2026 Annual Members' Meeting
2026-02-07 14:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Wallkill River Center for the Arts, 232 Ward Street, Montgomery, NY, 12549, United States
Please join us IN PERSON for WRCA’s Annual Members’ Meeting on Saturday, February 7, 2026 | 2 pm.

Members: If you were a member in 2025 or joined and paid your dues for 2026 by December 31, 2025, please return your BALLOT by email, mail or in person before the meeting date. If there is ANY CHANCE you may not be able to attend the meeting, please sign and return your PROXY.

What is the Proxy and why is it important? A proxy is a substitute for a member being present at the meeting. Our by-laws require us to hold an annual members meeting and we must have enough of our members, or their proxies, present to conduct the meeting, otherwise, we will have to reschedule and hope to have enough members the next time to have a quorum. On the proxy form, you can assign your vote to the board of directors or you can name an individual to vote on your behalf if you are sure they will be present at the meeting.
Help us by returning your proxy, but still attend the meeting if you can. At the meeting we present detailed information on how the organization is functioning financially, what services it provides to the community, and share plans in the works for the year ahead. We want to see you!

2026-Annual-Members-Meeting-Packet
2026-Annual-Members-Meeting-Notice
2026-Annual-Meeting-Ballot
2026-Annual-Meeting-Proxy

WRCA Agenda – 2026-02-07 Annual Members Meeting
WRCA 2025 Annual Meeting Minutes
WRCA 2025 ANNUAL REPORT – Members Meeting 2026-02-07

Zen Watercolor Card Workshop with Monica Ostrow
2026-02-19 18:00 - 20:30 | Wallkill River Center for the Arts, 232 Ward Street, Montgomery, NY, 12549, United States
Thursday, February 19
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.
REFUND AND CANCELLATION POLICY

Intro to Oil with William Noonan
2026-02-20 18:30 - 20:30 | Wallkill River Center for the Arts, 232 Ward Street, Montgomery, NY, 12549, United States
Friday
February 20
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 Instructors' Showcase
2026-02-21 - 2026-03-22 | 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 art instructors, on view February 21 – March 22, 2026.

Celebrating the talent of our teaching artists, come view artworks in a variety of mediums and styles. Exhibiting artists include Jena Argenta, Carl Grauer, Margaret Grasso, Jodi Doster, Betsy Jacaruso, Elizabeth Keithline, Eileen MacAvery, Laura Martinez-Bianco, William Noonan, Vicki ONeill, Monica Ostrow, Nancy Reed-Jones, Roberta Rosenthal, Stephanie Snyder, and Marlene Weidenbaum.

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

Legacy Exhibit | George Hayes and Gene Bove
2026-02-21 - 2026-03-22 | Wallkill River Center for the Arts, 232 Ward Street, Montgomery, NY, 12549, United States
Wallkill River Center for the Arts (WRCA) annual Legacy Exhibit, on view February 21 through March 22, 2026 features two well-loved and dearly missed artists, George Hayes and Gene Bove.

George Hayes started painting with what was then the Wallkill River School in 2003, often arriving at plein air class on his motorcycle. “Besides being hella cool, George was a genuinely nice person,” enthused Shawn Dell Joyce, founding WRCA executive director.
Hayes was known to take new artists under his wing and freely share techniques. He often demonstrated perspective to newbies and was soon hired to demonstrate for the plein air series. It wasn’t long before he developed a following, and started teaching classes. George made himself invaluable in the office as well, and was soon on regular rotation as office staff.
“George was more than a friend to most of us,” continued Dell Joyce. “He was respectful and kind to all. He made us all better people, whether in the board meetings or out plein air painting.”

Gene Bove joined “Landscapes on Location” at their third outing in Pine Bush in 2001. His wife Marilyn, saw a write up in the paper and signed them both up. Both became invaluable to forming the fledgling Wallkill River School. Gene had a strong background in advertising and immediately became an asset designing printed matter and ads for the organization. Gene brought a hilarious sense of humor and deep love of painting to the group. He became a partner in the original LLC founded in 2004, then a founder of the nonprofit in 2008.
Bove was in high demand and the most popular teacher for many years. Dell Joyce remembers her friend and colleague fondly, “Gene greeted every situation with his humor and good nature. He kept us all in stitches and giggles while painting.”

