Dear Saugerties Creatives,
December is a time of celebration, reflection, and deep gratitude—and this year, Saugerties gave us so many reasons to feel thankful. Throughout the month, our town buzzed with creativity as markets, gatherings, concerts, and gallery exhibitions filled the calendar and our spirits. The arts were not just present; they were thriving, reminding us how fortunate we are to live in a community that values expression, connection, and shared experience.
The Saugerties Art Walk kicked off the season with six local galleries once again opening their doors in December, welcoming neighbors and visitors alike into vibrant spaces of imagination and dialogue.
Even as snow fell, the Saugerties Arts Commission’s Meet the Maker Festive Soirée proved that creativity and community know no weather. Those who braved the elements were rewarded with a truly special evening at Black Walnut Farm, where thoughtful holiday décor, bespoke beverages, and gracious servers created an atmosphere of warmth and celebration. One of the most memorable moments came from the handmade ornament exchange and networking experience, with several attendees sharing, “Everyone received the ornament that was meant for them!”—a beautiful reflection of the intimacy and connection that defined the evening.
This season also marked meaningful achievements through the Saugerties Arts Commission Student Initiatives, which showcased local creatives generously sharing their talents and stories with Saugerties High School students. These initiatives highlighted the power of mentorship and inspiration, strengthening the bridge between generations and planting seeds for future creativity (read more below).
Alongside these efforts, concerts, jam sessions, poetry readings, spoken word, and dining gatherings were abundant, filling our town with sound, stories, and soul.
As we close out the year, we are reminded of how rich and vibrant the arts are here in Saugerties—and how much we have to be grateful for. We look ahead to the New Year with optimism, wishing our community continued inspiration, connection, and joy, and we can’t wait to see what we will create together next.
We’re also seeking enthusiastic volunteers and board members (Events, Treasurer, Secretary) to help grow and energize our arts community. If you're interested in contributing your skills and passion, email us at arts@saugertiesarts.org for more information.
We can’t wait to see you out and about, sharing your creativity and energy!
Kind regards,
Hannah Mills & Andrew Rein
Want to get involved? Email us!
| arts@saugerties.org |
Want to get involved? Email us! | arts@saugerties.org |
Saugerties Arts Commission Student Initiative News:
Exciting Saugerties High School student initiatives have truly blossomed in 2025—and it all began with the November 20, 2024 Saugerties Arts Commission Small Group Creative Idea Session. That evening sparked an outpouring of ideas from local artists and creatives who shared a common vision: to connect our students more deeply with the vibrant creative community that surrounds them.
A special thank you goes to local artist and Saugerties native Lisa Pfitzner, Creative Director and mixed media artist, who championed the Saugerties High School Student Initiatives and worked closely with the S.H.S. art teachers to bring these ideas to life. Together, they organized inspiring Studio Field Trips to artists located in the village that encouraged hands-on creative exploration—and in the classroom, The Visiting Artist Series, which exposes students to possible career options in the field of art. Both initiatives are designed to engage Saugerties Artists with their wider community to build stronger relationships.
🎨 Fall Field Trips to Village Artist Studios
Anne Leith (October 1 & 8)
Painting — Exploring the process of building an imageJosephine Bentivegna (October 22)
Ceramics — Working with clay to convey feeling and emotionTina Piccolo (October 23 & 28)
Visionary Art Project — Focusing on stable, dynamic composition
❄️ Winter Visiting Artist Series
Ed Lederman, Photographer (November 17)
Shooting portraits of one another thinking about angles, lighting, and composition to tell a story.Michele Rosenthal, Freelance Illustrator (Dec 9 &11)
Creating concept thumbnails for a fictional assignmentJeff O’Neill, Graphic Designer (January 8 & 9)
Creating screen-printed T-shirts featuring their own original artworkMarci Paper, Artist/Designer (February 11 & 12)
Learning how to make a repeat pattern
🌸 Spring Field Trips to Village Artist Studios
Michael Nelson (April 8)
Photography — Learning lighting for portraits, shooting architectural details in the village, intro to drone photographyJen Hicks (April 9 & 16)
Painting and Drawing — Engaging in a short life drawing class with clothed model for 1 hour and creating a mixed media project
This extraordinary coordination and collaboration among local artists and creatives have been nothing short of inspiring. Together, you are igniting curiosity, confidence, and creative possibility in Saugerties High School students—and building lasting bridges between our schools and our artistic community.
