Out & About

Out & About

January

Two art exhibits with a historic side, plus modern dance
by a master troupe By Polly Sparling

Sister act

Two talented teenagers team up with the Greater Newburgh Symphony Orchestra for a family concert program. Cellist Cicely Parnas, along with violinist — and older sister — Madalyn Parnas, perform Saint-Saens’ La Muse et le Poete. Also on the bill: Bizet’s Petite Suite d’Orchestra, Jeux d’Enfants; selections from the Nutcracker Suite by Tchaikovsky; and “Moldau” from Smetana’s Ma Vlast. Jan. 20 at 7 p.m. (Arrive at 6 p.m for Gordon Shacklett’s informative pre-concert introduction to the evening’s program.) $25 reserved, $20 general admission, $15 seniors, $10 students, free under 7. Newburgh Free Academy Auditorium.

. 845-625-0625 or www.newburghsymphony.org

Music to bank on

The Troy Savings Bank Music Hall is the place to be for music this month. The a cappella ensemble Sweet Honey in the Rock visits the Collar City on Jan. 26. This all-female group has been interweaving stories of their African ancestry with rich vocal harmonies for the past 30 years — picking up a Grammy Award along the way (8 p.m., $25-$33). Two days later, the Troy Chromatic Concerts series hosts the Hamburg Symphony with principal conductor Andrey Boreyko and violin soloist Robert McDuffie. The concert features performances of Schubert’s Overture to Rosamunde, Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1, and Brahms’s Symphony No. 1 in C minor (Jan. 28 at 7 p.m., $50-$55). 30

, Troy. 518-273-0038 or www.troymusichall.org

Atoms and art

The American physicist who is best remembered as the father of the atomic bomb would seem an unlikely subject for an art exhibit. But Peekskill artist Linda Jean Fisher’s solo show, The Color of Loyalty: A Tribute to Dr. J. Robert Oppenheimer, lauds the scientist for his groundbreaking discoveries as well as his personal integrity. The exhibit features over 300 paintings, as well as historical citations and Fisher’s own writings, which explore Oppenheimer’s ideas regarding nuclear energy, international politics, and the arms race. The show runs from Jan. 14-Feb. 11 at the 1929 Gallery at Eisenhower Hall, West Point (with an opening day reception from 2-4 p.m. on the 14th). Gallery hours 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily, and prior to all performances at the Eisenhower Hall Theatre. 845-938-2782.

Eleanor at home

All spiffed up after a major renovation, the new galleries at the Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site at Val-Kill feature photographs of the former First Lady (many of which were taken at her Hyde Park retreat). Simple and Direct: Photographs of Eleanor Roosevelt by Dr. A. David Gurewitsch presents a sampling of more than 4,000 pictures taken by Gurewitsch, Mrs. Roosevelt’s physician and close friend. Snapped between 1946 and 1962 (the year she died), these images document Mrs. Roosevelt’s travels as a U.N. delegate and goodwill ambassador; significant family and public events at Val-Kill and Springwood (the Roosevelt family home); and candid moments out of the public eye. The exhibit will be on view through the spring. Thurs.-Mon. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Rte. 9G, Hyde Park. 845-229-5302 or www.historichydepark.org

Flash photography

This month’s photography exhibit at the Carrie Haddad Gallery includes 10 artists whose interests and subject matter vary widely. The Hilton Brothers (the tongue-in-cheek name used by the photo duo of Christopher Makos and Paul Solberg) create art in response to the vacuity of pop culture. Their works include details of flowers juxtaposed with images of horses. Eric Slayton’s educational background is in the natural sciences; his work depicts wild animals and plant life. And the Pulitzer Prize-nominated artist Matuschka’s unusual self-portraits examine gender roles and power in our society. Jan. 25-Mar. 4, with an artist’s reception on Jan. 27, 6-8 p.m. Gallery hours Thurs.-Mon. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 622 Warren St., Hudson. 518-828-1915 or www.carriehaddadgallery.com

Martha and Jane

“One of the seven wonders of the artistic universe” is how the Washington Post describes the Martha Graham Dance Company, a headliner this month at the Performing Arts Center at Purchase College. Founded in 1926 by the legendary dancer and choreographer, the company is the oldest (and most lauded) modern dance troupe in the world. Also on tap at the center: the American premiere of Jane Eyre, a theatrical treatment of Charlotte Bronte’s coming-of-age story by The Acting Company. Written nearly 160 years ago, the tale of the strong-willed Jane has a very modern blend of passion, romance, and suspense. Both shows take place on Jan. 27 at 8 p.m. (call for ticket information).