OPENING RECEPTION
Saturday, February 21st, 3 – 5 pm
Please join us to view the works and celebrate these artists who were integrally involved with WRCA; light refreshments will be served.

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

Intro to Pastel Workshop with Laura Martinez-Bianco
2026-02-21 10:00 - 2026-02-22 14:00 | Wallkill River Center for the Arts, 232 Ward Street, Montgomery, NY, 12549, United States
Saturday & Sunday, February 21 & 22, 2026
10 am – 2 pm

Two day workshop (4 hours each day)
$160, $145 Members
Materials included – $180, $165 Members

This 2 day workshop will introduce pastels materials, surfaces and techniques while providing time to complete a pastel painting. As well as time to work, there will be a focus on the history of pastel, current pastel artists and techniques, Students should come ready to explore and play with pastels regardless of the experience with the medium.

Laura Martinez-Bianco has spent her life in the Hudson Valley and has always appreciated and valued the beauty of it’s landscape. Her paintings are inspired by her surroundings, whether at home or abroad. After receiving her degree in Art Education from SUNY New Paltz, she continued to study painting with local artists in the Hudson Valley.
Laura has taught and hosted painting workshops in Italy and Cape Cod. Workshops provide her with an opportunity to paint and to teach others the Plein Air experience. Her work spans a variety of medium including pastel, oil and printmaking; recently focusing on encaustics. Her work is in private collections throughout the US, Italy and Denmark. Her work has been exhibited in Regional and National Exhibits while receiving numerous awards.

Materials suggested:
A set of introductory soft pastels- suggested pastel brands Schminke, Sennelier, Unison
A variety of landscape photos to be used as inspiration-your own is preferable
Instructor will provide a variety of paper and surfaces to work on
Instructor will provide a variety of pastels that the students can use alongside their own

Maximum class size 12

REFUND AND CANCELLATION POLICY

Beginning Watercolor with Stephanie Snyder | March 2026
2026-03-01 10:00 - 2026-03-22 12:00 | Wallkill River Center for the Arts, 232 Ward Street, Montgomery, NY, 12549, United States
Sundays, 10 am – 12 pm
March 1, 8, 15, and 22
$120, $100 Members ($90 skip Intro. Day)

The first day of the month’s session – 03/1/26 – 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 | March 2026
2026-03-02 12:30 - 2026-03-16 15:00 | Wallkill River Center for the Arts, 232 Ward Street, Montgomery, NY, 12549, United States
Monday afternoons, 12:30 – 3 pm
March 2, 9, 16
$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 | March 2026
2026-03-03 13:00 - 2026-03-24 15:00 | Wallkill River Center for the Arts, 232 Ward Street, Montgomery, NY, 12549, United States
Tuesday afternoons, 1-3 pm
March 3, 10, 17 and 24
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

Botanical Drawing with Graphite and Watercolor Pencils with Roberta Rosenthal | March 2026
2026-03-05 10:00 - 2026-03-19 13:00 | Wallkill River Center for the Arts, 232 Ward Street, Montgomery, NY, 12549, United States
Thursday mornings, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
March 5, 12, 19th
$140, $120

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

Oil Painting with William Noonan | March 2026
2026-03-07 09:30 - 2026-03-21 12:00 | Wallkill River Center for the Arts, 232 Ward Street, Montgomery, NY, 12549, United States
Saturday mornings, 9:30 am – 12 pm
March 7, 14, 21st
$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

CONCERT | Joe Lovano - Trio Explorations with David Rothenberg and Michael Bisio
2026-03-15 15:00 - 17:00 | The Westinghouse Estate, 62 Old Chester Road, Goshen, New York
Wallkill River Center for the Arts (WRCA) is pleased to present JOE LOVANO: TRIO EXPLORATIONS WITH DAVID ROTHENBERG AND MICHAEL BISIO as the kick-off of our 2026 music series.

