migrating Installation a small step or a giant leap? Check out Humankind; Inside/Out and let us know what you think. Participating artists include Kathleen Erin Lee, Paul Tillinghast, Alexander Percy, Steve Pomerantz, Barbara AG Riddle, Steven Paul Riddle, Joe Zarra, Mary Giehl, Rick Hutchinson, Jens O Bille, Dave Dziemian, Ivan Suchman, and various guest artists.
Hours: Noon to 7 pm (sometimes later)
Hudson Beach Glass / Fovea
162 Main St.
Beacon, NY
(845) 440-0068
This glass studio has been casting functional and sculptural objects for over 20 years - a truly special establishment to have in Beacon. Stop in to find blown-glass objects of all kinds, from lights to bowls to wind chimes. Sometimes on Second Saturday, you can watch them blow glass.
Special for Second Saturday: Opening today is Matt Kinney's Blackbird Sings at Twilight. Maybe you've seen his work around town - there was a "lightning bolt" through a rough wooden post outside Beacon Pantry's building a few years ago. In this exhibition, Kinney goes deep, merging torqued pieces of timber, industrial trash, and other "cultural detritus" to explore connections between religion, perception, and the natural world. Read more about the exhibition's fascinating ties here.
Hours: 10 am to 6 pm; opening reception 6 to 9 pm
Clutter Magazine Gallery
163 Main St.
Beacon, NY
(212) 255-2505
The Clutter Gallery is a branch of the Clutter Media Group family, and is focused on showing quality work by both established and emerging artists in the fields of toy design and customization, as well as modern pop and lowbrow art. Clutter Gallery's exhibitions are open to the public and free of charge.
Special for Second Saturday: South Korean-by-way-of-Brooklyn art toy sculptor Seulgie returns to Clutter Gallery for Puffhead, a solo show. Her work appeared in last August's Kaleidoscope of Kyoot, and was cute enough to be invited back! She apprenticed in toy design and casting with Peter Kato, another familiar name in art-toy-land. Also opening today is the second annual blank show, featuring multitudes of artists' takes on a common "blank," or undecorated, toy design by the master Huck Gee. Preview some of the pieces here.
Hours: Opening reception, 6 to 9 pm
RiverWinds Gallery
172 Main St.
Beacon, NY
(845) 838-2880
RiverWinds Gallery features Hudson Valley artists. Work includes fine art paintings and photography, plus contemporary crafts including ceramics, jewelry, fiber arts and more.
Special for Second Saturday: When Women Dream opens to celebrate RiverWinds Gallery's 14th anniversary. Work from female artists creating in various mediums include photos by Mary Ann Glass, resin collages by Rosella LaTorre, photo collages by Stefynie Rosenfeld, pen/ink/digital drawings and shadow boxes by Kamila Wojciechowicz, and the SCAR.F In The Wind print series by Agnieszka Zak-Bielowa.
Hours: Noon to 9 pm; opening reception 5 to 8 pm
Dream in Plastic
177 Main St.
Beacon, NY
(845) 632-3383
Dream in Plastic frequently celebrates Second Saturday, adorning the walls of their sweet retail shop with amazing artwork from their friends. Exhibits have included photography, painting, and illustrations from like-minded whimsical geniuses. In the past, DiP has been known to offer cupcakes and coffee at openings!
Hours: 11 am to 7 pm; opening receptions are usually 6 to 9 pm
Beacon Institute for Rivers & Estuaries
199 Main St.
Beacon, NY
(845) 838-1600
This historic brick storefront houses a variety of Institute programs: the WOW! gallery, the Hudson River bookstore and gift shop, its administrative headquarters, and a new venture, Sensor Place. Events feature talks by artists and regional Hudson Valley authors.
Special for Second Saturday: Continuing this month is "Shad in the Shadow of Skyscrapers," photo essay from a 1947 National Geographic project by legendary photographer Luis Marden. How much has changed, and how many scenes are the same, 70 years later? Click here for more event details.
Hours: 3 to 7 pm
THE MIDDLE & MARKET SQUARE
Beahive
291 Main St.
Beacon, NY
(845) 418-3731
A pioneering co-working space in Beacon, and A Little Beacon Blog's neighbor in the historic Telephone Building, Beahive sometimes hosts art openings.
Hours: Call for hours and Second Saturday happenings.
Howland Public Library
313 Main St.
Beacon, NY
(845) 831-1134
Special for Second Saturday: Collective Expressions is a group exhibition from artists in the Anderson Center for Autism's art programs, Expressive Outcomes. The program was started in 2004, providing a creative outlet for the Anderson Center's adult clients. Work is playful and collaborative, and with freshly cultivated skills, some clients have gone on to enter solo work in other exhibitions. Stop by the library to see what they're painting up in Rhinebeck!
Hours: 1 to 5 pm, opening reception 5 to 7 pm
Progression Art Studio
320 Main St.
Beacon, NY
Special for Second Saturday: Stop by to see what's new!
THE EAST END & BEYOND
(Closer to the mountain)
Beacon Historical Society
Memorial Hall Building
413 Main St.
Beacon, NY
(845) 831-0514
Special for Second Saturday: The Beacon Historical Society hosts a postcard show and sale today, showing vintage and antique depictions of Beacon. Have you ever really examined old postcards? They're often little works of art, whether paintings, black-and-white photographs, or hand-colored old-timey versions of the B&W prints. Don't miss these historic scenes of Mount Beacon, Fishkill Landing, and Matteawan.
