Local artists show off their work in Beacon

By Angela R. Hooks-Batchelor
For Poughkeepsie Journal

Florence Northcutt glides through the central room at the Howland Cultural Center, hanging and mounting an abundance of creative expressions by 38 artists.

She adorns the art gallery for the Members Art Show on Saturday, which opens with a reception from 3 to 5 p.m. The show features sculpture, pottery, acrylics and watercolor.

''The art show is a celebration for our members, who are professional and accomplished artists. Every year, we say thank you for supporting the center,'' says Northcutt, who coordinates Howland. ''And the response is overwhelming.''

''Florence has a special gift, putting a medley of artwork together and creating a cohesive show along with a list of terrific artisans,'' says Stormville photographer Linda Hubbard. ''The center is a marvelous place to display art. It's always a spectacular time. I'm excited to be in the show.

Helen Lang of Beacon agrees. ''The afternoon is a nice gathering and people exemplify genuine interest.''

''The paintings are well lit and displayed,'' says painter Lucille Winestat. ''One is bound to find a gem.''

The gallery presents an overview of area artists on all levels and who work in a variety of styles, says Winestat.

''As a great-great grandmother, I look forward to seeing what the younger artists have done,'' she adds.

Winestat's acrylics ex-press feelings of joy and loss: three girls jumping into a pool, an American egret, a big white bird at dawn, grandmother and grandchild comforting each other, Beacon's autumn landscapes.

'Valley's splendor'

Hubbard's photographs are new images from last year's fall foliage.

''My collection shows Hudson Valley's splendor, colors and glory,'' says Hubbard.

Lang has three oil and watercolor paintings on display: green peppers, a view from Garrison looking south of the river and a floral still life.

''I always like to exhibit my work in my hometown,'' notes Lang, who has retired from the graphics and TV production business to paint full time.

Two of the four potters are Marilyn Price of LaGrange, featuring her wheel-thrown stoneware and tile landscapes, and Poughkeepsie resident Maryam Ali, who shows off her handmade functional stoneware.

''My pottery is pitchers and mugs,'' says Ali, ''decorated with indigenous stamp symbols in a glazed earth tone.''

Northcutt recommends that after the art exhibit, visitors dine in a local restaurant and return to the center at 8 p.m. for musical entertainment in the coffeehouse.

''Either event is wonderful,'' Northcutt says. ''The Hudson Valley Folk Guild is well known for its folk music, universal songs that speak to the everyday man. And the flutist Melissa Howland is an incredible accomplished musician.''

The center is the large red-and-black brick Victorian building at 477 Main St., Beacon.

For more information, call (845) 831-4988 or 831-4614.