Our Mission
The Arts Society of Kingston (ASK) inspires, educates, and engages our community through accessible and diverse artistic experiences. We are dedicated to fostering creativity, supporting artists at every stage of their journey, and enhancing cultural vitality and community connection with exhibitions, performances, workshops, and events that showcase the unifying power of the arts. Our vision is to expand this mission with care and integrity, creating a recognized model for community-rooted arts incubation, while staying true to the collaborative spirit that launched us.
What is the Arts Society of Kingston?
- A multi arts education organization that provides programming to support life-long creativity and learning in the arts.
- A series of gallery and exhibition spaces that provide the community with openings each month, equalling 24 shows throughout the year.
- A performance venue, providing the community with performances and programs every month throughout the year.
What are the arts spaces that can be used by the surrounding community?
- Gallery and exhibit spaces where Members can benefit by realizing their artistic vision with a specific project or installation.
- A well-appointed 99-seat performance venue, which includes a stage, curtains, lights, a sound system, and a beautiful oak floor ideal for dancing.
- Ample classroom space for classes or workshops
- Discounted rates for members!
Our History
Founded in 1995 by local artists in Kingston, NY, ASK today has grown to become a not-for-profit, 501c3, membership organization with over 300 members. Among ASK members you will find many talented, highly respected professional artists, as well as emerging artists and supporters of the arts.
In 2005, ASK acquired the building at 97 Broadway in Kingston and has been renovating it for use as its new headquarters, exhibition space and multi-arts center. In the Summer of 2015 we finished the renovation of the second floor of the building. Please see our Great Room page for more details.
Our Membership
What does ASK offer for visual artists?
ASK provides opportunities to promote their work through group and solo exhibitions at ASK: during the year, ASK hosts 10-12 members’ shows in one of its galleries at its headquarters at 97 Broadway near the Rondout in Kingston, as well as shows of featured artists at the same location and off-premises shows elsewhere in the area. ASK’s ground floor is handicapped accessible, and a chair lift aids visitors to ride up or down the stairs for classes or performances upstairs.
ASK supports arts education in schools and colleges: ASK has hosted shows by Kingston High School and elementary schools student artists, as well as shows by Bard, Marist College, SUNY New Paltz, and SUNY Ulster artists. ASK also regularly invites neighboring arts groups from the region to show at ASK, under the “Hello Neighbor” initiative.
What about the Performing Arts?
ASK is home to many performances including plays, musicals, dance, acoustic open mics, music performances, poetry readings and much more. ASK encourages members and non-members to bring their performances and productions to ASK. ASK curates a performing art series called ASK Presents. The ASK Great Room performance facilities, and the large classroom space are both excellent venues for a variety of artistic and educational initiatives.
ASK Board of Directors – 2025
Board Of Directors
Richard Wixom, President
Chris Acosta, Vice President
Barbara Johnston, Secretary
Joann Meade, Treasurer
Gülnar Babayeva
Staats Fasoldt
James Martin
Karen Sidrane
STAFF
Amy Poux, Executive Director
Visit Us!
Open to the public Thursday – Sunday noon to 5pm.