New and Improved
​After World War II, the world of ceramics changed dramatically, moving in from purely functional to more artistic. In Form: Contemporary Sculptural Ceramics examines this shift from traditional pottery into sculpture that expresses humor, abstraction, and even delves into social and political commentary. The exhibit includes works by Henry Varnum Poor — who is considered the early pioneer of this movement and whose works are considered some of the first to use this medium in expressive ways — along with contemporary 21st-century ceramic artists.
Oct 9-Nov 30, Mon-Fri 1 pm-4 pm, Sat-Sun 1-4 pm. Rockland Center for the Arts, 27 S Greenbush Rd, West Nyack, 845.358.0877
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House of History
​After purchasing the James Vanderpoel House in 1925, the Columbia County Historical Society spent several years restoring the Federalist edifice and many of the artifacts within it. During the 1930s and 1950s, the house became a hub of history, and displayed numerous installations of local artifacts from various periods of the Valley’s past. Having recently reopened the house to the public, the society is once again bringing back this tradition with the Study of Style exhibition. This displays showcase Hudson Valley furniture (originally exhibited in 1937), decorative paperweights (from a 1947 show), and American modern art (1955).
Through Oct 9, Tues, Sat-Sun 11 am-4 pm, $5; CCHS members, students and children under 12 free. James Vanderpoel House, 16 Broad St, Kinderhook, 518.758.9265
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Faire Thee Well
​The beloved New York Renaissance Faire is once again coming to a close for the season. The final weekend sports an appropriate Oktoberfest theme, meaning all things Bavarian are in style, so break out those lederhosen left over from your college days. Craft beers (several of them local) are on sale throughout the grounds, and tastings go on throughout the weekend. Be sure to check out the music, dances, and games as well before trying out your trivia knowledge at a pub quiz or checking out expert discussions on the Reinheitsgebot. In layman’s terms, that means “German beer purity laws,” which stipulate the ingredients that can be included in the traditional brews.
Oct 1-2, 10 am-7 pm, $25, $20 seniors and military, $12 children 5-12, under 4 free. 600 Rte 17A, Tuxedo Park, 845.351.5171
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Viva Havana
​Now that relations between the U.S. and Cuba seem to be improving, Americans are catching Cuban fever. Don’t miss a celebration of this Caribbean culture with The Havana Cuba All-Stars Band. The group — whose members each hail directly from the island and are considered some of its best performers — presents an evening repertoire drawn from traditional Cuban musical styles. Their sound presents a fresh take on the old with innovative songwriting and acoustic bass.
Oct 23, 7 pm. $44-$64. Bardavon 1869 Opera House, 35 Market St, Poughkeepsie, 845.473.2072
