Wallkill River Center for the Arts

Zen Watercolor Card Workshop with Monica Ostrow
2025-10-23 18:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Wallkill River Center for the Arts, 232 Ward Street, Montgomery, NY, 12549, United States
Thursday, October 23rd
6:30 – 8:30 pm
At Wallkill River Center for the Arts
Delight in creating an elegant watercolor card based on the Japanese principle of Wabi-Sabi.Using a muted palette and simple round and flat brushes, experiment with color fields that will serve as backdrops for your own dramatic effects. Tools like saranwrap, scotch tape and sponges will be employed to add depth and drama. This Zen art form will allow you to live in the moment.You will discover that you can make really beautiful mistakes that you’ll be proud to send to friends. Enjoy the experience while you sip some green tea. At the end you will will be surprised by your own ingenuity.
All materials provided.

Monica A. Ostrow has been practicing commercial design and creative artmaking for more than 45 years in Orange County. A graduate of Wilkes University, and a student of the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan, she co-founded Artists Alternative, a group devoted to non-traditional artistic methods and ideas.She has always chosen to explore unusal materials and techniques to apply to her practice.Her works have been exhibited throughout the hudson valley and she has won numerous awards. To see a sampling of her art, go to www.mostrow.net.
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Nebulous Spirit: Atmospheric Landscapes, Watercolors by Betsy Jacaruso
2025-10-31 - 2025-12-28 | Wallkill River Center for the Arts, 232 Ward Street, Montgomery, NY, 12549, United States
Nebulous Spirit: Atmospheric Landscapes
Watercolors by Betsy Jacaruso

ARTIST STATEMENT
In Nebulous Spirit, landscape dissolves into atmosphere, memory, and sensation. This collection of watercolors explores the shifting thresholds where earth meets sky and light merges with shadow, inviting stillness and contemplation.

About the Artist
Betsy Jacaruso, a painter based in Rhinebeck, New York, is recognized for her luminous watercolor landscapes. Using wet-on-wet technique and bold color, she distills a feeling beyond representation, capturing the essence of nature through mood and light. Widely exhibited throughout the Hudson Valley and beyond, she also curates exhibitions and teaches watercolor at her Rhinebeck gallery and studio.

On view October 31 – extended to December 28, 2025

Gallery hours: Friday – Sunday, 12 – 5 pm

Image: Nebulous Veil by Betsy Jacaruso, watercolor on Arches cotton rag paper

Color My World: Watercolors by Ellen Joyce-Trayer
2025-10-31 - 2025-12-28 | Wallkill River Center for the Arts, 232 Ward Street, Montgomery, NY, 12549, United States
Color My World: Watercolors by Ellen Joyce-Trayer

Artist Statement
These works are Experimental Watercolors which I’ve been working on this past decade. It is a form of deconstruction….breaking through edges and form to distort reality. The paint can be dripped, splashed, splattered, glazed, brushed or pulled on the paper surface. The paper is often manipulated to direct the flow of the paint. Since the results are not always in the artist’s control, the artist must abandon control and be open to take creative detours as the painting reveals itself.
Ultimately, it is about creating a successful painting which often means the artist must allow the painting and the paint to inform the final creation.

On view October 31 – extended to December 28, 2025

Gallery hours: Friday – Sunday, 12 – 5 pm

Image: Ellen Joyce-Trayer, Sunset in Africa, watercolor on paper

WATERCOLOR | A Regional Exhibition Juried by Betsy Jacaruso
2025-10-31 - 2025-12-28 | Wallkill River Center for the Arts, 232 Ward Street, Montgomery, NY, 12549, United States
WATERCOLOR, A Regional Exhibition Juried by Betsy Jacaruso

This regional exhibition, juried by Betsy Jacaruso, medium of watercolor the only constraint, artwork on view ranges from realism to pure abstraction. Jacaruso has selected 15 watercolors from over 100 works submitted, subject matter ranging from botanical details and wildlife studies to landscapes that walk us in and out of Hudson Valley vistas.

Exhibiting artists: Elizabeth Foster, Jennifer Gibson, Margaret Grasso, Janet Gunderson, Keith Gunderson, Ju Kang, Serene Lincoln, Ping Moroney, Roberta Rosenthal, Richard Taddei, Marilyn Whitely, and Susan Wilson.

About the Juror: Betsy Jacaruso is an award-winning watercolorist and a long-standing member of the Hudson Valley’s art community. Widely exhibited throughout the Hudson Valley and beyond, she also curates’ exhibitions and teaches watercolor at her Rhinebeck gallery and studio.

On view October 31 – extended to December 28, 2025
Gallery hours: Friday – Sunday, 12 – 5 pm

Image: Elizabeth Foster, Pachyderm, watercolor on paper

Oil Painting with William Noonan | Nov. 2025
2025-11-01 09:30 - 2025-11-15 09:30 | Wallkill River Center for the Arts, 232 Ward Street, Montgomery, NY, 12549, United States
Saturday mornings, 9:30 am – 12 pm
November 1, 8, 15th
$120, $105 for Members

For beginner, intermediate and advanced students. The instructor’s main medium is oils but any painting medium is welcome in this class.
Students are encouraged to follow their own stylistic inclinations while learning and practicing the basic rules of: drawing & painting techniques, composition, value, color mixing, color theory, materials and supplies, etc.
Subject matter will range and include still life, landscape, portrait and figure. Whenever feasible students will work from life, other times photographic references may be used. Students may also use this class as an independent-study opportunity and work on their own personal projects.
All sessions will be live work sessions. A lecture or demo may be included based on the particular subject matter for that month’s focus.
Critiques will be used throughout the session with one final critique on the last day of the class.
In the event of inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances the class will be held via Zoom in order to keep the schedule on track.

