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

**December Exhibition Highlights: A Vibrant Overview of Upstate New York Art Scene**

As December ushers in the festive spirit, Upstate New York’s art galleries come alive with an array of exhibitions that promise to inspire and captivate. The Ethan Cohen Gallery at the KuBe Art Center spices things up with “Sex Education,” a playful exploration of sexual dynamics through provocative sculptures and humorous artworks. Meanwhile, September in Kinderhook presents “Dogs & Cats,” featuring delightful canine and feline-themed artworks, with a portion of sales dedicated to immigrant aid.

The Fenimore Art Museum offers a deep dive into the profound vision of Romare Bearden, an influential artist whose mixed-media artworks reflect his dramatic and lyrical style. At KinoSaito, “Kikuo Saito: Reminiscence in Color” showcases the master painter’s older abstract works, each piece an exploration of form and color.

The Yellow Studio presents “Between Here and There,” a group exhibition featuring mixed-media works by 22 women artists exploring identity and place. Additionally, the Ruffed Grouse Gallery celebrates Pennsylvania’s cultural identity with “Pennsylvania Folk,” highlighting the work of four self-taught artists from the state.

For those drawn to landscapes, the Carrie Haddad Gallery’s “Earth Endures, Stars Abide” pays homage to the Hudson Valley’s natural beauty, with stunning recent works by five gallery artists. The Women’s Studio Workshop features “Workshopping: New Work by Emily Larned,” showcasing experimental collages crafted on-site.

Beacon’s Distortion Society presents Laura Bochet’s “Intangible Devotions,” a collection of oil paintings celebrating the nude in vibrant, sensual detail. As 2025 draws to a close, these exhibitions offer a rich tapestry of artistic inspiration, guiding us into a new year brimming with hope and creativity.