Main Street Center highlights local art

Going down Poughkeepsie's Main Street one could easily pass by the Mid-Hudson Heritage Center without noticing it. The center blends in seamlessly with the other buildings along its block—but inside is a wealth of artwork and knowledge in celebration of its surrounding community. The center was opened in 2010 by Roy Budnik, who owned the building beforehand and felt a need for a cultural center. "There is no place in the mid-Hudson Valley where one can visit and learn about these various communities. Most historic sites reflect the specific history of a single person, family, or community," Budnik wrote in an emailed statement. "Those communities that left no physical structures (for example the early Native Americans left a few place names), are generally not remembered or celebrated. The MHHC provides a place where one can learn about these diverse communities." Budnik defined the purposes of the Mid-Hudson Heritage Center: provide a place for exhibiting the artworks of local artists of diverse backgrounds, learn about diverse communities, and act as a network for historical and cultural organizations serving the same educative purpose.

"The goal since the center opened has been to do something that's different from a traditional historical society, which is more about preservation and research. We are more focused on the present and finding ways to keep things relevant and finding different cultures and practices to celebrate; it's a place that's dedicated to cultural expression and preservation," said Andrew Sawtelle, the Office Coordinator of the center. Local artist Nestor Madalengoitia, whose vibrant murals can be seen throughout Poughkeepsie, also works alongside Budnik as an organizer at the center. Some of his works are featured at the center as well.

The main room of the center has walls that are divided into different sections, with the red walls displaying permanent collections and the white walls showing special exhibitions. The permanent collections showcase the area's history and prominent community leaders of the past, such as a brick-making exhibit that emphasizes this brick trade that was significant to the Hudson River Valley's development as early as the 18th century. "Through the historical exhibits we're trying to show that this is a city with deep roots and there's a lot of history that sits below the surface you wouldn't know about," said Sawtelle. The center also hosts lectures, dinners and receptions that discuss local history and issues. This very upcoming Saturday, Feb. 25 at 9:30 a.m. Fergus Bordewich, a writer and historian since 1970 whose work has appeared in notable publications like The New York Times and Harper's, will deliver a lecture entitled "The Underground Railroad in the Hudson River Valley." A light breakfast will accompany the lecture, with a suggested $5 donation.

Currently, the center is holding the African-American Cultural Exhibition, which celebrates Black History Month by highlighting local African-American artists and incorporating exhibits on local African-American leaders of the community and anti-slavery efforts. The exhibition opened on Feb. 3 and will be up through Feb. 28.

The exhibition includes a variety of works, in many different mediums, by 10 local artists, most of whom are from Poughkeepsie and some from the greater region. Spectators can expect to see a diverse array of work, including paintings, collages, illustrations, quilts and silk screens.

"The exhibition has two elements: a) exhibits on historic African Americans who were active in the Abolitionist Movement before the Civil War, and on more recent personalities involved in desegregating various local institutions, and b) works of art by contemporary local African American artists," wrote Budnik. "Hence, those interested in history get exposed to contemporary art and, conversely, those interested in art learn a little about historic figures."

One of the artists is well-known Chef's Helper at Vassar's very own All Campus Dining Center Darrin Lawrence Weaver, better known as T.C. to most students. Weaver also goes by Rez Ones in the exhibit. Weaver, who works with partner Boogie Tochigi, said he uses almost any medium, including painting, photography, graphic design and fashion design, among others. In fact, Weaver actually took part in developing the idea for the exhibition.

"Often those of the community who are more politically active may be more clearly visible, and there are a lot of portraits of prominent people in the area," said Weaver. "I have always felt that everyone in the community matters, and everyone should in some way be represented," he continued. Weaver has several photographs on display that show different Poughkeepsie residents, and even some Vassar students.

Weaver described the pieces as "levitation pictures." He took shots of individuals jumping, managing to capture their sense of motion at just the right moment. "Some of them are photoshopped, I'd say the more spectacular ones are," he explained. "The other ones are just people jumping, and it's funny because when people look at them they don't know which are photoshopped and which are not."

Weaver uses his art to foster connections between people and community. "We're brought up to see how different we are, which is valid, but the fact is there are more things that make us the same than different. I try to utilize art to connect to that energy, those parallels between all of us," he explained. This emphasis on communal ties relates closely with what the Mid-Hudson Heritage Center hopes to develop through the African-American Cultural Exhibition and their work as a whole. We want to do shows that have mixed aims," said Sawtelle. "As the center develops the ideas for the shows will evolve."