SPOTLIGHT

Megan Meadowlark, Gallery Director at KinoSaito (#76 on UAW Map)

Can you tell us a little bit about what you do? And how long you’ve been in your current position. As KinoSaito’s Gallery Director it’s my job to oversee all exhibition programming, education initiatives, resident artists, public programming, and community partnerships. An equally important aspect of the job is cultivating community and making the public feel welcome in our space. 

Use three words to describe yourself: Dedicated, Ambitious, Queer

What brought you to the Hudson Valley/Catskill Mountains? I used to work in Peekskill a while back and really fell in love with the community, landscape, and quality of life here in Northern Westchester. I retreated to my home base in Brooklyn for quite a long time afterwards but always had a longing to return to the valley. The opportunity at KinoSaito was extremely serendipitous and very much felt like coming home. 

What do you love about your job? Having the ability to create an entire family of public programming from the ground up. Working at the head of a small non-profit allows me to be extremely entrepreneurial in the way I approach the position.  A large part of this is that a joined during the institution’s first year of operation. There was a strong foundation already in place by the founder and the board, but the endless possibilities that exist here are endless and exciting 

I also love that we are an admission free institution and can offer so much of our programming free of charge. As someone who grew up in a working-class environment, I understand how inaccessible the arts can appear to some people. I hope that by eliminating the financial obligations of visiting and creating a welcoming environment that art can enter more people’s lives.  

What exciting things do you have planned for UAW? We will be hosting free performances by Maria Camia in collaboration with La MaMa Experimental Theater Club. It’s a 45-minute solo-performance with four 4’x4’ colorful paintings / Toy Theater sets, hand puppets, costume, and a live pianist. It’s sure to be one of our annual highlights.

We’ll also have expanded open hours for Upstate Upstate Art Weekend. Our doors will remain open to the public Thursday the 17th and July 21st to help accommodate everyone’s busy schedule that week.

Best place near you to get:

Breakfast? – Peekskill Coffee House in Peekskill for a savory crepe and a beautiful community of people

Lunch? – Benny’s Brown Bag for a creative high-end sandwich

Dinner? – Birdsall House for a great burger and beer selection. I also highly recommend The Blue Pig for the best ice cream Westchester has to offer!

What’s your favorite local store? Bruised Apple Books. A fantastic selection of used books in an old shop dripping with personality – creaky floors and all!  I’m also a fan of Valley Greens Dispensary

What’s your favorite art/creative space to visit? Dia Beacon, Pocantico Center, and Garrison Art Center are all local favorites. I also have a deep love for everything they’re doing for local artists up at ChaNorth Residency in Pine plains.

What is one tip for people experiencing UAW for the first time? Plan out your itinerary for the weekend and make sure to check open hours in advance especially if you are planning to visit on a weekday. KinoSaito will have extended weekday hours, but not every organization does.

What is a fun fact about you that might surprise people? I won $6,900 on a gameshow back in 2006 while living life as a different gender

Now for the speed round! Pick one or the other:

Valley or mountains? Mountains

Car or train? Train

Walk or hike? Hike

Sun or snow? Sun

Indoors or outdoors? outdoors

Diner or restaurant? Diner

Market or shop? Shop

Clear or clouds? Clear

Sunglasses or hat? Hat

Abstract or realist? Abstract

Contemporary or modern? Contemporary

Sculpture or painting? Painting

IRL or digital? IRL

Look or listen? Look

See or feel? FEEL