Greetings Art Lovers:

This 4th of July weekend as we celebrate our country’s independence, let’s all take a moment to celebrate our artistic freedoms. Freedom of artistic expression builds our cultural heritage, something we can proudly point to in the United States.

Although it is a holiday weekend, there are many events happening. Maverick Concert Series presents a young people’s concert on the morning of July 4, and that evening pianist Adam Tendler performs.

If you have a family reunion this weekend, take the group out to Seussical The Musical at the CENTER for Performing Arts in Rhinebeck! The evening performance on July 4 is an alternative to fireworks and a visual extravaganza.

All of us at Arts Mid-Hudson are preparing for the 2nd Annual Dutchess Dragon Boat Races and Festival coming up on July 25. With our great partners at Dutchess Tourism and Miles of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation, we will have a terrific day of people-powered boat racing, and Asian cultural demonstrations and performances. There will also be local food purveyors, and artists showing their works! Mark your calendars and see more information on our webpage.

ESSENCE OF THE VALLEY Betsy Jacaruso Studio & Gallery Summer Show, featuring guest artist Kari Feuer Through July 31 more WATERY LANDSCAPES Keith Johnson and Ruth Wetzel David Orton Gallery Opening ReceptionJuly 3, 5-7 p.m. more SAVE THE DATE! UNEXPECTED PATH II Gallery Opening Event:Saturday, July 18, 5:00-7:00 p.m. This summer visit the second installment of a multi-media exhibit at Arts Mid-Hudsonfeaturing travel that encourages exploration and imagination, accompanied by storytelling, readings, and performances, capturing the magic of travel and delighting in the beauty of the unexpected.   The gallery is open Mondays through Fridays, 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.   NEWBURGH JAZZ SERIES The Newburgh Jazz Series 2015 line up includes swing, world jazz, Latin jazz, contemporary jazz, bluesy jazz and much more. Every Wednesday in July and August at 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on the beautiful lawn at the Orange County Arboretum in Montgomery.  more DOT CHAST RETROSPECTIVE ART EXHIBIT Blue Hill Gallery Columbia-Greene Community College July 2 through Aug 29 Opening Reception July 9, 6-8 p.m. more YOUNG PEOPLE’S CONCERT Elizabeth Mitchell & Family Grammy-nominated Smithsonian Folkways artist, with folk music for all ages. Part of the Maverick Concert Series July 4, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. more view all events Photo by Rubi Siblo-Landsman

UPCOMING COLLABORATIVE EVENTS MID-HUDSON ARTS – CULTURE-HERITAGE: TOWARD A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE CONFERENCE July 20, 2015, 12:30-6 p.m. CRREO at SUNY New Paltz is holding this event in the Student Union Building on campus. The conference is an opportunity for the region’s arts, culture, and heritage organizations as well as businesses, tourism agencies and educators to exchange ideas regarding practical solutions to the perceived needs outlined in a 2014 CRREO survey. Pre-register here. 2015 DRAGON BOAT RACE AND FESTIVAL IN  DUTCHESS COUNTY  July 25, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. The dragons are coming to Poughkeepsie on the Hudson River. The Asian Cultural Festival will continue the excitement for the day featuring live music, events, arts and artisans, and food vendors as the dragon boat races along the river. Click here to learn more about the event. 7th ANNUAL LA GUELAGUETZA FESTIVAL August 2, July 25, 1-7 p.m. Visitors are invited to be part of this exciting summer festival. Stop by to watch authentic Oaxacan traditional dancing, enjoy delicious Mexican foods, and celebrate the beauty of Oaxacan culture.