PHOTOcentric 2017 - Garrison Arts Center Call for Entries Sept. 5, 2017

The Garrison Art Center's deadline for PHOTOcentric, this year's International Juried Photography Exhibition, is fast approaching on Tuesday, September 5, 2017. This is open to amateur and professional photographers in all mediums. There is a $50 entry fee for five images, and $10 for each additional image. This year, the exhibit will be juried by Francis M. Naumann, an independent scholar, curator, and gallery owner of Francis M. Naumann Fine Art in New York. Naumann specializes in the art of the Dada and Surrealist periods, including the noted photographers Man Ray and Naomi Savage. He has recently organized museum shows for the Whitney Museum of American Art and the American Craft Museum of New York.  

The opening reception will take place on December 9, 2017, and the exhibit will last through January 7, 2018, at The Riverside Galleries at Garrison Art Center in Garrison, NY (right next to the train station). "Best in Show" will be awarded $1,000, be featured on the cover of the exhibition book, with the image, artist's biography and website or email address in book, and link on Garrison Art Center website. Awards will also be given to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each category with a cash prize. 

All work must be submitted online using this link. The format for your images should be 72 ppi resolution and JPEG format. 1280 pixels on the longest side and RGB color space (standard) with layers flattened, 8-bit mode. To view the full prospectus for this exhibit, click here to download. 

Second Saturday Art Gallery Guide For August 2017

Happy Second Saturday, Beacon and fans of Beacon! Don't let the threat of some showers keep you inside. There's art galore happening around town: An artist/gallery owner Russ Cusick will be performing classic TV theme songs *inside a TV* at another gallery, Marion Royael, Beacon seniors exhibit paintings at the library, and colorful critters take over a West End space!

Get the scoop on all the Second Saturday happenings around town. ➡️ http://alittlebeaconblog.com/second-saturday

As always, a huge, big thanks to BeaconArts (BACA) for the tireless efforts promoting Saturday. And another huge, big thanks to A Little Beacon Blog's advertising partners, without whom this production would be exceptionally difficult. Please support the businesses who support us!

Magazzino Italian Art Space Comes to the Hudson Valley

The vibrant Hudson Valley art scene, home to Storm King Art Center, and Dia:Beacon, just got a brilliant new addition. Be prepared to be amazed by post-war Italian art. And you need not go far: Magazzino Italian Art (“Warehouse for Italian Art”) has opened its doors in Cold Spring. 

Off a verdant stretch of Route 9, Nancy Olnick and Giorgio Spanu have created Magazzino Italian Art, a bold exhibition space that houses a remarkable collection of post-war and contemporary Italian art. It is breathtaking to note that Magazzino’s Arte Povera collection is likely the largest outside of Italy.

Both Olnick and Spanu have been long-term collectors of Arte Povera – an avant-garde conceptual art movement that took root in 1960s Turin, Italy. A defiant response to commercialization and industrialization - strong, provocative artworks created from “throw-away,” industrial materials and typically large in scale - defines the movement. 

The inaugural exhibition at Magazzino puts a tantalizing spotlight on Arte Povera, showing 70 works that span four decades. Olnick and Spanu are activating the dream of Italian art visionary and Arte Povera collector Margherita “Christian” Stein. In their words, “Magazzino salutes Margherita 'Christian' Stein for her steadfast vision and commitment to her artists and for her courage to embark on an adventure that would last a lifetime. Her dream was to create a home for her artists in the United States. We hope Magazzino will fulfill her dream.”

The work of numerous artists Stein passionately encouraged and exhibited at the legendary Galleria Christian Stein in Turin are displayed here in Cold Spring. 

At Magazzino, you will view the works of Giovanni Anselmo, Alighiero Boetti, Pier Paolo Calzolari, Luciano Fabro, Jannis Kounellis, Mario Merz, Marisa Merz, Giulio Paolini, Pino Pascali, Giuseppe Penone, Michelangelo Pistoletto, Gilberto Zorio, Marco Bagnoli, Domenico Bianchi, and Remo Salvadori. For a number of the artists, you can see works that span several decades.

The sleek warehouse space designed by Spanish artist and architect Miguel Quismondo, offers a light-filled backdrop for these towering and dramatic works. The white concrete warehouse space is an exciting example of adaptive reuse. (Before this reinvention, the buildings housed the Cyberchron computer factory. And before that, the land on which the building sits was a dairy farm.)

Quismondo choose to work with the existing structures rather than tear down. With a new configuration, the two dramatic buildings, sharing an expansive courtyard, stretch over 20,000 square feet. The sparse, elegant space, created in the “rationalist style” is modern and meditative at the same time. The outside setting is lush and retains an ancient orchard.

Admission is free, but an appointment has to be made prior to visiting. Magazzino will mirror the schedule at Dia:Beacon – open Thursday to Monday from April to December, and Friday to Monday from January to March. 

