Upcoming Events And Activities
OUR BIGGEST FESTIVAL EVER!
Thanks to your donations – 20,000 books, CDs, DVDs, vinyl – and 750 volunteer hours over 45 days sorting and setting up, the 21st annual Spencertown Academy Arts Center Festival of Books will be the biggest ever. Labor Day weekend, September 4 -7
Giant Book Sale – Free Admission
Saturday, September 5, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday, September 6, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Monday, September 7, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Countless gently used books and music media across all genres and tastes. Signed first editions and literary antiques and collectibles. Eight A-list authors discussing their latest fiction and non-fiction. Exciting children’s program.
The 2026 Festival of Books is dedicated to our late friend, Kathy Zdeb, whose love of books and superb writing skills made her a mainstay of the team that has spread the good news about our event.
Book donations are now closed, thanks to all for your generosity!
Become a Festival of Books Sponsor
This annual popular gathering of all things literary is also a major fundraiser for the Spencertown Academy Arts Center. You can make a difference with a dedicated tax deductible donation to help underwrite the Festival’s expenses.
Vicki Kristina Barcelona Band
Saturday, September 26, 8pm
Roots & Shoots Concerts Series presents Vicki Kristina Barcelona Band playing the songs of Tom Waits. VKB Band is a New York City-based trio comprised of Rachelle Garniez, Amanda Homi, and Kirsten Thien—three deeply distinctive musicians, all acclaimed performing singer-songwriters with a wealth of collective experience. Together, their voices blend of soaring three-part harmony and carefully crafted musical arrangements.
Learn more.
All Write, Columbia
November 5-8, 2026
All Write, Columbia Creative Nonfiction Writers Conference is a four day intensive focused on the craft and the business of writing nonfiction. The conference is open to all levels of nonfiction writers, from beginners who are just starting to write nonfiction to more advanced writers with a memoir manuscript. Open to writers who are at least 18 years old. Just 20 writers will be accepted.
Submission Deadline: October 5
Learn more.
2026 Young Writers Contest Winners!
Spencertown Academy Arts Center has proudly offered this competition since 2015. Our goal is to encourage creative writing among students in grades 9-12 (including homeschool) living in Columbia County, NY and Berkshire County, MA. This year’s contest attracted 40 creative individuals, writing in either Fiction or Non-Fiction (personal essay) categories.
Learn more
Spring/Summer 2026 Newsletter Now Available
Our newsletter has been updated with a new name and masthead, check it out to see what's coming up and read the interesting backstory to some of our programming and events. See the latest as well as past newsletters.
Gee's Bend Quilt Show
July 12- August 3, 2025
Over 4 weeks we welcomed close to 3,000 visitors who came from far and wide, to view this exhibition representing joy, hard work, history and artistry. We thank everyone who passed through our doors, purchased the Quilters' wares, sponsors and donors and our scores of volunteers. Learn more.
Annual Appeal
Help to support our mission of Building Community Through the Arts, 50 years and going strong. Make your tax deductible gift today.
Watch and Listen to PAST Programming
Dexter Palmer & Rishi Reddi
Discuss their works of historical fiction with Daphne Kalotay. Watch the video on our YouTube channel.
Peter Sis
Discusses his book Nicky and Vera- A Quiet Hero of the Holocaust and the Children He Rescued, with Carl Atkins.
Watch the video.
Rick Rogers
Learn how to make Almas Pite, a delicious Hungarian apple pie.
In conversation with Madaline Sparks. Watch the interview.
HERE'S HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED
Become a Member
We're dedicated to programs in a welcoming space for our Columbia County community and neighbors. Learn more.
