"Bernadette in Red Hat with Book"; photo taken by Rodney Smith at New York Public Library, 2003 (© The Estate of Rodney Smith)
From Thomas Cole in the early 19th century to growing numbers of contemporary creatives, artists have long been drawn to New York’s Hudson River Valley—and often reflected its natural beauty in their works. Today, the region is the hub of a thriving art scene, as museums and galleries join restaurants, intriguing shops, and historic sites as major draws for visitors to its charming towns.
The height of spring is the ideal time to embark on a thoughtfully curated two-day exploration of the Hudson Valley for art lovers. Begin your visit in the town of Cornwall, with a guided afternoon tour of Storm King Art Center. Five hundred acres of rolling hills, woodlands, and fields of native grasses and wildflowers provide the setting for a striking collection of more than 100 carefully sited modern and contemporary sculptures created by some of the world’s most noted artists.
The next morning, enter the private world of the late photographer Rodney Smith, a unique artist whose body of work is characterized by an instantly recognizable mix of whimsy, surrealism, and highly theatrical storytelling. Take the rare opportunity to visit Smith’s studio in Snedens Landing, a town that gained its reputation as an artists’ enclave in the early 20th century. Smith’s wife Leslie Smolan offers insights into his work, his inspirations, and the techniques he used to create his unforgettable photographs. She also guides participants to specific sites on the property where some of Smith’s photos were created, connecting the landscape to his distinctive images.
Spend the afternoon at the Edward Hopper House in Nyack, where the painter was raised. The graceful mid-19th century dwelling today includes a vibrant exhibition space featuring exhibitions of 20th century through contemporary art. One gallery in the house is dedicated to early Hopper work and memorabilia and rotating exhibits relating to the artist. Afterward, get a close-up look at Hopper’s Nyack on a walking tour of the town.
Overnight accommodations are at the Palisades Premiere Conference Center, a stylish contemporary retreat set in 106 acres featuring a waterfall, koi pond, and lush gardens and woods.
A box lunch is included on Saturday, as well as dinner in the town of Piermont, Sunday breakfast at the hotel, and lunch in Nyack.
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1/2 credit
GENERAL DETAILS
- One breakfast, two lunches, and one dinner are included in the ticket price.
- Overnight accommodations are at the Palisades Premiere Conference Center
- Tour departs by bus from the Mayflower Hotel, Connecticut Ave. and DeSales St., NW, with a pick up stop at I-495 Exit 27 carpool parking lot at approximately 7:30 a.m.
- Single-room supplement $75 (factored into the Single Room Member and Single Room Non-Member pricing).
- Singles registering at the double-room rate are paired (on a nonsmoking basis) if possible, but must pay the single-room supplement otherwise.
- Detailed information is mailed to registrants about four weeks prior to departure.
- Registrants may want to consider purchasing trip insurance.