Be prepared to spend an afternoon at Magazzino. The compelling works exhibited have detailed descriptions in a very informative booklet that provides a roadmap as you travel through the exhibit space.

You will see the fantastical igloo created by Mario Merz - built from sheets of slate - and Giulio Paolini’s “Mimesi” - a towering sculpture of a double “classical” Hermes that represents one of Paolini's most iconic pieces. The mirrored plate of Luciano Fabro will mesmerize you. Each glorious piece evokes response and awe from the viewer.    

In September, Magazzino will open a research library comprising over 5,000 volumes. It will be accessible to scholars and those interested in delving more deeply into the world of Arte Povera and Italian contemporary art.

Under the directorship of Vittorio Calabrese (a brand-new Beacon resident), Magazzino will also look to foster collaborations with neighboring institutions and the surrounding communities.

For further information on visiting, go to magazzino.art or call (845) 666-7202.  Magazzino is located at 2700 Route 9 in Cold Spring, New York. 

Storm King Art Center Best-Kept Secret Membership for Beaconites (Sponsored)

Take a deep breath of relaxation, because we're about to discuss the inspiring, relaxing Storm King Art Center. More than just one of the best outdoor sculpture parks in the nation, Storm King Art Center is a community cultivator. The center offers a myriad of events for people of varied interests, in addition to dozens of artists displayed outside in their collection. Only 7 miles away from Beacon, this destination offers you unique things to do every week, from Moonlit Walking Tours to Summer Fridays with Music and Happy Hour, to outdoor yoga in the morning, to private viewing hours. All of which can happen with free admission through a membership to Storm King Art Center.

Free admission? Yes: Pay once, then don't worry about it again for 365 days. Storm King Art Center has made it very easy for you to come visit: Parking is free for all, and a very reasonable Family Membership for a total of six people (up to two adults and up to four children) costs only $125 for everyone. This year, the center has created a Beacon Discount, bringing the total to $110 for the whole family for a year! This is a deal you will not find at Splash Down or other attractions' member programs. Do check their membership page for more details, discounts, and how to sign up.

Member Perks

Summer Fridays
If you wanted to go to a Summer Friday Music Night with Happy Hour, you could just flash your membership card to get in while the general public paid an individual admissions price. There is one happening this Friday featuring Beacon favorite Decora, and you can dine from Storm King Art Center's Food Truck. The next Summer Friday is in July, and the theme is Sunset Music and Sketching. Sounds dreamy.

Moonlit Walking Tour
If you wanted to take a moonlit stroll of the expansive grounds, with ginormous skies and acres of trees, you could, included with your membership, while the general public pays an admission price.

Yoga Outside and Other Member Morning Themes
Come the weekend, Storm King Art Center is thinking of you. The center has early morning activities planned for Saturday and Sunday mornings from 9 to 10 am, followed by free coffee from 10 to 11 am. Plan for a mini concert by a string quartet, yoga, meditation, or a tour of a new exhibit.

If you go for the day and pay regular admission, and then decide "Hot dawg, this place is awesome, I simply must stay more attached with a membership," then walk yourself to the Visitors Center right away and sign up for the membership (mention you are a Beaconite for the extra savings!) and Storm King Art Center will deduct your admission paid from your new membership.

So go. It's not far off the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge. When you go, tag us in your Instagram photos and contribute to the conversation of people experiencing amazing things at Storm King Art Center.

A post shared by Storm King Art Center (@stormkingartcenter) on May 24, 2017 at 6:17am PDT

Editorial Note: This has been a sponsored article by Storm King Art Center that A Little Beacon Blog's editorial team approved of to write and research, as part of our Sponsor Spotlight series. To learn more about Storm King Art Center's programs, including their Summer Camp and Family Membership Programs, visit www.stormking.org as well as their Dedicated Sponsor Page here at A Little Beacon Blog that highlights their event dates and must-do programs.

Beacon Open Studios 2017: Pirates, Paintings, Treasure

Beacon Open Studios (BOS) is a signature, citywide event in Beacon. For some, including myself and this year's new director, Samantha Palmeri, the discovery of this citywide art show happened quite by accident while meandering outside. Every year, dozens of Beacon artists clean up their studios, organize their brushes, and put out their best tools and works of art. Through this project, the public is invited in to directly access artists and their productions. Beacon Open Studios is going on now, on May 13 and 14 from noon to 6 pm. The kickoff party was Friday evening at Oak Vino.

How to Experience Beacon Open Studios

Open studios are identified by a large red dot in the yard of the artist's home studio, or on the studio door of an artist's space in a building. There is an official map that you should pick up or visit on the BOS website, but there is something quite special about stumbling upon a red dot and following your curiosity inside. This wonderment continues to be my favorite way to experience Open Studios.

However, the more one learns about each artist, the longer the list of which artists to visit. Some participants are longtime artists who dropped "practicing artist" for a few years and are returning anew, while others are artists who make commissions for private clients or advertising agencies, while others still are artists who produce fantastic work yet only display during times like these.

