The Hudson Valley has become an epicenter for the local, organic, sustainable food movement. With its rich agricultural land, the awareness for sustainable living, and the growing demand for local, organic food, the ‘locavore’ farm-to-table movement has become a way of life in the Hudson Valley. Gallery 66 NY will be exhibiting two dynamic artists who bring awareness to the farm community and sustainability in the Hudson Valley.

Francesco Mastalia has traveled the world photographing tribal, religious, spiritual, and indigenous people. His book DREADS published by Workman Artisan is a photo documentary on the history of dreadlocks. With travels to Ethiopia, Kenya, Angola, Namibia, Senegal, India, Japan, New Zealand, Jamaica and throughout the United States. DREADS is now in its eighth printing, sold worldwide, and includes an introduction by Pulitzer Prize winning author Alice Walker. His current book, ORGANIC Farmers & Chefs of the Hudson Valley published by powerHouse Books, chronicles the Hudson Valley’s organic sustainable food movement.

“Farm Art” sculpture by Wilfredo Morel will be on exhibit the month of August. Inspired by Picasso and the Age of Iron, Wilfredo Morel has been creating metal sculpture installations throughout the Hudson Valley since 1991. His creations range from semi-abstract images, to representational bronze sculptures and metal wall reliefs.

Morel’s sculptures can be viewed at both private and public installations along the Hudson River. His sculptures are created from metals which were one time used for functional purposes in the communities in which they are discovered, incorporating his love for community and art. Morel’s philosophy is to use art as a “vehicle of hope demonstrating the evolution of purpose in the lives of all things and beings.”

We hope you will join us on August 7th for the opening reception, 6-9 pm, to meet both of these dynamic men who champion the sustainable farm movement. The exhibit will be on view August 7 through August 30, 2015. Regular hours are Thurs-Sunday 12-6 pm or by appointment. For more information call 845-809-5838 or visit www.gallery66ny.com.