Press Releases

Spencertown Academy Arts Center presents children’s book illustrator Jacqueline Rogers leading a virtual mixed-media art workshop for students ages 11 to 17 during winter break. The three-session series will meet on February 15, 17, and 19 from 11:00am to 12:15pm via Zoom. Tuition is $45 and the workshop is limited to 15 participants. To register, please see www.spencertownacademy.org.

Spencertown Academy Arts Center announces that its annual Revels fundraiser will be virtual this year on Saturday, February 13 from 6:00pm to 7:30pm. A new feature of the event will be a raffle of 14 original artworks generously donated by some of the region’s most acclaimed artists. Rather than gathering for a festive-themed cocktail party at the Academy and then moving on to homes of Academy friends for hosted dinners in small groups, guests will pick up “Revels to Go” bags filled with cocktail snacks, dinner, and a bubbly beverage at the Academy on the day of the event to enjoy at home during the online gathering that evening.

Spencertown Academy Roots & Shoots Concerts Series presents contemporary folk artist Tracy Grammer on Saturday, February 22 at 8:00pm. General admission tickets ($25 public, $20 Academy members, and $10 students) may be purchased in advance via www.spencertownacademy.org and, pending availability, will be available at the door.

Spencertown Academy Arts Center will host the Kids Need Music Annual Benefit Concert with acclaimed soprano Kathleen O’Mara and pianist Chris Reynolds on Sunday, November 23 at 3:00pm. Proceeds from the program of art songs, arias, and popular songs will be used to purchase band instruments to be donated to the Hudson City School District. Tickets ($25 general admission, $75 benefactor) may be purchased in advance via www.spencertownacademy.org.

Spencertown Academy Arts Center presents “Artists for the Academy,” a special exhibition featuring donated works by more than 50 regional artists. All proceeds from sales will benefit the Academy’s building and maintenance endowment fund. On Saturday, January 11, there will be a gala opening reception from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The entrance fee of $25 can be fully credited toward art purchases. The exhibition will remain on display (with free admission) through February 2. Gallery hours will be Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tickets to the opening event are available in advance via www.spencertownacademy.org.

Spencertown Academy Arts Center presents “The Curator as Artist II” exhibit featuring mixed media collages, paintings, ceramics, and photographs by Academy gallery curators Norma Cohen, Leslie Gabosh, Barbara Lax Kranz, Moira E. O’Grady, and Lynn Rothenberg. On Saturday, July 20, there will be an opening reception from 4:00p.m. to 6:00p.m. and the show will remain on display through August 11. Gallery hours are Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00p.m. to 5:00p.m. Admission is free and the artworks are for sale, with a portion of the proceeds benefitting the Academy.

Spencertown Academy Arts Center’s 14th annual Festival of Books takes place over Labor Day weekend, August 30 through September 2. The Festival features a giant used book sale, two days of discussions with and readings by esteemed authors, and a children’s program. Featured authors include Ruth Reichl, Boris Fishman, Jenna Blum, Daphne Kalotay, David Yaffe, Steve Katz, Grace Taluson, and Crystal Hana Kim. Admission is free to all of the events, save for the Members Preview early book-buying opportunity detailed below.

Spencertown Academy Arts Center Conversations with Neighbors presents “Empowering Women and Girls Worldwide: An Afternoon of Film and Discussion” on Sunday, February 9 at 2:00pm. The event will feature a panel composed of three local advocates: Tina Dipper (program director of Perfect 10), Caroline Wheeler (founder and executive director of Sisters for Peace), and Christina Lowery (CEO of Girl Rising), who will serve as moderator and show excerpts of the powerful documentary film, Girl Rising, that led to the founding of her non-profit. Admission is $20 general admission, $15 for members, and free for youth under age 18. Proceeds will be donated to the panelists’ organizations. Tickets are available at www.spencertownacademy.org (advance purchase recommended).

Spencertown Academy Roots & Shoots Concerts Series presents folk/blues music legend Geoff Muldaur on Saturday, December 14 at 8:00pm. General admission tickets ($25 public, $20 Academy members, and $10 students) may be purchased in advance via www.spencertownacademy.org and, pending availability, will be available at the door.

Spencertown Academy Arts Center announces its second annual Roots & Shoots Concerts season. The monthly series showcases artists who reach back to earlier traditions in music (Americana, jazz, blues, rock, and world music) for inspiration, while incorporating more recent forms and influences of the present. Running from November 2019 through June 2020, the series will feature Embe Esti with special guest Rob Fisch, Rachelle Garniez, Tracy Grammer, Jim Kweskin, Geoff Muldaur, The Kennedys, The Nields, and the Amy Ryan Band.