Who Is Participating In Beacon Open Studios This Year?

Over 50 artists are taking part this year. Several of them are emerging artists and some are simply to to the event. The physical map, which you can pick up at Hudson Beach Glass or at many restaurants or shops, is organized by artist, but also groups artists by location. For instance, if there are six artists showing in one location, you can search by geography as well, if you wanted to see a bunch at once. 

Let's take a peek!

Artist: Chris Sanders, "Treasures of the Hudson Highlands"
Photo Credit: Treasures of the Hudson Highlands

"Treasures of the Hudson Highlands"

Chris Sanders is a storyboard artist for the film and television industry. Pirate lore of the Hudson River and Valley captivated her, and she began creating graphic novels inspired by pirates who did travel up and down the Hudson River years ago, in search of treasure, or hiding their own. Her first book, a historical fantasy, was published in November. You can meet the artist and see the original pages during Beacon Open Studios. The best part? She's full of Hudson Highlands pirate knowledge, so best ye get thee there.

Location: 45 Beekman Street, one of the artists in Spire Studios

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Artist: Stan Lindwasser
Photo Credit: Stan Lindwasser

Stan Lindwasser

Stan Lindwasser is new to Beacon, but not to the art scene. Stan has been a professional painter for decades, and has designed installations that were shown at the Brooklyn Museum and the Brooklyn Public Library in Brooklyn, NY, and the Bertha Urdang Gallery in New York City. An excerpt from his artist statement includes: "I question the place and role of color: on lines, as lines, or replacing lines. The works I have been doing reflect my careerlong interest in the details of line and color, the creation of shapes and the placement of these on paper, or in space. These paintings reflect my thinking about direction and how changes in density of paint or use of water define and subtly change the composition."

Full disclosure, the design services extension of A Little Beacon Blog works with Stan on his website, so we are familiar with several years of his work, and appreciate his fascination with color.

Location: 35 Monell Place

Rosemary Braghieri Rednour

Photo Credits for above photos: Rosemary Braghieri Rednour

Rosemary makes "jewelry and sculpture from a different perspective," as she puts it. She's opened up her studio for visitors to see how she does it all.

Location: 17 East Main Street

Here's a sampling in video of what the Open Studios experience is like:

The New Director at Beacon Open Studios

This year marked the event's transition to a new director, Samantha Palmeri. She too discovered Beacon Open Studios while meandering around town, and for her, it made a life-altering impact! We interviewed her for this article:

What is your background?

I'm from Staten Island originally. I've lived in Beacon 2 1/2 years now. This will be my third year as a participating artist in BOS. I graduated from the School of Visual Arts with a major in painting, and since graduating I've held practically every job in the art world, including teaching, directing, curating, art handling etc. I've owned and directed two separate art galleries, one in Staten Island and one in New Jersey. And I've been a practicing artist for the last 20 years.

Why did the directorship appeal to you?

Open Studios' Director Samantha Palmeri's artwork, on display at 11 Creek Road.
Photo Credit: Samantha Palmeri

When I moved to Beacon I was very content to just be in my studio working. We moved here because we liked that there was already an art community happening. I wanted to join something that was already established and not have to start from scratch. When I heard that BOS was in need of a director and it might not happen this year, I didn't even hesitate to find out how I could volunteer.

First of all, it's one of my favorite events of the year in Beacon, plus it was good timing for me, and again, it was already an established community event that had its own footprint and identity. I felt especially as a participant myself I had enough ideas and experience to be able to add to what was already a great event.

What was your favorite thing about Beacon Open Studios the first time you experienced it?

There are a lot of artists in Beacon! There's a lot to see and experience. The overall quality and diversity of the artwork is great, and it's special to this town because a lot of events like this [in other locales] tend to all look the same with the majority of artists all making similar looking things.

The first BOS I went to was before I lived here. We had sold our house and were coming up here expecting to get confirmation on a place to rent. That place fell through and we were wandering around BOS a little depressed because we didn't know if we could find a place to live. We happened to start up a conversation with one of the participating artists and she said, "Oh, I know another artist in town who has a place for rent." We ended up calling her that day and finding the house we rented for the next 2 years. So, I suppose BOS will always be extra-special to me and my family because of that! It just was a perfect example of how welcoming and awesome this art community really is!

What can we expect this year from Beacon Open Studios?

Because it's my first year directing, I really didn't want to make too many drastic changes. We ended up picking the second weekend of May for the date. That's the first thing, the fact that it will fall on Second Saturday this year. I thought it would only bring more visitors so it's a win-win. It happens to also fall on Mother's Day but again, I think the town will be hopping that whole weekend! We're also revising the color catalog. The more sponsors and registered artists we get, the bigger the budget we'll have to work with. We'd like to make a fold-out map this year so it's easier for visitors to find artist studios and figure out how to spend their day in Beacon. There will be musicians playing at certain venues and there are a few new locations to visit this year, including the Shambhala Yoga Center and the Creekside Lofts behind the Howland Cultural Center.

