BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//Spencertown Academy - ECPv6.15.18//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-WR-CALNAME:Spencertown Academy
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://spencertownacademy.org
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Spencertown Academy
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:America/New_York
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20250309T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20251102T060000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20260308T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20261101T060000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20270314T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20271107T060000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260404T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260404T170000
DTSTAMP:20260404T051518
CREATED:20260219T205305Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260220T143745Z
UID:10009407-1775307600-1775322000@spencertownacademy.org
SUMMARY:Variations on a Theme
DESCRIPTION:Opening Reception: Saturday March 28\, 3-5pm\nDates: March 28-April 26\nGallery Hours: Fridays\, Saturdays & Sundays\, 1-5pm \nVariations on a Theme features  artwork by Betsy Jacks\, Jim Krewson\, John Morra\, Marilyn Orner\, Alan Papscun\, and Robert Watkins. Co-curated by David Lesako and Alice McGowan\, the show focuses on the concept that artists frequently return over time to a subject that holds enduring interest for them.  \n“The first show of Spencertown Academy’s 2026 gallery season showcases six remarkable Hudson Valley and Berkshire region artists” says Co-Curator McGowan. “These artists represent such exciting\, individual visions. Come celebrate them with us!”  \nBetsy Jacks \n\n  www.betsyjacks.com \n Betsy Jacks has degrees in both art history and studio art from Duke University\, as well as an MBA in marketing. She was executive director of the Thomas Cole Historic Site in Catskill\, NY\, from 2003 to 2024\, where she oversaw transformative development of the site. While her initial inspiration for creating paintings of ancient apple trees may have begun during the decades at the Thomas Cole National Historic Site\, her fascination with the subject has endured\, and these trees have assumed a fundamental importance to her work. “The thick cracked bark and severed branches of apple trees evoked in me a sense of reverence\, which contrasted greatly with society’s disregard for old age and disgust at aging skin.” \n \nJim Krewson \n\n  Instagram \n Jim Krewson grew up in Bucks County\, PA\, and was indelibly influenced by roaming alone in the surrounding woods and countryside. On tour with his Bluegrass band\, Jim and Jennie and the Pinetops\, he discovered the Catskills\, and decided to settle there. His depictions of woodland scenes in low and fading light—some even in complete darkness—revel in the spirit of the region\, yet he doesn’t claim that they are products of plein air painting. “These paintings are done completely from my imagination yet inspired directly from the spirit of the mountains.” \n \nJohn Morra \n\n  www.johnmorrapainting.com \n John Morra was born in Mississippi\, but grew up in California\, and came to New York to study\, earning an MFA from New York Academy of Art. He began adding machine parts to his still life compositions in 2001\, and found the results both intriguing and exciting. An exacting master of realism\, his oil paintings are monuments to the roles of machinery\, many of which are now relics of a bygone era. He says of these paintings\, “They are not merely rendering of car parts and tools. Rather they are arrangements that delight me\, frustrate me\, and ultimately make me laugh. I hope this delight is contagious\, in the best possible sense.” \n \nMarilyn Orner \n\n  www.marilynorner.com \n Marilyn Orner has a BFA in painting from California College of the Arts\, and an M. Ed in creative arts in teaching from Lesley University. She has been an art educator most of her adult life and currently teaches at Berkshire Art Center. Her work has been exhibited in solo and group shows throughout the country. She is a member of the National Association of Women Artists\, and a member of 510 Warren Street Gallery in Hudson\, NY. “To be a painter\, you need bushels of hope and low expectations. It can lead to happiness\,” she says. Orner finds water fascinating “because of the motion\, the layers\, the distortions\, and the light.” Her enjoyment of this subject is evident in color-drenched landscapes that depict water in its many guises. \n \nAlan Papscun \n\n  www.papscun.com \n Alan Papscun was born in Queens\, NY\, to parents who were good with their hands. In 1978\, in his early career as a shoe designer for a Massachusetts footwear manufacturer\, he was awarded the American Designer Award by the Leather Industries of America. He subsequently earned a BFA from Massachusetts College of Art\, and an MFA from Alfred University. Papscun once designed shoes that could be worn. Now his shoes are made of lead\, strongly resembling the real thing\, yet resonating in more provocative ways. This is but one manifestation of his fascination with the human body\, a subject he has tackled in myriad ways\, sometimes casting in bronze\, at other times constructing assemblages with found objects. \n \nRobert Watkins \n\n  \n Robert Watkins attended both SUNY and RIT\, where he studied graphic design and photography. He subsequently worked in ceramics for 17 years\, creating pottery that was decorated with hand-painted flowers\, which proved a natural segue for painting on canvas. He now paints ethereal scenes that originate in his own memory. He says\, “The elusive hours of dawn and twilight\, when light comes washing over the landscape\, are the most captivating moments to paint.”
