My neighbor who lives 2 doors down the hall since 2008 is an artist who has been in NY art scene since the 80's. I admire his work as much as I respect the man. He told us he has an exhibit in Hudson,NY for the entire month of August. I've lived in New York since 2001 and I am embarassed to say, I've never been to Hudson,NY. We already planned a hiking trip in the Catskills so we decided to visit Hudson on our way back to Brooklyn. It was only a 20 min. drive from the tiny house in the woods we stayed in. Pamela Salisbury Gallery is on Warren St. lined with independent artisan shops, restaurants and antique stores. Hudson Hall is just a few feet away from the gallery. It is in a historic opera house and known as New York state's oldest surviving theater. I was thrilled when I found out that *Ralph Waldo Emerson actually gave a talk here about "Social Aims" and Susan B. Anthony lectured here to abolish slavery and to rally the cry for women's suffrage. In 1914, Teddy Roosevelt even regaled a crowd with his adventures in Africa. * ( quoted from Hudsonhall.org). Now, it hosts various arts and culture program. You can even book weddings and corporate events in this historical venue.
I can only imagine this street must be bustling Pre- Covid-19 Pandemic. It gives me comfort that the shops require masks. People actually wear them and practice social distancing. I heard that for the past few years, New York City creative types moved here in hordes. The area was revitalized.
As soon as I entered the gallery, I was immediately greeted by Chuck's works in the main floor. One particular art that is so timely is Walking with Corona, which is basically walking with shit. His art has sense of humor but is profound. He may be the most amiable artist I have known but his art is always poignant. Not surprising, some of the pieces were already sold. Pamela Salisbury herself greeted us warmly and immediately offered my 5 year-old daughter paper and pencils. DD gladly obliged. Now, her eyes on paper piece is currently on display in Pamela Salisbury Gallery.
The gallery has 2 buildings with a courtyard in the middle, the perfect spot for Donald Baechler's flower sculptures. His works are on display until November 1, 2020. There is a second building behind the courtyard. Its concrete and reclaimed wood provided contrast to Martha Clippinger's vibrant colored textiles, David Humphrey and Carlo D'Anselmo's paintings and complemented Pamela Blum's sculptures. Their exhibit ended August 30 but you can see works of other artists beginning each month. Hudson will even be more picturesque during the Fall season. So check out the art galleries and support local independent shops. They have been greatly affected by this Pandemic. ... but please just wear your mask.
Hudson is approximately 128.2 miles from NY
By car: 2 1/2 - 3 hours
By public transportation: 2 hours from Penn Station
Amtrak stops at Hudson NY in Columbia County via the Empire Services, Maple Leaf, Adirondak & Ethan Allen express lines
Pamela Salisbury Gallery
362 ½ Warren St. Hudson, NY 12534
Hudson Hall
327 Warren St., Hudson NY 12534
Other places of interest:
Olana State Historic site- Home of Hudson River Painter Frederick Church
5720 NY 9G Hudson NY 12534
If you are hungry or thirsty:
American Glory- classic American comfort food and Bbq
342 Warren St.
Bread Folks bakery
322 Warren St.
Swoon Kitchenbar- Inventive new American Cuisine, Locally sourced
340 Warren St.
Hudson Brewing Co.- Hudson’s 1st Brewery since prohibition
Talbot and Arding Cheese provisions
Backbar- open air cocktail bar with picnic tables serving southeast asian street food
347 Warren St.
Le Perche- French bakery and bistro, fresh local ingredients
Red Dot Restaurant & Bar- Hudson’s oldest continually operating restaurant and bar
321 Warren St.
If you are sleepy and need a bed:
The Hudson Guest House- Bed and Breakfast
550 Warren St.
The Barlow Hotel
542 Warren St.
Tiger House
317 Allen St
Batterby House
251 Allen St.
If you want to shop or just want to window shop:
Source Adage- perfumes, colognes, candles and home fragrance store
314 Warren St.
John Doe Books and records
434 Warren St.
Hudson Clothier- all American made clothing and accessories for men and women
443 Warren St.
Fluff Alpaca- family's Alpaca farm provides wool for the children's and adult's clothing , accessories and yarn sold in their Hudson store
521 Warren St.
Good Fight Herb Co.- Herb shop
253 ½ Warren St.
Magic Hill- mid- century vintage furnitures
307 Warren St.
Look Apparel & accessories- vintage clothes and accessories
401 Warren St.
IF you want to know where your food came from:
Tours:
Table to farm tours – temporarily closed due to Covid-19 but will re- open next season
If you want to pray and worship
First Presbyterian Church of Hudson- beautiful and iconic building in Hudson built in 1837
369 Warren St.
St. Mary's Catholic Church/ Holy Trinity
429 Allen St.
Shiloh Baptist church
14 Warren St.
Congregation Anshe Emeth- Synagogue
240 Joslen Blvd.
Hudson Islamic Center
Hudson friends meeting - Quaker Church
343 Union St.
