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.
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 150 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.
THE ARTS @ ASK
The Arts Society of Kingston (ASK) is a vibrant multi-arts center located in Kingston’s historic waterfront district. Throughout the year, ASK presents gallery exhibitions, workshops, performances, and community programs that bring people together through the transformative power of the arts.
ASK is dedicated to supporting artists at every stage of their creative journey—from inception to presentation—while building meaningful connections within our community.
Founded in 1995 by a group of pioneering artists with a small gallery on North Front Street, ASK has grown into a thriving cultural hub. Today, the organization operates from a 7,000- square-foot historic building that houses three galleries, a performance venue, and a studio classroom, creating space for artists and community members to gather, collaborate, and create.
What is the Arts Society of Kingston?
ASK is:
• A multi-arts center housed in a 7,000-square-foot building featuring three galleries, a rehearsal and performance space, and a studio classroom. These spaces host monthly exhibitions, performances, and weekly classes and workshops—amounting to hundreds of programs each year.
• An artistic home for hundreds of artists, providing opportunities to develop new work, present exhibitions and performances, and connect with fellow creatives through gallery openings, community gatherings, volunteer days, and artist events.
• A community arts resource, offering free programming for local children, reduced rehearsal and studio rentals for member artists, and free adult programming in both the visual and performing arts.
Arts Spaces Available to the Community
ASK provides a variety of spaces that artists, educators, and community groups can use for creative work and public programming:
• Three gallery and exhibition spaces where artists can present installations, group shows, or solo exhibitions.
• A well-appointed 90-seat performance venue, featuring a stage, theatrical curtains, lighting, sound system, and a beautiful oak floor that is ideal for dance and performance.
• A flexible classroom studio designed for workshops, classes, rehearsals, and creative gatherings.
• Discounted rental rates for ASK members, making space accessible and affordable for artists developing new work.
Opportunities for Visual Artists
ASK provides visual artists with opportunities to exhibit and promote their work through solo and group exhibitions throughout the year. Member artists can show on a monthly basis, seven times throughout the year, as well as compete for curated and juried shows.
Monthly gallery shows feature both member artists and invited artists, creating a dynamic exhibition program that welcomes diverse artistic voices.
ASK’s ground floor galleries are fully accessible, and a chair lift provides access to the second floor for classes and performances.
Opportunities for Performing Artists
ASK is also home to an active performing arts community. Artists use ASK for workshops, rehearsals, readings, and performances, as well as for the development of new theatrical and interdisciplinary work.
Member artists and guest artists are encouraged to bring performances, concerts, and productions to ASK’s Great Room performance venue and classroom studio. Artists can also teach their own programs in ASK’s spaces which are priced for accessibility.
Our Membership
Artist members enjoy discounted rental rates for ASK’s performance and workshop spaces, making it easier to rehearse, teach, and develop new work.
Member artists are also invited to participate in seven annual Members Exhibitions, where they can submit artwork that responds to each exhibition’s theme. These shows provide artists with opportunities to share their work with the community, connect with fellow artists, and be part of ASK’s vibrant exhibition program.
ASK Board of Directors – 2025
Board Of Directors
Richard Wixom, President
Chris Acosta, Vice President
Barbara Johnston, Secretary
Joann Meade, Treasurer
Thea Hanley-Stiriss
James Martin
Karen Sidrane
Dave Thomas
STAFF
Amy Poux, Executive Director
Visit Us!
Open to the public Friday – Sunday noon to 5pm, and Thursday by appointment. Admission is free.