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

The Upstate Art Weekend has become a highlight for those who want to explore the creative scene beyond New York City. Over five days, artists from ten counties in the Catskills and Hudson Valley showcase their work, inviting both locals and visitors to discover a vibrant regional community. This year marks the festival’s seventh edition, and it introduces an online itinerary tool that lets people plan their visit based on distance, direction, or art style. If the digital route feels too modern, a more traditional approach works just as well: start at a favorite venue—such as the newly renovated KinoSaito in Verplanck, Richard Sandler’s street photography at Capa Space in Yorktown Heights, or the historic Boscobel estate—and then explore nearby sites.

In Beacon, art handlers meticulously arrange dozens of small embroideries while curator Matilde Guidelli‑Guidi watches over the process. Meanwhile, in Millerton, painter Karen Marston creates a massive iceberg mural on a barn wall, adding a splash of color to the countryside. The festival’s lineup includes the “Tutto Boetti: 1966‑1993” exhibition at Magazzino Italian Art in Cold Spring. Here, viewers encounter early Arte Povera pieces, algorithmic drawings, and embroidered works crafted by Afghan women in Kabul and Peshawar. The gallery’s courtyard even features a bronze self‑portrait that emits steam when the wind is just right, turning art into an interactive experience. Visitors can enjoy a mix of contemporary installations and historic architecture, making the event appealing to artists, collectors, and casual art lovers alike. The combination of fresh air, scenic views, and diverse creative expressions offers a perfect escape from city life.

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