The month of February is not only a time for celebrating love and passion but also a time to indulge in the creative world of art. Upstate New York is currently showcasing a variety of exhibitions that are sure to capture the hearts of art enthusiasts. From Mary Ellen Mark’s powerful photographs at the Center for Photography at Woodstock to Odili Donald Odita’s vibrant paintings at the Hyde Collection in Glens Falls, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
One of the standout exhibitions is Joan Harmon’s “Chaos/Light” at the Garner Arts Center in Garnerville. Harmon’s glass sculptures and charcoal works on paper beautifully capture the essence of opposing binaries – form and formlessness. Pieces like “Streambed” and “Lighted Footpath” evoke a sense of mystery and wonder, while “Bouton Cluster” and “Glass Brain” delve into the complexities of shape and consciousness.
At the Catskill Art Space in Livingston Manor, Rand Hardy, Lisa Hoke, and Buzz Spector explore the themes of creation, preservation, and destruction through their mixed-media installations and sculptures. Hardy’s Aqua-Resin works, Spector’s photo and text pieces, and Hoke’s recycled material installations offer a playful and thought-provoking interpretation of these timeless concepts.
Lastly, Linda Griggs’ exhibition “Comfort and Loss” at the Front Room Gallery in Hudson presents a collection of oil paintings that exude a sense of solitude and strangeness. From “Night Swimming” to “Hamilton Fish Kiddie Pool,” Griggs’ works invite viewers to immerse themselves in a world of quiet contemplation and reflection.
As we navigate the month of February with its romantic connotations, let us not forget to nourish our souls with the beauty and creativity that art has to offer. These exhibitions in Upstate New York provide the perfect opportunity to do just that, reminding us of the power of art to evoke emotion, provoke thought, and inspire wonder. Fasanella’s paintings are vibrant and full of life, capturing the essence of everyday moments with a touch of whimsy. The artist’s use of color and composition draws viewers into his world, where the ordinary becomes extraordinary.
One of the standout pieces in the exhibition is “Nathan’s with Bakery” (1996), which showcases Fasanella’s love for his community. In this painting, a group of diverse individuals gathers in a cafeteria setting, enjoying snacks and each other’s company. The scene is bustling with activity, with people of all ages and backgrounds coming together in a shared space.
Another notable work is “Night Nude” (1947), a striking composition that exudes a sense of mystery and intrigue. In this painting, a red woman lies on a table or bed, her body illuminated by a red lamp. The scene is intimate and slightly unsettling, inviting viewers to ponder the story behind the image.
Overall, Fasanella’s paintings offer a glimpse into the artist’s unique perspective on the world. His bold use of color and his ability to capture the essence of everyday life make his work both captivating and thought-provoking. The exhibition at Ruffed Grouse Gallery is a must-see for art lovers and enthusiasts of all kinds. The upcoming Outsider Art Fair in New York City will feature the work of Fasanella at the Ruffed Grouse Gallery’s booth. This self-taught artist will showcase their unique creations, giving art enthusiasts from both sides of the Hudson River a chance to experience their talent.
In Kingston, the Center for Photography is hosting a solo exhibition of Mary Ellen Mark’s work from 1976. Curated by GaĂ«lle Morel and Kaitlin Booher, the show focuses on the lives of women named Laurie, Carol T., Mona, and Beth. These women were photographed by Mark during her time at the Oregon State Hospital in Salem, where she documented daily life at the psychiatric facility. The images capture moments of vulnerability, resilience, and intimacy, providing a glimpse into the complexities of mental health.
In Glens Falls, the Hyde Collection is presenting a survey of Odili Donald Odita’s work. This Nigerian-American artist combines West African aesthetic traditions with elements of Minimalism, creating bold and vibrant pieces that explore themes of violence, displacement, and personal identity. His abstract paintings, collages, and photographs reflect his journey from Nigeria to the United States, offering viewers a visual narrative of his experiences and perspectives.
At the Memorial Art Gallery in Rochester, “Making Connections: Highlights from a Decade of Acquisitions” showcases a diverse range of contemporary artworks from the gallery’s collection. From Judy Chicago’s powerful serigraph “Earth Birth” to George Platt Lynes’s intimate gelatin silver print “Walter H. Roehmer,” the exhibition explores themes of gender, identity, and artistic expression. This collection highlights the gallery’s commitment to acquiring and preserving a wide array of creative practices, from ancient artifacts to modern masterpieces. Mary Beth Edelson’s exploration of women in art continues with her iconic work “Some Living American Women Artists” (1972). This photomechanical lithograph in black and white reimagines The Last Supper, with Georgia O’Keeffe at the center as Christ surrounded by other revered women artists as apostles. This powerful piece challenges traditional gender roles and celebrates the contributions of women to the art world.
Another artist who celebrates women is Elizabeth Catlett, whose work “Gossip” (2005) features two female figures quietly processing intense news. This piece captures the complexity of female relationships and the power of communication among women.
Moving on to the exhibition “Landmines” at The Dorsky at SUNY New Paltz, curated by Sophie Landres, we see the work of four artists who explore the impact of colonization and violence on Indigenous peoples through their camera-based art. Dawoud Bey’s “Cabins and Shadows” (2019) depicts a shadowed plantation yard, alluding to the horrors of slavery. Richard Mosse’s “Slaughterhouse, Rondônia” (2021) offers a surreal aerial view of an Amazon basin location, transforming tragedy into beauty through psychedelic colors. Christina Fernandez’s “Untitled Farmworker (Photographic Collage)” (1989/1994/2020/2025) confronts the reality of toxic farming chemicals by showcasing the names and causes of death of farmworkers.