URL:https://spencertownacademy.org/event/variations-on-a-theme/2026-04-04/
LOCATION:Spencertown Academy Arts Center\, 790 Route 203\, Spencertown\, NY\, 12165\, United States
CATEGORIES:Gallery
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://spencertownacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/VARIATIONS-on-a-THEME-1250x750-media-2026-copy.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Spencertown Academy":MAILTO:info@spencertownacademy.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260409T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260409T120000
DTSTAMP:20260404T051518
CREATED:20260224T221348Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260226T003835Z
UID:10009576-1775732400-1775736000@spencertownacademy.org
SUMMARY:"LIKE SWIMMING IN AIR”  TAI CHI FOR BEGINNERS
DESCRIPTION:Tai Chi is a Chinese martial art recognized for its benefits to strength\, endurance\, and balance. Professor Cheng Man-Ch’ing\, who brought the tai chi form to the US in the early 1960s\, described its fluid and controlled movements as “swimming in air” and its emphasis on relaxation as inspiring meditative calm in body and mind. \nIn this 10-session class\, taught by Fran Snyder & Marilyn Wegh\, you will learn the beginning movements and postures of the professor’s Yang style short form. The pace of the class is slow and tranquil\, demonstrations are clear and easy to follow. Class is open to those who are new to tai chi or want to refresh their skills. \nClass size is capped at 12 persons. If you’re new to tai chi and uncertain about committing for 10 weeks\, be our guest for the 1st session. If you wish to continue\, you can register and pay for the full Beginner 1 class after your introductory taste of tai chi. Students who miss a class are invited to work privately with Fran and Marilyn. \nFran Snyder is on the faculty and is president of the board of directors of the New York School of Tai Chi Chuan\, director of Upstate NY School of Tai Chi\, and a certified tai chi instructor. Marilyn Wegh recently completed her studies for teaching Beginners 1. \nPricing and Registration\nAcademy Members: $180/Non-Members: $200\nTo register and for more info\, please contact Fran Snyder: uws.upstate.taichi@gmail.com \n ©Tai Chi Foundation
URL:https://spencertownacademy.org/event/like-swimming-in-air-tai-chi-for-beginners/2026-04-09/
LOCATION:Spencertown Academy Arts Center\, 790 Route 203\, Spencertown\, NY\, 12165\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://spencertownacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Matsu-Images-scaled-e1602192659904-1024x409-1.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Fran Snyder":MAILTO:uws.upstate.taichi@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260409T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260409T170000
DTSTAMP:20260404T051518
CREATED:20260112T163519Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260112T165417Z
UID:10009389-1775746800-1775754000@spencertownacademy.org
SUMMARY:Winter Memoir Workshop with Elizabeth Diggs
DESCRIPTION:This in person workshop will be held for eight consecutive weeks at the Spencertown Academy. \nDates:\nFebruary 19 – April 9\, Thursdays\, 3-5pm \nRegistration required:\nRegister Here \nPricing:\nSpencertown Academy Members: $210\nNon Members: $240 \nThe personal memoir has become one of our most popular genres. Every life is a compelling and unique story. In this workshop\, explore how to shape and explore your stories. Put pen to paper\, fingers to keyboard\, and craft the memories you’ve been waiting to tell\, with expert tutelage!The personal memoir has become one of our most popular genres. Every life is a compelling and unique story. Sharing your life story with a group of interested members of the workshop is a moving and gratifying experience. Every level of writing experience is welcome\, and the use of mediums such as photographs\, poetry\, songs\, diary entries and more are ways to enhance your story if you choose. \nThis course is limited to 12 participants (minimum of 8). \n— \nElizabeth Diggs is a playwright whose plays include Grant and Twain\, Nightingale\, Close Ties\, Goodbye Freddy\, American Beef\, Dumping Ground\, Priceless\, How to Plant a Rose\, and Custer’s Luck\, produced off-Broadway and at regional theaters. She was Professor of Dramatic Writing at Tisch/NYU. She is the book writer for the musical Mirette\, with Tom Jones and Harvey Schmdt\, and wrote for the TV drama St. Elsewhere. Her honors and awards include a Guggenheim\, NEA\, Los Angeles DramaLogue award\, the CBS / FDG prize\, Kennedy Center grant for new American plays\, the Edgerton Foundation grant\, and runner-up for the Susan Smith Blackburn prize.