William Noonan has been an instructor and active member of the Wallkill River School since its inception. He teaches both drawing and oil painting.
www.williamnoonan.com

Materials List

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Beginning Watercolor with Stephanie Snyder | Nov. 2025
2025-11-02 10:00 - 2025-11-23 10:00 | Wallkill River Center for the Arts, 232 Ward Street, Montgomery, NY, 12549, United States
Sundays, 10 am – 12 pm
November 2, 9, 16, and 23
$120, $100 Members ($90 to skip Intro. Day)

The first day of the month’s session – 11/2/25 – is for anyone who is just starting out or would like additional guidance. Attendance is recommended if you are a first-time student of this class.

This beginning watercolor class will be focused on producing finished work.
Many learn best when following along painting with an artist, so that is the approach this class will follow. We will produce a finished painting each week with a different subject, and returning students are welcomed. The approach will be to paint fast and loose, to cover the basics of watercolor by doing them, and hopefully, to have some fun.

Stephanie Snyder began painting in watercolor in 2022 at the Wallkill River Center for the Arts under the instruction of Alan Lewis. She enjoys painting landscapes in an impressionistic style, and paints as often as her teaching career allows. She lists her influences as Alan Lewis, Susan Djukaric, JMW Turner, and Stanley Donwood.

Students are to bring their own supplies. Specific recommendations will be discussed in the first class, so bring what you already have rather than purchasing anything before that class.
Paper- cold press paper recommended (100% cotton)
Brushes – 3 basic brushes: #10 round, a smaller brush for detail, a larger quill brush (size 6) or mop brush of about an inch
Paint – Avoid chalky mediums. Tubes will be easier to work with than pans.
Palette – A watercolor palette has many wells for your paint and space to mix colors.
Other – Not necessary for class, but useful at home – A hairdryer, painters tape, tissues, pencils, paper towels, etc.

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Inter/Adv Drawing with William Noonan | Nov. 2025
2025-11-03 12:30 - 2025-11-17 12:30 | Wallkill River Center for the Arts, 232 Ward Street, Montgomery, NY, 12549, United States
Mondays, 12:30 – 3 pm
November 3, 10, 17th
$120, $105 Members

This class is appropriate for artists who possess a basic understanding of the principles of drawing from life. Subjects like form, scale, shading and composition form the core of the curriculum and will consistently be revisited. Class work will include a variety of subjects, often drawing still lives from life to hone our observational skills and exploring other subjects such as interiors, landscapes, portrait and figures from live and photographic resources.
William Noonan has been an instructor and active member of the Wallkill River School since its inception. He teaches both drawing and oil painting.
www.williamnoonan.com

Materials List:
soft vine charcoal and at least 2 graphite pencils ( hb and 2b)
a pad of 18 x 24 newsprint paper
a pad of 14×17 white drawing paper
a drawing board to support your 18×24 pad
a real chamois (cheaper in automative dept.)
a kneaded eraser
Mars Plastic Eraser, Single Eraser (or similar)
a pencil sharpener

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Acrylic Painting with Nancy Reed Jones | Nov. 2025
2025-11-04 13:00 - 2025-11-25 15:00 | Wallkill River Center for the Arts, 232 Ward Street, Montgomery, NY, 12549, United States
Tuesday afternoons, 1-3 pm
November 4, 11, 18 and 25
At Wallkill River Center for the Arts

$160, $140 Members

This class is for anyone who has always wanted to paint with acrylic but was intimidated by the more advanced classes. This class is meant to be a gathering of likeminded artists who want the joy of painting in a group atmosphere.
All levels welcome. For beginners, we will cover all the beginner fundamentals of painting including supplies, mixing color, how to use brushes, creating a good composition, how to pick a subject, identifying a focal point etc. For more advanced students, there will be one on one time with the instructor to go over your piece and suggested guidance.

Your piece will be worked on for multiple days, don’t fret if it doesn’t finish the first day!

For beginners, a picture will be posted in the Wallkill River Center for the Arts Facebook group by Nancy that will be what you’ll be working off of, please be sure to print off that image in color. Limited copies may be available. For more advanced students, you’re encouraged to bring your own references or works in progress to work on.
Students will bring their own supplies. Beginners are welcome to sign up for the +Materials options to have their supplies provided for the first class to get to know the supplies before you go out and buy your own.
Oil painters are welcome to attend!

Supply List For Acrylic Class:

Paints; Grumbacher or Windsor and Newton tube acrylics.
Basic Colors: Titanium White, Ultramarine Blue, Burnt Umber, Alizarin Crimson, Cadmium Yellow Light.
Brushes: 1 inch flat, 1/2 inch flat, small filbert ( rounded tip) small round and #0 or # 1 liner brush
11×14 or 12 x 16 canvas, a couple. We will likely work on a piece multiple sessions.
Wet palette with palette paper and sponge that comes with it. (Sta-wet or similar)
Paper towels
Water container (We do have these in the green cabinet in the bathroom if you need one)

Nancy Reed Jones is an award winning artist ( Champion of the Arts award from the Orange County Arts Council) as well as several other awards. She studied oil painting at the Huntington Arts League on Long Island. Nancy had her own mural business for many years and has painted murals in one of the Vanderbilt homes on Long Island. Nancy painted murals for the cancer patients in hospitals on Long Island where they were used for guided imagery to take away the patients pain.
She came to live in the Hudson Valley in 2004 and joined the Wallkill River School of Art where she now teaches acrylic workshops and plein air painting. She describes her painting style as Romantic Impressionism.

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Botanical Watercolor Painting with Roberta Rosenthal | Nov. 2025
2025-11-06 10:00 - 2025-11-20 10:00 | Wallkill River Center for the Arts, 232 Ward Street, Montgomery, NY, 12549, United States
Thursday mornings, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
November 6, 13, 20th
$130, $115 members

Working from live specimens and photos we will create a background behind accurate botanical subjects. Draw and paint using watercolor pencils and tube, or block watercolor. Create an atmosphere of time and place. Learn to blend pencils and watercolor layers.
For intermediate and advanced students.