Hours: 11 am to 4 pm
The Beacon Hotel Gallery
424 Main St.
Beacon, NY
(845) 765-2208
Hours: Call for hours and Second Saturday happenings.
Matteawan Gallery
436 Main St.
Beacon, NY
(845) 440-7901
Matteawan Gallery specializes in contemporary art with an emphasis on works on paper by emerging and mid-career artists.
Special for Second Saturday: Super Natural, pieces from six artists whose work reflects explorations of nature and landscape. Artists include Julia Whitney Barnes, Gabe Brown, Cecilia Whittaker-Doe, Matt Frieburghaus, Charles Geiger, and Eleanor Sabin.
Hours: Opening reception, 6 to 9 pm
Morphicism
444 Main St.
Beacon, NY
(845) 440-3092
Moveable art in frames - art you must see and experience.
Hours: Call first
3B Gallery
458 Main St.
Beacon, NY
(845) 440-6782
This gallery tucked into Beacon Bath & Bubble often showcases talent from within Beacon, including student art.
Hours: Call for hours and Second Saturday happenings.
Center for Creative Education
464 Main St.
Beacon, NY
(845) 338-7664
According to their website, the mission of the Center for Creative Education (CCE) is to enrich the social and cultural awareness of our youth and community through arts, wellness and education.
Special for Second Saturday: CCE frequently holds art workshops, in addition to dance, music, theater, and fitness events!
Hours: Call for special Second Saturday happenings.
TERRESON:BEACON
475 Main St.
Beacon, NY
(914) 772-6570
Jeffrey Terreson's paintings are in the collections of various Fortune 500 companies, as well as the United Nations. His work is inspired by 20th-century post-war masters such as Julian Schnabel, Jasper Johns, Mark Rothko and Joan Snyder.
Special for Second Saturday: Painter Jeffrey Terreson marks the one-year anniversary of his gallery's opening in Beacon. Come see 15 new pieces, and celebrate the extended presence of the several-month pop-up that decided to stay. Jeffrey's daughter Carly will also be showing her work.
Hours: 6 to 9 pm
Howland Cultural Center
477 Main St.
Beacon, NY
(845) 831-4988
Beacon's Howland Cultural Center is not just another arts organization. Its beautiful home is a Victorian building that was born specifically to serve the community as a cultural resource.
Hours: Call for hours and Second Saturday happenings.
Maria Lago Studio 502
502 Main St.
Beacon, NY
(845) 765-8421
Maria Lago's super-textural paintings come to life with her haunting, larger-than-life sculptures. Her gallery is filled with the looming, evocative figures.
Special for Second Saturday: Maria Lago's gallery goes on the road this month! (It's a very short trip.) Crossing carefully at the dummy light, head across the street to the gallery space at 1 East Main, directly across from the Roundhouse. You'll find a retrospective of Maria Lago's works from 1985 to 2017. Alongside the art, enjoy wine and tapas from Spain!
Hours: Opening reception, 5 to 8 pm
BAU Gallery
506 Main St.
Beacon, NY
(845) 440-7584
bau (Beacon Artist Union) is a platform for members and artists to grow, present and market their work and collaborative curatorial projects, while hosting events of related disciplines: performances, talks, film and music. BAU builds a vital link between the activities at bau and the community.
Special for Second Saturday: The 151st consecutive show from Beacon Artist Union, aka bau, brings us not one, not two, but three separate exhibitions. In the Main Gallery, Joan Phares' Shelter From the Storm brings together disparate elements reflecting chaos in the world's current state. In Gallery Two, Erica Leigh Caginalp's Containment features new wheel-thrown ceramic jars in traditional forms. In the Beacon Room, check out Boom Boom! from Willie Gary, a Hudson Valley teenager who channels primitive techniques and childlike instincts in his drawings and paintings.
Hours: Opening reception, 6 to 9 pm
Russell Cusick Gallery
530 Main St.
Beacon, NY
(845) 202-7787
Way down to the East End, right across from the Roundhouse, you'll find Russell Cusick's gallery. He has transmuted photography and painted Hudson Valley vistas, rendering the familiar scenes into hypervivid dreamscapes. But's he's also known for turning manhole covers into art. (Yes, really. See for yourself!)
Hours: Call for hours and Second Saturday happenings.
BEACON near Route 52
Atelier Room 205
Studios at the Old Beacon High School
211 Fishkill Ave.
Beacon, NY
(646) 705-3833
Artist, teacher, and entrepreneur Maria Amor oversees the Atelier. The space is frequently used for art instruction, but hosts openings, too.
Hours: Call for hours and Second Saturday happenings.
The Lofts at Beacon Gallery
18 Front St.
Beacon, NY
(845) 202-7211
The Lofts at Beacon brought back to life a 19th-century brick mill that once made textiles in the Hudson Valley, located by the Fishkill Creek and situated near the Hudson River in the artists' haven town of Beacon. The Lofts have been completely remodeled into beautiful spaces, providing excellent loft rental units for the working artist.
Hours: Call for hours and Second Saturday happenings.
Do check out A Little Beacon Blog's constantly updated Pop-Up Shop Guide and the Shopping Guide to help you shop and take advantage of special opportunities and events offered by shops during this exciting day.