URL:https://spencertownacademy.org/event/winter-memoir-workshop-with-elizabeth-diggs/2026-04-09/
LOCATION:Spencertown Academy Arts Center\, 790 Route 203\, Spencertown\, NY\, 12165\, United States
CATEGORIES:Writing Workshop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://spencertownacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/ElizabethDiggs-768x461-1.jpeg
ORGANIZER;CN="Spencertown Academy":MAILTO:info@spencertownacademy.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260418T113000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260418T150000
DTSTAMP:20260404T051518
CREATED:20260313T190044Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260327T005815Z
UID:10009840-1776511800-1776524400@spencertownacademy.org
SUMMARY:Earth Day Celebration in Spencertown
DESCRIPTION:Spencertown Academy Arts Center and Town of Austerlitz present the Town of Austerlitz 2026 Earth Day Festival on Saturday\, April 18 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Spencertown Park (786 NY-203) and Spencertown Academy (790 State Route 203). If weather is inclement\, the park activities will move inside Town Hall (816 NY-203). Community partners include the Climate Smart Committees of Austerlitz\, Canaan\, Chatham\, Ghent\, and Philmont. Admission is free. \n“The Spencertown Academy Family Arts Kaleidoscope Program team is excited to partner with the Town of Austerlitz on our first Earth Day Celebration\,” says Carol Essert\, member of the Spencertown Academy Board of Directors. “It’s going to be fabulous with conservation-related activities that are designed to engage folks of all ages\,” adds Cara Humphrey\, chair of the Austerlitz Climate Smart Committee. \n11:00AM – 3:00PM: The day will kick off at 11:00 a.m. at Town Park with a tree planting ceremony. Community members will then be able to wander through the park until 3:00 p.m. to meet and learn from representatives from 18 Columbia County conservation and nature non-profits\, as well as sign up for volunteer opportunities. Topics will range from information about composting\, lighting efficiency\, clean power\, zero waste\, and getting soil ready for planting to signing up for neighborhood clean-ups and more. \n11:30AM – 3:00PM: Spencertown Academy will host an array of creative environmental activities for children. An instructor from Roz’s Dance Works will get kids moving and grooving to eco-focussed music and there will be a continuous screening of “The Extraordinary Caterpillar” film. Children will also make their own bird feeders using recycled materials\, craft caterpillars\, Earth Day crowns and badges\, and help create a large collaborative puzzle celebrating Earth Day that upon completion will be displayed at Austerlitz Town Hall.
