Dear Friends of the HRM,

Get ready for an exhilarating month ahead as we unveil two captivating exhibitions, celebrate Black History Month, and usher in the Lunar New Year. These dynamic events invite you to explore the rich tapestry of our communities and immerse yourself in the diverse narratives we are proud to share at the Hudson River Museum.

Rivers Flow / Artists Connect
Embark on a transcendent journey through time and artistic expression with our latest exhibition, Rivers Flow / Artists Connect. Over fifty American artists, spanning from the 1820s to the present day, converge to explore the cultural, social, and spiritual significance of rivers worldwide. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Hudson River and the Palisades in our new West Wing galleries, the exhibition delves into the aesthetic, functional, spiritual, and ecological aspects of these bodies of water. Just as rivers shape the land, artists boldly confront barriers, urging us to consider our own responsibility for stewardship.

Embrace: Cinematic Paintings by James Seward
Craving a heartfelt embrace? Immerse yourself in the world of popular American cinema and portraiture with Embrace, a collection of nine cinematic paintings by James Seward. From One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest to The Farewell, Seward captures the universal experiences embodied in the timeless act of a hug. Removed from their original context, these embraces are not always what they seem and invite reflection on the nuanced meanings of this universal language. As an extra treat, directors, producers, and actors have contributed responses made expressly for this exhibition, enriching the experience with their insights. There is nothing like hearing about the work directly from the artist, so I encourage you to join James Seward for an Artist Tour on Sunday, February 18 as he walks you through his painting process.

Black History Month
Join us in celebrating Black History Month through a series of programs that honor the rich history, achievements, and contributions of the Black community. Explore Kindred Worlds: The Priscila and Alvin Hudgins Collection, where we have created a space for intimate reflection, and a spot to catch up with a friend and peruse books carefully selected for your reading pleasure while surrounded by captivating art. We’re also proud of the local contributions to the national music scene, so don’t miss Yonkers: The Lost City of Hip Hop on Sunday, February 25 with author Jerome Enders, graffiti specialist Ken Davis, and DJ Beat Master Gene.

Be Our Valentine
There is nothing quite like receiving a bespoke gift. That’s where our collaboration with Ars Poetica, The Poetry of Petals, comes in. On Sunday, February 11, 1–4pm, get a custom poem, complete with pressed flowers, as a thoughtful gift for someone special—and feel zero guilt if that special person is YOU.

Lunar New Year
Don’t miss our annual Lunar New Year celebration as we welcome the Year of the Dragon with traditional Asian arts, crafts, and performances for all ages. The festivities kick off with a high-energy ceremonial lion dance, leading to hands-on Family Art Workshops, captivating live music, folk dance, and a special Planetarium showing of The Sky Tonight: The Skylore of China, exploring traditional Chinese constellations.

February is a month of reflection, history, celebration, and amplifying voices that matter. We eagerly anticipate sharing these special moments with you, blending traditional and contemporary resonance.

Meet us at the Museum,

Masha Turchinsky
Director & CEO

Image: Madge Scott (American, b. Jamaica, 1958). United Spirits at the River, from the Migration series, 2021. Mixed media. Courtesy of the artist.