It’s as much an art happening as it is an exhibit: You’ll have just three hours to see the art and meet the 27 artists whose work is on display at this year’s Fall for Art 2012 juried art show and cocktail reception on Thursday, September 6 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Wiltwyck Golf Club in Kingston.
Tickets cost $40 in advance, or $45 at the door. The price 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 which item they’re interested in winning.
The event is an annual fundraiser: “sweet 16” this year, according to Barbara Cohen, a member of the committee that works all year to put on the event. Sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Ulster County, the event’s proceeds benefit the arts in the Hudson Valley as well as the local projects of the group, which include scholarships and donations to other nonprofits. “We have a name for it,” says Cohen. “‘Tikkun Olam.’ It means ‘to repair and heal.’” Each year a different organization receives a donation from the Fall for Art event; this year’s recipient is the arts program of the Saugerties Boys & Girls Club, who will receive a check for $1,000.
The works on display encompass the spectrum of creative activity: drawings, photography, mixed media, turned-wood art, fiber pieces, jewelry, oil and watercolor paintings, ceramic pieces and blown-glass works. Each artist will have an area within the show to display his or her work, says Cohen, with each showing at least ten to 15 pieces. A complete listing of participating artists and photos of some of the work can be found at https://fallforart.ucjf.org/ffa_index.html.
The Fall for Art committee finds artists through gallery visits and previous knowledge of specific artists, as well as an open call for entries. “We take good care of our artists,” says Cohen. “If it wasn’t for the artists, we wouldn’t have a show. And by purchasing a work, you’re not only supporting our causes but supporting an artist.”
A portion of artist sales contributes to the revenue raised. A significant portion comes from community sponsorship, as well: local businesses who are willing to donate gift certificates and items to benefit the community. Unlike the “box” stores that require corporate intervention when asked to help support the community, it’s the small businesses in the area who make a difference, Cohen says. In turn, the Jewish Federation supports local social service organizations, including Family of Woodstock, Angel Food East, the Queens Galley, People’s Place and more.
What makes this event special, says Cohen, is that unlike a traditional gallery setting, where one has a month or so to go see the art, here you have just one evening. In addition, every artist with work on display is guaranteed to be in attendance. “If you buy something from the artist at our show, you feel like you have a relationship with them,” says Cohen. “Nobody knows the work like the person who created it. And even if you do not buy something, you still have an opportunity to meet the artist. That’s very unusual.”
The Fall for Art 2012 juried art show and cocktail reception take place on Thursday, September 6 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Wiltwyck Golf Club in Kingston. Tickets cost $40 in advance, or $45 at the door, including a wine and champagne bar and buffet as well as passed hors d’oeuvres and a coffee/dessert bar. For more information, e-mail info@fallforart.org, visit www.fallforart.ucjf.org or call (845) 338-8131.
Join the family! 
