Community Day
Saturday, July 9, 10:00am-4:00pm
Help us celebrate the 175th anniversary of our historic home and the 50th anniversary of the Academy as an arts center. Kids’ entertainment, live music, building tours, Members’ art show, food vendors and more.
Were you a student at the Academy? Come and share your memories with our videographer who will be recording former students in 10 minute sessions from 11:00am to 1:00pm in the kitchen. Reserve your time slot at the back door.
1:00pm: Former students line up on the front steps for a group photo.
In celebration of the 175th anniversary of our building, the Spencertown Academy Arts Center thanks all who contributed to the restoration of this cherished landmark. Your support and generosity will always be remembered.
Festival of Books 2022
Labor Day Weekend - September 2-5
Donations accepted July 25-August 21
Waiting to donate books or buy more?
Listen to author talks in the tent?
The doors will open again at the Academy for the beloved extravaganza of all things literary.
The Festival of Books opens Friday with a Book Sale Preview for members, and continues Saturday through Monday with a giant book sale, author readings and children’s activities open to all. Details to follow.
- The 24/7 donation bin will be in the Academy’s rear parking lot July 25-August 21.
- Volunteers will accept donations on Saturdays and Sundays only, from 11:00am to 2:00pm, on July 30-31, August 6-7, August 13-14 and August 20-21.
- Please bring books in boxes and bags.
- Gently used hard- and soft-cover books are welcome, as well as DVDs, CDs and vinyl LPs.
- PLEASE: No textbooks, how-to books, encyclopedias, magazines, pre-2020 travel guides, uncorrected proofs or galleys, library books or VHS tapes.
Upcoming Events And Activities
COVID-19 Safety Guidelines
To protect yourself and fellow attendees, please take note of the safety protocols for any event you are attending by visiting the event listing on this website.
The Academy has installed multiple Blueair HealthProtect 7470 air purifiers, and we have limited seating in our auditorium. We closely monitor the situation in Columbia County, as well as recommendations from health authorities, and will adjust our protocols as necessary.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Young Writers Contest Winners
Six prize winners were chosen from 22 entries to the 2022 competition. See the winners and read their work.
Seventh Annual Members' Show
July 9-August 7
This popular annual event features works in all media by over 80 Academy Member Artists. Learn more.
Opening Reception:
Seventh Annual Members' Show
Sunday, July 10, 3:00-5:00pm
This exhibition is an appreciation of our local visual artists who are involved with the universal process of creating. Learn more. 
Twelfth Night
Friday, August 5, 6:30-8:00pm
Free performance at the Spencertown Town Park. Learn more.
Annual Regional Juried Show
October 8-November 6
This years theme: Deeper Than The Skin. Deadline for submissions: September 7.Learn more.
Watch and Listen to our recent 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.
Ayad Akhtar
Discusses Homeland Elegies and his fascinating career with Julie DeLisle. On our YouTube channel.
Russell Shorto
In conversation with David Highfill on his book Smalltime: A Story of My Family and the Mob. Watch the interview.
Clare Mulley & Sonia Purnell
Two historians and authors whose books focus on remarkable women and their roles in WWII, will discuss their works with David Highfill, Festival co-chair. On our YouTube Channel.
"Nicky and Vera: A Quiet Hero of the Holocaust and the Children He Rescued"
Reading and discussion of Peter Sis' book with Ann Gainer, storyteller & former librarian. On YouTube.
Michael Kupperman Discusses "All The Answers"
A graphic novel and moving memoir about his father. Brian Heater, a comics and tech writer-podcaster, joins the author in conversation. On YouTube.
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
Spring/Summer 2022 Now Available
Lots in store for the upcoming season.
See the latest as well as past newsletters.
A "Home" of Our Own
To keep you all in the loop, we now have our own YouTube channel. Please subscribe, to see what has, and is, going on at the Academy!
