About ASK
Founded in 1995 at an informal gathering of fellow artists in Kingston, NY, ASK today has grown to become a not-for-profit membership organization with over 600 members
Among ASK members you will find many talented, highly-respected professional artists, as well as emerging artists and supporters of the arts.
To become a member, one need not be an artist or live in Kingston to support the organization. Membership is open to all and there is no requirement other than a sincere interest in the arts. We extend a warm invitation to any and all who would like to become a member.
ASK Visual Arts
While ASK does not represent specific artists, the organization does strive to help further the interest in our members’ art by providing opportunities to have their work seen through exhibitions and studio tours. During the year, ASK hosts 10-12 members' shows each year in one of its galleries at its headquarters at 97 Broadway near the Rondout in Kingston, as well as shows of featured artists at the same location and off-premises shows elsewhere in the area.
Each year the juried exhibitions have gained in reputation for their excellence and stature. Works displayed have included painting, ceramics, fiber, video, jewelry, sculpture, drawing, furniture, architectural renderings, and photography.
ASK has hosted shows by Kingston High School and elementary schools student artists, as well as shows by Bard and Marist College artists.
ASK Performing Arts
ASK Gallery Performance Series is a series of staged readings in the main gallery of the ASK building. Other performing arts events include: Playwrights' Lab, a workshop for plays in progress; acoustic open mic and curated Songwriters' Circle.
The ASK Arts Center
In 2005, ASK aquired the building at 97 Broadway in Kingston and has been renovating it for use as its new headquarters, exhibition space and multi-arts center. The first floor is finished and includes two galleries, the spacious Main Gallery, suitable for large group shows or major solo shows, and the Members' Lounge Gallery, a more intimate space, designed also as a place for members to gather, relax, and chat with other artists and art lovers.
Renovations are still in progress on the second floor of the building, which will eventually include a state-of-the-art, 99-seat performance venue offering plays, live music, films and multi-media performances; a recording studio; and a classroom and artists' workspace.
More About ASK
ASK organizes a Biennial Open Studio Tour, in which the public visits artists in their workspaces.
The Kingston Sculpture Biennial, an exhibition of sculptures by artists from the region takes place in alternate years, from July through October.
ASK produces "ArtWorks", a monthly publication distributed by the Kingston Freeman, which includes the Kingston Gallery guide, highlighting the current exhibitions in some thirty art venues in Kingston. ArtWorks previews shows and events in other Mid-Hudson locales as well.
