Up NExt
April Classes
Discover opportunities to learn, create, and connect through hands-on workshops and classes for all ages at ACC. Click below to see what’s coming up next!
Communication with Young Children: Building a Positive Relationship and Connection
Join Mike Pagnani, Parenting Educator of Cornell Cooperative Extension of CGC, for an educational workshop offered to all caregivers of youth aged 2-7. The workshop focuses on learning effective, evidence-based communication strategies that encourage healthy social and emotional development, resiliency, motivation, and age-appropriate conflict resolution. Our shared goal is for families is to foster an environment of trust, safety, and mutual respect through positive communication.
FREE Event with an open-ended activity to be provided for young children.
Registration encouraged, walk-ins welcome!
Queer & Trans Connection Network
The Queer & Trans Connection Network offers a welcoming peer-led space for LGBTQ+ community members and allies in Greene and Columbia Counties. Meeting monthly at the Athens Cultural Center, these gatherings provide connection, conversation, resource-sharing, and support in a substance-free environment for ages 14+. Together, we share experiences, celebrate wins, and build affirming, inclusive community close to home.
Every 4th Wednesday from 6:00 - 8:00 PM
In-school Hamlet Performance
Coxsackie-Athens, grades 8-12, Catskill Mountain Shakespeare is coming to you!
A bold new take on Shakespeare’s classic, this high-energy production of Hamlet is set in the rebellious spirit of the 1980s exploring themes of authority, identity, and resistance through a fresh, accessible lens. Fast-paced and engaging, this 90-minute performance brings Shakespeare to life in a way that feels immediate, relevant, and alive.
Performed by Catskill Mountain Shakespeare
Sponsored by Athens Cultural Center
Please note this performance is during school hours and is not open to the public.
Queer & Trans Connection Network
The Queer & Trans Connection Network offers a welcoming peer-led space for LGBTQ+ community members and allies in Greene and Columbia Counties. Meeting monthly at the Athens Cultural Center, these gatherings provide connection, conversation, resource-sharing, and support in a substance-free environment for ages 14+. Together, we share experiences, celebrate wins, and build affirming, inclusive community close to home.
Every 4th Wednesday from 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Confluence / Convergence
Confluence / Convergence brings together the work of Bruce Byers, Dan Bridge, Ellen Mahnken, and Nancy Meissner in an exhibition that considers how distinct artistic practices meet, overlap, and resonate within a shared space. While each artist approaches material, process, and form differently, their works are united by an attentiveness to structure, rhythm, and the intelligence of making.
Confluence / Convergence First Friday Reception
Join us for the First Friday opening reception for Confluence / Convergence. This exhibition brings together the work of Bruce Byers, Dan Bridge, Ellen Mahnken, and Nancy Meissner in an exhibition that considers how distinct artistic practices meet, overlap, and resonate within a shared space. While each artist approaches material, process, and form differently, their works are united by an attentiveness to structure, rhythm, and the intelligence of making.
March Classes
Discover opportunities to learn, create, and connect through hands-on workshops and classes for all ages at ACC. Click below to see what’s coming up next!
Milk and Honey: Screening and Conversation
Film Screening: Milk and Honey
Saturday, February 28, 2026 | 6:00 PM
Niva Dorell presents her critically acclaimed 24-minute short film Milk and Honey, produced for Showtime Networks. The film is set in Texas in 1953 and tells the poignant story of an Israeli woman and a Black man who meet and spend a single day together.
A brief welcoming program and discussion led by Dorell and Marya Warshaw will accompany the screening.
