Safe Harbors of the Hudson

Thanks for stopping by News 12 Hudson Valley! Check out Ritz Kidz Circus performance tomorrow night at 6 pm on Safe Harbors Green!

Ritz Kidz Circus is about to take over downtown Newburgh with blowout performance Some performers have been coming to the camp since its inception eight years ago, and now help lead the camp.

Ritz Kidz Circus is enjoying this gorgeous weather! Safe Harbors Green is full of activity everywhere you look! Come cheer on this year's troupe at their culminating community performance, right here, tomorrow evening at 6 pm!

Follow us to the River This Sunday!

Ann Street Gallery presents two performances at the Mahicannituck/Hudson riverfront for the final weeks of Back and Forth, Between Names: An exhibition about bodies of water.

To Cleanse the River
August 18 at 5 pm

A procession from Ann Street Gallery to the river and back including a participatory performance and elemental listening event at the waterfront with Koyoltzintli.

The answers to our future environmental and soul-based dilemmas are stored as artifacts in museums, when in fact they are ancient future technologies ready to assist us. Koyotzintli's conclusion: get those instruments out of the museum; let's hear them play! Join us as we walk from the gallery to the river holding embracing gathering tuning aligning dissolving through sound.

Save the date for the second performance, Glacier Elegy Newburgh, on August 24 at 2 pm which will be followed by a closing reception. More information to follow.

Join us for live music this Saturday at 11 am on Safe Harbors Green as we welcome singer-songwriter, musician, Colton Thorn performing at the Newburgh Farmers' Market.

Our second 2024 Cornerstone of the Community Award will recognize Bronx Pro Group, our partner in our developing 55 units of new, supportive and affordable Safe Harbors housing on a long-vacant lot on William Street. Led by CEO Samantha Magistro, Bronx Pro’s expertise and commitment to investing in communities runs deep, and we are thrilled to be working together to increase affordable housing in Newburgh.

Do you have your tickets to join us? https://bit.ly/shohgala2024

Bronx Pro Group is a women-owned, neighborhood-based firm dedicated to community development through affordable housing investments. Bronx Pro’s mission is to develop high quality affordable housing that is sustainable and builds thriving communities. Since 1998, Bronx Pro has completed the development of over 3,200 affordable housing units along with commercial and community spaces. Bronx Pro Group is proud to build beautiful homes as well as create permanent employment opportunities through their participation in New York affordable housing programs.

Safe Harbors is proud to recognize Inaudy I. Gil with our 2024 Cornerstone of the Community Award at our upcoming gala on September 12. Given each year, the Cornerstone of the Community Awards honor the vision, leadership, and hard work of community champions making positive change in Newburgh.

Do you have your tickets to celebrate with us? https://bit.ly/shohgala2024

Inaudy I. Gil, MS, has held her role of Executive Director of the Orange County Human Rights Commission for over 6 years, where she works closely with government officials, community groups and organizations on combatting discrimination and building Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion for everyone. Born in Dominican Republic, Inaudy immigrated to the United States as a child, and has lived in the Hudson Valley since 2003. She holds a master’s degree in Science from SUNY Hunter College and an Executive Certification for Diversity & Inclusion from eCornell. Inaudy is the Founder and Principal Strategist of IIJ Consulting, an international firm that works with organizations to build intentional and strategic culture change. She has also been an English as a Second Language Instructor at SUNY Orange for over 13 years.

Inaudy has served on numerous state and local boards and committees, including currently serving on the Boards of Directors for Cornerstone Family Health Center, the Desmond Center for Community Engagement and Wellness, and the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan.

Inaudy attributes much of her drive and accomplishments to her parents who instilled the importance of work and sacrifice, and the significant influence of key women who have mentored her in her life. Above all, her most important title and role is serving as the mother of her three amazing children Gabriel, Allie, and Javier, who are being proudly raised in a household where equity and respect for everyone is the norm, and differences are celebrated.

Mark your calendar and leave the kids at home! This fall we are excited to host Uncanny Valley, our first-ever puppet slam, on Saturday, November 9! Join us for this fun evening of short-form performances exclusively for grown-ups, featuring an eclectic mix of puppetry by a lineup of renowned puppeteers from the Hudson Valley, NYC, and beyond. More details and tickets coming soon!