✨ Let’s all celebrate what’s been accomplished—and invite even more artists, creatives, and supporters to get involved as these initiatives continue to grow. The impact is real, and the future is bright. Would YOU like to participate in the Visiting Artist series for the month of March? If you are a commercial artist, with an active career working in the real world and would like to speak to the S.H.S. art students about your job and do a hands-on engagement with them to demonstrate that job, please reach out to Lisa Pfitzner at lisa.dirtygirlstudio@gmail.com.
Dates available are Tuesday, March 10 and again on Tuesday, March 17th. Presentation time is 43 minutes.
Events & Arts Organizations:
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The Local: 16 John St., Saugerties, NY 12477
Winter 2026 Schedule:
Karen Mantler Trio - Friday Feb, 13th at 8:00pm
Mardi Gras with Glen David Andrews - Tuesday Feb. 17th at 7:00pm
Indigenous Inuk Pop: Elisapie - Friday Feb. 20th at 8:00pm
Korean Folk Rock Meets Mask Dance: Insun Park & Generals - Sat. Feb 21st at 8:00pm
St Patrick’s Day Celebration with Irish Legends Lúnasa - Thursday Feb. 26th at 7:00pm
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Upstate Films:
Orgasmic Birth: The Best-Kept Secret – Close Up with Director Debra Pascali-Bonaro
Date & Time: Jan. 14th at 5:15pm
Event Info: Screening and Q&A, focusing on birth and women’s health.
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Saugerties Pro Musica - Saugerties United Methodist Church 67 Washington Ave Saugerties
Sachio Kato Solo Piano Concert
Date & Time: Sunday Jan 11th at 3:00pm
Event Info: This event is free, Wheelchair access, "Meet the Musician" Reception afterwards.
Sachiko Kato, known for her expressive and gorgeous tone, is a classical pianist whose interest ranges from Bach to the contemporary. Her performances have received critical acclaim: “a lovely, delicate touch …interpretive clarity … impressively crisp fingerwork and consistent energy.” (New York Concert Review) And she was featured in the Juilliard centenary publication, “Dance Drama Music: 100 Years of the Juilliard School,” as one of the 100 outstanding alumni.
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Saugerties Sings
Saugerties Sings Community Chorus 5th Season
Date & Time: Jan 20th from 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Location: Saugerties United Methodist Church 67 Washington Avenue (enter on Post Street).
Event Info: The Chorus is on hiatus and will begin again on Jan. 20th. We look forward to seeing you in 2026 for the start of our 5th season!
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Friends of the Saugerties Public Library: 91 Washington Ave.
Spark & Flow
Date & Time: Friday Jan. 16th at 6:30 pm
Event Info: Intuition exercises with The Iceberg & library book collection to spark creative ideas.
Swing Dance
Date & Time: Monday Jan. 12th at 6:00pm
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Dialogue for the Ear and Eye: A Monthly Multi-disciplinary Arts Series by Joanne Pagano Weber and Bruce Weber
Date & Time: Tuesday, January 6, 7-9PM
Place: 9W Diner, 3 Simmons Plaza
Additional Information: Special guests this month are: Summer Mohrmann, Lisa Samalin, and Adam Fitch. Guests present their work for about twenty minutes each, followed by an open discussion/Q&A. There is an open mic sign up with a three artist maximum and strict three minute limit per artist.
