Among the July art fairs and festivals you should check out is one that invites culture lovers to head north for a blend of nature and art. We’re talking, of course, about Upstate Art Weekend, which returns this year on July 18 with an extensive schedule of exhibitions and events spanning eleven counties across the Catskills Mountains and Hudson Valley. Yes, it’s a lot, but there’s no reason to drive yourself crazy trying to see everything as fast as possible. Upstate Art Weekend founder Helen Toomer told Observer that the “number one thing to note is that it is impossible to do everything, and I encourage people not to rush. There’s much to see, but it’s also about the journey between participants and the experience of basking in the natural beauty of the area.”
The key is to do a little research before you go and customize your own itinerary. To that end, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best art spaces and program highlights to help you navigate the rich scene just a few hours’ drive from New York City. And of course, as Toomer reminded us, most of the weekend’s venues are accessible year-round. “If you miss something, we encourage you to return!”