For our August e-newsletter, we interviewed Ritz Kidz Circus coaches Sara Deull and James "JBird' Gibson about the program, and what keeps them coming back to Newburgh every year--now for the seventh year running!--to share the magic of the circus with local youth.

In your coaching experience, how have you seen students impacted by circus arts?

JBird: Gaining confidence, movement and exercise, learning the value of teamwork, creative growth - the list goes on and on!

Sara: The nature of learning circus arts has proven over and over again to be a wonderful tool for personal development and social change. We see individual overcoming long lasting fears, soaring to new heights, and building new bridges. Learning everyday the possibilities of their individual capacities and abilities to positively influence others creates youth who show respect, pride, and perseverance.

For more of this Q&A, read our e-newsletter here: https://conta.cc/3ymiPb3

UPDATE: We regret to announce that today's trapeze workshop is canceled due to extenuating circumstances. Join us this coming Friday at 6 pm for the free Ritz Kidz Circus Community Performance to cheer on this year's troupe!

Join our experienced Ritz Kidz Circus coaches this Saturday from 1-3 pm on Safe Harbors Green. We will open the trapeze for public swings by donation to support the circus program.

Today was only the second day of Ritz Kidz Circus, and everyone is already working on new skills - juggling, devil sticks, diablo, balance board, tight wire, rolling globe and more! Outdoors, students are getting comfortable on the trapeze!

Don’t miss the Ritz Kidz Circus free community performance Friday, August 16 at 6 pm on Safe Harbors Green.

Join us tomorrow night for the LAST film of this summer's Movies on the Green series showing Migration - starting at 8:30 pm.

You bring a blanket, and we’ll bring the popcorn! Presented in partnership with the City of Newburgh, Free Summer Movies on Safe Harbors Green returns with six weeks of films for the whole family. Screenings begin at dusk, with pre-movie events and a cookout hosted by the City of Newburgh Police Department starting at 7:30 pm.

Sorry for the late notice, but Drum Circle will be cancelled tonight and the next few weeks. We will keep you posted when we resume! Thank you for your patience.

Check out this weekend's Newburgh Farmers' Market lineup!

Join us TONIGHT for Movies on the Green! This week's film is Trolls Band Together - starting at 8:30 pm.

You bring a blanket, and we’ll bring the popcorn! Presented in partnership with the City of Newburgh, Free Summer Movies on Safe Harbors Green returns with six weeks of films for the whole family. Screenings begin at dusk, with pre-movie events and a cookout hosted by the City of Newburgh Police Department starting at 7:30 pm.

Tickets are on sale now for our 2024 Annual Gala! https://bit.ly/shohgala2024

Join us Thursday, September 12 at 6 pm on Safe Harbors Green to celebrate community and honor our 2024 Cornerstones of the Community, Inaudy I. Gil & Bronx Pro Group.

Featuring delicious food and drinks, festive music and performances, a silent auction and 50/50 raffle, and exceptional company, all gala proceeds benefit our mission of transforming lives and building community through housing and the arts. Join us!

Have you visited Ann Street Gallery lately? The gallery is open extended hours TODAY through Sunday from 12-5 pm as part of

Now on view is the exhibition Back and Forth, Between Names: An exhibition about bodies of water, which explores the pervious boundaries and shifting identities of bodies comprised of water. Works across media invite viewers to consider water as material, collaborator, place, and metaphor.

The show is curated by Gallery Director Alison McNulty and includes artists:
Rachel Olivia Berg
Eliza Evans
Matt Frieburghaus
Koyoltzintli
Carmen Lizardo
Lauren Rosenthal McManus
Renana Neuman
Jaanika Peerna
Valerie Piraino
Adie Russell
Sarah Cameron Sunde
Suzy Sureck

Free and open to the public. Visit https://annstreetgallery.org for more information and upcoming events!

Join us tomorrow night for Movies on the Green! This week's film is Wish - starting at 8:30 pm.

You bring a blanket, and we’ll bring the popcorn! Presented in partnership with the City of Newburgh, Free Summer Movies on Safe Harbors Green returns with six weeks of films for the whole family. Screenings begin at dusk, with pre-movie events and a cookout hosted by the City of Newburgh Police Department starting at 7:30pm.

