Art in the Loft at the Millbrook Winery

Art in the Loft at the Millbrook Winery
Art in the Loft first-place winner Linda Lavin with her painting “Starry Night.” Photo by Judith O’Hara Balfe

Whether you’re there for the art, the wine, the ambiance, or for all three, Art in the Loft at the Millbrook Winery is always a good place to be, and this year, the 23rd since it began, was no exception. 

On Sunday, Nov. 12, the air was too chilly to spend time in the vineyard or on the patio, but inside, it was warm and friendly — the food by Simply Gourmet was grand and music by The Swing Vipers was swinging!

A collaboration between Millbrook Winery and Arts Mid-Hudson, a number of art pieces are chosen each spring and judged by a juried panel to hang on the walls of the gallery at the winery. Visitors not only enjoy seeing the artworks, but they vote on them, as well.

With a point system of three points for first, two points for second and one point for third, the votes are tallied in November and the winners are announced at the Art in the Loft reception held at the winery. On that day, 20% of all wine sales purchased by reception guests is donated to Arts Mid-Hudson, a nonprofit group that has been active since 1964.

David Bova, general manager and vice president of the winery, recalled the history of the Chateau Mouton Rothschild, the celebrated French vineyard, and its tradition of having leading artists design its labels, starting with Jean Carlu in 1924. In 1945 it resurrected the idea and had young, unknown artist Phillipe Jullian design a label celebrating the Allied victory and the return of peace. Miro, Chagall, Braque, Picasso, Dali, Francis Bacon, Jeff Koons and King Charles of England among others are some of the artists who have since designed labels for the French winery.

Bova said that it was this Rothschild tradition that inspired him, along with marketing director Stacy Hudson, to form the partnership with Art in the Loft. Art in many forms can be submitted, although the majority are paintings in different mediums as well as photographs. 

There were 16 artworks hanging in the exhibit. Bova said that over 20,000 people had visited the winery this year and a total of 2,400 votes made. Hudson added that seven out of the 16 paintings were sold prior to the judging, to be picked up after the winners were announced.

The winner not only gets the recognition, but the winning artwork is made into a label for a special wine, and for each bottle of wine bearing that label, the artist will receive 10% and Arts Mid-Hudson will get 10% of the sale.

This year’s winner was Linda Lavin of Rhinebeck for “Starry Night,” a print on giclee canvas. She is an occupational therapist who has been painting for about 10 years, and is inspired by color. Not always certain about what her subject will be, she is inspired by color and shape, and said her work is an appropriation — it has been a real process. Her work received 759 votes.

Second place went to Arquimedes Mejia for “Winery Lake,” an oil on canvas, with 615 votes. Third place, with 470, went to Maureen Lohan-Bremer for an archival pigment print titled “The Mighty Hudson.”

The Millbrook Vineyards and Winery is located at 26 Wing Road. For more information about Arts Mid-Hudson go to www.artsmidhudson.org

Latest News

Amenia board honors employees for service

Long-term town employees were recognized at the Town Board meeting on Thursday, June 12. Honorees pictured with Town Supervisor Leo Blackman, were Judy Carlson, Office Manager at the Town Garage, center, for her 35 years of service to the town and Megan Chamberlin, current Highway Superintendent, for 20 years.

Leila Hawken

AMENIA — Acknowledging the many years of service accumulated by town employees, the Town Board paused to honor that service at its meeting on Thursday, June 12.

“Thank you for making a difference,” said Town Supervisor Leo Blackman in recognizing Judy Carlson, Office Manager at the town garage, for her 35 years of service.

Keep ReadingShow less
Historic marker dedicated at Amenia Union Cemetery

In anticipation of the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the start of the American Revolution in 2026, new historic markers are appearing at each of the local cemeteries where Revolutionary War veterans are buried. Unveiling the new marker at Amenia Union Cemetery on Saturday, June 21, were left to right, Town Historian Betsy Strauss, Jim Middlebrook representing the regional chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, and Gail Seymour, President of the Union Cemetery Association.

Photo by Leila Hawken

AMENIA — One by one, new historic markers are appearing at local cemeteries where Revolutionary War dead are buried. On Saturday, June 21, community members gathered to see a new marker unveiled at Amenia Union Cemetery on Leedsville Road.

A tent provided welcome shade for the attendees and refreshments as about 30 residents gathered for the unveiling and to share stories of local history with one another.

Keep ReadingShow less
Millbrook Historical Society announces summer Quaker lecture series

The Nine Partners Road Quaker Meetinghouse, built in 1780, will be the site of two summer lectures sponsored by the Millbrook Historical Society.

Photo by Leila Hawken

MILLBROOK — Long in the planning, the Millbrook Historical Society has announced that it is sponsoring two lectures in observance of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. Both lectures relating to Quaker history are to be held in the historic Quaker Meeting House on Nine Partners Road.

For the first talk, scheduled for Sunday, June 29, at 2 p.m., the historical society has invited Sarah Gronningsater, Professor of History at the University of Pennsylvania, to talk on “Quakers, Anti-slavery, and the American Revolution.” The topic will explore the role that New York’s Quakers, especially in the Hudson Valley, played in the rise of the anti-slavery movement that followed the American Revolution.

Keep ReadingShow less
Millerton voter turnout declines after 2023 peak

Downtown Millerton

Photo by Aly Morrissey

MILLERTON — Voter turnout in the Village of Millerton dropped sharply in 2025, with just 58 ballots cast in this year’s village election — less than a third of the record turnout seen just two years earlier.

The election on June 17 marked a stark contrast to 2023, when signs littered the intersection of Route 22 and Route 44 and 208 voters headed to the polls to decide a competitive mayoral race between incumbent Jenn Najdek and challenger Kelly Kilmer. That year also featured two contested trustee positions and generated the highest turnout in at least five years.

Keep ReadingShow less