Does this kind of event run in other cities? If so, where? Is it all connected? Or a general concept that gets picked up?

There are open studio events all over the place. They're not connected in any way. It's a boost to any community to be considered a cultural destination. Not every town or city has a substantial community of artists like Beacon does. And even places that do, don't necessarily have open studio events. It takes a lot of dedication and hard work. BeaconArts and BOS is run completely by volunteers, and believe, me these people work hard!!

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Beacon Open Studios is made possible with funds from the Decentralization Program, a re-grant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature and administered by Arts Mid-Hudson.

Beacon Open Studios is a sponsored project of BeaconArts, a 501(c)(3) organization supported through grants and donations and run entirely by volunteers.

Chime in here with where you were able to visit, and tell us your favorite parts!

New Art Gallery From The Raft Pops Up on Beacon's East End

jack fuller's paintings are part of the raft's pop-up gallery at 1 east main.
photo credit: toni tan

One of Beacon's best qualities is the way its residents rush to shine a spotlight on one another. In this case, Toni Tan of TanDao Studio sent up a flare to A Little Beacon Blog, to make sure we knew about The Raft’s pop-up gallery. “I reached out to you on their behalf because they are fabulous,” Toni said in an email. 

The Raft is a three-person art collective whose members' day jobs include architecture and fashion design. “Two of the artists are Beacon homeowners,” Toni says, and “all three are friends.” The group's members have been afloat in Beacon for a while: Beatrice and Jack met four years ago as neighbors in the Roundhouse's artist lofts. Jack brought Ben into the fold, and The Raft was launched.

the raft's pop-up gallery opened last weekend and continues this saturday and sunday. the show includes paintings, photography, and other media from three artists.
photo credit: toni tan

The former electric blanket factory at 1 East Main Street has been heating up once again in recent months: Visitors will find The Raft’s pop-up space next door to a swanky new bridal boutique from Lambs Hill. The gallery initially popped up last weekend, and continues this Saturday and Sunday (open from 1 pm to 7 pm) on the city’s East End, heading toward the mountain.

This weekend’s pop-up gallery will showcase photography, projections, and paper sculptures by Ben Boltin, and paintings from Jack Fuller and Beatrice Vann. The spark behind starting the collective will ring true to many artists, especially those who work hard to balance the day-to-day of “day jobs” with the impulses of creativity beyond the office. Beatrice explains: “It’s about finding the support you need to nurture and sustain a life in the arts - support from fellow artists whose work you admire and respect - and even envy a little.”

The group only plans to exhibit work this weekend - for now. Second Saturday and other ongoing events may be in the works, though. Keep your eyes on this space! We'll let you know as soon as we know.

What: The Raft Pop-Up Gallery
Where: 1 East Main Street, Beacon, NY
When: Saturday and Sunday, March 25 and 26, 1 pm to 7 pm

Visiting and Local Artists Have a New Teaching Studio To Host Workshops In (Sponsor Post)

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Owner and artist Maria Amor in The Atelier Room 205. Call or email her to book: (646) 705-3833 AtelierRoom205@gmail.com

Spring planning has begun. The arts scene in Beacon is flourishing, attracting artists from all over to spend the day or a week here. With the Atelier Room 205, visiting and local artists have a wonderful and inspiring studio to host a workshop in. The Atelier, one of Beacon's newest teaching studios, is located in the old Beacon High School, a building brimming over with creativity. It is a school building converted into artist studios. Your students will feel the creative impulses for sure during your workshop!

Book now for Spring and Summer dates by calling owner Maria Amor at (646) 705-3833 or email AtelierRoom205@gmail.com.

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For more pictures, please see here: http://www.alittlebeaconblog.com/atelier-room/

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This message has been a sponsored post from our Sponsor Spotlight partner, Maria Amor, founder of the Atelier Room 205. Thank you for supporting businesses who support us!

BeaconArts Elects New President and Other Key Positions - Plus a Song! (Partner Post)

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BeaconArts member meetings are super welcoming and easygoing, yet are packed with information about what is going on around Beacon, NY. The meetings are fueled by each member's excitement about what he or she is contributing to the community at large through individual creative projects. This beat runs through every meeting, but January's is exceptional. Members recall what the organization and its fiscally sponsored projects accomplished over the past year, then an election for board members (or re-election, for some) is held.

Elevating the start of this month's member meeting was a performance of the song "Freedom and Truth," composed by Debra Kaye with words by the late Margaret Fuller. Fuller was a visionary women's rights and social activist, a transcendentalist poet, and an intellectual scholar and writer who used the power of her pen to advocate for women’s equality, abolition of slavery, prison reform, democracy, and human rights.

