10 Exhibitions to See in Upstate New York This October

As the crisp autumn air creeps in, it brings with it an array of artistic expressions throughout Upstate New York this October. This month not only marks Halloween, but also a season brimming with creativity and cultural celebrations. Noteworthy exhibitions are found in various galleries, highlighting diverse artistic voices and themes. For instance, Echoes in Two Tongues at Convey/Er/Or Gallery in Poughkeepsie celebrates Latin-American heritage with a showcase of five artists’ works. Meanwhile, Catskill Art Space in Livingston Manor is a hub of creativity with three concurrent exhibitions from regional talents. The Reclamation exhibit at Holland Tunnel Gallery in Newburgh showcases 22 artists’ ingenuity using found and reclaimed materials, while Turley Gallery in Hudson presents Davina Hsu’s enchanting wool-felted pieces in Heaven on Earth. Similarly, the exhilarating works of Avani Patel can be seen in Rhythmic Allure at Delaware Valley Arts Alliance in Narrowsburg, alongside RAE BK’s provocative installation, Faraday Cage, in Kerhonkson that challenges socio-political themes. This October, embrace the spectral magic and madness of art!

Echoes in Two Tongues: Honoring Latin American Women

Convey/Er/Or Gallery, 299 Main Street, Poughkeepsie, New York
Through October 25

The group exhibit Echoes in Two Tongues is curated by Elisa Pritzker and honors ancestral origins while showcasing personal artistic expressions. Featuring five artists, the exhibition is a celebration of cultural diversity through a variety of mediums. Notable works include Luz Castaneda’s intricately woven “Afro-Brazilian Ritual Costumes” (2024) and Esperanza Cortés’s ethereal encaustic piece “Corazón Blanco” (2007).

Nancy Catandella 

Greenkill, 229 Greenkill Avenue, Kingston, New York
Through October 25

Artist Nancy Catandella embraces the intricacies of portraiture with a series of expressionistic works that delve into the depths of identity. Featuring strikingly expressive portraits such as “Wayne” and “Elaine,” Catandella captures not only likeness but the nuanced essence of her subjects. The frenetic mark-making evokes a powerful dynamic that breathes life into each piece.

Jeffrey Christensen
Bonnie Rychlak
Heidi Schlatter

Catskill Art Space, 48 Main Street, Livingston Manor, New York
Through October 25

Catskill Art Space showcases the dynamic work of Jeffrey Christensen, Bonnie Rychlak, and Heidi Schlatter in a grouping that reflects the creative vibrancy of regional artists. Christensen’s politically charged mixed-media paintings intertwine cultural references, while Rychlak’s industrial sculptures playfully engage raw forms. In addition, Schlatter’s work combines photomontage and sculptural elements, creating a unique exploration of landscape and societal themes.

Avani Patel: Rhythmic Allure

Delaware Valley Arts Alliance, 37 Main Street, Narrowsburg, New York
Through October 26

Avani Patel’s energetic paintings are a dazzling display of color and movement, capturing the essence of chaos and tranquility alike. Works such as “Flotation of Pink” (2022) and “Nairobi” (2023) manifest a vibrant vision, drawing viewers into a whirlpool of imagination. This exhibition grants access to another concurrent show featuring Candy Spilner’s Pop-inspired three-dimensional art.

Reclamation: Lost and Found in Newburgh 

Holland Tunnel Gallery, 46 Chambers Street, Newburgh, New York
Through October 26

Curated by Janet Rutkowski and Alexandra Limpert, Reclamation presents an inventive exhibit that emphasizes the repurposing of materials as 22 artists explore themes of sustainability and creativity. Auto-biographical elements come forward in Judy Thomas’s “Flair,” while Julie Lindell’s “Everything” features an intriguing assemblage showcasing diverse materials.

Davina Hsu: Heaven on Earth

Turley Gallery, 609 Warren Street, 2FL, Hudson, New York
Through November 2

In Heaven on Earth, Davina Hsu explores metaphysical themes through her latest wool-felted creations. Each piece harmonizes vibrant colors and organic shapes, resonating with spiritual undertones. Works such as “The Shift” present swirling rainbow landscapes while “Inner Temple” captivates with its energetic palette.

What is Missing? Artworks in the Olana Landscape

Olana State Historic Site, 5720 State Route 9G, Hudson, New York
Through November 2

Olana State Historic Site invites visitors to experience its stunning outdoor exhibition, What is Missing?, which features site-specific works by Ellen Harvey and Gabriela Salazar. The vibrant fall backdrop enhances the visual experience of Harvey’s reflective installations and Salazar’s intricate sculptures that thoughtfully engage with the local environment.

John Dolan, Jack Dolan, Michele O’Hana: HOME

Robin Rice Gallery, 234 Warren Street, Hudson, New York
Through November 7

In the exhibition HOME, collaboration unfolds through the works of John Dolan, Jack Dolan, and Michele O’Hana. The show features tales of nostalgia and artistry expressed through Dolan’s photographic captures, O’Hana’s elegant porcelain pieces, and Jack’s artisan knives, creating an intriguing blend of functionality and fine art.

Faraday Cage

Untitled Residence, 1049 Samsonville Road, Kerhonkson, New York
Through November 23

RAE BK’s Faraday Cage installation offers an audacious exploration of political themes, set within a soon-to-be-demolished ranch house. The guerrilla-style exhibition showcases provocative installations reflecting societal concerns, such as isolation and disconnection, through immersive and sensational setups.

CPW, 25 Dederick Street, Kingston, New York
Through January 11, 2026

Celebrating Black culture, Kinship & Community presents a profound collection of images that capture moments of fellowship and resilience. The exhibition features poignant works alongside cheerful depictions of community life, showcasing the multifaceted narratives of Black Americans in Texas.