Niva Dorell:
Niva Dorell is a mixed-race, American-Israeli filmmaker and writer whose work explores themes of identity, loss, and connection across cultures. Her first short film KINGS received Showtime’s Black Filmmaker Grant and became one of seven films featured on the first AFROCENTRICITY (available on Amazon). Her subsequent film MILK AND HONEY premiered on Showtime and made its international premiere at the Jerusalem International Film Festival. Her films have aired on Showtime, UPN, PBS, and BET-Jazz, and screened at festivals worldwide. Her latest directorial effort is TRAVELING MERCIES, a short film produced by Social Cinema Foundation and still on the festival circuit. Upcoming projects that Niva wrote and will direct include: short film THE LOTTO LINE, adapted from Christola Phoenix’s upcoming memoir; feature film LIVING, LIVING based on a personal love story; and television series BYE BYE BABY, adapted from Caroline Sullivan’s memoir Bye Bye Baby: My Tragic Love Affair with the Bay City Rollers. In addition to her narrative work, Niva co-directed the feature documentary SKID ROW (featuring Pras Michel of The Fugees) and has developed multiple scripted and non-scripted concepts. Her creative writing has been supported by residencies at Hedgebrook, Millay Arts, Cill Rialaig, and Vermont Studio Center. After two decades in Los Angeles, Niva moved to New York’s Hudson Valley, where she continues to be active in its artistic community. She served as the Visual Arts Director at CREATE council on the arts, Marketing and Box Office Manager for LUMBERYARD, and, most recently, curated Goddess: Origins of Wonder for the Athens Cultural Center. Niva is a member of New York Women in Film and Television, holds an M.F.A. from USC’s School of Cinematic Arts, and a B.A. from Temple University. She publishes a monthly newsletter about the creative process on her Substack, The Think Tank.
Marya Warshaw:
Marya Warshaw is the Founding Executive/Artistic Director of BAX/Brooklyn Arts Exchange, where she led the organization and its wide slate of programming, strategy and development for nearly thirty years. Warshaw was recognized by Bard College in 2019 with their John Dewey public service award and has received two NY Dance & Performance Awards (the “Bessies”) both in 2018 for outstanding service to the field of dance and 1998 for “building a house and a home for the arts in Brooklyn”. From April 2020- December 2022 she was Director of the Petronio Residency Center in Round Top, N.Y. where she was responsible for providing residencies and retreats for performing artists and companies as developing the capacity of the center. Warshaw serves as the President of the CREATE council on the arts Board of Directors and is currently a consultant and a strategic advisor to non profit Artistic/Executive Directors as well as independent dance, theater and performance artists and not for profit Boards. www.maryawarshaw.com
Queer & Trans Connection Network
The Queer & Trans Connection Network offers a welcoming peer-led space for LGBTQ+ community members and allies in Greene and Columbia Counties. Meeting monthly at the Athens Cultural Center, these gatherings provide connection, conversation, resource-sharing, and support in a substance-free environment for ages 14+. Together, we share experiences, celebrate wins, and build affirming, inclusive community close to home.
Every 4th Wednesday from 6:00 - 8:00 PM
February Classes
Discover opportunities to learn, create, and connect through hands-on workshops and classes for all ages at ACC. Click below to see what’s coming up next!
Queer & Trans Connection Network
Created by the Columbia Greene Addiction Coalition, the Queer & Trans Connection Network offers a welcoming peer-led space for LGBTQ+ community members and allies in Greene and Columbia Counties. Meeting monthly at the Athens Cultural Center, these gatherings provide connection, conversation, resource-sharing, and support in a substance-free environment for ages 14+. Together, we share experiences, celebrate wins, and build affirming, inclusive community close to home.
Every 4th Wednesday from 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Victorian Stroll Comment Session
The time has come to look back on one of our favorite events of last year: 2025's Victorian Stroll. We would like to invite any and all community members to join us at the Cultural Center on 1/6 at 3pm for a comment and critique session. Your input helps us make the Victorian Stroll the best it can possibly be, we can't wait to hear from you!
If you are unable to attend, please email your thoughts to info@athensculturalcenter.org.
Queer & Trans Connection Network
Created by the Columbia Greene Addiction Coalition, the Queer & Trans Connection Network offers a welcoming peer-led space for LGBTQ+ community members and allies in Greene and Columbia Counties. Meeting monthly at the Athens Cultural Center, these gatherings provide connection, conversation, resource-sharing, and support in a substance-free environment for ages 14+. Together, we share experiences, celebrate wins, and build affirming, inclusive community close to home.