The song's performance honored one of BeaconArts' 2016 accomplishments: aiding in the installation of a Margaret Fuller Marker at the Beacon Visitor Center, commemorating Fuller's historic visit to then-Fishkill Landing in Fall 1844. Fuller lived in this area for seven weeks while writing America’s first feminist work, Woman in the Nineteenth Century. The book's publication profoundly impacted the women’s rights movement, inspiring the 1848 Women’s Rights Convention in Seneca Falls, New York. BeaconArts commissioned this song for the Margaret Fuller Historical Marker Dedication on May 21, 2016. The trio of performers - Debra Kaye, Kelly Ellenwood, and Kathleen Bosman - reunited to perform it live at the beginning of January's meeting.

New BeaconArts Board Members and Positions

Longtime Board of Directors President Dan Rigney ended his term of eight years at the helm of BeaconArts, leading it through an invigorating time for Beacon and growth for BeaconArts. Citing his background and involvement in artistic movements in other states, Dan may or may not have gotten choked up during his final speech as president, but promised to stay on as an active strategic planner with the group.

New to the helm, but no stranger to the daily workings of BeaconArts, is Kelly Ellenwood (professional opera singer and now teacher). She has long been an active promoter of members and BeaconArts fiscal sponsorship projects, and as a citizen, she is deeply rooted in several volunteer organizations in the area, including Beacon Art and Education Foundation.

Stepping into the Vice President role is Theresa Gooby, artist and former director of Beacon Open Studios. (The fiscally sponsored project of BeaconArts kicks off May 12 this year.)

The newly elected Treasurer is Aaron Verdile. He also serves as Treasurer for the Beacon Sloop Club, and is a financial advisor at Prudential.

Continuing their roles on the Board of Directors are Secretary Erica Hauser of Catalyst Gallery, and Members at Large Pamela Dailey of Pamela Dailey Design and Christina Jensen of Jensen Artists. 

Re-elected to her role as a Member at Large is Sommer Hixson, a PR professional and the Director of Communications for Glynwood. New Members at Large include the artist Rick Rogers, who almost always has an open studio in his gallery overlooking Fishkill Creek near Dogwood. Terry Nelson, founder of the Beacon Independent Film Festival and new Head of Day-To-Day Operations at The Ground Radio, is also a new Member At Large. 

If you're not a member yet of BeaconArts, you can join right here, and it's really easy.

BeaconArts Annual Member Meeting Held At The Beacon Music Factory

The Beacon Music Factory may best be known by some as the home of Rock Band Boot Camps, where adults and kids immerse themselves in the study of covering of bands they love - costumes and all. The newest location for The Beacon Music Factory is on Rt. 52 and recently re-opened. The new space was renovated to accommodate the steady flow of aspiring musicians of all ages who come in for private and group lessons, band rehearsals, and sometimes occasional related gatherings, like a BeaconArts meeting.

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The welcome desk at Beacon Music Factory.
Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin

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One of several private music rooms inside of Beacon Music Factory.
Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin

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BeaconArts is a Community Partner of A Little Beacon Blog and is part of our Sponsor Spotlight program. This article was part of their monthly messaging partnership. Thank you for supporting organizations who support us!

Matteawan Gallery Brings In Artists For Interactive Installation Residency Programs

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Every January for the past four years, Matteawan Gallery owner Karlyn Benson has turned her gallery space over to an artist for a guest Winter Residency Program. According to Karlyn, "The goal of the Winter Residency is to give artists the space to create a new body of work or to continue working on an ongoing project in a new environment. The Residency focuses on work that has a social, performative, or participatory component."

To kick off 2017, Beacon-based Zachary Skinner presents his Geo-Co-Lab, a collaborative installation that explores whether art can spark effective social and ecological change. And he's not alone. As with past Residency projects at Matteawan Gallery, the public is invited to come in off the street, to collaborate and participate in making the art.

Photo Credit: Matteawan Gallery

Handmade chalkboards hang on the gallery walls, where people are invited to come in and write on them about a theme that explores the concept of whether art can spark effective social and ecological change. The result, as Skinner sees it, is a constantly multiplying collection of thoughts in a collective mind.

A tent structure (Wisdom Tent) is designed to be a contemplative and reflective space as well as a nomadic shelter.
Photo Credit: Matteawan Gallery

In addition to an artist talk at the end of the Residency, two free art workshops covering Acrylic Transfer and Handmade Egg Tempura Painting were built into the project. The trade for students was to give their finished work to Skinner, to be included in his exhibit.  

Beacon resident Greg Slick contributes to the installation.
Photo Credit: Matteawan Gallery

Children participating in past installations.
Photo Credit: Zachary Skinner

Skinner works in the gallery most days of the week, with regular hours on Saturday and Sunday from 12 to 5 pm. There will be a closing reception on Sunday, January 22, with a talk by the artist at 3 pm. Past artist residencies in this program include Jean-Marc Superville Sovak’s I Draw & You Talk in 2016, Mollie McKinley’s Cabin Fever in 2015, and Angelika Rhinnhofer’s a priori in 2014.

