“Top 10 Must-See Shows in Upstate New York This January”

**Exploring the Vibrant Art Scene in Upstate New York This Winter**

As the frosty embrace of January blankets Upstate New York, art lovers seeking warmth and inspiration can turn to the myriad exhibitions and creative showcases lighting up the region. From intimate portraits of fame to explorations of reproductive agency, this season’s artistic offerings cater to both contemplative and vibrant tastes. Let’s delve into some standout exhibitions that are making waves across galleries and museums.

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### **1. Jonathan Becker: Lost Time**
– **Where:** Katonah Museum of Art, Katonah, NY
– **When:** Through January 26

Acclaimed photographer Jonathan Becker’s retrospective captures a rich tapestry of celebrity and intimacy, honed over five decades. With stunning images from his illustrious career with *Vanity Fair* and *Vogue*, Becker’s works provide rare glimpses into moments shared with cultural icons. Highlights include the glamorous “Diana Vreeland at home, 550 Park Avenue” (1979) and the soulful “Ward Just’s Desk, Martha’s Vineyard” (1996). This exhibition celebrates the allure of fame while offering an introspective look into private lives.

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### **2. Unexpected Light**
– **Where:** Carrie Haddad Gallery, Hudson, NY
– **When:** Through January 26

Art history’s infatuation with light is spotlighted in this outstanding group show featuring five artists whose works radiate with luminosity and presence. Leigh Palmer’s encaustic “Gray Clouds” enchants with its atmospheric serenity, while David Dew Bruner’s “Sheets II” elevates a daily scene into a study of intimacy and texture. This exhibition is a hymn to light, mixing the traditional with the avant-garde in profound harmony.

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### **3. Small Works**
– **Where:** Buster Levi Gallery, Cold Spring, NY
– **When:** Through January 26

Don’t let the title mislead you—this exhibition is a remarkable showcase of creativity in small-scale formats. Featuring 14 artists across diverse media, *Small Works* delivers thought-provoking sculptures, paintings, and mixed media. Grace Kennedy’s “Discordant Trio II,” with its juxtaposition of bucolic Americana and futuristic elements, steals the show with its blend of whimsy and depth. This exhibit champions the power of miniature art to evoke grand ideas.

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### **4. Winter Salon 2024**
– **Where:** Perry Lawson Fine Art, Nyack, NY
– **When:** Through January 26

Local talent takes the spotlight in this wide-ranging exhibition featuring 25 artists. Works range from Spencer Tunick’s haunting photography to Eric David Laxman’s powerful steel-and-plywood sculptures. A standout piece, Tracy Burtz’s “All Of Them,” uses Impressionist sensibilities to capture a quiet yet emotionally rich moment. Winter Salon 2024 is a testament to the creative vibrancy of the Hudson Valley.

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### **5. Reproductive: Health, Fertility, Agency**
– **Where:** The Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center, Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, NY
– **When:** Through February 2

This timely and evocative exhibition tackles the multifaceted realities of reproductive health and justice. Featuring works like Jess T. Dugan’s poignant “Self-portrait with Vanessa and Elinor (2 days old)” and KING COBRA’s visceral “Betsey’s Flag,” the show examines physical, psychological, and political dimensions of reproduction. This deeply personal and thought-provoking collection challenges viewers to engage with urgent social issues.

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### **6. HOLIDAY**
– **Where:** LABspace, Hillsdale, NY
– **When:** Through February 23

The annual *HOLIDAY* group exhibition features a joyous array of small-scale artworks by 375 contributors. From Philip J. Palmieri’s intimate “Adam’s First Kiss” to Hanna Washburn’s playful “Sure-Footed” sculpture, this show revels in charm and exuberance. The expertly curated installation transforms the gallery into a wonderland of creativity, drawing smiles and reflections alike.

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### **7. A Space Between Worlds**
– **Where:** Wassaic Project, Wassaic, NY
– **When:** Through March 15

The Wassaic Project invites audiences into immersive, fantastical realms through nine artists’ installations across its iconic Maxon Mills building. Dana Robinson’s “Honey,” blending collage and abstraction, and Jamal Ademola’s textile-based “You are now Egungun” evoke otherworldly possibilities while maintaining deep-rooted connections to culture and humanity. This exhibition is a journey through layered narratives and creative visions.

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### **8. Anne Schaefer: Greater Valley Artists**
– **Where:** Foreland, Catskill, NY
– **When:** Through February 16

Anne Schaefer’s bold, dynamic works transform Foreland’s