Open Studios Weekend in Peekskill Expands Beyond Visual Arts
For the first time during Peekskill’s 15th Annual Open Studios Weekend, Saturday and Sunday, June 2 – 3, 2012, from 12 noon to 5 p.m., the performing arts, featuring world-renowned performers, will take center stage amidst the largest variety of traditional and contemporary visual artists ever to participate.
Included are more than 100 painters, videographers, ceramic artists, photographers, sculptors, and mixed media artisans exhibiting at galleries and exhibit spaces. Those coming to Open Studios will be able to visit with over 60 artists. The healing arts are also being included for the first time.
“The Peekskill Arts Alliance has taken a huge step forward in creating an all-inclusive event this year,” said Maureen Winzig, Peekskill Open Studios chairperson. “Art surrounds us on every corner in Peekskill from music, visual, dance, spoken word, theater, performance art and the healing arts. Collaboration is the key to bringing a community together, creating an excitement and vitality for the entire city. Open Studios weekend is a shining example of that.”
Works of art will be on display and for sale in public areas and private studios where visitors can meet, greet and see artists at work. There will also be an outdoor arts and craft fair on Esther Street, directly across from the Paramount Center for the Arts. And all of the downtown restaurants and eateries will be open. The Hudson Valley Center for Contemporary Art is offering free weekend admission.
“Peekskill is a growing enclave of recognized artists and talented performers as well as an entertainment and dining destination,” said Peekskill Mayor Mary F. Foster. “Our long-established artists, our newer artists and our award-winning restaurants are showcasing Peekskill like never before during this year’s Open Studios Weekend.”
Free guided tours of the artists’ studios will start at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. both days and will leave from the gazebo, located at the corner of Park and Division Streets. Self-guided tour maps of open studios and performance schedules will be also available at the information booth at the gazebo.
As an added convenience this year, rides aboard Stella the Trolley will be available for $1 per ride or $3 for an all-day hop and ride pass to visit with as many artists as possible.
“Peekskill is an amazing place to live and perform and I get such energy from my audiences,” said jazz violinist Daisy Jopling. “I am surrounded by so many talented people in the performing, visual and healing arts. Open Studios weekend will prominently feature the performing arts in such a big way for the first time and I am thrilled to be part it. Peekskill rocks.”
The healing arts are also new to Open Studios weekend: “Energy Movement Center is thrilled to be part of Open Studios this year hosting the performing arts and healing arts venues,” said Darby Melnick of the Energy Movement Center. “Healing arts is a way for people to heal themselves by invigorating the body and feeding the creative soul through modalities such as yoga, massage, Reiki, movement, dance, art and music. I love being in Peekskill and am thrilled to be surrounded by so many artists, musicians and dancers,”
Information is available on https://www.facebookcom/pages/Peekskill-Open-Studios/342248589161006. For information not included above, call 914-734-1292 or 914-438-6084.
Adam has worked in the local news industry for the past two decades in Westchester County and the broader Hudson Valley. Read more from Adam’s author bio here.