City of Newburgh
City of Newburgh Police Department

We are excited to announce Wellness Saturdays on the Green starting next Saturday, July 20th in partnership with Newburgh Farmers' Market and Wellness Shines On Newburgh. Follow on Instagram for details each week!

Do something good for yourself and for Safe Harbors! 30% of class fees collected will be donated to Safe Harbors to support our mission of transforming lives and building community through housing and the arts. Proceeds benefit ongoing community and arts programming at Safe Harbors Green, the Cornerstone Residence, Ann Street Gallery, and Ritz Theater. Thank you for your support!

Are you ready to dance? Don't miss Soul Under the Stars: Prince vs. Michael Jackson tomorrow night, from 6 – 10 pm on Safe Harbors Green.

We are throwing it back to determine this unsettled rivalry once and for all! Get ready to dance and dance and dance as DJ King James and Dee-Jay Big Chris go head-to-head spinning the greatest hits of Michael Jackson and Prince in a musical battle royale!

Meet the 2024 Emerging Artist Fellows:

Matthew Gilbert is a fiber artist and sculptor based in Newburgh, New York. Drawing inspiration from medieval architecture and rural American landscapes, their work depicts stories of isolation with a dark sense of humor.

Nicole Hixon is a public artist who creates sculptures and installations inspired by her personal experiences as a city-born multiethnic artist, and who now lives in Orange County, New York.

Zeinab Manesh, is an Iranian American glass artist based in Beacon, NY who combines traditional Persian motifs with contemporary glass techniques, reflecting her cultural heritage.

This cohort comprises our third annual Emerging Artist Fellowship (EAF). The program provides a supportive platform for early-career or under-recognized artists in Newburgh and the Hudson Valley, with a focus on artists from historically marginalized communities.

Learn more at https://annstreetgallery.org/2024-Fellowship-Profiles

We are throwing it back to determine this unsettled rivalry once and for all! Get ready to dance and dance and dance as DJ King James and Dee-Jay Big Chris go head-to-head on Safe Harbors Green, spinning the greatest hits of Michael Jackson and Prince in a musical battle royale! Join us for Soul Under the Stars: Prince vs. Michael Jackson, Saturday, July 13 from 6 - 10 pm on Safe Harbors Green.

Meet Dee-Jay Big Chris -
Another Hudson Valley Premier DJ known for his exclusive trademark “FLAVA”, as he’s been hailed as one of the greats; Always bringing joyful vibes to any event. Deejay Big Chris has worked with a multitude of legends including the likes of DJ Premier, Gangstarr, Kid Capri, Naughty by Nature, Biz Markie, and a plethora of others. Also, a producer in his own right, with a classic 90’s LP on his resume. And Deejay Big Chris can be heard on air at Blazemupradio.com giving you continuous mixes.


DeeJay BigChris

Join us tomorrow night for Movies on the Green! This week is The Little Mermaid (2023). Movie starts at 8:30 pm.

You bring a blanket, and we’ll bring the popcorn! Presented in partnership with the City of Newburgh, Free Summer Movies on Safe Harbors Green returns with six weeks of films for the whole family. Screenings begin at dusk, with pre-movie events and a cookout hosted by the City of Newburgh Police Department starting at 7:30pm.

City of Newburgh
City of Newburgh Police Department

We are throwing it back to determine this unsettled rivalry once and for all! Get ready to dance and dance and dance as DJ King James and Dee-Jay Big Chris go head-to-head on Safe Harbors Green, spinning the greatest hits of Michael Jackson and Prince in a musical battle royale! Join us for Soul Under the Stars: Prince vs. Michael Jackson, Saturday, July 13 from 6 - 10 pm on Safe Harbors Green.

Meet DJ King James (NYC) -
One of Hudson Valley’s Premier DJ’s, known for his wide variety of music and immaculate mixing skills, originally hails from the Bronx, NY, and has worked with a multitude of Legends from the Hip Hop World (Grandmaster Caz, Fat Joe, Peter Gunnz, Kurtis Blow, JayZ, Heiroglyphics, Black Rob), Legends of Pop and R&B (Britany Spears, Prince, Maria Mauldar, The Intruders, Delfonics, Case, Sunshine Anderson, Taana, Gardner), and The Dance World (Allyus, Crystal Waters, Robin S, Donnie Klang, Lisa Lisa). Catch him at a venue near you, as well as radio every Tuesday at 10 pm WHCR 90.3FM, NY playing his very own exclusive remixes and production.