Every 4th Wednesday from 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Esperanza, Hope: Portraits of Migration and Change in Athens, NY
On View December 20, 2025 - February 15, 2026
First Friday Receptions: January 2 & February 6, 2026, 5-7pm
Gallery Hours: Saturday & Sunday 12-5PM
Through portraiture, landscape, and archival imagery, Esperanza, Hope traces the many migrations that have shaped Athens, New York, from the region’s Indigenous roots and Underground Railroad history to the arrival of Italian settlers, African American laborers, and today’s migrant and queer communities. Thierry Casias brings these stories into focus through intimate photographic portraits and site-based research, honoring the people whose lives have woven the town’s complex cultural fabric.
The artist talk for this exhibition has been postponed, please follow our socials for updates.
Athens Victorian Stroll
2025 Victorian Stroll
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13TH 1-5PM
Families and friends gather for a free, fun-filled day in celebration of the annual Athens Victorian Stroll.
Up and down the historic village’s Second Street and all-around town, businesses, residents and community organizations host family-friendly activities, free goodies to eat and entertainment galore, with nods to Athens’ past.
Art & Craft Vendors, Victorian Santa, Caricaturist, Ice Skating, Spirit Tasting, Community Band Concert, Historic Open Houses, Cookies, Ice Sculpting, Bell Ringers, Horse Drawn Trolley, Athens Museum, Live Music, Senior Thrift Store, Dancers, Carolers, Petting Zoo, Ice Boat Display, Puppet Show & more!!
FREE EVENT WITH FESTIVITIES ENDING WITH A TREE LIGHTING, CAROLING, S’MORES, HOLIDAY BONFIRE AT THE RIVERFRONT PARK
Holiday Cottages
Join us for family fun making holiday cottages!
All materials provided during this free, all age program.
Children under 7 must be accompanied by an adult. Cottages will be displayed during the Victorian Stroll, Saturday, December 13, 1-5PM.
First Friday
ACC’s annual Small Works show invites us to explore the creative potential of scale, proving that great things do indeed come in small packages. Each artist embraces the challenge of working small, using the limitation of size to reveal a wide range of innovation, technique, and storytelling.
NOVEMBER 7 — DECEMBER 14
FIRST FRIDAY RECEPTION: DECEMBER 5, 5—7PM
GALLERY HOURS: SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS 12—5PM
Queer & Trans Connection Network
Created by the Columbia Greene Addiction Coalition, the Queer & Trans Connection Network offers a welcoming peer-led space for LGBTQ+ community members and allies in Greene and Columbia Counties. Meeting monthly at the Athens Cultural Center, these gatherings provide connection, conversation, resource-sharing, and support in a substance-free environment for ages 14+. Together, we share experiences, celebrate wins, and build affirming, inclusive community close to home.
Every 4th Wednesday from 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Small Works
ACC’s annual Small Works show invites us to explore the creative potential of scale, proving that great things do indeed come in small packages. Each artist embraces the challenge of working small, using the limitation of size to reveal a wide range of innovation, technique, and storytelling.
NOVEMBER 7 — DECEMBER 14
FIRST FRIDAY RECEPTION: DECEMBER 5, 5—7PM
GALLERY HOURS: SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS 12—5PM
Queer & Trans Connection Network
Created by the Columbia Greene Addiction Coalition, the Queer & Trans Connection Network offers a welcoming peer-led space for LGBTQ+ community members and allies in Greene and Columbia Counties. Meeting monthly at the Athens Cultural Center, these gatherings provide connection, conversation, resource-sharing, and support in a substance-free environment for ages 14+. Together, we share experiences, celebrate wins, and build affirming, inclusive community close to home.
Every 4th Wednesday from 6:00 - 8:00 PM
First Friday!
A very special First Friday to welcome the arrival of autumn and honor the art and artists of Seasons of Greene VI. Free and open to all, with light refreshments provided courtesy of the ACC Board of Directors. Seasons of Greene explores the intimate relationship between landscape painter and land, focusing on the lands maintained by the Greene Land Trust.
One Thousand and One Arabian Nights
Be Enchanted by One Thousand and One Arabian Nights
Step into a world of wonder at the Athens Cultural Center! On the first and third Wednesdays in October and November (7–8 PM), gather with friends and neighbors for an intimate reading of selected tales from the timeless classic One Thousand and One Arabian Nights.