About Matteawan Gallery

Matteawan Gallery opened in March 2013 at 464 Main Street in Beacon, NY, and moved to a larger space at 436 Main Street in September 2015. The gallery specializes in contemporary art by mid-career and emerging artists, often with a focus on process and materials.

Gallery Director Karlyn Benson has over 20 years of experience working in museums and galleries. For six years she worked in the Registrar Department at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Previously, she was the gallery manager at Candace Perich Gallery, a contemporary photography gallery in Katonah, NY. Karlyn received an MA in Art History from the University of Texas, Austin and a BA in Art History from SUNY Purchase. She recently curated the exhibition Chemistry at Garrison Art Center, Garrison, NY. 

The Story Behind Beacon's Bicycle Tree, Lit Every December Second Saturday (Sponsor Spotlight)

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This year will mark the fifth year for the Bicycle Tree, which has grown in size and complexity. During its first year, the tree was smaller and stationary. Last year, visitors of all ages were delighted when they found they could interact with the tree by spinning wheels, using pedals, and climbing around its larger structure. Originally an initiative conceived by the artist Ed Benavente and sponsored by BeaconArts, the City of Beacon now also supports the event. Activities including a children's craft begin at 3:30 pm, Santa arrives at dusk, and the tree is lit at 5 pm. Bring a mug for hot chocolate.

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Photo Credit: BeaconArts, by Ethan Harrison (@Wolfingtons)

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The Bicycle Reindeer that brings Santa to the tree lighting each year.
Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin

The Second Saturday Tree Lighting happens at Polhill Park next to the Beacon Welcome Center. Last year, in 2015, a record 750 people attended and 200 children sang, according to Kelly Ellenwood, Vice President of BeaconArts. During the day of the tree lighting, the program includes singers and dancers from various local schools, traditional Christmas carols, free hot chocolate and of course, Santa Claus himself, who is delivered by a Bicycle Reindeer to the tree. The menagerie of bicycle constructions has also grown to include a Bicycle Menorah for Hanukkah, and now a New Year’s Ball made of bicycle wheel rims. The latter will be dropped in the last seconds of 2016 for the second time at Dogwood (on the East End of town just over the Fishkill Creek).

Ed's sculptures are all around town. Most notable may be the tall fork and spoon that went up outside Café Amarcord during a Beacon 3D summer outdoor show. You also may have seen Ed peddling around town on his Santa Cab/Bike, aka the Bicycle Reindeer. Ed's work can also be seen in Marion Royael Gallery (speaking of which, have you been in to see the Doors exhibit, "Mr. Yard Presents Knock Knock Underground Emoji" yet? Today is a good day to go). To learn more about the tree, we asked the artist to tell us about it in his own words. Here's what he had to say:

Why the Bicycle Tree? How did this become an annual symbol in Beacon?

"First of all, this project was conceived in 2011 to help give a focal point for all of the various holiday activities being supported by the city, local businesses and volunteer groups. As is often the case, money was the biggest obstacle to having a large, central holiday display. When it comes to making something out of nothing, ask an artist. I am an artist, and a local resident and sculptor, and I volunteered to create a town Christmas Tree as an art project.

"As an art piece, the tree is not perfect. It is ever-evolving just like the community we live in. That’s one reason I chose the bicycle as a symbolic component. Bicycles are powered by people. I feel very fortunate to live in a place that knows how to keep things rolling.

"Taking a half-dozen or so junk bicycles, I fashioned a tree-shaped display and installed it on the empty lot at the corner of Main and Cross Streets (between River Winds Gallery and Hudson Beach Glass) under the sponsorship of the Beacon Arts Community Association (BACA). The location has since moved to Polhill Park."

How did it go? This bicycle tree? How was it received?

"It’s one of those things you just don’t know what people will do or how they will react. I was overwhelmed by the positive responses from people walking by as I was setting this thing up. It made them happy."

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The Bicycle Menorah
Photo Credit: Ed Benavente

This tree lighting is an annual tradition, and Ed's work and BeaconArts' organization and promotion of the event are integral to the holiday season in Beacon. See you this afternoon/tonight at 3:30 pm! Santa arrives at dusk (about 4:30 pm) and the tree is lit at 5 pm. Bring a mug for hot chocolate. Then return to this spot on December 24, 2016 for the lighting of the Bicycle Menorah to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah, and let's gather at Dogwood on New Year's Eve for the dropping of the Bicycle Ball.

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The Bicycle Ball for New Year's Eve at Dogwood.
Photo Credit: Ed Benavente

This article is a Sponsor Spotlight post with our partnership with BeaconArts, but what makes the partnership so great is that we would have written about it anyway! Thank you for supporting businesses and organizations who support us.

Mystery Photo Revealed: Marion Royael Gallery Doors Exhibit, The Knock Knock Underground Emoji

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Beacon residents might know the faces of the artists, Barbara A.G. Riddle and Steven Paul Riddle, who created and curate Marion Royael Gallery. Over the years, the gallery has been located on both ends of Main Street, and is currently based at 159 Main St., next door to Kitchen Sink. Onlookers who have walked past the directed migrating installations that appear each month in the gallery, may not yet have walked in, or walked all the way in, and stepped into the back patio known as Mr. Yard, which was the location of our Mystery Photo.