Grammy Winner Joe Lovano leads a Creative Trio in Sonic Excursions.
Joe Lovano: saxophones, woodwinds, percussion
with David Rothenberg: bass clarinet and Michael Bisio: acoustic bass

Sunday, March 15, 3 – 5 pm
The Westinghouse Estate, 62 Old Chester Road, Goshen, NY

Presented by WRCA, this is the first of a four-concert series curated by vocalist and composer Judi Silvano.

PLEASE NOTE, the concert series is free and open to the public with a suggested donation of $20/person. Currently, due to the intimate nature of concert location and limited seating, advance registration for seating is NOW FULL.
Standing room will be available day of the concert and is on a first-come, first served basis.
_____

About the performers:

Joe Lovano
Grammy-winning saxophonist, composer and producer Joe Lovano is fearless in finding new modes of artistic expression. With a Grammy Win for his 52nd Street Themes and 14 other nominations, he has won DownBeat Magazine’s Critics and Readers Polls countless times as Tenor Saxophonist, Musician of the Year, Jazz Album of the Year and Triple Crowns from DownBeat. He has also received numerous awards from Jazz Times and the Jazz Journalists Association for Tenor Saxophone, Album of the Year and Musician of the Year.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio on December 29, 1952 he attended the famed Berklee College of Music in Boston where years later he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate. Since 2001 he has held the Gary Burton Chair in Jazz Performance and is a founding faculty member since 2009 of the Global Jazz Institute at Berklee directed by Danilo Pérez. He is a guest lecturer at New York University’s Jazz Program, Juilliard and Manhattan School of Music as well as Clinician at Universities around the globe.

From 1991 through 2016, Lovano released an unprecedented 25 records as a leader for the historic Blue Note Records. Joe Lovano Quartet: Classic! Live at Newport featuring Hank Jones was recorded in 2005 and released in 2016 to critical acclaim. In 2019, Lovano released his debut album as a bandleader on ECM Records, Trio Tapestry, with Marilyn Crispell and Carmen Castaldi. Over the next few years, Lovano saw the release of three additional ECM Records albums: ROMA, a collaboration with Enrico Rava; Arctic Riff, a special guest appearance with the Marcin Wasilewski Trio; and the sophomore release from Lovano’s Trio Tapestry, Garden of Expression. In 2021, Lovano released Other Worlds, his third album with Sound Prints, a quintet he co-leads with trumpeter Dave Douglas. The next year brought a collaboration with guitarist Jakob Bro, Once Around the Room: A Tribute to Paul Motian. In 2023, Lovano released his third Trio Tapestry recording entitled, Our Daily Bread. Most recently, Lovano released Homage, a follow-up recording with the Marcin Wasilewski Trio.

In addition, composer Mark Anthony Turnage wrote a Concerto for Saxophone and Chamber Orchestra for Joe called “A Man Descending” which has been performed globally and Maestro Michael Abene orchestrated an album of all-Lovano originals called Symphonica for the WDR Symphonic Orchestra and Big Band, which was released on Blue Note and received a Grammy nomination.

Joe has performed and recorded with a long list of jazz greats including Woody Herman, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Mel Lewis, Bob Brookmeyer, Paul Motian, Bill Frisell, Tony Bennett, Abbey Lincoln, Charlie Haden, John Scofield, Gunther Schuller, Elvin Jones, McCoy Tyner, Ed Blackwell, Herbie Hancock, Dave Holland, Hank Jones, Dave Liebman, Michael Brecker, Dave Douglas, Judi Silvano, Ravi Coltrane, Chucho Valdés, Ornette Coleman, Diana Krall, and many others. Joe has created an extensive body of work for his own ensembles including strings, woodwinds, his horn-rich Nonet, the Classic Quartet, Trio Tapestry, and more.

Joe Lovano continues to explore new horizons within the world of music as a soloist, bandleader and composer.

