This weekend I spent an afternoon in Peekskill and took advantage of a tour offered by Peekskill Arts Council to visit many of the art studios in downtown Peekskill. It was the 13th Annual Open Studio tour for the benefit of local residents, art lovers, artists and simply the curious! An annual event that gives give us all an opportunity to see many artists and the diverse work that is being created in our backyard. Together the Peekskill Art Council and the City of Peekskill have created this tour for the public to provide access to the art studios and studio/living spaces; to visit this many studios in one day you would need to make appointments for each studio but, for this weekend only, many artists were available and opened their doors to the public. I was told by our lovely tour guide, with whom we met at the gazebo, every year it brings in more and more people. The tour moved very quickly and by our 4th stop we lost our group and continued at our own pace so we could have more interactions with many of the artists who were very open and willing to talk with us.
Our first stop was the Peekskill Art Lofts on South Street and Central, what really impressed me were these very cool brick buildings built in the early 2000's, built as lofts and created for artists only; these co-op lofts were built with the intention for artist to live, work and show their art to the public. One artist who stood out for both my friend and I is Linda Winters, whose work is both colorful and imaginative; she often paints on the floor looking down at the piece she is working on. Seeing her loft where she lives and creates, as well as the other artists we met at the Peekskill Art Lofts, left a feeling of something really good happening and an energy of collaborative efforts that is actually nurturing creativity that benefits so many; this particular area needed the support and the efforts, the money, and time of so many groups and people to make a sustainable downtown area and the support of the arts! There is several requirements and criteria artists/residents need to show (portfolio's, income and other eligibility) to buy into this living art loft co-ops but the residents I did speak with all felt very fortunate by this opportunity; the artists were very open to speaking of their work as well as showing off their studios/live in lofts.
Another highlight was the Brown Street Studios, next door (and upstairs) to the Paramount Theatre. Mixed media, graphics, wood cuts, sculptures, photography, and so many other mediums and expressions of art. I met Colleen Zullo, a graphic artist, she also has a hatha yoga studio in her zen-like space. Colleen is an open-hearted woman whose own story will inspire and motivate you. I also visited with Marcy B Freedman, who is so much more than the performance artist I have experienced her to be; art historian, visual artist, her art incorporates a humanistic humor and provocative edge that sometimes includes bits of historical art. Her energy is just not in her work , it was a pleasure to hear her talk about her inspirations and her art...be sure to visit Brown Street and see her video performance as well. Another artist that stood out to me was Donna Rossi, her natural, tranquil and ethereal work touched me and I will be sure to come back and visit her studio again. If you are a nature lover like me you would enjoy Lisa Breznak's outdoor sculptures at the Garden Gallery, you can see her exhibit until August 1st in the garden.
The City of Peekskill's planning and vision for these artists space, whether to live and/or work, is such a positive force and gain for the city on an economic scale, all and all there's good vibe. Kudos to all who have made it happen and to those who are continuing to making it happen. Be sure to come to downtown Peekskill for the art, the artists/artisans and some really good food! My friend and I ended up at 12 Grapes for bloody mary's and tapas. Delish!
PDF walking tour link http://www.cityofpeekskill.com/sites/default/files/Peekskill%20Walking%20Tour%202010%20MERIT.pdf
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