Dutchess County Arts Council Art in the Loft at Millbrook Vineyards & Winery; Art in the Loft: Fall 2008

Millbrook, N.Y. -- The Dutchess County Arts Council is pleased to announce the opening of Art in the Loft: Fall 2008, an exhibition and sale of fine art at the Millbrook Vineyards and Winery. The show features the work of two local artists: Jose Acosta will exhibit his vibrant, acrylic and mixed media paintings and photographer Molly Ahearn will show her cowgirl series, a look at the women's rodeo circuit in the early 90s. The exhibit will run from September 1 to November 16 at Millbrook Winery, 26 Wing Road, Millbrook, NY. The opening reception is Saturday, September 13, 4:30-6:30pm. The Loft is open 7 days a week from 12pm - 5pm.

Jose Acosta's paintings are very much a reflection of his Latin American heritage -- bursting with bright colors, swirling figures, and vibrant energy. Acosta was born in Cuba and moved to the U.S. when he was three. "Generally, my paintings depict my personal history and my surroundings. I paint from my heart, expressing a little hope and happiness in all of my creations. I paint the struggles of my fellow humans to strive for their dreams, the things that some of us take so lightly yet so many in this world do not have. I am a romantic at heart and envision a future world where we will all live in peace and plenty."

Acosta's work is in numerous private and corporate collections and he has exhibited widely in the Hudson Valley, Connecticut, and New York City. He has received awards from the Barrett Art Center in Poughkeepsie, the Woodstock Artist Association, and the Dutchess County Fair. Acosta studied painting at the Art Students League of New York.

Molly Ahearn has been taking photographs for more than 20 years. Her work includes location documentary photography, studio work, and long term personal photo essays.

The Rodeo Cowgirls photographs in this show document some of the first women to compete in rougher events like bull riding, bronco riding, and calf roping, and the gritty, raw look of the black-and-white images enhances the dangerous edge to the sport. Ahearn says, "I have nothing but admiration for these women. Though they're tough competitors, many are moms and hold regular nine-to-five jobs as nurses, teachers, and truck drivers. I don't know how they manage it all."

Images from Ahearn's Rodeo Cowgirls collection have been selected for inclusion in the "Not Your Mama's World" exhibit at the prestigious Washington Gallery of Photography in Bethesda, Maryland. Her first book of photo essays, The Dutchess County Fair: Portrait of an American Tradition, was published in 2007 by Black Dome Press.

ADDITIONAL IMAGES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.

For more information about Art in the Loft: Fall 2008 and the participating artists, contact the Dutchess County Arts Council at 845-454-3222 or visit www.artsmidhudson.org. More information about Millbrook Winery, its hours of operation and special events, visit their website at www.millbrook wine.com or call 845-677-8383.

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