Your Hudson Valley Holiday Giving Guide: The Arts 

The colder temps bring cravings for comfort. Cuddling on the couch with a thick comforter and a cup of hot chocolate. Playing games before a blazing fire. Exchanging gifts to bring cheer to the ones you love. The holidays are a time for togetherness and celebration. But not everyone has something to celebrate, and many of our neighbors rely on the charity of our nonprofits for their cultural pursuits, entertainment, furry friends, community support, and even housing. 

Supporting the Arts: This winter, we’re honoring our local organizations, starting with those dedicated to the arts. When gifting, consider a tax-deductible donation in your friend’s or family member’s name.

Photo Courtesy of CPW: Kelly Sinclair, Clothesline, 2020

Hudson Valley Nonprofit Art Organizations

ART OMI  Kingston, NY

Considered a “best art day trip” by TimeOut NY, the 120-acre sculpture and architecture park Art Omi features more than 60 large-scale works “in nature,” as well as additional contemporary art displayed in a 1,500-square-foot gallery. “Guided by the principle that artistic expression transcends economic, political, and cultural boundaries,” Art Omi also provides a variety of educational opportunities for people of all ages, as well as residency programs for international artists, writers, translators, musicians, architects and dancers. Donate | Learn more.

ARTS SOCIETY OF KINGSON  Kingston, NY

Better known as ASK, the Arts Society of Kingston serves as an umbrella organization for the city’s arts education and performances. Founded by local artists in 1985, ASK hosts plays, musicals, dance, acoustic open mics, music and poetry readings in its 99-seat performance space; curates the ASK Presents performing art series; and serves more than 300 artist members, providing opportunities to promote their work through group and solo exhibitions in its two galleries. Donate | Learn more.

THE ASHOKAN CENTER  Olivebridge, NY

The Ashokan Center is an outdoor music and nature center on 385 acres of forest and meadow nestled in the Catskill Mountains. A favorite venue for weddings and corporate retreats, the Center also hosts public community events like arts and cultural festivals, music and dance camps, and educational field trips. Day passes for hiking and outdoor recreation are available when events and school programs are not in session; you can also schedule a private tour. Donate | Learn more.

BASILICAN HUDSON  Hudson, NY

Dedicated to supporting independent artists and the local culture and environment, Basilica Hudson welcomes more than 20,000 visitors each year to its reclaimed, solar-powered 1880s industrial factory. Part of the Hudson Arts Coalition, the nonprofit multidisciplinary arts center hosts genre-bending music festivals, film screenings, installations, marketplace events and other community gatherings — mostly for free — and also offers an artist in residency program. Donate | Learn more.

BYRDCLIFFE  Woodstock, NY

The Woodstock Byrdcliffe Guild is a 250-acre mountainside arts and performance center in Woodstock, NY. Founded in 1902, Byrdcliffe hosts exhibitions and performances, art classes and workshops, artist symposiums, and artist residencies. Guided tours are offered all summer; gallery hours and performance and class information is available on the website. Donate | Learn more.

CENTER FOR PHOTOGRAPHY AT WOODSTOCK (CPW)  Kingston, NY

“With an emphasis on championing the voices of emerging artists and bringing forward new concepts through curated exhibitions,” the Center for Photography at Woodstock (CPW) has provided vital services to visual artists and their audiences for more than four decades. CPW offers access to a variety of professional resources, including traditional and digital workspaces, a library of more than 2,000 contemporary prints, video works, audiotapes and slides, and lectures and workshops from acclaimed instructors on topics covering the entire spectrum of photographic practice. The gallery is open to the public on Saturdays from 12 to 4 PM, and by appointment. Donate | Learn more.

COUNCIL FOR RESOURCES TO ENRICH THE ARTS, TECHNOLOGY & EDUCATION  Catskill, NY

Better known as CREATE, the Catskill-based Council for Resources to Enrich the Arts, Technology & Education is dedicated to supporting and advancing the arts and culture of the local community by offering creative resources and fostering economic growth across Greene County. CREATE’s services include art exhibitions, multiple arts grants, online workshops, and youth arts programs. In 2021, CREATE also launched its Flash Film Fest, which will be returning in 2022. Donate | Learn more.

HUDSON HALL  Hudson, NY

Headquartered in an historic landmarked building with New York’s oldest theater, Hudson Hall employs more than 400 artists, skilled laborers and local youth and hosts live performances, art exhibitions, citywide festivals, free community events and workshops for an audience of 50,000. In 2020, Hudson Hall launched its Shared Streets initiative to help local businesses safely reopen and stay economically viable; provided PPE at cost to community partners and businesses throughout Columbia County; and launched a summer workforce development program for local teens and young adults. Donate | Learn more.

THE KINGSTON MIDTOWN ARTS DISTRICT (MAD)  Kingston, NY

The Kingston Midtown Arts District, also known as MAD, is a coalition of artists and residents, businesses and nonprofits, and the City of Kingston, serving the midtown area. The District’s mission is to “create, unite, and enrich a vibrant, inclusive community by leading through the arts” — and it does, providing arts education and training programs, securing grant funding for teaching artists and performers, promoting monthly gallery openings, facilitating gallery pop-ups, providing art sale opportunities, and advocating for government funding for the arts. MAD’s most famous collaboration, the annual Celebration of the Arts EXPO, features free lectures and workshops led by dozens of visual and performing artists. Donate | Learn more.