MATERIALS LIST

Caran D’ache Supracolor II Aquarelle Soft set of 12 or 24 or more; additional colors: bluish pale and white
Graphite Pencil HB lead technical pencil is best with fillable leads but a wood pencil is fine. Sharpener for pencil.
Kneaded eraser
Magic white rub eraser
Block of 11 x 14 or 12 x 16 Arches hot press for botanical subjects using watercolor pencils. If using individual sheets, then a foam core board and artist’s watercolor tape all around for the paper to remain flat. Or a block of Arches cold press.
Water-brush to blend colors or a good quality kolinsky sable pointed watercolor brush
A set of brushes: could include pointed short handle watercolor synthetic sable or real hair # 1, 2, 4, 6 and a flat 1” brush.
• Best quality round watercolor Raphael Kolinski sable 8404 or equivalent. Size #1 and #2 and #4.
Tube Watercolor Brands include Sennelier, Schminke, Holbein, or M. Graham:
yellow lemon, cadmium yellow deep or Indian yellow, Burnt Sienna, Winsor red, Vermillion, Permanent rose or Quinacridone rose, Quinacridone Violet or Magenta, French ultramarine (deep), Cobalt blue, Cerulean blue or Cinerous Blue, Hookers Green or Sap green, Payne’s gray
Gouache: M. Graham Titanium white gouache and a set of Caran D’Ache tube gouache paints. Set of 12 colors.
Optional – I also like Winsor Newton gouache Rose Tyrian color for flowers.

Paper for watercolor with backgrounds:

Arches cold press 12”x 16” block or sheets for color pencil and watercolor combined.
Tracing paper my favorite is Borden Riley sheer trace parchment #90 or other brand
Saral transfer paper

Other:

Fine water mister
Water dropper bottle
Paper towels, scissors, and a non-serrated butter knife
Porcelain Palette for watercolors with separate areas. Plastic is okay but stains.

For over 40 years Roberta shared her expertise with hundreds of students as an instructor in both Botanical Art and Business Practices for Artists at the famed New York Botanical Garden and more recently locally at Wallkill River Center for the Arts School and Gallery, Desmond Campus of Mount Saint Mary College, Wurtsboro Art Alliance, Catskill Art Society, Ellenville Museum Library and Pine Bush Library. Her art is exhibited internationally, collected by individuals and corporations. Roberta continues to travel finding unusual botanical specimens to paint or landscapes that she captures in plein air or sketches for future studio work. Her current home studio, Squirrel’s Nest, is located on top of Shawanga Mountain in Sullivan County, New York with a view of the Hudson Valley.

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ART RECEPTION | Watercolor Exhibitions
2025-11-07 17:00 - 19:00 | Wallkill River Center for the Arts, 232 Ward Street, Montgomery, NY, 12549, United States
Join us Friday, November 7th from 5 – 7 pm to celebrate the opening of our new exhibits and meet the artists; light bites and refreshments will be served.

Nebulous Spirit: Atmospheric Landscapes, Watercolors by Betsy Jacaruso
Color My World: Watercolors by Ellen Joyce-Trayer
Watercolor, A Regional Exhibition Juried by Betsy Jacaruso

This event is free and open to the public.

Exhibitions on view October 31 – December 22, 2025
Gallery hours: Friday – Sunday, 12 – 5 pm

2025 Handmade for the Holidays | Artisan Application
2025-11-08 | Wallkill River Center for the Arts, 232 Ward Street, Montgomery, NY, 12549, United States
Thank you for your interest in “Handmade for the Holidays” at Wallkill River Center for the Arts (WRCA).
Event date: Saturday, December 6, 2025, 11 – 4pm

Application Form

Applications due: by Saturday, November 8th, 11:59PM
Fee (due on acceptance): $25

Setup Time: 10am-12pm
Public Sale: 11-4pm
Cleanup/Teardown: 5-6pm

If selected to be an exhibiting artisan:

Provided by WRCA : One table, 6′ x 30″, limited space for displays provided by the vendor.
Provided by Vendor (you): All goods, tablecloths, displays, paper flyers. You must have your own money for change and/or a point of sale system.

This event is indoors. There are bathrooms open to the public. There is also hot water if you wish to make a coffee or tea when you arrive. There will be some seasonal refreshments put out throughout the day.

If you have any questions, please email info@wallkill.art

State sales tax is the responsibility of the artist/vendor to collect according to state laws. All sales of merchandise at ‘Handmade for the Holidays’ are strictly between the vendors and attendees, Wallkill River Center for the Arts are not party to or responsible in any way for any transactions made between said parties.

Zen Watercolor Card Workshop with Monica Ostrow
2025-11-20 18:00 - 20:30 | Wallkill River Center for the Arts, 232 Ward Street, Montgomery, NY, 12549, United States
Thursday, November 20
6:30 – 8:30 pm
At Wallkill River Center for the Arts
Delight in creating an elegant watercolor card based on the Japanese principle of Wabi-Sabi. Using a muted palette and simple round and flat brushes, experiment with color fields that will serve as backdrops for your own dramatic effects. Tools like saranwrap, scotch tape and sponges will be employed to add depth and drama. This Zen art form will allow you to live in the moment. You will discover that you can make really beautiful mistakes that you’ll be proud to send to friends. Enjoy the experience while you sip some green tea. At the end you will will be surprised by your own ingenuity.
All materials provided.

Monica A. Ostrow has been practicing commercial design and creative artmaking for more than 45 years in Orange County. A graduate of Wilkes University, and a student of the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan, she co-founded Artists Alternative, a group devoted to non-traditional artistic methods and ideas.She has always chosen to explore unusal materials and techniques to apply to her practice.Her works have been exhibited throughout the hudson valley and she has won numerous awards. To see a sampling of her art, go to www.mostrow.net.
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TRICKY TRAY
2025-11-22 13:00 - 15:00 | NY
Saturday, November 22
1 – 3 pm
Join us for a fun afternoon of raffles to win beautifully arranged and wrapped baskets and gifts!
Purchase tickets and put them towards the basket that catches your eye. Whether you’re looking for a gift or something for yourself, there’s something here for you!

