Upstate Art Weekend Returns For a Milestone Sixth Edition

From the well-known artistic pilgrimages frequently taken by New Yorkers, like Dia Beacon and Storm King Art Center, to the thought provoking institutions that demonstrate the depth of the art world across New York State, including KinoSaito and the Wassaic Project, Upstate Art Weekend acts as a platform of unification. For its sprawling sixth edition, more than 155 museums, galleries, universities, residencies, and temporary events will come together as one community—headquartered at “Upbringing,” an exhibition dedicated to the concept of presence in Kingston, New York. Founded by Helen Toomer, the collective annual experience isn’t only for art-hungry adventurers but also the residents of all ten counties taking part.

“This year’s lineup is rich with vibrant group exhibitions, celebrating both regional talent and international voices,” Toomer shares with Surface. “With so much to explore—and most of it free to the public—there’s truly something for everyone. We can’t wait for visitors to experience the creative magic of the Catskill Mountains and Hudson Valley.” Group exhibitions stretch from Garrison’s MANITOGA / The Russel Wright Design Center to Jack Shainman Gallery’s The School in Kinderhook and include shows from River Valley Arts Collective and Marie’s at the Catskill Octagon House to ADS Warehouse, Bill Arning Exhibitions, Good Black Art and Creative Legion, as well as the second annual show at The Campus in Hudson.

Toomer cites every participant as a highlight but calls specific attention to “NOISE FOR NOW presents NOISEMAKERS Dance Party“ at Assembly in Kingston. It’s the official dance party for Upstate Art Weekend 2025, and a celebratory fundraiser with all proceeds going toward abortion access. “It’s for a great cause and we need a dance party right now,” Toomer says. In addition, she emphasizes the magnitude of Sky High Farm’s inaugural biennial, “Trees Never End and Houses Never End”—which is set to present work from more than 50 artists in a former cold storage warehouse for apples along the Hudson River.