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The installation that occupies Mr. Yard this year, Marion Royael's garden plot beside Kitchen Sink's back patio, was the location of our last Mystery Photo Contest that stumped everyone for days. That contest required four hints before somebody finally won! So now is the time for the big reveal and the virtual walk-through of this exhibit that is kid- and dog-friendly, and beckons for you to explore.

Reminder of the Mystery Photo

This was the mystery photo. Where was this taken?

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About Marion Royael Gallery

Marion Royael Gallery highlights the work of emerging and mid-career artists through a scheduled series of exhibitions. The gallery acts as a forum for exploring fundamental ideas and concepts in contemporary art as they relate to prevailing topical events. Steven and Barbara seek to create a vibrant cross-generational dialogue about art and culture among the general public, collectors, curators, artists and critics. Marion Royael Gallery creates what they call "Directed Migrating Installations," which are rooted in themes that the gallery sends out to regular artists, who send art in response to be displayed. The gallery represents artists and sells contemporary fine art originals, editions and objects.

So Where Is This Dinosaur?

This purple dinosaur lives inside of the outdoor installation, "Mr. Yard Presents Knock Knock Underground Emoji," and behind at least two sets of doors. There is a total of 76 doors in the installation, 45 of which open and close, and some of which are painted. Appearing across all of the doors are 300 emojis representing different emotions. Why emojis and doors?

The installation is an exploration of what people do with their emotions, says Steven Paul Riddle. "It's about emotions. Whatever you do with your emotions. Some people show them very clearly, and you can see right through them. Other people hide them." The doors represent what the emotions are hidden behind. Closed doors, open doors, crooked doors, sideways doors.

Walking through is a lot like walking through a chapter in Alice in Wonderland. Explore at night or during the day, and the experience will still be steeped in curiosity as different corners reveal themselves to you in different lights, or through your own mood at the moment.

Continue to virtually walk through this installation via the pictures in this article, and then head down to Marion Royael Gallery to experience it yourself in person. Bring the kids! The doors are for sale as a piece of art, should something move you, but Barbara and Steven giggle at the thought of pricing it out, as they are so deeply rooted in the creation process.

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The artists, Steven Paul Riddle and Barbara A.G. Riddle.

Photo Credits: All photos were taken by Katie Hellmuth Martin

Happening This Thursday: Personal Finance Planning for Artists, Entrepreneurs, Creatives

It's Sunday night... How did your bill paying go? Coming to A Little Beacon Space this Thursday is a workshop designed specially for artists, entrepreneurs and business owners to help them with their financial planning, led by a woman who has worked with artists for years to help them craft retirement planning and good money habits that work with their lifestyles. She even designed these cute flashcards that were featured on the "Today" show.

The agenda below gives a glimpse of what she will be covering, but here are some questions from business owners and artists that have already come in (you can bring your own questions too):

• "I have high credit card bills. I try to pay those, and put nothing towards my IRA or any kind of retirement planning. Is this a good strategy?"
• "I never have a lot of money, so when I get a windfall for a being hired for a new project, I'm apt to spend all of the money at once. Help. What should I do with it? Save it? Invest it? Pay bills?"

As an artist or business owner, you are your own boss. No one has set up a retirement plan for you. No one is matching your hard work. Who is going to do it for you? You are. And Galia's guidance can help shine the light on your future good habits.

My Money Matters Flash Cards Included With Ticket Purchase!

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Now, when you get a ticket to this workshop, you will get Galia's My Money Matters flash cards that were featured on "Today"! More importantly, they are adorable to look at, and serve as realistic affirmations of what you can do.

You Will Learn How To

• Get organized. See where you are today and where you want to be.
• Set realistic financial goals.
• Manage your credit.
• Create a budget and spending plan that works for you.
• Develop a plan for automatic savings.
• Invest in mutual funds.
• Take away the uncertainty of retirement planning and determine the best retirement plan for you.
• Best financial resources including apps, websites, books and ongoing tips.
• Learn how to deal with your finances in just 30 minutes a week.

About Galia

Galia Gichon is an independent personal financial expert with more than 20 years in financial services, including nearly 10 years on Wall Street and an MBA in finance. She runs her own company, Down to Earth Finance, which addresses personal financial needs through seminars and individual sessions. She is a frequent speaker at Barnard College’s Athena Center for Leadership, Playwrights of NY, Lark Theatre, New Museum NYC, Crave Live, and Freelancers Union. She has been widely quoted in The New York Times, NBC, CNN, Real Simple and more. Previously, she worked at Bear Stearns and Nomura Securities. She is actively involved in angel investing through Pipeline Angels, Astia and Refinery CT. Galia is also the author of “My Money Matters,” a flashcard-based finance reminder set that was featured on the "Today" show.

