BETHEL –This spring, Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, located at the historic site of the 1969 Woodstock festival, will offer workshops, art classes, and drop-in sessions for all ages. Museum Education and Creative Programs celebrate the Center’s rich heritage and encourage individuals to contribute positively to the world around them.
In 2019, over 21,000 individuals participated in programming at the nonprofit Center. This year, popular programs Project: Identity and Studio at the Woods return as Bethel Woods creates additional offerings such as Creative Arts Therapy.
“We are better people with the arts in our lives. We are healthier, more creative, and actively engaged citizens who feel better about today and more optimistic about tomorrow,” said Robert L. Lynch, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts. “In a society struggling to find equity and social justice, the American public understands that even in challenging times, the arts make our communities healthier, stronger, and more vibrant,” Lynch added.
“We strongly believe in the transformative power of the arts and know that they are critical to the well-being of our community. We will continue to offer immersive, affordable, easily-accessible programs for all ages,” said Bethel Woods’ Chief Executive Officer, Eric Frances.
Public programming by age group is listed below. For a full listing of events and programs, tuition assistance, and registration, please visit BethelWoodsCenter.org.
Kids Programs
Kids Art Making will be held over six consecutive Saturdays beginning April 18. Talented Bethel Woods Teaching Artists will lend their skills in a variety of studio art classes such as painting, music-making, and more. This program is open for children one-month through 13-years-old. In the youngest group (ages 0-3 plus a caregiver), imagination is encouraged as parents acquire new creative strategies for the home; in the oldest (ages 10-13), participants will create music and learn how to play new instruments.
On Friday, April 24, children ages 6-13 (accompanied by an adult 21+) are invited to spend a night in The Museum and embark on an out-of-this-world adventure during a Solar Sleepover. Participants will navigate the historic festival field with flashlights, enjoy hot cocoa and astronaut ice cream, and fall asleep next to the psychedelic bus.
Teen Programs
Beginning March 3, high school teens ages 14-18 are invited to participate in a free 12-week digital photography intensive. Project: Identity Photography meets twice weekly to instruct the teens on the basics of photography, composition, camera use, and editing in Adobe Photoshop. A photobook and public exhibition of artwork are created and shared with the community as part of the program’s culmination.
Project: Identity Art Studio, beginning Sunday, March 15, explores varying artistic mediums during five free drop-in sessions. Each week is facilitated by Licensed Creative Arts Therapist Candace Rivela, who will help participants disconnect from their troubles and explore how creativity can lead to new perspectives and empowerment. Following an open studio method, teens are not committed to multi-week programming and can attend as many sessions as their schedules will allow. Weekly activities include mandala making, creative journaling, clay animation, and more.
On Wednesday, April 22, a one-day Creative Arts Therapy session will be offered, allowing teens to share in the process of supportive dialogue and art-making.
Adult Programs
A Creativity Workshop will be held on five consecutive Thursdays beginning March 5. During, talented Bethel Woods Teaching Artists will help participants develop a new skill in each session. Projects include drawing, one-of-a-kind abstract monoprints using a gel plate, painting techniques, found art, and more.
On April 4, a Liquid Light and Sound Lounge immerses visitors in the sounds and sights inspired by the 1969 San Francisco music scene. An extravagant liquid light show by Macrodose floods the building with colors and kaleidoscopic patterns, paired with a rare 1960s vinyl DJ set. Guests are invited to dance, drink, and explore The Museum during its opening day.
On April 21, Bethel Woods’ Museum Education and Creative Programs team invites local educators to join an Educator’s Nightfor a look at the 2020 Special Exhibition Lights, Color, Fashion with Museum Curators Neal Hitch and Julia Fell and to learn about the Center’s school program offerings for 2020.
Brazilian Carnaval, held on May 9, features two of the most iconic symbols of the Brazilian culture: feijoada and samba.
Learn the history behind this rich bean and meat stew while sipping a caipirinha, Brazil’s national cocktail. Energizing dancers and musicians of Samba New York will perform a stage show, then teach the audience their moves.
Bethel Woods will host a support group for family members impacted by the addiction of a loved one for a seven-week session starting Wednesday, March 25. Creative Arts Therapyoffers family members an opportunity to awaken their creativity in a supportive, community-centered process that will lead to emotional release, self-compassion, and new insight.
For all ages, PLAY: The Classics returns to the Event Gallery. Presented in collaboration with Shandelee Music Festival, the series offers an affordable opportunity to sustain an appreciation for the classics. The series shines a spotlight on young emerging artists and chamber ensembles and makes classical music accessible.
Sunday, April 26: Afternoon of Choral Artistry featuring Young People’s Chorus of New York City
Led by MacArthur Fellow Francisco Núñez, Young People’s Chorus’ award-winning choristers will weave together a program of choral classics, spirituals, songs from the Broadway stage, and many surprises, complete with show-stopping choreography.
School-Based Programs
Free for Sullivan County schools, Explore the ’60sis a field trip program built around K-12 curriculum, encouraging students to connect the ideals of the ‘60s to relevant issues today.
E3: Engage. Experience. Explore. brings professional performers into local classrooms (and students to Bethel Woods) for performances and hands-on workshops. From April 26 – May 2, The Camille A. Brown & Dancers explore ancestral stories, connecting past with the present. Their visit to Sullivan County schools will culminate with a free performance in the Event Gallery on May 2.
Looking ahead, the Center will offer P.L.A.Y. (Peace. Love. Arts. You!)programs this summer. P.L.A.Y. Music and P.L.A.Y. Theater, each two-week explorations in their respective fields, return, as well as P.L.A.Y. Five-Day, which introduces younger guests to visual and performative arts. P.L.A.Y. 5-Day will be offered in six one-week sessions. New this year, P.L.A.Y. Rock Camp invites participants to explore the history of rock, rhythm, and 1960s musicians during a two-week program.
