Date: Wednesday, October 2, 2024

Location: The Grandview, 176 Rinaldi Blvd, Poughkeepsie, NY

Time: 5:30 p.m. – Food & Drinks; 7:00 p.m. – Awards Presentation

Please RSVP by calling 845.454.3222 or through the website: https://www.artsmidhudson.org/dcartsawards

The Dutchess County art scene is set to shine as Arts Mid-Hudson proudly presents the 38th Annual Dutchess County Executive’s Arts Awards. This year’s awards ceremony, to be held on Wednesday, October 2 at The Grandview, will celebrate nine remarkable individuals and organizations who have made outstanding contributions to the arts in Dutchess County.

The event will begin with food and drinks at 5:30 p.m., followed by the awards presentation at 7:00 p.m. Attendees will gather to honor this year’s awardees, each recognized for their unique impact on the local arts community.

The community nominates the recipients who are chosen based on their important contribution to the growth of Dutchess County’s cultural life over a significant period of time, the extraordinary support they show for the arts, and/or their vision and leadership in using the arts to enhance community life.

Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino remarked on the significance of the arts in the region: “The artists, poets, and other creative spirits of Dutchess County have dedicated their lives to inspiring others through their chosen art forms. The arts help boost our economy, keeping our cities, towns and villages at the front of mind for tourists looking to explore, discuss, or learn about our communities and their history,” said Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino. “We are grateful to Arts Mid-Hudson for their continued efforts to support and celebrate the dedication and accomplishments of these individuals and organizations who help keep the arts industry thriving and congratulations to all of this year’s winners!”

The Arts Awards are organized by a dedicated committee including Roger D’Aquino, Charlotte Dinwiddie, Kelly Dwy, Brittany Gardner, Tempi Hopkins, Anita Jones, Laurent Revillon, Kim Steinard, and Teresa Quinn. Their collective efforts ensure that the achievements of the local arts community are recognized and celebrated.

This year’s awards are divided into 9 categories:

2024 Dutchess County Arts Executive’s Arts Awards Recipients:

Art in Public Places: Beatrix Farrand Garden Association

The Beatrix Farrand Garden Association is dedicated to honoring and sharing the environmental and design legacy of Beatrix Farrand. By restoring and preserving Farrand’s garden at the Bellefield Mansion and offering educational and cultural programs, the association inspires visitors and increases public appreciation of her pioneering work.

Arts in Education: Thomas B. Costello, Ph.D.

Thomas B. Costello, PhD, aka “Tommy” around campus, is a professor of Theatre & Speech at DCC, and holds degrees from SUNY Geneseo, Trinity College Dublin, and the Univ. of Pittsburgh. His work has filled stages in Prague, Dublin, London, Pittsburgh, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Toronto, and beyond, and he now calls DCC home. Tommy is hugely honored to receive the Dutchess County Executive’s Award in Arts Education, and he owes the honor to the countless students, colleagues, and artists that he has been able to collaborate with along the way. Tommy remains a passionate advocate for his students – and believes that all students are worthy of an excellent education. Dutchess Community College empowers him to make that a reality every day.

Arts Organization: New Deal Creative Arts Center

The New Deal Creative Arts Center, located in Hyde Park, stands as a testament to artistic accessibility & opportunity. Founded in 2017, the center echoes the spirit of FDR’s New Deal era and his mission to promote American art and culture, and to give more access to what he described as “an abundant life.” The center’s years are filled with diverse programming including workshops, classes, performances, & special events to celebrate the arts in its many forms. New Deal has a strong emphasis on the local community, but has expanded to national & international attention through their innovative productions and programming. Having been an open door to artists from ages 3-83, New Deal’s pride point is being a home for the arts for all.

Business: Battle Hill Forge⁠

Located in the historic hamlet of Wassaic, New York, Battle Hill Forge has been producing heirloom quality landscape and garden accents inspired by the historic properties of the Hudson Valley since 2004. “Izzy” Israel Fitch, an original founder and owner, designs and builds one-of-a-kind, hand forged, functional works of art with all the passion and skill of a master blacksmith. Battle Hill Forge works are found across the USA at locations like, the Metropolitan Museum of Art Cloisters, the Norman Rockwell Museum, Barney’s Chicago, The Berkshire Botanical Gardens, Colorado Botanical Gardens, and at businesses and private estates nationwide. Battle Hill is, undoubtedly, a Forge to be Reckoned With!