URL:https://spencertownacademy.org/event/earth-day-celebration-in-spencertown/
CATEGORIES:Family Arts Kaleidoscope
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://spencertownacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Earth-Day-Screenshot-2026-03-11-at-10.48.39-PM.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260425T200000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260425T200000
DTSTAMP:20260404T051518
CREATED:20260223T190319Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260401T202058Z
UID:10009575-1777147200-1777147200@spencertownacademy.org
SUMMARY:Spottiswoode & Kenny White
DESCRIPTION:Good friends  Spottiswoode and Kenny White share the stage and trade songs for two sets\, often accompanying each other. A virtuoso pianist\, Kenny draws from a deep lyrical well—tender\, hilarious\, explosive. Spottiswoode will play tunes from his brand new album\, “It Wasn’t In The Script\,” which is a meditation on the joys and humiliations of fatherhood and getting older. No show is ever the same with these two songsmiths—they push each other forward into uncharted territory and with the help of the audience\, they weave a narrative that’s bigger than both of them. \nSpottiswoode is an award-winning bandleader\, singer-songwriter\, and scriptwriter. For the past two and a half decades\, the Anglo-American has been the frontman of Spottiswoode & His Enemies\, a septet that has become a New York institution. The New Yorker refers to him as a “genius” and “downtown ringleader.” With the band\, he has released seven acclaimed records\, performed numerous Manhattan residencies\, and toured extensively—from SXSW and Lille Europe to Lincoln Center. He looks forward to touring with his new album in Europe and the United States for much of the rest of 2026. \nSpottiswoode’s rock musical\, “Between The Angel And The Old Kent Road\,” was just workshopped in January and presented as a staged reading to potential investors at the Seven Dials Playhouse in London. His feature film screenplay\, “Either Side Of Midnight\,” was recently shot in New York City and helmed by James Bond director\, Roger Spottiswoode (remarkably\, no relation!). \nKenny White comes to the world of the touring singer-songwriter following a long and successful musical journey. An accomplished pianist\, who also performs on guitar\, he has now become more known for his clever lyrics. “Long List of Priors\,” his aptly named current album\, is the latest collection of original songs: snapshots of the human condition. White recently completed an 18-month tour performing his original songs while traveling as the opener for Stephen Stills & Judy Collins\, and has toured for many years with Cheryl Wheeler. Audiences often comment that a Kenny White concert moves them to laughter and tears—sometimes within the same song. “If Mark Twain could sing and play piano like a virtuoso\, his name would be Kenny White\,” says Stu Kuby of The Strand THudson Falls\, NY). \nGet Tickets \n\nSee Videos\n \n \n\nThis program is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
URL:https://spencertownacademy.org/event/spottiswoode-kenny-white/
LOCATION:Spencertown Academy Arts Center\, 790 Route 203\, Spencertown\, NY\, 12165\, United States
CATEGORIES:Music
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://spencertownacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Spottiswoode-White-1250x750-media-copy.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Spencertown Academy":MAILTO:info@spencertownacademy.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260503T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260503T163000
DTSTAMP:20260404T051518
CREATED:20260327T192558Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260327T192558Z
UID:10009841-1777820400-1777825800@spencertownacademy.org
SUMMARY:Classical Sunday: Francisco Vila
DESCRIPTION:Cellist Francisco Vila is known for his fervor\, vitality\, sensitivity\, phrasing elegance\, and technical mastery. Through his expansive career and commitment to musical excellence\, Vila has solidified his position as one of the preeminent performers of his generation\, captivating audiences across the world’s most illustrious stages. He performs on a cello made by Vincenzo Panormo in 1790 and the “ex-Janos Starker” Edward Tubbs bow. He has appeared as a soloist with renowned orchestras worldwide\, including Houston Symphony\, Simón Bolivar Symphony Orchestra\, Liège Royal Philharmonic\, Royal Chamber Orchestra of Wallonia\, Santander Festival Orchestra\, and all principal orchestras in his native Ecuador\, among others. \nAside from performance\, Vila views teaching as an important aspect in music-making. In 2015\, he founded the first International Music Festival of Esmeraldas (Ecuador). His mentors include Andrew Mark\, Janos Starker\, Sharon Robinson\, Menahem Pressler\, and Gary Hoffman at the Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel where he earned an Artist Diploma. \nThe program will include “Suite for Solo Cello” by Cassadó\, “Fairy Tale Pieces for Cello and Piano” by Janacek\, and “Sonata in E Minor” by Brahms.  \nGet Tickets \n\nThis program is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
