by Alison Rooney
The doors to the garrets and lofts and spare rooms and, yes, actual studios of over 60 artists who either live or make their art (or both) in Beacon will be swung wide open this weekend (May 21 and 22) during the annual Beacon Open Studios event. Headquartered at 18 West Main St., inside of 2 Way Brewing Company, where an exhibition featuring the work of many of the artists has already opened and runs through June 5, the actual studios are spread out across the city, though heavily concentrated at the the east- and west-end axis points. Many are located in the former Beacon High School at 211 Fishkill Ave., as well as at Spire Studios Gallery at 45 Beekman St., and at the Amity Arts Center, at 50 Liberty St.; individual artists’ studios are dotted throughout the city as well.
A map giving details on all locations can be downloaded online and will be available for pick-up at some of the event’s sponsors: Hudson Beach Glass, Riverwinds Gallery, The Lofts at Beacon, Beacon Music Factory, Max’s on Main and Dennings Point Distillery. Visitors go on free, self-guided tours to the studios of their choosing. A kick-off party will take place at 2 Way Brewing on Saturday, May 20 from 6 to 9 p.m.
To check out the work of many participating artists ahead of time, or to help plan your route, much has been posted on the Instagram page: beaconopenstudios. Beacon Open Studios is funded by the New York State Council on the Arts and administered by Arts Mid-Hudson. For more information, visit beaconopenstudios.org or the Facebook page.