David Rothenberg
Musician and philosopher David Rothenberg wrote Why Birds Sing, Bug Music, Survival of the Beautiful and many other books, published in at least eleven languages. He has more than forty recordings out, including One Dark Night I Left My Silent House which came out on ECM, and more recently Just Leave It All Behind and Lost Steps. He has performed or recorded with Pauline Oliveros, Peter Gabriel, Ray Phiri, Suzanne Vega, Scanner, Elliott Sharp, Umru, Iva Bittová, and the Karnataka College of Percussion. In 2024 he won a Grammy Award as part of For the Birds, in the category of Best Boxed Set. Whale Music and Secret Sounds of Ponds are his latest books. Nightingales In Berlin and Eastern Anthems are his latest films. His piece Eleven Paths to Animal Music premiered at the Sammlung Hoffmann in Berlin in 2025. Rothenberg is Distinguished Professor at the New Jersey Institute of Technology.

Michael Bisio
Bassist / composer Michael Bisio has been called a poet, a wonder and one of the most virtuosic and imaginative performers on the double bass.
“The physicality of Mr. Bisio’s bass playing puts him in touch with numerous predecessors in the avante garde, but his expressive touch is distinctive.” The New York Times
With over a hundred fifty recordings in his discography, more than two dozen as leader or co-leader as well as a dozen documenting his extraordinary association with piano icon Matthew Shipp, Michael continues to grow and live in the tradition – The tradition is to move the tradition forward.

___________
About the concert location:
The Westinghouse Estate – Join us for the first concert of our 2026 Season at the historic mansion built in 1929 by the Westinghouse family on 14 acres in the rolling hills of Goshen NY. In the mid-1970’s the property was purchased by the famous Gabor sisters where they created a Health Spa. It is presently being renovated as a Bed and Breakfast and Event Space in this historic Hudson Valley town.

WRCA’s 2026 concert series has been made possible thanks to the support of (as of 1/30/26):

Wallkill River Center for the Arts programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

Zen Watercolor Card Workshop with Monica Ostrow
2026-03-19 18:00 - 20:30 | Wallkill River Center for the Arts, 232 Ward Street, Montgomery, NY, 12549, United States
Thursday, March 19
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.
REFUND AND CANCELLATION POLICY

Alaina Enslen: Rewilding
2026-03-28 - 2026-05-10 | Wallkill River Center for the Arts, 232 Ward Street, Montgomery, NY, 12549, United States
Alaina Enslen: Rewilding
March 28 – May 10, 2026

My newest body of encaustic and textile collages embraces a wilder, more untamed energy. By deconstructing fabric—fraying, pulling, and cutting apart—I allow it to shed its fixed function and become something more vital, raw, and expressive. Wax holds these fragments in tension: preserving looseness while amplifying texture, gesture, and movement.

Hudson Valley artist, Alaina Enslen, merges fiber and encaustics to explore the poetics of memory, identity, and transformation. Rooted in personal narrative, her work engages the tactile and symbolic potential of cloth, wax, and paper—materials that carry both cultural significance and intimate resonance.

Enslen has exhibited her work both nationally and internationally to include museums, galleries, universities, and academic conferences in Lisbon, Porto, Rio de Janeiro and at other major cities. Enslen is currently represented by Carrie Haddad Gallery in Hudson, New York.

OPENING RECEPTION
Saturday, March 28, 3 – 5 pm
Please join us to meet the artist and view the works; light refreshments will be served.

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

Image: Alaina Enslen, The Unfurling of a Wild Thread, encaustic and textile, 12 x 12 in., 2025

Flux & Form: Wax as a Material
2026-03-28 - 2026-05-10 | Wallkill River Center for the Arts, 232 Ward Street, Montgomery, NY, 12549, United States
Flux & Form: Wax as a Material
Curated by Alaina Enslen
March 28 – May 10, 2026

This group exhibition brings together contemporary artists working with wax as a primary material, many drawing from the ancient encaustic tradition. One of the oldest known painting methods, encaustic has been used for centuries, yet continues to evolve through contemporary practices. Inspired by the natural world, the works in this exhibition explore wax’s capacity to preserve, transform, and record time, bridging historical technique with present-day material inquiry.
Exhibiting artists: Regina Quinn, Allyson Levy, Christina Brady, Michele Randall, Lorraine Glessner, Dietlind Vander Schaaf, Sally Hootnick, Teri Yacovelli, and Laura Martinez Bianco.
This exhibition is organized by Alaina Enslen and runs concurrently with her solo show, Rewilding.

