What drew you to Saugerties?

I’ve always been drawn to the Hudson valley but I found my home in Saugerties. I’ve been a resident here since 2013 (give it a date rather than number of years to keep it evergreen).  There’s a uniqueness here, an authenticity. Artistically there’s a wonderful diversity. Artists have moved here from New York, there’s a large population of local artists working in fine arts, and there are families who have lived here for generations who have produced crafts people, builders, chefs, bakers, textile design, story tellers, and gardeners.

What is it you like most about Saugerties? Do you think it’s is a good community for artists?

I love Saugerties for its natural beauty. It’s a great community for artists because there are so many ways for people to express themselves; from dancing at the annual Caribbean parade, to making some of the world’s finest chocolates, to serving magnificent meals, crafting spirits, knitting, putting brush to canvas, and throwing pots. I’ve seen builders lay beautiful flooring and design and build beautiful decks. Artistic inspiration is everywhere here.

How varied is the artistic community in Saugerties? What role does art play in the community? 

Saugerties is an incredible melting pot of local artists and artists who have settled here from other places and the combination is exciting; it brings a uniqueness and authenticity, and a diversity of craftsmanship. We have painters, story-tellers, textile designers, musicians. There are newcomers who are attracted to the are and people who have been making art, whether it be in building design or woodworking, or wool for generations

What are the goals of the Saugerties Arts Community?

I believe that the goal is to promote, support, and amplify the arts in Saugerties. In turn, artists and tourists who come to see our art will support local commerce. We need to listen to the community to see what they want and what kind of events will meet the communities needs, both artistically and commercially.