Arts in the Park

Arts in the Park is a series of free public arts events conceived by local and visiting artists held at Downing Park in Newburgh, NY during the Spring and Summer. Arts in the Park aims to expand the park's public offerings, bring unique and playful experiences to park visitors and the broader community, inspire and grow appreciation for this park's historical beauty, revitalization, and stewardship of this shared space by one and all.

Arts in the Park events are FREE for everyone.

The 2023 Arts in the Park season is made possible through support from Downing Park in the City of Newburgh, Chapman Steamer Arts, and private funding. Arts in the Park inaugural year was May-June 2022.

Thank you to the Downing Park Planning Committee and everyone who has contributed to making this program come to life in 2023!


Live Painting with David Lionheart
Jul
7
5:00 PM17:00

Live Painting with David Lionheart

Hudson Valley based, mixed media artist David Lionheart uses his keen sense of depth and spatial awareness to create abstract painted works, enhanced by color and texture.

Come experience the live creation of a large-scale composition in the middle of Newburgh's Downing Park. Bring a blanket & refreshment and watch as David demonstrates his unique approach of movement over a canvas.

This is a FREE family-friendly event. Drawing supplies & coloring sheets will be provided for those who desire to color.

Photo by Brian Wolfe

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African Dance with Assane Badji
Jul
1
2:30 PM14:30

African Dance with Assane Badji

This summer, Assane Badji of Melody Africa (New Paltz, NY) brings African dance class and live drumming to Newburgh's Downing Park.

Class will take place at the North Field in the grass. Shoes are optional.

This class is FREE and open to all ages & abilities.

Come move and feel good!

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Nature Drawing en Plein Air
Jun
18
9:00 AM09:00

Nature Drawing en Plein Air

Grab a sketch pad & pencil and join us for this single day drawing workshop with draftswoman and painter Mary Jane Ward.

This workshop will focus on subjects such as leaves, branches, flowers, trees, and making sketches of the park surroundings with one on one feedback from Mary Jane.

All levels of experience are welcome. This workshop is FREE.

Participants should bring a pencil, eraser, paper and drawing board or sketchbook. If you have no supplies, that’s fine! Some basic drawing supplies will be provided.

Meet at Shelter House at 9AM

Sign up in advance is suggested, walk ups welcome!

email: chapmansteamerarts@gmail.com

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The Words We Wear
Jun
24
to Jun 26

The Words We Wear

The Words We Wear is a site-specific poetic-ritual performance & activation of Downing Park initiated by poet Anusha Mehar. Enter the park on these days and paint your words onto our collective poem.

Join us Sunday, June 26th at 4:30pm in Downing Park, for ceremonial chai, poetic movement, and conversation about the words that we wear- the stories, experiences, griefs & joys that live in our bodies.

FREE

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The Shade Sail @Downing Park
Jun
16
to Jun 18

The Shade Sail @Downing Park

Artist & musician, Amery Kessler brings The Shade Sail, a moving sculpture to various locations in Downing Park.

People are invited to actively participate with/through the artwork or to contemplate the physical and visual forms as a document of previous actions/interactions.

FREE

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Unconventional Dances
Jun
10
6:30 PM18:30

Unconventional Dances

Unconventional Dances is a multi site-specific dance performance by Nattie + Hollis.

This live performance explores dance in relationship to setting. Placing performance outside of traditional theatrical venues invites a questioning of the context of dance and opens up our notions of performance. Nattie and Hollis are interested in places and structures that highlight larger themes like late stage capitalism, climate change, and decaying infrastructure.

FREE

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