In 1946, the Middletown Art Group was formed “for the purpose of exchanging ideas between artists, craftsmen, art teachers, and students and of providing an atmosphere in which to improve individual skills and respect for the efforts of others.”  Now, some 78 years later, MAG continues that mission. Throughout each year, this art group schedules demonstrations on a wide range of medium/media and programs on topics related to creating and displaying art. MAG also has an open membership which encourages people of all skills to join, share, and learn.

Even though the name “Middletown Art Group” seems to give the impression of exclusiveness to Middletown residents, that is not the case as members reside in other parts of Orange County as well as Sullivan, Ulster, Dutchess, Sussex, and Pike Counties.

The Middletown Art Group 2024 Members Spring Exhibition includes 105 artworks by 41 artists in various media: photography, oil, acrylic, pastel, charcoal, watercolor, mixed media, recycled and/or found objects, and collage. Likewise, the works highlight many styles, techniques, and sizes.

The exhibition’s timeframe is

May 8 through June 26. The venue is Orange Hall Gallery, SUNY Orange.

Tom Hedderich, who lives in the Black Dirt region of Orange County, is the juror of this year’s show. His judging will culminate in the awarding of four awards of excellence and four honorable mentions. 

Show co-chairs are Jill Weltman of Greenwood Lake and Denise Shelby Isseks of Middletown. Weltman is also the president of MAG and Isseks is a member of the MAG Board of Directors.

The reception celebrating the 78^th anniversary of the art group is scheduled for Sunday, May 19 from 3 to 5pm during which time musicians Bev Poyerd, pianist and Al Ramos, bassist will play jazz standards and contemporary favorites. The exhibits and reception are free and open to the public.

Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday - 8am to 8pm and Friday - 8am to 5pm through May, and Monday through Thursday - 8am to 6pm only in June. The gallery is closed Memorial Day Weekend.

Orange Hall is located at the corner of Wawayanda and Grandview Avenues

(GPS: 24 Grandview Avenue), Middletown. Questions may be directed to

Cultural Affairs at (845)341-4891 and cultural@sunyorange.edu

website: www.sunyorange.edu/culturalaffairs         

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