Hudson Valley artist, Alaina Enslen, merges fiber and encaustics to explore the poetics of memory, identity, and transformation. Rooted in personal narrative, her work engages the tactile and symbolic potential of cloth, wax, and paper—materials that carry both cultural significance and intimate resonance.

Enslen has exhibited her work both nationally and internationally to include museums, galleries, universities, and academic conferences in Lisbon, Porto, Rio de Janeiro and at other major cities. Enslen is currently represented by Carrie Haddad Gallery in Hudson, New York.

OPENING RECEPTION
Saturday, March 28, 3 – 5 pm
Please join us to meet the artists and view the works; light refreshments will be served.
This event is free and open to the public.

Gallery hours: Friday – Sunday, 12 – 5 pm

Image: Regina Quinn, A Deceptive Beauty, encaustics and oils with wax on panel, 12 x 16 in.

Watercolor with Stephanie Snyder | April 2026
2026-04-05 10:00 - 2026-04-26 12:00 | Wallkill River Center for the Arts, 232 Ward Street, Montgomery, NY, 12549, United States
Sundays, 10 am – 12 pm
April 5, 12, 19, 26
$120, $100 Members ($90 skip Intro. Day)

The first day of the month’s session – 4/5/26 – 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 | April 2026
2026-04-06 12:30 - 2026-04-20 15:00 | Wallkill River Center for the Arts, 232 Ward Street, Montgomery, NY, 12549, United States
Monday afternoons, 12:30 – 3 pm
April 6, 13, 20
$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 | April 2026
2026-04-07 13:00 - 2026-04-28 15:00 | Wallkill River Center for the Arts, 232 Ward Street, Montgomery, NY, 12549, United States
Tuesday afternoons, 1-3 pm
April 7, 14, 21 and 28
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

Mixed Media and Collage with Jodi Doster
2026-04-07 18:00 - 2026-04-21 20:00 | Wallkill River Center for the Arts, 232 Ward Street, Montgomery, NY, 12549, United States
Tuesday evenings, 6:00 – 8:00 pm
April 7, 14, 21
$125, $110 Members (materials included)

In this mixed media class, we will use a variety of techniques and mediums to create unique pieces of art. Students will learn the elements and principles of design to create works that will include collage, drawing, painting as well as other mediums. Explore drawing materials, acrylic, watercolor, ink, gelli plate prints, and tempera paint; learn techniques to incorporate oil pastels, color pencils, markers, drawing pencils, and painted papers into mixed media pieces.
Class will include creating a mixed media painting on canvas. Utilizing painted and gelli print papers, these papers will be used as accents collage on their canvas and other pieces of mixed media drawings, painting or journal pages. This class is open to adults and teens (14+ is recommended). Materials are provided, but if you have materials you want to use, please bring them with you. Materials to make your own painted papers and Gelli prints also available.
All materials will be provided!
Jodi Doster has been teaching science and art 18 years at Bristol Bay Borough Middle/High School in Nanek, Alaska. She is also an Adjunct Professor for the University of Alaska Fairbanks where she teaches biology and art.
Please note, Jodi will be bringing her service dog Monet to class.

REFUND AND CANCELLATION POLICY

Intro to Oil with William Noonan
2026-04-10 18:30 - 20:30 | Wallkill River Center for the Arts, 232 Ward Street, Montgomery, NY, 12549, United States
Friday evening, April 10
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

Oil Painting with William Noonan | April 2026
2026-04-11 09:30 - 2026-04-25 12:00 | Wallkill River Center for the Arts, 232 Ward Street, Montgomery, NY, 12549, United States
Saturday mornings, 9:30 am – 12 pm
April 11, 18, 25
$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.

