Meet 1, 500 Artists in Five Days: A Guide to the Catskills Art Fest

Rediscover Art in the Catskills and Hudson Valley

Escape the city and immerse yourself in a five-day celebration of art, culture, and creativity during the Upstate Art Weekend. Stretching across ten counties in the Catskills and Hudson Valley, this annual festival transforms the region into a dynamic gallery under the open sky. Whether you're a seasoned art collector or a casual admirer, the event offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore a thriving creative community.

A Seventh Edition with Fresh Innovation

This year marks the seventh edition of the festival, introducing a new online itinerary tool that lets visitors tailor their experience. Plan your route by distance, direction, or art style—or embrace spontaneity with a more traditional approach. Start at a beloved venue like:

• KinoSaito (Verplanck) – A newly renovated space breathing new life into the arts.
• Capa Space (Yorktown Heights) – Where Richard Sandler’s striking street photography captures raw urban energy.
• Boscobel (Cold Spring) – A historic estate offering breathtaking views alongside curated exhibitions.

Art in Motion: Murals, Exhibitions, and Interactive Masterpieces

Across the region, artists breathe life into the landscape:

• In Beacon, delicate embroideries are meticulously arranged by art handlers, guided by curator Matilde Guidelli-Guidi.
• In Millerton, painter Karen Marston transforms a barn wall into a massive iceberg mural, painting a splash of color across the countryside.

Magazzino Italian Art (Cold Spring) hosts the compelling exhibition "Tutto Boetti: 1966-1993", showcasing:

• Early Arte Povera experiments.
• Algorithmic drawings that blend mathematics and aesthetics.
• Embroidered works created by Afghan women in Kabul and Peshawar.
• A bronze self-portrait that interacts with the wind, steaming gently when conditions are just right—turning art into a living, breathing experience.

Where Tradition Meets Contemporary Vision

The festival seamlessly blends contemporary installations with historic architecture, offering something for every taste:

• Collectors can engage with avant-garde works.
• Artists find inspiration in the fusion of old and new.
• Casual enthusiasts enjoy scenic backdrops and fresh air.

Beyond the galleries, the region’s natural beauty—rolling hills, riverside trails, and serene landscapes—provides the perfect backdrop for a weekend of artistic discovery.

Plan Your Escape

Whether you’re drawn by the innovative exhibits, the chance to meet artists, or simply the allure of a countryside retreat, Upstate Art Weekend delivers an experience that redefines what art can be.

Mark your calendars—this is your invitation to explore beyond the familiar.