Tricky Tray baskets on display at WRCA November 1 – 22, 2025.
Raffle tickets: 2 for $5, 5 for $10, 15 for $20.
Available at the gallery; if purchased online, tickets will be placed randomly unless specific instructions are sent to info@wallkill.art.
Winning tickets drawn November 22nd starting at 2:30pm.

Bon chance!

Proceeds from this fundraising event helps support Wallkill River Center for the Arts’ free community programs.

Int/Adv Drawing with William Noonan | Dec. 2025
2025-12-01 12:30 - 2025-12-15 12:30 | Wallkill River Center for the Arts, 232 Ward Street, Montgomery, NY, 12549, United States
Mondays, 12:30 – 3pm
December 1, 8, 15th
$120 ($105 Members)

This class is appropriate for artists who possess a basic understanding of the principles of drawing from life. Subjects like form, scale, shading and composition form the core of the curriculum and will consistently be revisited. Class work will include a variety of subjects, often drawing still lives from life to hone our observational skills and exploring other subjects such as interiors, landscapes, portrait and figures from live and photographic resources.
William Noonan has been an instructor and active member of the Wallkill River School since its inception. He teaches both drawing and oil painting.
www.williamnoonan.com

Materials List:
soft vine charcoal and at least 2 graphite pencils ( hb and 2b)
a pad of 18 x 24 newsprint paper
a pad of 14×17 white drawing paper
a drawing board to support your 18×24 pad
a real chamois (cheaper in automotive dept.)
a kneaded eraser
Mars Plastic Eraser, Single Eraser (or similar)
a pencil sharpener

REFUND AND CANCELLATION POLICY

Acrylic Painting with Nancy Reed Jones | Dec. 2025
2025-12-02 13:00 - 2025-12-23 15:00 | Wallkill River Center for the Arts, 232 Ward Street, Montgomery, NY, 12549, United States
Tuesday afternoons, 1-3 pm
December 2, 9, 16 and 23
At Wallkill River Center for the Arts

$160, $140 Members

This class is for anyone who has always wanted to paint with acrylic but was intimidated by the more advanced classes. This class is meant to be a gathering of likeminded artists who want the joy of painting in a group atmosphere.
All levels welcome. For beginners, we will cover all the beginner fundamentals of painting including supplies, mixing color, how to use brushes, creating a good composition, how to pick a subject, identifying a focal point etc. For more advanced students, there will be one on one time with the instructor to go over your piece and suggested guidance.

Your piece will be worked on for multiple days, don’t fret if it doesn’t finish the first day!

For beginners, a picture will be posted in the Wallkill River Center for the Arts facebook group by Nancy that will be what you’ll be working off of, please be sure to print off that image in color. Limited copies may be available. For more advanced students, you’re encouraged to bring your own references or works in progress to work on.
Students will bring their own supplies. Beginners are welcome to sign up for the +Materials options to have their supplies provided for the first class to get to know the supplies before you go out and buy your own.
Oil painters are welcome to attend!

Supply List For Acrylic Class:

Paints; Grumbacher or Windsor and Newton tube acrylics.
Basic Colors: Titanium White, Ultramarine Blue, Burnt Umber, Alizarin Crimson, Cadmium Yellow Light.
Brushes: 1 inch flat, 1/2 inch flat, small filbert ( rounded tip) small round and #0 or # 1 liner brush
11 x 14 in. or 12 x 16 in. canvas, a couple. We will likely work on a piece multiple sessions.
Wet palette with palette paper and sponge that comes with it. (Sta-wet or similar)
Paper towels
Water container (We do have these in the green cabinet in the bathroom if you need one)

Nancy Reed Jones is an award winning artist ( Champion of the Arts award from the Orange County Arts Council) as well as several other awards. She studied oil painting at the Huntington Arts League on Long Island. Nancy had her own mural business for many years and has painted murals in one of the Vanderbilt homes on Long Island. Nancy painted murals for the cancer patients in hospitals on Long Island where they were used for guided imagery to take away the patients pain.
She came to live in the Hudson Valley in 2004 and joined the Wallkill River School of Art where she now teaches acrylic workshops and plein air painting. She describes her painting style as Romantic Impressionism.

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Intro to Oil with William Noonan
2025-12-05 18:30 - 20:30 | Wallkill River Center for the Arts, 232 Ward Street, Montgomery, NY, 12549, United States
Friday
December 5
6:30 – 8:30 pm
$40 without materials, $60 with all materials supplied

For absolute beginners or oil painters who need a refresher and some renewed courage.
Topics covered will include: materials, pigments, brushes, solvents, basic color mixing, paint application, how to start a painting. All the basic principles of oil painting with hands on practice.
Materials can be supplied * if you purchase the ‘+ materials’ and includes everything you need for the class including canvas; everyone else is expected to have all the materials on the materials list.
*NOTE: supplied materials will be water mixable oils, not the traditional solvent based process.

Materials List:
Oil Painting Set up for beginners. Student grade paints are good for getting started, you don’t need expensive artist grade paints.
YELLOWS:
1 Cadmium or Hansa Yellow Light
1 Cadmium or Hansa yellow medium
REDS & ORANGE:
1 alizarin crimson or magenta or quinacridone magenta (purplish red)
1 cadmium red medium (true red)
1 Cadmium Orange
BLUES:
1 Ultramarine Blue
1 Cerulean or Viridian
EARTH TONES:
1 Burnt or Raw Umber
1 Yellow Ochre
WHITE:
1 Titanium White
BRUSHES… China bristle filberts are the best. You will need to start out with a good range. Start with at least one filbert of each of these sizes #2,3,4,5. Avoid synthetic bristles- they don’t stand up to the rigors of oil painting.
SOLVENT… Gamsol or some other brand odorless mineral spirit. This is for traditional oils not water mixable oils.
PALETTE… disposable paper palettes are fine to start out with.
PALETTE KNIFE… the kind that has a bend in the handle and is shaped like a pointy trowel.
CANVAS…For beginners it’s best to have a few canvas boards to start out with around 11×14.
PAPER TOWELS ….. don’t forget these! They are invaluable.