Don't forget, this week's Movie on the Green is TONIGHT due to the holiday tomorrow. Join us for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - Mutant Mayhem starting at 8:30 pm.

You bring a blanket, and we’ll bring the popcorn! Presented in partnership with the City of Newburgh, Free Summer Movies on Safe Harbors Green returns with six weeks of films for the whole family. Screenings begin at dusk, with pre-movie events and a cookout hosted by the City of Newburgh Police Department starting at 7:30pm.

Mark your calendar for other upcoming movie nights:
July 11: The Little Mermaid (2023)
July 18: Wish
July 25: Trolls Band Together
August 1: Migration



City of Newburgh
City of Newburgh Police Department

We are throwing it back to determine this unsettled rivalry once and for all! Get ready to dance and dance and dance as DJ King James and DJ Big Chris go head-to-head on Safe Harbors Green, spinning the greatest hits of Michael Jackson and Prince in a musical battle royale.

Soul Under the Stars: Prince vs. Michael Jackson
Saturday, July 13 from 6 - 10 pm

Safe Harbors’ Under the Stars series is sponsored, in part, by Affinity by Molina Healthcare .

SAVE THE DATE 📅!! Our annual gala is Thursday, September 12 at 6 pm. Join us for a beautiful evening on Safe Harbors Green with delicious food and drinks, music and performances, and exceptional company to benefit our mission of transforming lives and building community through housing and the arts. Tickets on sale soon!

We are excited to welcome, Maedeh Ojaghloo, to the team as Gallery Assistant in the Ann Street Gallery. Maedeh is an Iranian artist and social activist. Born and raised in Iran, she earned a Bachelors in Avionics and a Masters in Animation before moving to the United States in 2022 to complete her MFA in Photography and Related Media at SUNY New Paltz. In Iran, she was a motion designer, and in the U.S., she worked as a gallery attendant and taught animation and art. Maedeh's multidisciplinary work integrates her past with her present, highlighting the struggles in Iran, particularly the suppression of women, and engaging audiences to amplify silenced voices.

Safe Harbors of the Hudson and Ann Street Gallery are thrilled to introduce the 2024 Ann Street Gallery Emerging Artist Fellows:

Matthew Gilbert
Nicole Hixon
Zeinab Manesh

This cohort comprises our third annual Emerging Artist Fellowship (EAF). The program provides a supportive platform for early-career or under-recognized artists in Newburgh and the Hudson Valley, with a focus on artists from historically marginalized communities. The fellowship provides three artists with opportunities for mentorship, networking, and professional development as well as a $2000 USD materials and supplies allowance, a cohort exhibition in the gallery during Newburgh Open Studios, and individual guidance toward identifying goals and further opportunities.

The ASG EAF supports experimental and substantive growth for a six-month fellowship from June through November 2024. Fellows have direct access to ASG’s and SHOH’s exhibitions and programming, can explore the resources offered by Newburgh’s vibrant arts scene and cultural institutions, and have the possibility to connect and engage with arts professionals and practitioners based in Newburgh and surrounding areas, and those participating in ASG and SHOH programming.

ASG is proud to bolster artists with experimental practices within the visual arts, performance, and interdisciplinary practice as an essential part of our program and mission. The Fellowship places special emphasis on artists exploring narratives aside or sub-current to those formally acknowledged by art historians, especially practices that foster an active exchange with local organizations and communities, or are rooted in exploring aspects of place, history, or non-dominant cultural competencies and practices.

The ASG EAF program is led by Gallery Director, Alison McNulty. Fellows are selected by a jury including McNulty and members from the region’s arts community from applications submitted during an annual open call.

Ann Street Gallery is a program of Safe Harbors of the Hudson.

Join us tomorrow evening on Safe Harbors Green as we kick off the first of this summer's Movies on the Green in partnership with the City of Newburgh.

You bring a blanket, and we’ll bring the popcorn! These weekly free films are fun for the whole family. Screenings begin at dusk, with pre-movie events and a cookout hosted by the City of Newburgh Police Department starting at 7:30pm.

We can’t wait for Pride on the Green tomorrow and hope to see you there! Enjoy a full day of family-friendly performances, activities, and community pride. All are welcome!