The “Fall for Art” art show, sale and cocktail reception showcases Hudson Valley artists and benefits the nonprofit Jewish Federation of Ulster County, which in turn makes significant donations from the proceeds to local social service organizations. Funds are raised through ticket sales, a revenue-sharing arrangement with participating artists and through corporate financial sponsorships at various levels of involvement.
The 17th annual Fall for Art event this year will be held on Thursday, September 12 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Wiltwyck Golf Club in Kingston. More than 300 guests are expected to attend. Tickets cost $40 in advance or $45 at the door. The cost includes a wine and champagne bar and buffet, as well as passed hors d’oeuvres and a coffee/dessert bar at the end of the evening. Guests who purchase raffle tickets will have the chance to win a donated item, even selecting the item that they’d like to win.
Guests will also have the opportunity to vote for the “Best in Show” artist. The artist receiving the most votes will be awarded a fused-glass commemorative plaque designed and created by local artist and Fall for Art committee member Sara Beames.
One of the unique aspects of the event is that unlike a traditional gallery setting, Fall for Art is one night only, and the artists are guaranteed to be in attendance, so one can speak with the person who made the work. Each artist will have an area within the show to display at least ten to 15 of his or her works. The Fall for Art organizers find artists for the juried show through gallery visits and previous experience with specific artists, as well as through an annual open call for entries.
There will be 28 participating artists for 2013, twelve of whom are new to the event. Artists in this year’s show include Jerilynn Babroff (ceramics), Alexandra Mallen (painted trays), Brinton Baker (ceramics), Joel Mandelbaum (photography), Susan Basch (jewelry), Liza Jane Norman (fiber arts), Janet Baskerville (jewelry), Carol Cooper (watercolors), Sara and Michael Beames (fused-glass works), Fran Raia (fiber arts), Josh Bishop (pencil, pen and ink drawings), Billie Robson (acrylics, watercolors and pastels), Barbara Bravo (ceramics), David T. Ryan (photography), Carli Bruno (fiber arts), Rita Schwab (mixed-media works), Gail Cohen (photography), M’Lou Sorrin (acrylics, watercolors, pastels), Sherri Cohen (jewelry and Judaica), Tom Stoenner (glass), John Franklin (turned-wood art), Joe Tantillo (photography), Lara Giordano (mixed media), Henry VanDerBeck (watercolors), Glenn Grubard (mixed media), Vindora Wixom (oil on canvas), Melanie Hall (book art) and Andrea Zupko-Gill (acrylics, watercolors and pastels).
Each year a different organization receives a donation from the event. Past recipients have included the Saugerties Boys & Girls Club, Benedictine Cancer Center, Friends of Historic Kingston, the Rosendale Theatre Collective and Shadowland Theater in Ellenville. This year the Alzheimer’s Association will receive a $1,000 check and assistance in organizing this fall’s “Arts with a Heart” program, to be offered free of charge at the Rosendale Recreation Center. The program will present music and engagement for people with early-stage Alzheimer’s and their caregivers. One-and-a-half-hour-long sessions focused on failure-free expression and creative activities will include a hands-on collage program presented by artist Janet Jappen on October 13, a dance performance by the Vanaver Caravan dance company on October 27 and music by Melody Newcombe at the last workshop on November 10.
According to Fall for Art committee member Barbara Lane, these workshops will be the first of their kind in Ulster County. For more information about the program or to make plans to attend the workshops, contact Michele Muir at (800) 272-3900.
“There’s a real need for these programs,” says Fall for Art organizer Barbara Cohen. “We’re hoping that an individual or business will be influenced to continue the support for those with Alzheimer’s.”
Fall for Art, Thursday, September 12, 6-9 p.m., $40/$45, Wiltwyck Golf Club, 404 Steward Lane, Kingston; (845) 338-8131, www.fallforart.org.
Join the family! 
