Local artists take over storefronts in Beacon

Thursday August 9, 2012 5:00 PM By Georgette Yacoub

Photo credit: Courtesy of Windows on Main Street | Local artists will install their works in storefronts along Beacon's Main Street for the "Windows on Main Street" exhibition, on display from Saturday, Aug. 11, through Saturday, Sept. 8.

Toss your plans for window shopping, well, out the window. Instead, marvel over the works of local artists installed in Beacon storefronts for the "Windows on Main Street" exhibition, which kicks off Saturday and runs through Sept. 8.

The exhibition, which has been running annually since 2005, matches 60 local artists to  businesses on the mile-long Main Street. The artist and the store owner then collaborate in designing an art space in the storefront, which remains up for four weeks.

“It’s a very unique opportunity for artists to show their art in a public setting, which doesn’t happen very often,” said Hannah Anderson, the curator of the exhibition. “It’s nice to bring art outside of the gallery setting.”

Local artist Christopher Albert first came up with the exhibition, which has grown every year since its inception.

“His idea was to make art more visible in the community,” said Melissa Tatge, the organizer and promoter of the event. “Back then, Beacon was just starting to take off and a lot of artists moved out there. It was a way for the artists to engage with the community.”

While walking down Main Street, strollers can sample varied art forms, ranging from photography to three-dimensional installations. The exhibition opens 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 11, at Dream in Plastic, a small business selling everything from vinyl art toys to stationery (177 Main St.; 845-632-3383; www.dreaminplastic.com). Partygoers can meet the artists, listen to live music, munch on cupcakes, and check out the “Tiny Windows” exhibition, a miniature version of the main event.

Also worth attending is the exhibition’s closing reception at Chill Wine Bar at 6 p.m.  Saturday, Sept. 8 (173 Main St.; 845-765-0855). There, a catalogue full of photographs from the exhibition will be signed by the artists and sold to visitors.

“I’m always surprised at how easy it is to get stores involved. They love the project,” said Tatge. “I like to think of this event as turning the art community of Beacon inside out.”

For more information and an interactive map of the exhibition, visit beaconwindows.org.

Photo: An image from last year's event

Tags: Beacon , Dutchess County , Windows on Main Street , art exhibition , local artists , Dream in Plastic , Chill Wine Bar