These artists use their work to shed light on important social issues and challenge viewers to rethink their perspectives. Through their powerful imagery and thought-provoking concepts, they invite us to engage with difficult topics and consider the impact of our actions on the world around us. Visit The Dorsky at SUNY New Paltz to experience these impactful works firsthand and be inspired by the transformative power of art. As we enter a new year, many people are reflecting on the past and looking forward to the future. It’s a time for setting goals, making plans, and dreaming big. But as we navigate the uncertainty of the world around us, it’s important to remember that the power to shape our future lies within us.
One of the first steps in creating a brighter future is to take stock of where we are right now. This means assessing our current circumstances, acknowledging our strengths and weaknesses, and identifying areas for growth and improvement. It’s important to be honest with ourselves during this process, as it lays the foundation for setting meaningful goals and making positive changes.
Once we have a clear understanding of where we stand, the next step is to envision where we want to go. This involves creating a vision for our future that is inspiring, motivating, and aligned with our values and aspirations. Whether it’s advancing in our careers, improving our relationships, or pursuing personal growth, having a clear vision can provide direction and purpose to our actions.
Setting goals is an essential part of turning our vision into reality. Goals give us something to strive for and help us measure our progress. When setting goals, it’s important to make them specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. This approach, known as SMART goals, ensures that our goals are realistic and attainable.
In addition to setting goals, it’s crucial to develop a plan of action to achieve them. This may involve breaking down our goals into smaller, manageable tasks, creating a timeline for completion, and identifying potential obstacles and solutions. By having a clear roadmap to follow, we can stay focused and motivated as we work towards our goals.
As we work towards creating a brighter future, it’s essential to cultivate a positive mindset. This means cultivating self-belief, resilience, and a can-do attitude. It also involves practicing gratitude, mindfulness, and self-care to nurture our mental and emotional well-being. By maintaining a positive mindset, we can overcome challenges, stay motivated, and attract opportunities for growth and success.
Ultimately, creating a brighter future starts with us. By taking stock of where we are, envisioning where we want to go, setting goals, developing a plan of action, and cultivating a positive mindset, we can shape our future and create the life we desire. As we embark on this journey, let’s remember that the power to create a brighter future lies within us. Let’s embrace this power and make the most of it in the year ahead. The Benefits of Regular Exercise
Regular exercise is one of the most important things you can do for your overall health and well-being. Not only does it improve physical fitness, but it also has a positive impact on mental health, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life. In this article, we will explore the many benefits of regular exercise and why you should make it a priority in your daily routine.
One of the most obvious benefits of regular exercise is improved physical fitness. When you engage in regular physical activity, you strengthen your muscles, improve your cardiovascular health, and increase your endurance. This can help you perform everyday tasks more easily, prevent injuries, and even reduce your risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.
Regular exercise also has a positive impact on mental health. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins, which are chemicals that act as natural painkillers and mood elevators. This can help reduce feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression, and improve your overall mental well-being. In fact, studies have shown that regular exercise can be just as effective as medication in treating mild to moderate depression.
In addition to improving physical and mental health, regular exercise can also have a positive impact on emotional well-being. When you exercise, you are taking care of yourself and showing yourself self-love. This can boost your self-esteem, self-confidence, and overall sense of well-being. It can also help you cope with the challenges and stressors of daily life, and improve your overall quality of life.
Another benefit of regular exercise is improved sleep. When you engage in physical activity, your body temperature rises, and then falls to help you relax and fall asleep faster. Regular exercise can also help regulate your sleep patterns, improve the quality of your sleep, and reduce the risk of sleep disorders such as insomnia. This can help you feel more rested and refreshed, and improve your overall energy levels and productivity during the day.
Overall, regular exercise is essential for improving physical fitness, mental health, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life. Whether you prefer to go for a run, hit the gym, practice yoga, or play sports, finding a form of exercise that you enjoy and can stick with is key. By making regular exercise a priority in your daily routine, you can reap the many benefits it has to offer and live a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently declared that the global obesity epidemic is reaching crisis levels. With over one third of the world’s population now classified as overweight or obese, the WHO is urging governments to take immediate action to address this growing public health concern.
Obesity is a major risk factor for a number of chronic diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. In addition to the physical health risks, obesity can also have a significant impact on mental health, leading to low self-esteem, depression, and other psychological issues.
The rise in obesity rates can be attributed to a number of factors, including changes in diet and lifestyle, as well as increased access to processed and high-calorie foods. Sedentary lifestyles, lack of physical activity, and urbanization have also played a role in the obesity epidemic.
In response to the WHO’s declaration, many governments around the world are implementing policies and programs aimed at combating obesity. These initiatives include promoting healthy eating habits, increasing access to fresh and nutritious foods, and encouraging regular physical activity.
In addition to government-led efforts, the private sector is also playing a key role in the fight against obesity. Many food and beverage companies are reformulating their products to reduce sugar, salt, and fat content, while also increasing the availability of healthier options.
Individuals can also take steps to combat obesity by making healthier choices in their daily lives. This includes eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, as well as engaging in regular physical activity.
Overall, the global obesity epidemic is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires a coordinated effort from all sectors of society. By working together to promote healthy lifestyles and combat obesity, we can create a healthier and happier world for future generations.