Individual Artist: Isaac Foss Jeffreys

Isaac Foss Jeffreys is a New York-based photographer with roots in the Hudson Valley/Catskills region, where he frequently returns to create. A Parsons School of Design BFA graduate (2022), Isaac’s work explores the architecture and atmosphere of the Borscht Belt resorts, blending his interests in architecture, set design, and cultural history. Specializing in medium to large format film photography, he often shoots at night to evoke surreal, nostalgic effects. Isaac also serves as Visual Coordinator for the Borscht Belt Historical Marker Project. More at isaacjeffreys.com and on Instagram @isaacjeffreys.

ThinkDIFFERENTLY in the Arts: In Flight, Inc. & Standing Room Only Theater Company

In Flight, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. Founded on the belief in human potential, we’ve been a cornerstone of support for the community for over 30 years. We serve people across Ulster, Dutchess, Columbia, & Greene counties, providing a full suite of programs including residential, day hab, employment, community hab, & respite services designed to foster independence and self-sufficiency. We are steadfast advocates for individuals with disabilities. Through our dedication to providing comprehensive support, innovative programming, and our commitment to community partnerships, we continue to empower individuals to live fulfilling and independent lives.

Standing Room Only Theater Company has been bringing the joy of theatre to Dutchess County audiences with live productions spanning nearly two decades. SRO is owned/operated by Eileen Fowler-Sclafani & Dan Sclafani, union actors who each enjoyed successful performing careers before moving here in 2005 to raise their children. They decided to share their combined professional theater knowledge with the children and young adults of our community. “Everyone gets a chance to shine!” has been SRO’s motto since day one. Through the performing arts, SRO offers a safe, nurturing space where people are comfortable to be their true selves, forge life-long friendships, and become confident and proud, all while doing something they love.

Special Citation: Tilly Strauss

Tilly Strauss is a Hudson Valley artist with deep roots in art history. Her family is full of teachers, artists, curators, and writers and they inform her passion for making and creating opportunities to demystify art. She has been teaching art and art history for 27 years. In 2023, Strauss was elected the Town Clerk and Vital Records Manager for her community. Tilly Strauss graduated from CU Boulder with a BFA in painting and a BA in art history. Since then, her art exhibits cover a broad geographic expanse. Her work has been featured in the New York Times, Barcelona Poughkeepsie Journal, Lakeville Journal, and Taconic Newspaper Group. She has been commissioned by Metro North Railroad and by the Miami Parking Authority.

Volunteer: Charles Milligan

Charles Milligan started working for IBM here in ‘77, retiring in ‘11. While working, he supported the local arts financially, including the Bardavon, Storm King Art Center, Howland Chamber Music Circle & the Wassaic Project. He started volunteering as his church’s treasurer in ‘99 until ‘16. In ‘17 he became treasurer of the Pawling Concert Series, which presents live music concerts in Pawling. In ‘18, Charlie volunteered for AARP Foundation’s Tax-Aide program, providing free tax prep for those in our community who need it the most. Currently he’s a NY State Coordinator. He’s also the webmaster for his college class’s website. Charlie and his husband Henry live in Wingdale, just down the hill from the Appalachian Trail.

Youth with Exceptional Promise in the Arts: Susanna Gilgert

Susanna Gilgert is a Poughkeepsie resident and recent graduate of DCC. She earned degrees in Liberal Arts and Performing Arts and was a recipient of the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence. Susanna was a member of the DCC Chorus and Show Choir, and sang the national anthem at the DCC commencement ceremony. She sang with the HV BachFest for four summers, and she is the singer on the contemporary worship team at St. John’s Church. Susanna is also a substitute pianist at her church, as well as a member of the handbell choir. She is a student in the Honors Program at SUNY New Paltz, where she studies Classical Vocal Performance. Susanna plans to continue living and working in the Hudson Valley as a church and community musician.

Individual Awardee photos available upon request.