An Art-Filled Fall in Upstate NY

Last summer's remaining flavors lingered in my discreet Tom Collins during the holiday weekend, as I admired the picturesque scenes of canines frolicking with frisbees and children earnestly working together to climb an oak tree at Prospect Park. I remarked to my companion, "They must not possess iPads," while observing the group of 10 and under aged children construct a makeshift ladder from fallen branches, deftly clasping them against a trunk.

Their teamwork and resilience in facing the inevitable falls were truly commendable. Witnessing their fearless camaraderie filled me with nostalgia for the carefree joys of childhood, and I fervently hope these vibrant young individuals continue to cherish their innate bravery and ability to forge strong friendships. The Mayor's recent moratorium on student-facing AI programs and the introduction of screen time restrictions in classrooms for children aged 2K to eighth grade seem to be instrumental in preserving the essence of youthful innocence.

The performance "Marina" (2026), a creation by Julio Torres and Martine Gutierrez for the 2026 Whitney Biennial, offers a refreshing perspective on our relationship with screens. Reviewer Valentina Di Liscia notes that the campy production effectively "defangs our toxic relationship to our screens" by employing humor instead of fear.

Although I am familiar with excessive screen-based habits, a visit to the "Snoopy In Style NYC" exhibition in the Meatpacking District allowed me to reconnect with my inner child. The exhibition, though unabashedly commercial, provided an enjoyable and well-intentioned homage to the sassy cartoon beagle's boundless imagination. The popularity of the attraction, however, was evident from the lengthy queues, leaving me to ponder the experience of true Snoopy enthusiasts.

It is easy for adults to lose sight of the essentials for a healthy social life and strong community. We often forget that security thrives in numbers, even when facing significant risks that encourage us to isolate ourselves. Amalia Uribe Guardiola, a 2025 Craft Archive Fellow, highlights the essential work of two "costureros" – collective needlework circles for largely undocumented, working-class Latin American immigrant women – in Queens.

Her feature not only illuminates an overlooked contemporary textile archive but also delves into how these meetings foster agency, collectivity, and personal reflection among the participants. As we welcome the vibrant September, the newly released Upstate art guide is the perfect complement to our fall art guide. The guide features 10 must-see art shows in Upstate New York, celebrating the season's renewal and the dramatic beauty of the Hudson Valley's light and shadows.