ART STUDIO VIEWS 2026
Melissa Dvozenja-Thomas, Executive Director, Arts Mid-Hudson
What can you learn about a work of art by seeing where it was made? A finished painting hanging in a gallery tells one story. Step inside the artist’s studio, however, and another begins to emerge. There are brushes and half-used tubes of paint, works still in progress, shelves of materials, experiments that may or may not become something more, and clues to the routines and inspirations behind the finished work. This Labor Day weekend, Art Studio Views invites the public behind those doors. On September 5 and 6, 28 artists across Hyde Park, Germantown, Red Hook, Rhinebeck, Tivoli, and surrounding communities will welcome visitors into their studios for the 19th annual free, self-guided tour.
For nearly two decades, Art Studio Views has helped connect local artists with the communities around them while giving residents and visitors a reason to explore the region. That connection extends beyond the studios themselves. Organizers encourage visitors to make a day of the experience by stopping at independent restaurants, shops, galleries, and other local businesses along their route.
“This event is not only a celebration of art but also a chance for our community to come together and experience the power of creativity,” said Art Studio Views Director Joanna Hess. “This event promises to be a highlight of the holiday weekend, blending cultural enrichment with the joy of artistic discovery.” And there is plenty to discover.
The participating artists represent a broad range of practices. Visitors can meet painters working in oils, acrylics, watercolors, and inks; explore collage and mixed-media work incorporating found objects; see printmaking and photography; discover metal arts and sculpture; and visit ceramic artists creating everything from functional pieces to more unexpected forms. That variety makes the weekend an opportunity to build your own art adventure. Follow the bright yellow Art Studio Views signs through the Hudson Valley and spend an afternoon visiting a handful of studios, or plan a route that takes you through several communities. Unlike some traditional exhibitions, there is no single way to experience the tour.
The artists themselves are an important part of that experience. Visitors aren’t simply viewing finished work; they have opportunities to talk directly with its creators, learn about their inspiration and techniques, and, at select studios, watch demonstrations of the artistic process. With 28 artists and multiple communities to explore, a little planning can go a long way. Visitors can browse participating artists online ahead of time, choose the studios that spark their curiosity, and map out a personalized route. Printed maps will also be available at several participating galleries.
Whether you’re an experienced collector or someone who has always wondered what happens behind a studio door, Art Studio Views offers something increasingly rare: the chance to slow down, meet the person behind the artwork, and see creativity where it actually happens. Sometimes understanding a work of art begins by seeing the place and meeting the person where it came to life.
If you go:
ART STUDIO VIEWS 2026
Various Locations
September 5–6, 2026
11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Contact: 845-505-6397
artstudioviewstour@gmail.com
artstudioviews.com
