MAD Initiatives
1st Saturday
MAD collaborated with the Kingston Gallery Business Group (K.G.B.G.) to re-establish and raise awareness of 1st Saturday gallery openings. MAD is underwriting the production and distribution of the monthly map, produced by Ditto! Design!
Artist Registry
MAD maintains a registry for artists in multiple disciplines who work, live and produce/create events in Kingston.
Ben Wigfall Project
In 2017, MAD organized a memorial service and reception for famed African American artist and SUNY New Paltz art teacher Ben Wigfall. His contributions to Kingston included his Communications Village and his Watermark Cargo Gallery. MAD is helping to curate his personal art collection and is a sponsor of Black History Month in Kingston, which promotes community service with an annual Ben Wigfall Legacy Award.
Celebration of the Arts
The annual MAD Celebration of the Arts was launched in October of 2015. The CoA attracts large audiences to its free evening of music and performances featuring local artists. In 2018, a visual arts show was added to showcase multimedia artists.
Kingston Arts and Action Meetups (K.A.A.M.) Co-sponsorship
MAD joined forces with Art Walk Kingston and Arts Mid-Hudson to host monthly gatherings on the first Thursday of each month at The Beverly on Foxhall Avenue, Kingston.
Made in Kingston Fine Arts Exhibition
MAD sponsored the first fine art component within the popular annual Made in Kingston holiday fair in 2017. At this inaugural event, 17 artists displayed and sold their work, and the fine arts exhibition will be included in ongoing Made in Kingston fairs.
P.U.G.G. Student Art Center on Broadway
MAD sponsors this grassroots organization which operates out of the YMCA on Broadway.
The Pauline Oliveros Deep Listening Plaza at The Commons in Midtown
In 2017, MAD worked with the City of Kingston’s Arts Commission to host a Remembrance Celebration and reception for Pauline Oliveros at City Hall, which was attended by more than 200 people. MAD collaborated with the City to create The Pauline Oliveros Deep Listening Plaza at The Commons in the heart of the MAD on Broadway: Mayor Steve Noble officially designated the Plaza at a sign unveiling ceremony at the beginning of the 2018 Celebration of the Arts.