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

CONCERT | An Evening of AMBIENT MUSIC with Neil Alexander, Craig Chin, and Adam Holquist
2026-04-16 19:00 - 21:00 | Wallkill River Center for the Arts, 232 Ward Street, Montgomery, NY, 12549, United States
As part of the 2026 Arthur Patchett Memorial Music Series, Curated by vocalist, composer, and WRCA Board member Judi Silvano, Wallkill River Center for the Arts (WRCA) is pleased to present …

Thursday, April 16, 7 – 9 pm
An Evening of AMBIENT MUSIC
with Neil Alexander, Craig Chin, and Adam Holquist
@ Wallkill River Center for the Arts

PLEASE NOTE, the concert series is free and open to the public with a suggested donation of $20/person. Due to the intimate nature of concert locations and limited seating, advance registration is recommended but not required. To reserve your seat, register by purchasing a FREE ticket – at bottom of event page.

_______________

About the performers:

NEIL “NAIL” ALEXANDER
Prolific master pianist, synthesist, keyboardist and composer Neil “Nail” Alexander has had a career spanning more than 4 decades.
He remains passionately involved in multiple performance and production projects – including NAIL, Cloudburst, Mr. Gone, X Ensemble, Supercluster – across multiple genres – including jazz, rock, funk, blues, electronica, ambient and contemporary chamber music. Neil has toured worldwide across the US, Mexico, Canada and Europe.
Neil has been involved with Modern Dance Choreographers for 40 years, teaches master classes in electronic music production and heads the Ableton Hudson Valley User Group. In 2015 Neil was awarded Individual Artist of the Year by the Orange County Arts Council and is endorsed by Moog Music.
He has worked with The Mahavishnu Project, Rez Abasi, Judi Silvano, Gunter Hampel, Joe Lovano, Marty Balin, Corey Glover, and more.
Recent recordings include “Check Your Vibration”(Nail Jung), “Solos/Duos/Trios”(Neil Alexander), a solo piano performance of the “Rite of Spring”(2013), and NAIL Live at the Blue Note, NYC.

CRAIG CHIN
ERRANT SPACE – AMBIENT SOUNDSCAPES is a project of composer/recordist Craig Chin. Its goal is spatio-temporal dilation through sound. Performances are site-specific, spontaneous compositions influenced by both the physical characteristics of the space they are performed in and the occupants of that space.
Craig creates soundscapes that are simultaneously unobtrusive and interesting, creating an atmosphere where the environment and audience are enveloped in a sort of subliminal soundscape.
Brian Eno coined the term Ambient Music in the 1970’s, defining it as music that “must be able to accommodate many levels of listening attention without enforcing one in particular; it must be as ignorable as it is interesting.” This is the essence of the Errant Space philosophy.
Craig produces the monthly Errant Space Podcast featuring experimental and electronic musicians and curates several music series, including a monthly electronic and experimental night and the Space Out, Outside series. He also has a weekly radio show, The Space Program, on Vassar College’s Station WVKR.

ADAM HOLQUIST
ONEWAYNESS – podcast focused on the arts, politics, and current events – is Adam Holquist, a composer, musician, sound designer, and multimedia creator from Erie, Pennsylvania.
He uses guitars, pianos, analog and digital synthesis, spoken word and field recordings, and a variety of hardware and software tools to create atmospheric and textural music which draws influence from a variety of sources.
Since 2011, he has given hundreds of live performances and released over 40 albums and EP’s. His work has been featured on both terrestrial and streaming radio stations, charted on Zone Music Reporter’s weekly Top 100 ambient music airplay charts, and reviewed by publications in the US and abroad.
Adam has created original music and sound design for theatre, independent films, art installations and also serves as curator of the ElectroFLUX Experimental Music Series, presenting creative music from local to international artists.

_______________

WRCA’s 2026 concert series has been made possible thanks to the following:

Wallkill River Center for the Arts programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

Submit by April 20 | BOTANICAL OBSERVATIONS
2026-04-20 | Wallkill River Center for the Arts, 232 Ward Street, Montgomery, NY, 12549, United States
BOTANICAL OBSERVATIONS
A Regional Exhibition Featuring Botanical Inspired Artworks
Juried by Janine Lambers

PROSPECTUS
Submissions due: April 20, 2026

Call for entries
In addition to her solo show Reaching Across, Lambers will serve as juror for BONTANICAL OBSERVATIONS, an exhibition featuring botanical inspired artworks which will be on view concurrently in the Patchett Gallery; all mediums welcome.

