Rachel Louchen reports from Wassaic. A trip to the bucolic hamlet of Wassaic is always worth it when the Wassaic Project is having a party. On Saturday, June 14, the Project celebrated the start of its upcoming summer-long programming, which features exhibits by resident artists, along with programs and events held the last Saturday of each month. Guests were treated to food from local businesses, uniquely crafted cocktails and a lively DJ set. The event also served as the unveiling of Seeing the Sky, the Wassaic Project's seventh annual summer exhibition. Housed in the old Maxon Mills Grain Elevator, the exhibit covers seven floors with paintings, sculpture, videos, photographs and pretty much every other form of art possible. The very top of the exhibit housed Based on a True Story (a story of storm-chasing), which was projected onto the walls, where glimpses of the mountains and valleys could also be seen through the windows. The effect perfectly summed up what makes the Wassaic Project so special: incredible, one-of-a-kind art from respected artists set amongst the beautiful backdrop of Dutchess County. Seeing The Sky is on display until September 1. Above, educational intern Leann Bescript with Bowie Zunino, founder and co-executive director of the Wassaic Project.
Robert Wiegmann with festival and exhibit director Shannon Finnegan; Residency director Charlotte Caldwell with artists Tyler Caruso and Laura Stinger.
Exhibition artists Mark Andres and Amy Masters; Raul Hott with Robin Juam.
Visual artist and board member Carl D'Alvia with Co-Executive Director Eve Biddle; Chairman of Wassaic Project's board, Janet Offensend, with MASS MoCA's director Joe Thompson, who spoke at the event.
Tara Kelly came out to support artist Mandy Lamb, (who had her photographs on display) along with their good friends Erin Perkins and Sarah Rose Lamport.
Natalie Fasano with artist Zebadiah Keneally; The Amazing Real Live Food Company'sJustin Friendman and founder Rory Chase.
Back In The Kitchen's Cassie Carello supplied awesome cupcakes for the event, here with artist Tara Pelletier; exhibition artist Marcie Revens with her boyfriend, Dennis Delgado.
Xavier Jaglin, former Wassaic Project resident artist Guillaume Legare, and artists Joshua Frankel and Jonathan Campo.
Written by
Matteline deVries-Dilling, founder of Lite Brite Neon, one of the evening's honoree of this year's Upstate Benefit adresses the gala from the Caboose's caboose.
- Karen Pearson. Courtesy Art Omi.
Olana senior vice president and landscape curatorMark Prezorski, president Sean Sawyer, The evenings honoree Kristin Gamble and New York State Assemblymember Didi Barrett.
- Oxygen House Photo
