Dutchess County Fairgrounds Mural Unveiling
Melissa Dvozenja-Thomas, Executive Director, Arts Mid-Hudson
In a vibrant testament to the power of art to unite and inspire, Arts Mid-Hudson, Destination Dutchess, and the Dutchess County Fairgrounds have announced the upcoming unveiling of a mural by celebrated artist Brian Zickafoose. This exciting collaboration was made possible by funding provided by the Dutchess County Government. Set for August 7, 2025 at 4:00 p.m., this eagerly anticipated event will take place at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds Welcome Center, marking a beautiful cultural moment for the Hudson Valley community.
This collaborative mural project invited artists to explore the theme “How does agriculture unite us?”Among the submissions, Brian Zickafoose’s design stood out, capturing the essence of Dutchess County’s agritourism. His mural vividly highlights the region’s family farms, orchards, wineries, breweries, and natural beauty—an artistic homage to the area’s rich agricultural tapestry.
Zickafoose, based in New York’s Hudson Valley, is an acclaimed illustrator and muralist known for his works that intricately blend themes of nature and spirituality. “It’s an honor to collaborate with the Dutchess County Fairgrounds, Destination Dutchess, and Arts Mid-Hudson,” he said. “This mural celebrates the vibrant creative spirit of the Hudson Valley while honoring the region’s rich agricultural heritage. It’s designed to spark a sense of wonder and transformation in all who encounter it.”
The unveiling event promises to be a community celebration, complete with fair food staples by Maxwell Catering and What’s Poppin’ Kettle Corn. Attendees can also enjoy a live broadcast from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. by WRWD’s Beth Christy, adding an extra layer of excitement to the festivities.
This remarkable project is made possible through the collaboration between the Dutchess County Fairgrounds, Destination Dutchess, and Arts Mid-Hudson. Destination Dutchess, the official destination marketing organization for Dutchess County, plays a pivotal role in enhancing the county’s public image and supporting its visitor economy. Melaine Rottkamp, President & CEO of Destination Dutchess, expressed her enthusiasm for the project. “Following our successful partnership with Arts Mid-Hudson on the mural project adjacent to our tourism brochure racks at the Poughkeepsie Galleria, we looked for another opportunity to collaborate,” Rottkamp said. “We felt that commissioning a stunning mural showcasing agritourism – a key component of our diverse tourism offerings created the perfect opportunity to celebrate our farms and farmers.”
The Dutchess County Fairgrounds, together with the Dutchess County Agricultural Society, strives to promote agriculture and rural heritage. Andy Imperati, President/CEO of the Ag Society, emphasized the significance of the mural’s location. “We take every opportunity to spread the word about the mission of the Dutchess Agricultural Society, which is to promote and educate people about agriculture. What better place to have this beautiful mural displayed than at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds, where it can be viewed at one of the largest agritourism venues in the Hudson Valley.“
Join the celebration and be one of the first to witness how art and agriculture come together to transform our community.
If you go:
Dutchess County Fairgrounds Mural Unveiling
The DC Fairgrounds Welcome Center, 6636 Springbrook Ave, Rte. 9, Rhinebeck, NY, 12572
Date: Thursday, August 7, 2025
Time: 4:00 pm
RSVP: https://tinyurl.com/2025DCFairMural
Contact: info@artsmidhudson.org
www.artsmidhudson.org/dc-fairground-mural