About the instructor, William Noonan

REFUND AND CANCELLATION POLICY

Handmade for the Holidays 2025
2025-12-06 12:00 - 17:00 | Wallkill River Center for the Arts, 232 Ward Street, Montgomery, NY, 12549, United States
Saturday, December 6, 2025
11:00pm – 4:00pm

Please join us for a local artisan craft fair just in time for the holiday season. Find wonderful gifts for everyone you love, including yourself.

Featured artisans:
Nicole Asendorf (lavender items)
Janet Baskerville (jewelry)
Regina Del Pizzo (jewelry)
Paula Arwen Owen (art, prints, jewelry, coasters)
Gary Beegle (Woodstock memorabilia)
Donna Hanley (crochet items)
Jennifer Mascia
Danyel Nagel (soaps)
Megan Nickerson (soy wax candles, diffusers)
Lisa O’Gorman (slate welcome signs)
Kim Poje (cards, ornaments)

Winter Watercolor Card Workshop with Stephanie Snyder
2025-12-07 10:00 - 12:00 | Wallkill River Center for the Arts, 232 Ward Street, Montgomery, NY, 12549, United States
Sunday, December 7th
10 am – 12 pm
For intermediate watercolorists
$50

Demonstrations of a series of small winter cards in Watercolor. Paint along with Stephanie Snyder to find the best card for you to make more of at home. Use our paper cutters to make your cards fit standardized size envelopes.
Attendees will bring their own supplies including watercolor paper and envelopes of their preferred size.

Stephanie Snyder began painting in watercolor in 2022 at the Wallkill River Center for the Arts under the instruction of Alan Lewis. She enjoys painting landscapes in an impressionistic style, and paints as often as her teaching career allows. She lists her influences as Alan Lewis, Susan Djukaric, JMW Turner, and Stanley Donwood.

Students are to bring their own supplies.
Paper- cold press paper recommended (100% cotton)
Brushes – 3 basic brushes: #10 round, a smaller brush for detail, a larger quill brush (size 6) or mop brush of about an inch
Paint – Avoid chalky mediums. Tubes will be easier to work with than pans.
Palette – A watercolor palette has many wells for your paint and space to mix colors.
Other – Not necessary for class, but useful at home – A hairdryer, painters tape, tissues, pencils, paper towels, etc.

REFUND AND CANCELLATION POLICY

Intro to Oil with William Noonan
2025-12-19 18:30 - 20:30 | Wallkill River Center for the Arts, 232 Ward Street, Montgomery, NY, 12549, United States
Friday
December 19
6:30 – 8:30 pm
$40 without materials, $60 with all materials supplied

For absolute beginners or oil painters who need a refresher and some renewed courage.
Topics covered will include: materials, pigments, brushes, solvents, basic color mixing, paint application, how to start a painting. All the basic principles of oil painting with hands on practice.
Materials can be supplied * if you purchase the ‘+ materials’ and includes everything you need for the class including canvas; everyone else is expected to have all the materials on the materials list.
*NOTE: supplied materials will be water mixable oils, not the traditional solvent based process.

Materials List:
Oil Painting Set up for beginners. Student grade paints are good for getting started, you don’t need expensive artist grade paints.
YELLOWS:
1 Cadmium or Hansa Yellow Light
1 Cadmium or Hansa yellow medium
REDS & ORANGE:
1 alizarin crimson or magenta or quinacridone magenta (purplish red)
1 cadmium red medium (true red)
1 Cadmium Orange
BLUES:
1 Ultramarine Blue
1 Cerulean or Viridian
EARTH TONES:
1 Burnt or Raw Umber
1 Yellow Ochre
WHITE:
1 Titanium White
BRUSHES… China bristle filberts are the best. You will need to start out with a good range. Start with at least one filbert of each of these sizes #2,3,4,5. Avoid synthetic bristles- they don’t stand up to the rigors of oil painting.
SOLVENT… Gamsol or some other brand odorless mineral spirit. This is for traditional oils not water mixable oils.
PALETTE… disposable paper palettes are fine to start out with.
PALETTE KNIFE… the kind that has a bend in the handle and is shaped like a pointy trowel.
CANVAS…For beginners it’s best to have a few canvas boards to start out with around 11×14.
PAPER TOWELS ….. don’t forget these! They are invaluable.

About the instructor, William Noonan

REFUND AND CANCELLATION POLICY

2026 Artist-Member Exhibits (Hallway Gallery)
2026-01-01 - 2026-12-31 | Wallkill River Center for the Arts, 232 Ward Street, Montgomery, NY, 12549, United States
A benefit of membership, WRCA Artist-level Members are invited to hang one piece (two dependent on space) in our changing Hallway Gallery Exhibits.

EXHIBITION GUIDELINES
Artist-level membership (in good standing.) Not a member but want to participate? JOIN TODAY
Artwork must be no larger than 16 x 16 inches (including the frame), properly framed, and be ready to hang with a wire. Saw tooth and other hanging methods are not acceptable. Please contact the staff if you have questions at info@wallkill.art.
Hanging Guidelines

2026 EXHIBITION SCHEDULE
The Artist-Member exhibits run concurrent with the main galleries; themes listed below are meant to compliment the other exhibits on view. These themes are suggested but not required for participation.

