CELEBRATIONS
"Celebration is a kind of food we all need in our lives, and each individual brings a special recipe or offering, so that together we will make a great feast. Celebration is a human need that we must not, and can not, deny. It is richer and fuller when many work and then celebrate together." - Corita Kent
Welcome to our CELEBRATION archive - a place documenting our annual event that started it all. Our first-ever event in January 2018 was titled Celebration and featured over 50 creatives in one space. Since then, we have hosted a Celebration every year with the continued intention to organize, recognize, and celebrate marginalized creatives in the Hudson Valley region.
Check out the archive below for a peek into each offering!
Check out the archive below for a peek into each offering!
2018
Where: Catalyst Gallery, Beacon NY
When: January 13 - February 3, 2018
Produced by: Jamie Sanin & Amanda Light
Show notes: our first-ever event! Jamie did not go in with the intention of starting an organization but rather wanted to explore her skills at curating a community arts space via a gallery. This was back when we had a different name and mission, and the show featured both local and international artists as well as events within the gallery space throughout the run. What started as a humble personal endeavor became the Catalyst (pun intended, RIP Catalyst Gallery) for our niche in the Hudson Valley region's arts scene. Endless gratitude.
2019
Where: Roost Studios, New Paltz NY
When: January 11 - February 2, 2019
Produced by: Jamie Sanin & Ami Madeleine
Show notes: our second showcase, this time featuring "sponsorship" support and more local folks, many of whom were younger due to the show's proximity to a local college. An amazing volunteer team was able to have the gallery open 7 days a week so that locals and visitors alike could make the time to visit.
2020
Where: WomensWork.Art Gallery, Poughkeepsie NY
When: January 10 - February 1, 2020
Produced by: Jamie Sanin, James & Wade, and Tamara DelBoccio
Show notes: our third showcase featuring our edited mission statement, which continued to help us connect and grow individually and in community. This was also our last big exhibition before the pandemic and we are grateful for the memory. Gratitude to this show's sponsors as well for believing in our work.
Show notes: our third showcase featuring our edited mission statement, which continued to help us connect and grow individually and in community. This was also our last big exhibition before the pandemic and we are grateful for the memory. Gratitude to this show's sponsors as well for believing in our work.
2021
Where: virtually on Zoom - click here to watch the video
When: January 30 & 31, 2021
Produced by: Jamie Sanin, James S, Colton Thorn, Sasasa, and Brent Felker
Show notes: this was a truly magical CELEBRATION, as it was our first largescale showcase during the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic taught us so much about virtual programming, accessibility, and the importance of creative community space during turbulent times. Such an honor to have held the space for viewers and participants alike.
2022
Where: Arts Society of Kingston, Kingston NY
*This venue is no longer a safe space - read about it here!
When: the entirety of 2022, culminating in 6 different interactive exhibits
Produced by: Jamie Sanin, Firefly Resin, Sasasa, & Brent Felker
Where: Arts Society of Kingston, Kingston NY
*This venue is no longer a safe space - read about it here!
When: the entirety of 2022, culminating in 6 different interactive exhibits
Produced by: Jamie Sanin, Firefly Resin, Sasasa, & Brent Felker
Show notes: please read our statement about our experience with this venue here. While this experience was heavy and one we are still healing from, there are absolutely aspects to be celebrated. We occupied the space all year and had a great time making friends, holding COVID-safe space during a continued pandemic, giving away free stuff, & seeing so much beauty & kindness & talent & more. A reminder that we knew from the start that our presence would be challenged & that nonprofits are rarely designed to maintain relationships with those who are historically excluded, but our impact was meaningful to so many which we are forever changed by and grateful for.
2023
Where: remotely, wherever participants chose to be
When: any time on January 31, 2023
Produced by: Jamie Sanin
Show notes: after the harm caused during our 2022 residency and considering the fatigue of trying to hold intersectional COVID-conscious space when the nation was preemptively "going back to normal", we decided that the way we needed to celebrate was not by having a showcase but instead by resting. Resting collectively felt important and was well received by impacted community members and allies who were asked to pay it forward if they had consistent privilege with access to frequent rest.
2024
Where: virtually on YouTube and in-person (invite only) at The Local, Saugerties NY
When: Saturday, January 27, 2024
Produced by: Jamie Sanin, Brent Felker, James S, Matty Barchetto
Show notes: our seventh annual CELEBRATION took the form of a "Boiler Room-style" virtual dance party that streamed live on our YouTube. It featured a live DJ, Strongheart the Primordial (Beacon NY), and some COVID-safe party goers who partied safely in person! The precautions in place for those attending in person included: rapid antigen testing and reporting 2 days prior, 1 day prior, and the day-of, required masking indoors at all times, 4 HEPA air purifiers, and a Far UVC light. This event was an excellent and inspiring blueprint for how to hold hybrid, COVID-mindful space.
organize - recognize - celebrate!
