In the Spotlight:

Long Reach Arts Artists Cooperative Celebrates Quadricentennial

Mural & Artists' Works at Poughkeepsie's Mill Street Loft Gallery

Hudson Valley artists have produced a 10' x 6" painting on canvas to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the exploration of the Hudson River. Entitled "River," the painting reflects their feelings about the Hudson River. Fourteen members of the Long Reach Arts artist's cooperative   were inspired by the beautiful book, "The Hudson: America's River" by Frances Dunwell, who will be present at the opening for a talk and book signing. The "River" exhibit also features individual works by the Long Reach Arts artists, and is on view at the Mill Street Loft Gallery at 45 Pershing Avenue, Poughkeepsie, through October 31st.

The opening reception is set for Thursday, September 24, from 5-8pm. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm, and on weekends by prior arrangement. The reception and exhibit are free. Signed copies of Ms. Dunwell's book will be available courtesy of Oblong Books of Rhinebeck & Millerton.

The Long Reach Arts artists include: Mildred Cohen, Cynthia Dill, Staats Fasoldt, Stacie Flint, Susan Fowler-Gallagher, Jose Gomez, Claudia Gorman, Trina Greene, Robert Hastings, Carol Loizides, Ellen Metzger O'Shea, Sherrill Meyers-Nilson, Carol Pepper-Cooper, Nancy Scott, Elayne Seaman, Michelle Squires, and Marlene Wiedenbaum.

According to Elayne Seaman, who helped to organize the exhibit, "We came together to do a painting commemorating the 400th anniversary of the exploration of the Hudson River. It was an exhilarating bonding of people, each of whom normally works in different mediums and styles, in a joyful experience based on mutual respect and admiration."

Painter Carol Pepper Cooper commented, "I felt as if I was playing jazz, each of us improvising off what someone else was doing."  Staats Fasoldt, a watercolorist, wrote, "The artists involved in this case were all adults and experienced, with strong opinions. Yet they shared and played and made room for others' ideas. They sat on the floor and experienced with 4 year old delight. It actually doesn't get better than 4 year old delight."

Author and community activist Frances Dunwell has spent thirty years in nonprofit and governmental positions dedicated to conserving the natural and historic heritage of the Hudson River and its environment. Her recent book offers a rich portrait of the Hudson and of the visionary people whose relationships with the river has inspired American history and culture.

Call 845/471-7477, email info@millstreetloft.org, or visit www.millstreetloft.org for information.

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