In the Studio (artwork created at WRCA)
Submit by 2/15/26
On Exhibit: 2/21 – 3/22/26

Under Water
Submit by 3/22/26
On Exhibit: 3/28 – 5/10/26

Flight
Submit by 5/10/26
On Exhibit: 3/16 – 6/21/26

Nostalgia
Submit by 6/21/26
On Exhibit: 6/27 – 8/9/26

Crossings
Submit by 8/16/26
On Exhibit: 8/22 – 9/27/26

Rivers and Streams
Submit by 9/27/26
On Exhibit: 10/3 – 11/8/26

Moonlight
Submit by 11/8/26
On Exhibit: 11/14 – 12/27/2026

CALL FOR ARTWORK | 2026 Annual Members' Exhibit
2026-01-04 | Wallkill River Center for the Arts, 232 Ward Street, Montgomery, NY, 12549, United States
THEME & GUIDELINES
All 2026 Members – new and renewing – may join this exhibit.
To become a 2026 WRCA MEMBER and for member levels and related benefits, CLICK HERE

DATES

Drop-off of artwork: by Sunday, January 4, 2026
Exhibition dates: January 10 – February 15, 2026
Opening Reception: Saturday, January 10, 3-5 PM
Pick-up of artwork starts: Friday, February 20, 2026
Gallery hours: 12 – 5 PM

APPLICATION PROCESS

There is no fee to apply.
Max of 1 submission per current 2026 Member.
Maximum size 24″ x 20″ (framed size).
There is no set theme; all artworks are accepted.
Please sign your work in when dropping off and fill out a card.

ALL WORKS must be delivered to WRCA no later than Sunday, January 4th, unless prior arrangements have been made.
HANGING STANDARDS: Artwork must be ready to hang with a HANGING WIRE ONLY (no dogtooth or other styles). The wire must be attached to the frame/piece in the top third of the frame/piece (wires close to the center point will cause the frame to hang forward, away from the wall) and the highest point the wire can reach must be a minimum of 3/4 inch from the top of the frame/piece (otherwise the wall hook will show). Frames, if used, must be clean and in good repair. WRCA staff reserves the right to not hang artworks that are not properly presented for exhibition.
If you need help on how we hang framed works usually, please visit this link.

EXHIBIT TERMS

See Exhibiting Artist Policies for complete information: Exhibiting Artist Policies
WRCA takes a 30% commission on all sales of artwork (payment to artist within 30 days of show closing.)
Sold artwork will remain on display until the show closes.
The artist agrees to exhibit these works and holds harmless the volunteers and staff of WRCA.
Any damage incurred, such as broken glass or wires giving way, is the responsibility of the artist to fix.
The artist agrees to pick-up unsold works in a timely manner. WRCA is not responsible for artwork left at the gallery 30 days after the exhibit closes. Unclaimed works will be considered charitable contributions to our 501(c)(3) non-profit.
We reserve the right to refuse artwork at any time for any reason.

BY SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION TO THE SHOW, YOU AGREE TO ABIDE BY THE TERMS OF THIS PROSPECTUS AND THE EXHIBITING ARTIST POLICIES.

Beginning Watercolor with Stephanie Snyder | Jan. 2026
2026-01-04 10:00 - 2026-01-25 12:00 | Wallkill River Center for the Arts, 232 Ward Street, Montgomery, NY, 12549, United States
Sundays, 10 am – 12 pm
January 4, 11, 18, and 25
$120, $100 Members ($90 to skip Intro. Day)

The first day of the month’s session – 01/4/26 – is for anyone who is just starting out or would like additional guidance. Attendance is recommended if you are a first-time student of this class.

This beginning watercolor class will be focused on producing finished work.
Many learn best when following along painting with an artist, so that is the approach this class will follow. We will produce a finished painting each week with a different subject, and returning students are welcomed. The approach will be to paint fast and loose, to cover the basics of watercolor by doing them, and hopefully, to have some fun.

Stephanie Snyder began painting in watercolor in 2022 at the Wallkill River Center for the Arts under the instruction of Alan Lewis. She enjoys painting landscapes in an impressionistic style, and paints as often as her teaching career allows. She lists her influences as Alan Lewis, Susan Djukaric, JMW Turner, and Stanley Donwood.

Students are to bring their own supplies. Specific recommendations will be discussed in the first class, so bring what you already have rather than purchasing anything before that class.
Paper- cold press paper recommended (100% cotton)
Brushes – 3 basic brushes: #10 round, a smaller brush for detail, a larger quill brush (size 6) or mop brush of about an inch
Paint – Avoid chalky mediums. Tubes will be easier to work with than pans.
Palette – A watercolor palette has many wells for your paint and space to mix colors.
Other – Not necessary for class, but useful at home – A hairdryer, painters tape, tissues, pencils, paper towels, etc.

REFUND AND CANCELLATION POLICY

Int/Adv Drawing with William Noonan | Jan. 2026
2026-01-05 12:30 - 2026-01-19 15:00 | Wallkill River Center for the Arts, 232 Ward Street, Montgomery, NY, 12549, United States
Monday afternoons, 12:30 – 3 pm
January 5, 12, 19
$120, $105 Members

This class is appropriate for artists who possess a basic understanding of the principles of drawing from life. Subjects like form, scale, shading and composition form the core of the curriculum and will consistently be revisited. Class work will include a variety of subjects, often drawing still lives from life to hone our observational skills and exploring other subjects such as interiors, landscapes, portrait and figures from live and photographic resources.
William Noonan has been an instructor and active member of the Wallkill River School since its inception. He teaches both drawing and oil painting.
www.williamnoonan.com

Materials List:
soft vine charcoal and at least 2 graphite pencils ( hb and 2b)
a pad of 18 x 24 newsprint paper
a pad of 14×17 white drawing paper
a drawing board to support your 18×24 pad
a real chamois (cheaper in automative dept.)
a kneaded eraser
Mars Plastic Eraser, Single Eraser (or similar)
a pencil sharpener

REFUND AND CANCELLATION POLICY

Acrylic Painting with Nancy Reed Jones | Jan. 2026
2026-01-06 13:00 - 2026-01-27 15:00 | Wallkill River Center for the Arts, 232 Ward Street, Montgomery, NY, 12549, United States
Tuesday afternoons, 1-3 pm
January 6, 13, 20 and 27
At Wallkill River Center for the Arts

$160, $140 Members

This class is for anyone who has always wanted to paint with acrylic but was intimidated by the more advanced classes. This class is meant to be a gathering of likeminded artists who want the joy of painting in a group atmosphere.
All levels welcome. For beginners, we will cover all the beginner fundamentals of painting including supplies, mixing color, how to use brushes, creating a good composition, how to pick a subject, identifying a focal point etc. For more advanced students, there will be one on one time with the instructor to go over your piece and suggested guidance.

