Woodstock Artists Association & Museum

Since its beginnings in 1919, the Woodstock Artists Association & Museum has been committed to exhibiting and collecting work in all media by area artists and supporting the tradition of Woodstock as the “Colony of the Arts.” Located in the center of the village of Woodstock, New York, WAAM functions as a cultural center as well as a repository for the work of American artists associated with the Woodstock Art Colony.

Celebrating both tradition and innovation in art, WAAM honors the rich legacy of 20th-century Woodstock artists, recognizing their achievements in landscape, portrait, and abstract art. As guardians of this heritage, WAAM also embraces the avant-garde, inviting a new era of experimental, conceptual, and socially conscious art.

Each year, WAAM presents a full schedule of concurrent solo and group exhibitions of work by local and regional artists, as well as select exhibitions of works by national artists throughout its spacious galleries. Notable recent historical exhibitions include Restoring Indigenous Voices: Landscapes from the Permanent Collection, which explored the historical contexts of a selection of landscapes from the permanent collection acknowledging the Native American significance of well-known mountains, rivers, fields and sites in the region; Norma Morgan: In the Lands of the Moors and Catskills, a retrospective of the paintings and prints of well-known African-American artist Norma Morgan in the historical gallery; and Circa 1969, which explored the period between 1968 and 1972 in the Woodstock art scene, capturing the spirit of the transitional era.

This year in the Main Gallery, visitors experienced thematic contemporary group shows that highlighted the diversity of artistic expression. By a Thread: Fiber Art explored the intricate world of textile artistry, showcasing the skill and creativity of artists working with fibers. Far & Wide: National opened the doors to artists from across the country, providing a glimpse into the broader contemporary art scene. The fall 2024 exhibition, Spirit of Woodstock, shows the continuing legacy of art that pushes boundaries by local artists. Additionally, solo shows feature six standout regional artists, each with their own unique style and vision. This year, street photographer Onaje Benjamin captured the energy and essence of urban life through his lens; emerging artist Kelsey Renko brought a fresh perspective to abstract art with her large-scale colorful paintings; fiber artist Kathy Greenwood wove intricate narratives through her textile creations; painter and sculptor Sydney Cash blurs the boundaries between two and three dimensional art; multi-media artist Shanti Grumbine pushes the boundaries of artistic expression through thought-provoking installations; and dynamic symmetrical painter Carol Levine mesmerizes with her vibrant compositions. Additional contemporary exhibitions take place in WAAM’s Founders Gallery including juried and members-only small works shows and an annual site-specific installation, this year presented by sound artist Suzy Sureck.

Through this broad range of historical and contemporary exhibitions, education programs, and community engagement initiatives, WAAM fosters creativity, dialogue, and transformation for generations to come.