See you there?
I'll have my notebook out.

Exhibition of Beacon Thursday Painters, a Seniors Group, Displays at the Howland Public Library for October 2016

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One is never bored in Beacon, thanks to all of the groups that get created by citizens, meeting in easily accessible places like the Library, Quinn's, and the Parks and Recreation Department. Learning about these groups and keeping up with when they meet is a job in and of itself. We're always learning about new ones here at A Little Beacon Blog, and adding them to the Adult Classes Guide when we do.

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Jan Dolan, the teacher of the Beacon Thursday Painters Group.
Photo Credit: Jean Noack

One such group is having an exhibition at the Howland Public Library during October, opening on Saturday, October 8 - Beacon's Second Saturday. The Thursday Painters group is a weekly three-hour class for seniors offered by the Beacon Recreation Department and taught by local artist Jan Dolan. Many of the Thursday Painters have been painting for decades, while others, like Jean Noack, are enjoying the process of awakening their hidden talent. "I enjoy the class because it is made up of a nice group of students who are friendly, creative and are willing to help each other," Jean says. "Also, our teacher Jan Dolan of Beacon is a talented artist, and in addition, she is a wonderful teacher." The class has been meeting for over two years and, according to Jean, "The Recreation Director, Mark Price, has been highly supportive." The show at the library this Second Saturday will be the group’s second exhibit, and runs through November 5.

While in the Beacon Thursday Painters class, Jean tapped into her fondness of the Dummy Light, located on Beacon's east end, and created a series. "When I started in this class [Beacon Thursday Painters], I did portraits of each of my three cats. Then, I moved on to do an oil painting of Beacon's Dummy Light. I am a native of Beacon and used to pass it each day as I walked to school from my home on Fishkill Avenue to Forrestal School. I took a photo of my Dummy Light painting and shrunk the image and I hand-made Dummy Light Christmas ornaments and magnets at my kitchen table. For a while there, it was a regular production line as I made them for friends and sold others. Never could I have seen myself in retirement making pin money from my art!"

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Painting of the Dummy Light by Jean Noack.
Photo Credit: Jean Noack

Jean's most recent painting of the Dummy Light will be on display at the Beacon Historical Society's "Hats Off to the Beacon Historical Society!" this Second Saturday at Beacon Bath & Bubble, located at 458 Main Street in Beacon, near the Lauren & Riley boutique (who was just featured in the Highlands Current!).

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Painting on wood by Jean Noack for the exhibit and upcoming auction for "Hats Off To The Beacon Historical Society" fundraiser for the society's new office to store and display their archives.

The Howland Public Library is presenting an exhibition of work by the Beacon Thursday Painters from October 8th through November 5th. An artists’ reception will be held on Beacon's Second Saturday, October 8th, from 5 to 7pm.

The Howland Public Library is located at 313 Main St., Beacon NY 12508. The Community Room Exhibit Space is open during regular library hours. Please note: The gallery may not be accessible during some library programs. Please consult the library calendar at beaconlibrary.org. Artists interested in exhibiting at the library should contact community@beaconlibrary.org.

Second Saturday Guide to September Art Showings in Beacon, NY!

Sip and stroll, and pretend you don't have to worry about homework for another month. 

Happy Second Saturday, Beaconites and Hudson Valley art lovers! We have quite a roundup in store for you: From a "Friendraiser" to benefit the public library, to a honest-to-goodness hootenanny, to a plethora of paintings, photos, and sculpture that will engage your every sense. Get the scoop (and find out who will be pouring frosty beverages) in our Second Saturday Guide. 

Once you've figured out where to park, what's next? If you're in need of a bite to eat, check out the Restaurant Guide. Itching to show local shopkeepers some love? We've got a Shopping Guide at your fingertips. Thank you for supporting the businesses that help support A Little Beacon Blog! We couldn't do this without you — or them. Happy Second Saturday strolling!

Collect Your Thoughts & Reset Your Mind At Terreson: Beacon (Sponsored)

September is the time to begin again, and so it has with this particular Second Saturday weekend. Every Second Saturday has been vibrant, but this month's ushers in the shift to fall.

While you are out and about, hitting all of the gallery openings and business celebration parties, do put TERRESON:BEACON on your list. You will find peace and the ability to collect your thoughts and to dream, in Jeffrey Terreson's gallery, that envelops you with aromas of oil paint and original wood beams and floors, penetrating your mind with creative inclinations.

Artist Jeffrey Terreson welcomes you into his peaceful yet inspiring space at 475 Main Street, next door to the Howland Cultural Center. The piece featured here in this photo is CLEAR, 96x92, Oil Wax Enamel Impasto on Wood Panel.

Find your favorites in the gallery, and ask about commissioned pieces, prints, and the ability for Jeffrey to paint onto a print for you. 

TERRESON:BEACON is a Spotlight Sponsor of A Little Beacon Blog. It is with his support that our publication is possible. Thank you for supporting businesses who support us!