Your piece will be worked on for multiple days, don’t fret if it doesn’t finish the first day!

For beginners, a picture will be posted in the Wallkill River Center for the Arts facebook group by Nancy that will be what you’ll be working off of, please be sure to print off that image in color. Limited copies may be available. For more advanced students, you’re encouraged to bring your own references or works in progress to work on.
Students will bring their own supplies. Beginners are welcome to sign up for the +Materials options to have their supplies provided for the first class to get to know the supplies before you go out and buy your own.
Oil painters are welcome to attend!

Supply List For Acrylic Class:

Paints; Grumbacher or Windsor and Newton tube acrylics.
Basic Colors: Titanium White, Ultramarine Blue, Burnt Umber, Alizarin Crimson, Cadmium Yellow Light.
Brushes: 1 inch flat, 1/2 inch flat, small filbert ( rounded tip) small round and #0 or # 1 liner brush
11 x 14 in. or 12 x 16 in. canvas, a couple. We will likely work on a piece multiple sessions.
Wet palette with palette paper and sponge that comes with it. (Sta-wet or similar)
Paper towels
Water container (We do have these in the green cabinet in the bathroom if you need one)

Nancy Reed Jones is an award winning artist ( Champion of the Arts award from the Orange County Arts Council) as well as several other awards. She studied oil painting at the Huntington Arts League on Long Island. Nancy had her own mural business for many years and has painted murals in one of the Vanderbilt homes on Long Island. Nancy painted murals for the cancer patients in hospitals on Long Island where they were used for guided imagery to take away the patients pain.
She came to live in the Hudson Valley in 2004 and joined the Wallkill River School of Art where she now teaches acrylic workshops and plein air painting. She describes her painting style as Romantic Impressionism.

REFUND AND CANCEL

Intro to Oil with William Noonan
2026-01-09 18:30 - 20:30 | Wallkill River Center for the Arts, 232 Ward Street, Montgomery, NY, 12549, United States
Friday
January 9
6:30 – 8:30 pm
$40 without materials, $60 with all materials supplied

For absolute beginners or oil painters who need a refresher and some renewed courage.
Topics covered will include: materials, pigments, brushes, solvents, basic color mixing, paint application, how to start a painting. All the basic principles of oil painting with hands on practice.
Materials can be supplied * if you purchase the ‘+ materials’ and includes everything you need for the class including canvas; everyone else is expected to have all the materials on the materials list.
*NOTE: supplied materials will be water mixable oils, not the traditional solvent based process.

Materials List:
Oil Painting Set up for beginners. Student grade paints are good for getting started, you don’t need expensive artist grade paints.
YELLOWS:
1 Cadmium or Hansa Yellow Light
1 Cadmium or Hansa yellow medium
REDS & ORANGE:
1 alizarin crimson or magenta or quinacridone magenta (purplish red)
1 cadmium red medium (true red)
1 Cadmium Orange
BLUES:
1 Ultramarine Blue
1 Cerulean or Viridian
EARTH TONES:
1 Burnt or Raw Umber
1 Yellow Ochre
WHITE:
1 Titanium White
BRUSHES… China bristle filberts are the best. You will need to start out with a good range. Start with at least one filbert of each of these sizes #2,3,4,5. Avoid synthetic bristles- they don’t stand up to the rigors of oil painting.
SOLVENT… Gamsol or some other brand odorless mineral spirit. This is for traditional oils not water mixable oils.
PALETTE… disposable paper palettes are fine to start out with.
PALETTE KNIFE… the kind that has a bend in the handle and is shaped like a pointy trowel.
CANVAS…For beginners it’s best to have a few canvas boards to start out with around 11×14.
PAPER TOWELS ….. don’t forget these! They are invaluable.

About the instructor, William Noonan

REFUND AND CANCELLATION POLICY

2026 Annual Members' Exhibit
2026-01-10 - 2026-02-15 | Wallkill River Center for the Arts, 232 Ward Street, Montgomery, NY, 12549, United States
The Wallkill River Center for the Arts is pleased to present this annual exhibition showcasing the diverse talents of our members, on view January 10 – February 15, 2026.

The Peoples Choice Awards – voted on by the attendees at the opening reception on January 10, 2026
Susan Baldwin, Venice Masks, Pastel – 1st Place

Michael Tobin, Mom in Newfoundland, Oil on Linen – 2nd Place (left)
Ellen Joyce Trayer, Bison, Watercolor – 3rd Place (right)

The WRCA galleries and art reception are always free and open to the public.
Gallery hours: Friday – Sunday, 12 – 5 pm

Oil Painting with William Noonan | Jan. 2026
2026-01-10 09:30 - 2026-01-24 12:00 | Wallkill River Center for the Arts, 232 Ward Street, Montgomery, NY, 12549, United States
Saturday mornings, 9:30 am – 12 pm
January 10, 17, 24th
$120, $105 for Members

For beginner, intermediate, and advanced students. The instructor’s main medium is oils but any painting medium is welcome in this class.
Students are encouraged to follow their own stylistic inclinations while learning and practicing the basic rules of: drawing & painting techniques, composition, value, color mixing, color theory, materials and supplies, etc.
Subject matter will range and include still life, landscape, portrait and figure. Whenever feasible students will work from life, other times photographic references may be used. Students may also use this class as an independent-study opportunity and work on their own personal projects.
All sessions will be live work sessions. A lecture or demo may be included based on the particular subject matter for that month’s focus.
Critiques will be used throughout the session with one final critique on the last day of the class.
In the event of inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances the class will be held via Zoom in order to keep the schedule on track.
William Noonan has been an instructor and active member of the Wallkill River School since its inception. He teaches both drawing and oil painting. To learn more: www.williamnoonan.com

Materials List

REFUND AND CANCELLATION POLICY

OPENING RECEPTION | 2026 Annual Members' Exhibit
2026-01-10 15:00 - 17:00 | Wallkill River Center for the Arts, 232 Ward Street, Montgomery, NY, 12549, United States
The Wallkill River Center for the Arts is pleased to present this annual exhibition showcasing the diverse talents of our members, on view January 10 – February 15, 2026.