URL:https://spencertownacademy.org/event/classical-sunday-francisco-vila/
LOCATION:Spencertown Academy Arts Center\, 790 Route 203\, Spencertown\, NY\, 12165\, United States
CATEGORIES:Music
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://spencertownacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/FRANCISCI-VILA-1250x750-media-2026-copy.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260523T200000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260523T220000
DTSTAMP:20260404T051518
CREATED:20260401T201455Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260402T133434Z
UID:10009842-1779566400-1779573600@spencertownacademy.org
SUMMARY:Big Lazy
DESCRIPTION:New York City’s gritty instrumental trio\, Big Lazy\, has flourished for over 20 years playing its singular brand of “guitar noir” and “crime jazz” from downtown NYC clubs to the Opéra National de Lyon. They have forged a new American music from archetypes in blues\, jazz\, Latin\, rockabilly\, surf\, and film music. Simultaneously noir and pastoral\, Big Lazy conjures images from big sky country to seedy back rooms with a cinematic clarity. \nBig Lazy founder and guitarist Stephen Ulrich is the composer for the HBO series “Bored to Death.” In 2023\, Barbès Records released his solo album “Music from This American Life\,” a collection of music he composed for the iconic radio program. He has performed/recorded with Iggy Pop\, Marc Ribot\, Mike Watt\, and Chicha Libre. \nBassist Andrew Hall has performed/recorded with The Moonlighters\, Martha Wainwright\, and Sparklehorse. He is an integral part of NYC’s trad jazz scene and has performed internationally with The Dreamland Orchestra. \nEdgardo “Yayo” Serka is a renowned Chilean drummer and percussionist based in New York for over 25 years. He is best known as the long-time drummer for Grammy-winning artists Lila Downs (Mexico) and Angélique Kidjo (Benin\, Africa). He has also performed with Claudia Acuña\, Bobby Watson\, Frankie Paris\, and the Chico O’Farrill Orchestra. \nGet Tickets \n\nThis program is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
URL:https://spencertownacademy.org/event/the-big-lazy/
LOCATION:Spencertown Academy Arts Center\, 790 Route 203\, Spencertown\, NY\, 12165\, United States
CATEGORIES:Music
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://spencertownacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/BIG-LAZY-1250x750-media-2026-FINAL-copy.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260606T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260606T140000
DTSTAMP:20260404T051518
CREATED:20260211T014638Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260325T180007Z
UID:10009398-1780740000-1780754400@spencertownacademy.org
SUMMARY:Seedling Swap & Sale
DESCRIPTION:Saturday\, June 6\, 10am – 2pm \nJoin us for Spencertown Academy’s first Seedling Swap & Sale\, a welcoming celebration of gardening\, generosity\, and growing together. Local gardeners and plant enthusiasts of all experience levels are invited to share seedlings\, swap favorites\, or purchase plants to take home for the season ahead — vegetables\, herbs\, flowers\, and more… all healthy plants are welcome! \nWhether you’re a seasoned grower or just getting your hands in the soil for the first time\, this community-powered event is all about connection\, learning\, and cultivating abundance. Proceeds from plant sales will benefit a local food charity. All are welcome — no green thumb required! \nCalling all gardeners who start plants from seed! If you’ve grown more seedlings than you can use — tomatoes\, herbs\, flowers\, or anything in between — bring them to the swap. You’ll be able to swap some of your extras and we’ll sell the rest\, helping fellow gardeners get growing while supporting a local food charity. \nPlanning on swapping and/or attending? Please help us prepare by completing the Seedling Intake Form in advance. \nWhat: Seedling Swap & Sale\nWhen: Saturday\, June 6\, 10am-2pm\nWhere: Spencertown Park Pavilion\nWant to stay in the loop? Sign up here.
URL:https://spencertownacademy.org/event/seedling-swap-sale/
LOCATION:Spencertown Park Pavilion\, 786 NY-203\, Spencertown\, NY\, 12165\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://spencertownacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/seedling-swap-sale-no-crop.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Spencertown Academy":MAILTO:info@spencertownacademy.org
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR