Artists and visitors gather for Millbrook’s Arts and Open Studios weekend

MILLBROOK — Millbrook held its third annual Millbrook Arts and Open Studios weekend on Saturday, July 20 and Sunday, July 21.
Millbrook’s festivities were part of the Upstate Art Weekend, an annual celebration of local artists in communities throughout the Hudson valley.

Artists opened their studios to the public, welcoming visitors into inconspicuous garages, loft apartments, revamped basements, and makeshift bedroom studios. Guests could see and learn about their creative processes and inspirations.

Paul Miyamoto uses his surroundings and life experiences as inspiration for his art. “You need to face the artwork square on to understand what it is you see and feel,” Miyamoto said. “As well as what the artist was thinking and trying to convey.” Explaining his creative process, he joked, “I just walk around and stare at things.” Currently, he is working on a series of paintings of trees that he has encountered around town on walks with his dog, Moxie. He intends to “reflect feelings and a sense of something familiar in his art.”

Miyamoto’s family is originally from Japan and he feels like he owes it to his ancestors to tell their stories through art. “Everyone has roots somewhere else,” Miyamoto said. “It’s a big world, and yet we’re all looking for the same thing.” Whether that be community or creative inspiration it is a good reminder that we are all human, especially during such divisive times.

Miyamoto and his wife, Sharon Bates, also a talented artist, have lived in Millbrook for eight years. They have helped cultivate the creative community in Millbrook and support local artists. Sharon curated the On the Map exhibition in the Thorne building as well as the Millbrook Library. Sharon has years of curating experience, acting as the former director of the art and culture program at Albany International Airport.

Mari DePedro explained how grateful she was for all of the resources in Millbrook, especially the library. The weekend allowed the Millbrook community to come together and appreciate the creativity of those who live among us. Whether you attended the open studios, exhibitions, concert, or public reception, the weekend was a great success and reflected the best of Millbrook.

The artists that participated in the weekend included Sharon Bates, Mari DePedro, Peggy Flaum, June Glasson, Cannon Hersey, Dan Lenchner, Paul Miyamoto, and David Tumblety. Each artist used different mediums and a unique style to create art. Art on display included paintings, photography, sculptures and ceramics.