, Purchase. 914-251-6200 or www.artscenter.org

Events Listings

Special Events

Upper Valley

schuyler mansion Salutations of the Season Jan. 6: Special interpretive tours of Revolutionary War General Philip Schuyler’s home show how the holidays were celebrated in the 18th century. 3-7 p.m. $6, $5 seniors & students. Holiday Open House Jan. 7: Enjoy live music, holiday treats, and a visit from a special guest (who is sure to delight the little ones). 1-4 p.m. $2.

. 518-434-0834.

Mid-Valley

THE THAYER HOTEL Homicide by Hippie Jan. 13: The Killing Kompany, a leading mystery dinner-theater troupe from NYC, presents this comic whodunit at the historic hotel and restaurant. 7 p.m. $90.

Point. 800-247-5047.

hunter mountain ski bowl New Years Rail Jam Jan. 6: Noncompetitive nighttime freestyle skiing and snowboarding event is fun for both participants and spectators. 5 p.m. Call for fees. Rte. 23A, Hunter. 800-HunterMtn or www.huntermtn.com

Lower Valley

historical society of rockland county Miniature & Dollhouse Show Through Jan. 28: Miniature furniture and toys, elaborate dollhouses, special surprises — two galleries of early and contemporary dollhouses make this annual show a holiday favorite. Tues.-Sun. 12-4 p.m. $6, $3 children.

. 845-634-9629 or www.rocklandhistory.org

Greenburgh Nature center Highlights Tour Jan. 7: Get the kids (and yourself) outdoors for a guided tour of the center’s nature trails and 33-acre grounds. Trail maps will be provided. 11:30 a.m.

. 914-813-1837 or www.greenburghnaturecenter.org

Art

Upper Valley

New York State MUseum Chocolate Through Jan. 7: A multimedia exhibition that looks at the history behind this sweet treat. Exhibit admission $4, $2 children. Guided tours available Saturdays at 1 & 2 p.m. Represent Through Feb. 25: This exhibition of works by various artists of African descent features highlights from the museum’s permanent collection. Daily 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Empire State Plaza, Albany. 518-474-0068 or www.nysm.nysed.gov

Mountaintop Gallery Holiday in the Mountains Through Jan. 7: Handmade quilts, pottery, and other crafts by local and regional artisans are featured in this annual exhibition and sale. Call for hours.

. 518-734-3104 or www.greenearts.org

hudson opera house Susan Williams: Into Abstraction Through Jan. 20: This artist works with life-sized photo images, transforming recognizable subjects into abstractions of light and dark forms. Daily 12-5 p.m.

. 518-822-1438 or www.hudsonoperahouse.org

Catskill gallery Salon 2006 Through Jan. 13: A sampling of small-scale original artwork by local painters. All works are for sale and available to take home immediately. Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

, Catskill. 518-943-3400 or www.greenearts.org

albany institute of history & art Snow Scenes by Walter Launt Palmer Through Feb. 25:  Ten paintings and related materials by the Albany-born “painter of the American winter” who produced more than 300 snow scenes during his lifetime. Wed.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 12-5 p.m. $7, $5 seniors & students, $3 children, 5 and under free.

. 518-462-1522 or www.albanyinstitute.org

Mid-Valley

frances lehman loeb art center For the People: American Mural Drawings of the 1930s and 1940s Jan. 12-Mar. 11: This exhibit, culled from the center’s permanent collection, includes approximately 30 preliminary drawings for murals made by James Daugherty, Ben Shahn, and other American artists. The drawings reveal the interest in political matters that was so widespread during these turbulent years. Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 1-5 p.m. Vassar College.

. 845-437-5632 or www.fllac.vassar.edu

galerie bmg Nature Without Glass Jan. 5-Feb. 12: Photographer Mark Stetler’s atmospheric landscape images include scenes of the Hudson Valley. Artist’s reception Jan. 6, 6-8 p.m. Gallery hours Fri.-Mon. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. or by appt.

. 845-679-0027 or www.galeriebmg.com

beacon artist union The Battle Against Extinction Through Feb. 4: Unique works by local artists Brett Farkas, Karen Kuslansky, and Jean Tock are on view at the Muddy Cup Coffee House. Call for hours.

, Beacon. 845-440-7584 or www.beaconartistunion.com