Times Union: Fall art exhibitions and openings in the Hudson Valley

For those of us with a voracious appetite for the visual, leaf peeping can only provide so much satisfaction. In the Hudson Valley, this summer’s arts season is a tough act to follow, with the bacchanalia of Upstate Art Weekend, NADA Foreland and a slew of smaller shows, many of which remain on view for several weeks more. And yet, local galleries and arts institutions rise to the occasion.

Put plainly, the exhibitions on this list are alike in that they are markedly not boring. Most have an access point aside from fine art for fine art’s sake, as with Brenda Ann Kenneally’s “Upstate Girls” project, documentarian Chris Heim’s photographs from inside Louisiana State Penitentiary and a display of drug-centric art at SUNY New Paltz’s on-campus museum (talk about knowing your audience).

So, without further ado — between cider donuts, extra pumps of pumpkin spice, apple picking, and all the stereotypical activities associated with autumn in the Hudson Valley — here are the art exhibitions you’ll want to catch this fall.

Mario Schifano: The Rise of the ‘60s, Magazzino Italian Art

If you didn’t know any better, you might mistake this retrospective for a group show. The 80 works on display, a dozen of which have never been exhibited before, demonstrate the flabbergasting range of Italian artist Mario Schifano. His paintings engage with a salad of mid century movements — from color field to pop art — reflecting his chameleonic sense of style as well as his dialogue with American art stars like Johns, Rothko and Warhol.

When in Rome, don’t forget to check out the herd of Sardinian donkeys on site.