O+  Kingston, NY

Founded about a decade ago in Kingston, NY, and featured by The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Oprah Magazine and NYLON, O+ is now a national nonprofit connecting creatives and health and wellness providers in cities across the country. Each year, the organization’s efforts culminate in festival celebrations that showcase underinsured artists and musicians creating and performing in exchange for services from care providers. The 2021 O+ Festival in Kingston was designed to “celebrate life” through art “while holding space for the complexity that comes with the collective, and personal, trauma of the past year.” Donate | Learn more. 

OLANA  Hudson, NY

A National Historic Landmark within the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area, Olana is one of the most widely recognized artist homes/studios in the world. Once the center of family life for the painter, architect, landscaper and New York City cultural influencer Frederic Church and his family, the massive Middle East-inspired main house and its surrounding grounds are now open to the public. The Olana Partnership preserves the site and also offers a variety of educationally themed indoor and outdoor tours, exhibitions, events and seasonal celebrations. Donate | Learn more.

OPUS 40  Saugerties, NY

“One of the largest and most beguiling works of art on the entire continent” (Architectural Digest), Opus 40 is a walkable sculptural wonderland and museum with 50 acres of picnic space, forested paths and bluestone quarries in the heart of the Hudson Valley. The world-famous site plays host to festivals, concerts, theatrical performances, nature walks, adult ed workshops and school and camp field trips, and is also open to the public on weekends throughout the year. The entry fee is $12 for adults; $9 for seniors, students and veterans; and free for children under four. Donate | Learn more.

THE PHOENICIA FESTIVAL OF VOICES  Phoenicia, NY

“In the summer of 2009, the hamlet of Phoenicia, New York, found itself short of funds to supply much-needed playground equipment to local children. Some residents of the hamlet, who happened to be professional opera singers, had the idea to try to raise some money for the equipment by staging a concert of opera in the Parish Field. So they did.” Since the inaugural event in 2010, the Phoenicia Festival of Voices has hosted thousands of music lovers for the annual festival showcasing a diversity of vocal talent. To further its mission of enhancing the local community and discovering and developing new vocal talent, the Festival also provides year-round programming, including choral training and private voice and piano lessons for all ages, as well as a five-day music intensive for young people. Donate | Learn more.

ROSENDALE THEATRE Rosendale, NY

A former casino and burlesque and vaudeville playhouse, Rosendale Theatre continues to serve the local community, now focused on “the power of film and live performance to entertain, educate and inspire connection.” The historic three-story, 260-seat digital theater screens independent and mainstream Hollywood, foreign, documentary and local productions, and hosts post-screening discussions and special events. Donate | Learn more.

SAMUEL DORSKEY MUSEUM OF ART  New Paltz, NY

Housed at SUNY New Paltz, the 9,000-square-foot Samuel Dorskey Museum of Art features rotating exhibits from its multiple collections along with temporary loan exhibitions showcasing the careers of under-recognized regional artists and Hudson Valley “masters.” The Dorskey’s 5,000 works of art include important holdings in Asian art, historic and contemporary photographs, and metalwork. For the public, the Museum hosts family days as well as group visits and tours. Donate | Learn more.

UNISON  New Paltz, NY

Unison comprises two art galleries in New Paltz, NY, where the nonprofit arts organization hosts art exhibitions as well as performances. Committed to enriching the lives of local community members through the arts, Unison also offers affordable classes in painting, drawing, photography and movement for all ages, as well as members-only workshops. Donate | Learn more.

WOODSTOCK ARTISTS ASSOCIATION & MUSEUM (WAAM)  Woodstock, NY

Since 1919, the Woodstock Artists Association & Museum (WAAM) has served as a cultural hub for the ‘Colony of the Arts,’ dedicated to supporting artists and art education. Located in the center of the village of Woodstock, NY, WAAM presents group and solo exhibits of contemporary and historical regional artists across five galleries, as well as hosts interactive educational programs, special exhibitions and community engagement projects for the youth and their families. WAAM is open Thursday through Sunday, from 12 to 5 PM. Donate | Learn more.

WOODSTOCK FILM FESTIVAL Woodstock, NY

One of the top regional film festivals in the world, attended by Hollywood elite, the Woodstock Film Festival is best known for its annual festival showcasing the works of emerging and established filmmakers. Throughout the year, the nonprofit organization also provides year-round programming to promote culture and diversity in the local community, offering guest lectures and panels, as well as a filmmakers residency, screenwriting seminar, online masterclass seminar and summer youth film lab. Donate | Learn more.

WOODSTOCK SCHOOL OF ART  Woodstock, NY

The Woodstock School of Art is dedicated to offering high-quality and affordable fine art instruction and engaging the community in arts activities and exhibitions. Established in 1968, the School now supports the growth of more than 800 artists from around the world, offering daily classes in drawing, painting, printmaking and sculpture, as well as workshops in specialized techniques with experts. The Robert H. Angeloch Gallery is open Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 3 PM, and Saturday from 9 AM to 2 PM. Donate | Learn more.

Thank you to all of the organizations listed for all you do for our community! 

Let us know if we missed your favorite local organization