Willow Deep Studio is proud to serve the population of the Hudson Valley including the beautiful Ulster, Dutchess, Sullivan and Greene counties. The area’s rich history, supportive cultural community of artists and musicians, and awe-inspiring nature surrounding it serve as a never-ending source of inspiration.

The studio itself is located on the O&W Rail Trail, which carries its own history from the region’s heydays of canals and later railroads. This scenic routed path provides over 25 miles of access to pedestrians and cyclists from Ellenville on one end through Accord, Cottekill, and Hurley all the way to midtown Kingston on the other end. I am grateful for the rail trail as an ideal way to experience the natural beauty of the region just outside of my studio in every season. In fact, each of the stained glass leaves featured in Willow Deep Studio’s collection of suncatchers is inspired by the indigenous trees just outside of the studio and along the rail trail.

Willow Deep Studio recently created several traditional stained glass panels featured at the newly-opened restaurant Bia in Rhinebeck, located in Dutchess County (bia-rbk.com).

Restaurant images courtesy of bia-rbk.com

Willow Deep Studio was recently featured at Sassafras Mercantile, a newly opened metaphysical shop that was kind enough to host an art opening and trunk show as part of Kingston’s First Saturday event that showcases local artists and their wares. Find out more about the First Saturdays event by visiting the Kingston Midtown Arts District (MAD) website.

Sassafras is located in the Rondout, Kingston’s historic waterfront district situated along the Rondout Creek just before it connects with the Hudson River. The Rondout dates back to the 1800s when it thrived as a prime location along the Delaware and Hudson Canal and remains a culturally rich neighborhood with of artsy, industrial and maritime vibes today. The downtown area is full of restaurants, shops and attractions like the Hudson River Maritime Museum and the Trolley Museum. The historic waterfront district is also an ideal destination for walking trails including the newly-expanded Kingston Point Trail that leads to Kingston Point Park.

Photo of Rondout Kingston Historic Waterfront courtsey of http://thekingstonwaterfront.com/

You can find out more about Kingston and its historic neighborhoods by visiting the Kingston Visitor’s Guide.

Willow Deep Studio previously displayed a series of stained glass and mirror art installations for the summer season at the new Art Juxtapose Gallery (artjuxtapose.com) recently opened at 130 Main Street in Rosendale, just a couple miles away from the studio. The gallery represents artists based locally in the Hudson Valley and it is an honor to be included among so many talented people and a supportive community.

The 1850 House Inn & Tavern across the street from the gallery can be seen reflected in a Willow Deep mirror on Art Juxtapose’s wal

“Black Hole” stained glass and LEDs in motion at Art Juxtapose to the tune of “Love In High Places” by Kimbra.

Local musician Gus Mancini and his Sonic Soul Electric Trio perform in front of Willow Deep Studio artwork at the Art Juxtapose Gallery. Live music by local musicians including Jules Tayler and the Creative Arts Trio is featured at the gallery space each month.

Art Jutxtapose is located just a five minute drive from Willow Deep Studio in the heart of Rosendale, a town once famous for its “natural” or “Rosendale” cement. In the mid-1800s, the cement made from limestone quarried in Rosendale was used for several historic landmarks including The Brooklyn Bridge, the pedestal of the State of Library, Grand Central Terminal and the Washington Monument, amongst others.

The historic main street in Rosendale runs parallel to the Rondout Creek and includes older stalwarts the Rosendale Cafe, the Rosendale Theater and Guts’N Glory Ink tattoo shop, Soiled Doves vintage shop and The Big Cheese sandwich and thrift shop, and newer arrivals like the Rosendale Waxworks candle shop and soon-to-be-opened Santa Fe Burger Bar.

Rosendale is also a prime destination for the quintessential historic Hudson Valley experience, including the famous Rosendale Trestle for beautiful views over the Roundout Creek as part of the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail, Widow Jane Mine and other still-standing veterans of the town’s quarry days, and Joppenbergh Mountain, excellent for a quick hike and awe-inspiring aerial view of the town below.

Willow Deep Studio often sells stained glass windows, suncatchers, homegoods and other smaller trinkets outside of the Black Barn in the hamlet of High Falls, just over a mile from the studio. The town recently celebrated its 350th year and is a quaint destination rich in history nestled up against the Rondout Creek. Check out the monthly seasonable markets and other events at the barn’s Facebook page and discover several local restaurants, shops and art galleries that live on the same intersection in High Falls. The hamlet is home to its namesake falls that have provided water power for centuries, as well as the Delaware and Hudson Canal Museum and the Depuy Canal House.

A select few Willow Deep suncatchers are featured at Michael Nighswonger‘s modern art gallery in High Falls, just around the corner from the barn. Michael Nighswonger is an accomplished abstract painter and features many of his own works on view.

A bonus personal favorite Hudson Valley site of Willow Deep Studio is the Union Church of Pocantico Hills, which features nine original stained glass windows by Marc Chagall. While a bit of a drive further south, it is an ideal source of inspiration for obvious reasons… Visit the Historic Hudson Valley website for more information on this special site.

For more information on the various, culturally rich destinations in the vicinity of Willow Deep Studio, visit the Ulster County Alive and Travel Hudson Valley sites.