As the winter chill sets in, upstate New York becomes a canvas for artistic expression, with galleries showcasing a diverse array of exhibitions. This January, immerse yourself in five incredible exhibitions that highlight the region’s rich cultural landscape. Here’s what you can’t miss this month!
Jonathan Becker: Lost Time Exhibition
Katonah Museum of Art is currently hosting a breathtaking exhibition titled Jonathan Becker: Lost Time. This collection features sumptuous photographs that take viewers into intimate moments with some of the most renowned figures in history. Curated by Mark Holborn, this exhibition is a visual feast celebrating Becker’s illustrious career spanning over five decades.
Becker’s work captures the glamour and complexity of fame, showcasing iconic personalities like Diana Vreeland and Andy Warhol in their element. The photograph “Diana Vreeland at Home, 550 Park Avenue, New York” (1979) exudes an air of elegance and sophistication, while “Andy Warhol and His Corsets at the Fourth Factory, New York” (1986) offers a glimpse into the artist’s unique relationship with fashion and identity.
One particularly striking image, “Ward Just’s Desk, Martha’s Vineyard” (1996), invites viewers to ponder the private lives of its subjects. With its still-life ambiance, the photograph captures a moment of stillness, evoking curiosity about the stories behind the objects. This exhibition is a must-see for anyone who appreciates the intersection of art, celebrity, and personal narrative. Katonah Museum of Art, 134 Jay Street, Katonah, New York Through January 26
Unexpected Light Exhibition
Next, head to the Carrie Haddad Gallery in Hudson for *Unexpected Light*, an exhibition that celebrates the interplay of light in contemporary art. Featuring five talented artists, this show highlights how light can transform and elevate the ordinary into the extraordinary.
Among the standout pieces is Leigh Palmer’s encaustic painting “Gray Clouds” (2024), which immerses viewers in a dreamy landscape that feels alive with emotion. Harry Orlyk’s “6194 Salem” (2024) further enhances this theme, presenting a richly hued oil landscape that captures the essence of the Hudson Valley’s natural beauty.
David Dew Bruner’s “Sheets II” (2024) takes a more intimate approach, depicting white bed sheets framed in a Renaissance revival style. This lush archival pigment print evokes a sense of comfort and domesticity. Jane Bloodgood-Abrams’ “Moonrise in the Mountains” (2024) brings the exhibition full circle, with a radiant full moon illuminating a breathtaking landscape, reminiscent of the classic Hudson River School. This exhibition is a true celebration of light, offering a visual experience that resonates deeply with the viewer. Carrie Haddad Gallery, 622 Warren Street, Hudson, New York Through January 26
Winter Salon 2024
Don’t miss the Winter Salon 2024 at Perry Lawson Fine Art, featuring the work of 25 local artists. This diverse exhibition reflects the vibrant art community in Nyack and highlights artists at various stages of their careers.
Powerful pieces like Spencer Tunick’s “Dead Sea 11, 2011” capture the human form in a striking landscape, while Eric David Laxman’s “Victory” (2024) presents a haunting sculpture that embodies movement and emotion. Emmanuel Ofori’s “All Eyes on Me” (2023) offers a reflective portrayal of a stylish figure, while Tracy Burtz’s “All Of Them” (2024) captures a cozy domestic scene reminiscent of Impressionist works. Perry Lawson Fine Art, 20 North Broadway, Nyack, New York Through January 26
Ash Eliza Williams: History of Moonlight Exhibition
Step into a dreamlike realm at the *History of Moonlight* exhibition featuring Ash Eliza Williams at Headstone Gallery. This show transports visitors to a space where the boundaries of reality blur, inviting exploration of the surreal.
Williams’ work, such as “At the Threshold of Sleep” (2021), challenges perceptions with its striking imagery. A bison-like hair-cloud looms ominously over a picturesque river, creating a juxtaposition of beauty and unease. In “Night Bather” (2024), a fantastical creature navigates a blue-hued landscape, drawing viewers into a captivating narrative.
The ethereal “Trace Elements” (2016) captures a somber gray sky with scattered water droplets, evoking the sensation of gazing through a rain-speckled window. Each piece encourages contemplation and reflection, making this exhibition a thought-provoking experience for all who enter. Headstone Gallery, 28 Hurley Avenue, Kingston, New York Through January 26
Small Works Exhibition
With its modest title, Small Works at Buster Levi Gallery showcases the diverse talents of 14 artists working in various media. This exhibition challenges preconceived notions of scale, demonstrating that impactful art can come in all sizes.
Among the featured works is Ada Pilar Cruz’s “Three Figures for Saramego” (2024), a trio of glazed ceramic figures that play with color and form. Jenne Currie’s “Rock and Roll” (2024) presents a dynamic mixed-media composition, while Gretchen Kane’s “Red Stones” captures a vibrant interplay of color fields.
Bill Kooistra’s “Sunday Morning” reflects a post-modernist aesthetic, while Grace Kennedy’s “Discordant Trio II” cleverly merges 2D and 3D elements, showcasing a music box with a classic farm scene. This exhibition is a testament to the creativity and innovation that thrives in the upstate art scene. Buster Levi Gallery, 121 Main Street, Cold Spring, New York Through January 26
Celebrating New York’s Artistic Diversity
As we explore these five compelling exhibitions in upstate New York, it’s clear that the region boasts a rich and diverse artistic landscape. Each exhibition invites visitors to engage with the art, encouraging reflection on themes of identity, light, and the human experience.
This January, embrace the opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant art scene of upstate New York and celebrate the creativity that defines this remarkable region. The exhibitions are invitations to connect with the essence of art in its many forms.
Upcoming Art Exhibits at NYC’s Guggenheim Museum in 2025