Artists’ Reception: Saturday, January 10th, 3 – 5 pm
Join us in the galleries on opening day to view the works and meet the artists. Vote for your favorite artwork while enjoying light refreshments and conversation. Awards – selected by attendees at the reception – announced at 4:30 pm.

The galleries and art receptions are always free and open to the public.
Gallery hours: Friday – Sunday, 12 – 5 pm

Botanical Drawing with Graphite and Watercolor Pencils with Roberta Rosenthal | Jan. 2026
2026-01-15 10:00 - 13:00 | Wallkill River Center for the Arts, 232 Ward Street, Montgomery, NY, 12549, United States
RESCHEDULED
January session rescheduled
Thursday mornings, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
February 5, 12, 19
REGISTER HERE FOR FEBRUARY SESSION

Working from live specimens learn to accurately draw plant/floral specimens in a unique composition on hot press watercolor paper.

Suggested plants include orchids, or other potted plants that will last for 3 weeks. Learn how to transfer your graphite painting to the watercolor paper and how to use the watercolor pencils both with dry and wet techniques.

For beginning and intermediate students.

MATERIALS LIST

Caran D’ache Supracolor II Aquarelle Soft set of 12 or 24 or more; additional colors: bluish pale and white
Graphite Pencil HB lead technical pencil is best with fillable leads but a wood pencil is fine. Sharpener for pencil.
Kneaded eraser
Magic white rub eraser
Block of 11 x 14 or 12 x 16 Arches hot press for botanical subjects using watercolor pencils. If using individual sheets, then a foam core board and artist’s watercolor tape all around for the paper to remain flat. Or a block of Arches cold press.
Water-brush to blend colors or a good quality kolinsky sable pointed watercolor brush
A set of brushes: could include pointed short handle watercolor synthetic sable or real hair # 1, 2, 4, 6 and a flat 1” brush.
• Best quality round watercolor Raphael Kolinski sable 8404 or equivalent. Size #1 and #2 and #4.
Tube Watercolor Brands include Sennelier, Schminke, Holbein, or M. Graham:
yellow lemon, cadmium yellow deep or Indian yellow, Burnt Sienna, Winsor red, Vermillion, Permanent rose or Quinacridone rose, Quinacridone Violet or Magenta, French ultramarine (deep), Cobalt blue, Cerulean blue or Cinerous Blue, Hookers Green or Sap green, Payne’s gray
Gouache: M. Graham Titanium white gouache and a set of Caran D’Ache tube gouache paints. Set of 12 colors.
Optional – I also like Winsor Newton gouache Rose Tyrian color for flowers.

Paper for watercolor with backgrounds:

Arches cold press 12”x 16” block or sheets for color pencil and watercolor combined.
Tracing paper my favorite is Borden Riley sheer trace parchment #90 or other brand
Saral transfer paper

Other:

Fine water mister
Water dropper bottle
Paper towels, scissors, and a non-serrated butter knife
Porcelain Palette for watercolors with separate areas. Plastic is okay but stains.

For over 40 years Roberta shared her expertise with hundreds of students as an instructor in both Botanical Art and Business Practices for Artists at the famed New York Botanical Garden and more recently locally at Wallkill River Center for the Arts School and Gallery, Desmond Campus of Mount Saint Mary College, Wurtsboro Art Alliance, Catskill Art Society, Ellenville Museum Library and Pine Bush Library. Her art is exhibited internationally, collected by individuals and corporations. Roberta continues to travel finding unusual botanical specimens to paint or landscapes that she captures in plein air or sketches for future studio work. Her current home studio, Squirrel’s Nest, is located on top of Shawanga Mountain in Sullivan County, New York with a view of the Hudson Valley.

REFUND AND CANCELLATIONS

Painted Papers and Printmaking with Jodi Doster
2026-01-16 17:30 - 20:30 | Wallkill River Center for the Arts, 232 Ward Street, Montgomery, NY, 12549, United States
Friday Evening, 5:30 – 8:30 pm
January 16th
Ages 16+
$50
This painted paper printmaking night introduces a range of techniques and materials, including gelli plate printing, and various textures and mediums in the printmaking processes. Participants will work with gelli plates to produce multi-layered, colorful, and textured monoprints. All materials and instructions will be laid out for participants to jump in and start making color full papers and prints. We will apply essential methods such as paint application, utilizing textural tools, and creating images with stencils, stamps, and botanicals—all achievable without a large press set and ready to go.
The night will explore an array of printmaking papers and tools that can be incorporated into mixed media projects, collage, card making, and art notebooks.

There is no material list – class includes all materials.
This class is suitable for people aged 16+ since we will be using sharp cutting tools.

My name is Jodi Doster and I spent 21 years teaching science and art at Bristol Bay Borough Middle/High School in Naknek, Alaska. I also was an Adjunct Professor for the University of Alaska Fairbanks BBC teaching biology and many art classes including watercolor, drawing, and ceramics. My teaching philosophy is a hands-on approach utilizing demonstration then working alongside students to create original pieces. I find working alongside students while discussing my process and thoughts helps students if they are stuck. I provide guidance to help students with learning new techniques and developing their own style. I am influenced by science and nature in my own artwork. I love color and have been inspired by the impressionism artists. I have been so inspired by them that I even named my dog Monet after one of my favorite impressionists!
REFUND AND CANCELLATION POLICY
