Art Along the Hudson-9 Communities-9 Celebrations kicks off the 2010 summer season with a festival of the arts at SUNY New Paltz’s Samuel Dorsky Museum. Join government officials, business and tourism leaders, educators, media representatives, principals from art organizations, artists and art enthusiasts on April 29 at the Dorsky Museum to celebrate the vitality of the art scene in the Hudson Valley. This festive evening features a juried art show of Hudson Valley artists with an award for best of show, as well as Special Curators Tours of the Dorsky’s current exhibitions.

Now in its 7th year, Art Along the Hudson continues to celebrate the vibrant arts of our communities in Beacon, Garrison/ Cold Spring, Kingston, New Paltz, Newburgh, Peekskill, Poughkeepsie, Rhinebeck and Woodstock. Join Art Along the Hudson in supporting and celebrating the thousands of artists and art organizations that help sustain our local economy.

“The Hudson Valley has inspired innovation in art for more than two centuries, and I am proud be part of that continuing tradition. I was amazed at the support we received in bringing our 2010 program together, even in such a trying year. Thank you to all the artists, art organizations, municipalities, businesses and individuals in the nine cities who worked together to make Art Along the Hudson 2010 happen. It is truly a testament to the vitality, and importance, of our arts community,” says Linda Hubbard, chair of Art Along the Hudson.

With special events ranging from sculpture exhibits, street fairs and parades, to art and history tours, there is something for everyone. Art Along the Hudson celebrations are anchored by rotating Saturdays that spotlight each of the cities. These focused programs each month help to strengthen and build awareness of the region’s year-round arts initiatives.

• Kingston “First Saturday”
• Beacon and Woodstock “Second Saturday”
• New Paltz Third Saturday Art Loop –plus Peekskill, Poughkeepsie and Rhinebeck Art Celebrations
• Newburgh Art Celebrations “Last Saturday”- plus Garrison/Cold Spring Art Celebrations
New this year is a map and information about Hudson Valley Studio Tours in Beacon, Eastern Dutchess county, Orange County, Peekskill, Rhinebeck and Saugerties. These are all great opportunities to meet the many artists living and working in the Hudson Valley.

For more detail about each city’s special events, look for the eye-catching Art Along the Hudson brochure at major tourist areas around the Hudson Valley, or visit the website, www.artalongthehudson.com.