The city’s in full summer swing with a quartet of show openings and more
The Fourth of July and 250th anniversary holiday extravaganza went by in a flash, only to be closely followed by Beacon’s upcoming Second Saturday arts weekend. And while we celebrate the city’s vibrant arts scene with new exhibition openings every month, summer is the perfect time for a slow meander between galleries.
Here’s what you shouldn’t miss this weekend, whether you’re a local or visiting.
Art Show Openings
“Beg To Be Loved, Beg To Be Touched”
- When: Saturday, July 11th, 7 PM opening reception
- Where: Distortion Society (155 Main Street)
Distortion Society presents “Beg to be Loved, Beg to be Touched,” an experience of soft sculpture installations by textile artist Holly McCabe and curated by Jaime Ransome.
McCabe works with vintage cloth and contrasts topstitching to create visceral, mounted soft sculptures. Each work is meticulously crafted from donated vintage materials that have been discarded then revived in McCabe’s studio.
The artist salvages scraps of cotton, burlap, wool, polyester, and faux leather and pieces them together into something that demands the viewer’s attention. Jaime Ransome, the show’s curator explains, “”The fabrics incorporated are both precious and ordinary: pieces that have been worn to weddings, parties, road trips, breakups, to work and back. Dripping tendril threads, seamed in contrast stitching, in tones and shadows of red, blue, green, and beige define the McCabe aesthetic – weaving together an ecosystem of works that are both aesthetic and emotional. The final works are products of —the last remnants of—a life well explored.”
The show runs until Saturday, October 3rd.
BAU Gallery’s July Shows Opening Reception
- When: Saturday, July 11th, 6 PM to 8 PM. Shows run from Friday, July 10th to Sunday, August 2nd.
- Where: BAU Gallery (506 Main Street)
“Ghost In The Machine”
The name of Nataliya Hines’ “Ghost In The Machine” show is in reference to Arthur Koestler’s concept of the fragmented mind. The nine paintings reflect on the tension between self and system and the imperfectly evolved impulse to reconcile the two.
“Bone Broth” featuring works by Robin Adler, Karen Allen, and Eileen Sackman
Structural integrity drives this three-person exhibition by Robin Adler, Karen Allen, and Eileen Sackman. Just as a skeleton supports an organism, the bones of a composition and materials dictate artistic form. Together, these artists explore the limits of the structures beneath. Adler, Allen, and Sackman seek to unearth the beauty of structure within each of their works through the use of translucency and light, abstract figuration and shadows, and emotional tone.
“Blessings of Extinction” by William PK Carter
“Blessings of Extinction: remembering what came before and imagining what comes next,” from William PK Carter compares short-term adaptation to long-term evolution in nature. In this exhibition, Carter argues that the survival of a marginalized species depends on the eventual extinction of its predators: white supremacy and heteronormativity in this case.
In that comparison, this exhibition highlights the impact an individual’s seemingly small lifestyle changes can have on the overall trajectory of their entire community.
There will be a performance by William PK Carter at 5:30 PM ahead of the opening reception.
“12508” by Anna West At Hudson Beach Glass
- When: Saturday, July 11th, 4 PM to 6 PM
- Where: Hudson Beach Glass (162 Main Street)
Locals and lovers of Beacon, NY will appreciate “12508,” a series of Beacon-themed oil paintings by local artist Anna West. West’s colorful and playful style perfectly portrays the charm and beauty of Beacon’s backstreets and iconic spots like Ron’s Ice Cream parlor. Stop by and see how many locations you can identify.
The show continues until Sunday, August 2nd.
“Bodies of Work: Portraits of Labor + Food”
- When: Opening reception, Saturday, July 11th at 4 PM
- Where: Super Secret Projects (484 Main Street)
The produce, purveyors, and workers of Beacon Farmers Market feature in the first solo photography show from the Market’s manager and visual documentarian Amy Bandolik. While the produce is front and center of each image, cropped photos of torsos, arms, and hands in action emphasize the human presence and impact. 100% of profits from artwork sales will be donated to support the Beacon Farmers Market food access programs.
Bridget Riley At Dia Beacon—A Conversation
- When: Saturday, July 11th, 2 PM
- Where: Dia Beacon, Riggio Galleries (3 Beekman Street)
Artists Liz Deschenes and Kate Mosher Hall will discuss the work of renowned Op Art (an optically driven style) pioneer Bridget Riley to mark the opening of a new exhibition of the English artist’s work. Join Deschenes and Hall as they dig into the enduring relevance and impact of Riley’s timeless black and while paintings from the early 1960s. Liv Cuniberti and Emily Markert—the recently-opened exhibition’s curators—will moderate the discussion.
Dia Beacon’s long-term exhibition showcases a selection of Riley’s earliest black-and-white paintings that were created in the early 1960s before she introduced color into her work in 1967.
