When you step through the doors of Hudson Valley InterArts in Patterson, the goal is to feel inspired—and ready to create. There’s also a sense of wonder at the wide range of offerings available to anyone in the community who is creatively curious and interested in arts-focused classes taught by trained professionals. And due to a continuing partnership with Community Based Services (CBS), a North Salem nonprofit that provides opportunities for individuals with disabilities, the center, which opened in May, is welcoming to participants with diverse and varying abilities. (The idea was hatched by Vicki Sylvester, the longtime CEO of CBS.)
“When people walk into our space, they’re blown away,” says Taylor Martin, director of the 15,000-square-foot locale spanning three floors. “There isn’t anywhere in Putnam County where you can commune and make art in a next-level, state-of-the-art studio.”
Housed in a former office building, the space has something for everyone, regardless of ability. The long list of offerings includes a movement studio for yoga, meditation, dance, and martial arts; a sound engineering studio, where students can learn how to write and record their own music or podcasts; a ceramics studio with a kiln (a recent donation means two more kilns and eight more wheels are soon to be added); a digital art lab for Photoshop and photo restoration; painting spaces; and a fiber arts studio, where crochet and sewing classes are just some of the most popular offerings.
If there’s an interest in other classes, including the culinary arts, which is being considered, Martin is ready to listen, tailoring programming to the needs of the community.
“I recently met a group of homeschooled kids, a bunch of teens and parents, and a group of elderly women who told me they’re available Wednesday mornings to gather here to sit and knit,” Martin says, adding that classes are generally $20 per session. “It’s a goal of mine to assess what the community needs and build programming around it.”
And, in keeping with the CBS mission, it is fundamental, says Martin, that everyone feels safe and included. “We’ve found that people love the fact that our classes are filled with folks with different abilities and backgrounds,” says Martin. “And, as a mom, I love that my children are experiencing what we’re doing here. It feels important.”
“People love the fact that our classes are filled with folks with different abilities and backgrounds.”
Hudson Valley InterArts
40 Jon Barrett Rd, Patterson
845.501.9193
