Learn more about the artists and the exhibition: • Curator Karen Quinn discusses the exhibition here.
Long before the music festival in 1969 made Woodstock, New York, famous, it was home to what is considered America’s first intentionally created, year-round arts colony—founded in 1902 and still thriving more than 100 years later. Collecting the remarkable range of work produced there was Anderson’s focus for three decades, resulting in the largest comprehensive assemblage of its type. The artists represented in it reflect the diversity of those who came to Woodstock, including Birge Harrison, Konrad Cramer, George Bellows, Eugene Speicher, Peggy Bacon, Rolph Scarlett and Yasuo Kuniyoshi, among many others.
Edward Chavez, Abstraction, n.d., courtesy of the New York State Museum, Historic Woodstock Art Colony: Arthur A. Anderson Collection
Anderson donated his entire collection—some 1,500 objects by almost 200 artists—to the State Museum. This exhibition introduces the public to just a sample of the highlights of this extraordinary collection, which represents a body of work that shaped art and culture in New York and forms a history of national and international significance.
The Woodstock story begins when the artists’ colony called Byrdcliffe was established in1902, focusing on the Arts and Crafts movement. In 1906 the Art Students League of NewYork, one of the country’s most important and progressive art schools, moved its summerschool to Woodstock, bringing some 200 students annually to the area. The WoodstockArtists Association was founded in 1919 by artists who worked in differing styles but wereunified in their quest for a centralized exhibition space. A century later, Woodstock continuesto attract artists working in a variety of media and in approaches ranging from realism toabstraction—setting Woodstock apart from other art colonies that flourished for a limitedtime and were centered on a single style.
Winold Reiss, Woman in Black Hat with Cigarette, 1917, courtesy of the New York State Museum, Historic Woodstock Art Colony: Arthur A. Anderson Collection
“We’re so grateful to our colleagues at the New York State Museum for giving us the opportunity to share this beautiful and fascinating exhibition which illuminates the rich history of art in our very own Ulster County,” said Anna Conlan, Neil C. Trager Director at The Dorsky Museum. “It’s particularly special because as a friend and champion for more than 20 years, Arthur Anderson has been so instrumental in the story of our Museum. I’m excited to share the breathtaking artwork, recognizable local scenes, and compelling stories of artists in Woodstock who together pushed the boundaries of American art and formed a unique creative community.”
”The Historic Woodstock Art Colony: The Arthur A. Anderson Collection” was organized by the New York State Museum where it was on view from November 2018 to December 2019.
Learn more about the artists and the exhibition: • Curator Karen Quinn discusses the exhibition here.
Long before the music festival in 1969 made Woodstock, New York, famous, it was home to what is considered America’s first intentionally created, year-round arts colony—founded in 1902 and still thriving more than 100 years later. Collecting the remarkable range of work produced there was Anderson’s focus for three decades, resulting in the largest comprehensive assemblage of its type. The artists represented in it reflect the diversity of those who came to Woodstock, including Birge Harrison, Konrad Cramer, George Bellows, Eugene Speicher, Peggy Bacon, Rolph Scarlett and Yasuo Kuniyoshi, among many others.
Edward Chavez, Abstraction, n.d., courtesy of the New York State Museum, Historic Woodstock Art Colony: Arthur A. Anderson Collection
Anderson donated his entire collection—some 1,500 objects by almost 200 artists—to the State Museum. This exhibition introduces the public to just a sample of the highlights of this extraordinary collection, which represents a body of work that shaped art and culture in New York and forms a history of national and international significance.
The Woodstock story begins when the artists’ colony called Byrdcliffe was established in1902, focusing on the Arts and Crafts movement. In 1906 the Art Students League of NewYork, one of the country’s most important and progressive art schools, moved its summerschool to Woodstock, bringing some 200 students annually to the area. The WoodstockArtists Association was founded in 1919 by artists who worked in differing styles but wereunified in their quest for a centralized exhibition space. A century later, Woodstock continuesto attract artists working in a variety of media and in approaches ranging from realism toabstraction—setting Woodstock apart from other art colonies that flourished for a limitedtime and were centered on a single style.
Winold Reiss, Woman in Black Hat with Cigarette, 1917, courtesy of the New York State Museum, Historic Woodstock Art Colony: Arthur A. Anderson Collection
“We’re so grateful to our colleagues at the New York State Museum for giving us the opportunity to share this beautiful and fascinating exhibition which illuminates the rich history of art in our very own Ulster County,” said Anna Conlan, Neil C. Trager Director at The Dorsky Museum. “It’s particularly special because as a friend and champion for more than 20 years, Arthur Anderson has been so instrumental in the story of our Museum. I’m excited to share the breathtaking artwork, recognizable local scenes, and compelling stories of artists in Woodstock who together pushed the boundaries of American art and formed a unique creative community.”
”The Historic Woodstock Art Colony: The Arthur A. Anderson Collection” was organized by the New York State Museum where it was on view from November 2018 to December 2019.