While at Dia, be sure to see its newest exhibitions including Alighiero Boetti, John Chamberlain, and Hélio Oiticica. Get tickets here.
Elijah Wheat Showroom (133 Main Street) is the middle of a stunning exhibition of E.E.Kono’s “Dispersion” which runs until Sunday, July 19th. If you haven’t seen it yet, you’ll have an added opportunity to do so on Saturday, July 11th when the gallery stays open late until at least 8 PM.
Finally, “Savage//Wonder,” continues at its namesake arts center (Savage Wonder, 139 Main Street). The show features abstract work from a diverse group of 15 artists in the venue’s expansive basement gallery. Maybe enjoy a glass of wine at The Grape Rebellion while you’re there.
Beacon’s Second Saturday Live Music Scene
A Different Thread And Little Sister At Lucky Dog
- When: Friday, July 10th, 7:30 PM
- Where: Lucky Dog (333 Fishkill Avenue)
Join Lucky Dog for an intimate evening of original Americana from the British/American duo A Different Thread. This international folk and American duo blend British folk rock with North Carolina alt-country. They’ll be supported by the Hudson Valley’s indie rockers with a folk twist, Little Sister. Get tickets here.
Towne Crier Presents “Music In Action”
- When: Saturday, July 11th, 12 PM to 4 PM
- Where: Veterans Place (413 Main Street)
Towne Crier presents “Music In Action,” a free community celebration and an afternoon of live music featuring C.J. Chenier & The Red Hot Louisana Band playing Zydeco and Cajun; Cubaricua playing Cuban and Puerto Rican music; and The Costellos playing their Maverick Pop.
Lyra Music Young Artist Concert at the Howland
- When: Saturday, July 11th, 2 PM to 4 PM
- Where: Howland Cultural Center (477 Main Street)
Join Lyra Music Festival for an afternoon of chamber repertoire performed by the pre-college musicians of the Lyra Music Young Artist Performance Program. Meet the artists at a reception after the event.
With works by Beethoven, Coleridge-Taylor, Mendelssohn, Schubert, Clara Schumann, and Turina. Get tickets here.
Joshua At Industrial Arts Brewing Company
- When: Saturday, July 11th at 7 PM
- Where: Industrial Arts Brewing Company (511 Fishkill Avenue)
Hudson Valley’s Joshua have been around on and off for a while—since 1995 to be exact. This emo, indie band show no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Celebrate the release of their record, “A Whole New Theory Redux” with them. They’ll be giving away free posters and drink coasters to everyone who attends on the night. Joshua will be supported by Nightmares For A Week and Sunbloc. Get tickets here.
And An Ice Cream Social for Kids At Sibling
- When: Friday, July 10th, 3 PM to 6 PM
- Where: Sibling (500 Main Street)
Sibling and The Chocolate Studio are celebrating summertime in Beacon this Friday with a free kids’ scoop with toppings and the opportunity to play some fun games.
On Saturday, July 11th from 12 PM to 3 PM, you can snag a professional photo of your kiddo at Sibling with photographer Jill Smith during their Personality Portraits Day. There are 18 spots available. You can book in advance or take your chance on the day.
A New Immersive Theatrical Performance from Savage Wonder
- When: Saturday, July 11th, 18th, and 25th
- Where: Savage Wonder Arts Center (139 Main Street)
Directed by Savage Wonder founder and creative director, Christopher Paul Meyer, “Black Curtain Society: A Vaudeville of Secrets & Surprises” is an intimate, immersive evening of five veteran-authored ten-minute plays. These vignettes are threaded together with live music, vaudeville acts, cocktails, and hidden encounters built around secrecy, seduction, and “elegant social trespassing.”
As always with Savage Wonder, the all-inclusive food and cocktails are an elevated, curated experience courtesy of The Grape Rebellion. Get tickets here.
A Coney Island Book Launch
- When: Sunday, July 12th, 3 PM
- Where: Happy Valley Arcade Bar (296 Main Street)
Join Beacon LitFest for the launch of a new book called “Hysterical Coney Island,” an art memoir of the Coney Island Hysterical Society, written by Richard Eagan and Philomena Marano.
Author, artist, and co-founder of the Coney Island Hysterical Society, Richard Eagan, will share the story of how a small, feisty band of artists saved the iconic amusement park. This is a free event with a cash bar. There will also be a costume contest for those inclined to play dress up.
Exploring Beacon In Summer
So, while you’re meandering between events and art show openings, be sure to explore some of Beacon’s 100+ one-of-a-kind shops. And there’s plenty of places to grab a glass of something chilled or a bite to eat al fresco now that summer’s here.
Explore our website for everything you need to know about Beacon: From our Events Guide to our Discover Beacon guides. And if you like what you see, sign up to our weekly newsletter to stay on top of all good things here.
Until next time…
The Beacon Beacon🧡