Two local residents will bring these legendary stories to life, weaving magic, mystery, and imagination into every chapter. Whether you’re hearing them for the first time or rediscovering old favorites, you’ll be swept away by the ingenuity, excitement, and exotic charm of these tales.
Come, relax, and let these timeless stories carry you away.
Season of Greene VI: Opening Reception
Celebrate the opening of the Greene Land Trust’s sixth annual Seasons of Greene exhibition! Seasons of Greene explores the intimate relationship between landscape painter and land, focusing on the lands maintained by the Greene Land Trust.
Seasons of Greene VI
On view: 9/26/25 - 10/26/25
Gallery hours: Fri 4-7pm, Sat & Sun 1-7pm
Opening celebration: 9/27, 1-7pm
First Friday reception: 10/3, 5-7PM
The relationship between a landscape painter and the land is an intimate one. The artist spends hours looking deeply; exploring different moods; tidying up the flaws; striving to delve into the essence of a place. It was with this special bond in mind between painter and subject that the Greene Land Trust initiated the Seasons of Greene art exhibits in 2017.
Summer Music Series: The Big Takeover
Fronted by the charismatic Jamaican-born singer and songwriter Nee Nee Rushie, the seven-piece New York band The Big Takeover plays original music that is rooted in and reverent toward the genres and rhythms of Jamaican pop: reggae, rocksteady, ska.
4:30 PM Open Sound Check
6:00 PM Youth Q & A
7:00 PM: Music
Curator Talk: Niva Dorell
Join curator Niva Dorell in conversation with artists Ntangou Badila, Erika DeVries, Alicia Mikles, Portia Munson, and Andy Šlemenda about their exciting exhibition GODDESS: Origins of Wonder.
“This exhibition is a tribute to the origins of all things: the wonder born from the divine femme that resides in all of us,” says curator Dorell.
The curator and artist talk is free and open to all!
First Friday!
Join us for the final First Friday of GODDESS: Origins of Wonder! Great art, good conversation, and light refreshments courtesy of the ACC Board.
Summer Music Series: The Goddess Party
The Goddess Party emerged in 2023 from a simple idea: to invite those wishing to experience powerful goddess energy to come together and “just sing.” What has resulted is a fiery community collective in the Hudson Valley that fosters deep connections through in-person collaboration and shared artistic expressions.
4:30 PM Open Sound Check
6:00 PM Youth Q & A
Sunset: Music
Goddess: Origins of Wonder
Curated by Niva Dorell, Goddess: Origins of Wonder celebrates the sacred act of creation, honoring the feminine power that brings forth something new— whether it be life, art, or transformative actions.
First Friday
Join us to celebrate the opening of Niva Dorell’s wonderful new exhibition, GODDESS: Origins of Wonder! Featuring a live performance from The Goddess Party, light refreshments, and more.
GODDESS: Origins of Wonder explores creation in its most sacred form—the act of bringing something new into existence, whether it be life, art, or transformation. In this exhibition, the word “goddess” means not a mythical figure but a living presence—a maker of worlds, a bearer of vision, a powerful deity guardian that shapes, dreams, and manifests.
Summer Music Series: Hen in the Foxhouse
Hen in the Foxhouse is the lo-fi indie project of Honduran American composer/lyricist, Elena Sophia Krell, most recently collaborating with multi-instrumentalist Ru Lemer (engineer, co-producer) and drummer Chris Gartmann (HV legends 3).
4:30PM Open sound check
6:00PM Youth Q & A
7:00PM Music
Material Girl: In Conversation
Join curator Lisa Corinne Davis in conversation with select artists for an intimate dialogue about Material Girl—the tactile gestures, feminist resonances, and intergenerational voices shaping its bold landscapes of paint.
Free and open to the public!
Victorian Stroll: Ideas Meeting
Step back in time with us at the Victorian Stroll ideas meeting! Please join us at ACC to share your creative ideas and help make this year's event the best one yet. We are also looking for volunteers to give an hour of their time to help bring this wonderful event to life, please email info@athensculturalcenter.org if you're interested!