Exhibition Dates

Submission deadline: April 20, 2026
Acceptance Notification: April 30, 2026
Drop-off deadline: by May 10th
Exhibition dates: May 16 – June 21, 2026
Opening Reception: Saturday, May 16th, 5 – 7 pm
Pick-up of artwork: starts June 21st

Entry Instructions

Only original artwork will be considered. NO digital reproductions, digital with hand manipulation, or AI generated images will be considered.
Submissions are by digital images ONLY through EntryThingy.
Images should be standard color jpeg (min. image width 1,000 pixels)
Size: 2D works may not exceed 40 inches high by 30 inches wide ( 40 x 30 in.); 3D works may not exceed 24 inches high by 14 inches wide in any direction (24 x 14 in.).
Work must be submitted by the artist, and not previously exhibited at WRCA.

About the Juror
Janine Lambers is a German born artist working from her studio in Beacon, NY. Trained under the auspices of the German Guild Academy, she graduated as a gilder. During the course of her career, with a deep reverence and understanding of her craft, she started to create her own works of art. Lambers exhibits her work internationally and has received numerous commissions including site-specific works such as an 18ft gilded wall mural for a private super yacht.

Image: Janine Lambers, Sila

Sketching, Mindfulness and Movement with Eileen MacAvery
2026-04-25 10:00 - 12:00 | Orange County Arboretum, 41 Grove Street Route 416, Montgomery, NY, 12549, United States
Saturday, April 25
(rain date, May 2)
10 am – 12 pm
at the Orange County Arboretum
$30, $20 for Members
Deepening our connection to nature and our environment will serve our spirit, and what serves our spirit invariably serves our artistic output. (Rick Rubin)
Immerse yourself in a meditation and movement experience and sketch the beautiful landscape at Orange County Arboretum. By walking, breathwork, meditation, and some standing Yoga and Qi Gong movements, participants will enjoy the health benefits from these practices along with the enjoyment of sketching outdoors through basic instruction and guidance.

No experience is necessary. Wear comfortable walking shoes and a hat and bring sunscreen, bug protection and water. Bring a tote bag or backpack for carrying supplies. If you have a sketching stool you are welcome to bring it, not required as there are many places to sit.

Participants can purchase an art kit or bring their own materials.
Suggested Materials: Sketchbooks, pencils, pens, brushes, and a watercolor palette for sketching.
Art Kit: $10 (Sketchbooks, pencils, pens, brushes, and a watercolor palette for sketching provided)
Eileen MacAvery is an artist, and lifelong yoga practitioner, and certified yoga instructor. You can learn more about her here: https://linktr.ee/macavery
REFUND AND CANCELLATION POLICY

The PARTY: Reflections
2026-04-26 17:00 - 20:00 | The Tower, 84 Hawkins Drive, Montgomery, NY, 12549, United States
Sunday, April 26, 2026
5 – 8 pm

The Tower | Montgomery, NY

Join us for an evening of Art, Food & Music to support Wallkill River Center for the Arts (WRCA).

Cocktails, lavish hors d’oeuvres, and lively conversation enjoyed amidst musical performances by guest artists.
Kirk Driscoll, Bruce Arnold, Jerry DeVore
Prepare to be captivated by Guitarist Bruce Arnold’s Trio, featuring jazz stalwarts Jerry DeVore on bass and Eric Halvorson on drums! Their take on improvisation will breathe new life into familiar songs you know and love, delivering a dynamic guitar trio sound that will enhance the atmosphere of our event.
Such artistry will surely inspire generous donations and spirited bids at our silent auction of original artwork, pottery, jewelry, experiences, and more!

Following Bruce Arnold’s Trio, get ready to groove with Hudson Valley’s own Home At Last band, led by Saxophonist Mike Antonelli! Formed during the pandemic by father-and-son, this six-piece powerhouse brings a fresh twist to contemporary and classic soft rock. Since Vibraphonist Bill Ware (Steely Dan, Jazz Passengers, Groove Collective) joined, they’ve released three albums of mostly original music. So, let loose and dance to their infectious and joyous sounds!

As part of this artful evening of festivities and as a thank you for your support of the arts, every attendee will select a 5 × 7 in. original work of art to take home.

Purchase your tickets today and support Wallkill River Center for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit arts organization; please note, $50 of each ticket may be considered a charitable contribution.

A special thank you to our 2026 PARTY Sponsors:

Make a greater IMPACT – Support the arts in our community as a PARTY SPONSOR!

Watercolor with Stephanie Snyder | May 2026
2026-05-03 10:00 - 2026-05-24 12:00 | Wallkill River Center for the Arts, 232 Ward Street, Montgomery, NY, 12549, United States
Sundays, 10 am – 12 pm
May 3rd, 17th, 24th, 31st (No class on the 10th!)
$120, $100 Members ($90 skip Intro. Day)

The first day of the month’s session – 5/3/26 – 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

Plein Air Painting with Nancy Reed Jones | May 2026
2026-05-05 09:00 - 2026-05-26 09:00 | River Front Park, Walden, NY
Tuesday mornings, 9 am – 12 pm
May 5, 12, 19, 26
$160, $140 Members

Location: River Front Park, Walden, NY
Students will learn all the fundamentals of how to create beautiful paintings outdoors. Using a limited palette, students will learn how to simplify the vast landscape and capture the important aspects of a scene to create a successful plein air painting. All mediums welcome, instructor specializes in acrylic.
Students will bring their own supplies. You are advised to wear sun and bug protection for outdoor classes. Make sure you drink water and seek shade on hot days.

Nancy Reed Jones is an award winning artist, receiving the 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 Council on Long Island. Running her own mural business for many years, special projects include murals in the Vanderbilt homes on Long Island and murals for cancer patients in hospitals which were also used for art therapy. 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

Basic Drawing with Roberta Rosenthal
2026-05-06 13:00 - 2026-05-20 13:00 | Wallkill River Center for the Arts, 232 Ward Street, Montgomery, NY, 12549, United States
Wednesday afternoons, 1 – 3 pm
May 6, 13, and 20
$120, $110 Members

Basic Drawing – how to use drawing tools, line, shapes, shadows, light source, forms, composition and perspective.
Great for beginners or those coming back after years away from art making.

Materials List: * needed supplies for drawing classes
Strathmore 400 Drawing pad 11” x 14’ with 24 sheets gray toned paper
*Strathmore 400 Drawing pad 11” x 14’ with 24 sheets white paper
*Kneaded erasers and magic rub erasers
*Set of 2H – 6B Set of 12 graphite pencils and/or at least 2H, HB, 2B, 4B
Generals Sketchmate Drawing Set (has mostly basic pencils & tools
WHITE charcoal or pastel pencil
*Charcoal pencil soft (Generals Set)
Caran D’Ache neocolor II watercolor crayons set of 10 or 15 (optional)
Set of Black Micron pens (optional) fine line and Sakura Pigma Brush Marker
*12” plastic ruler
*Pencil sharpener with multiple holes
Exacto blade optional
*sandpaper pad /block
*paper blending stumps set of 12 assorted sizes

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

Absolute Beginner Acrylic Painting with Nancy Reed Jones | May 2026
2026-05-07 10:00 - 2026-05-28 12:00 | Wallkill River Center for the Arts, 232 Ward Street, Montgomery, NY, 12549, United States
Thursdays 10 am – 12 pm
May 7, 14, 21, 28
At Wallkill River Center for the Arts

$160, $140 Members

This class is for folks with little to no knowledge of painting . We start with the very basics: How to use the different brushes, how to mix paint ( color theory), creating a good composition and all the beginner fundamentals you will need to go forward in becoming a confident painter.
There is a supply list that will give you everything needed to begin.
Take your first step to becoming an artist!

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

Oil Painting with William Noonan | May 2026
2026-05-09 09:30 - 2026-05-16 12:00 | Wallkill River Center for the Arts, 232 Ward Street, Montgomery, NY, 12549, United States
Saturday mornings, 9:30 am – 12 pm
May 9 and 16 (2 sessions)
$80, $70 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
