FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Athens Cultural Center: September 2026 Highlights
Athens NY, August 21, 2026

As summer gives way to fall, the Athens Cultural Center welcomes a new season of art, creativity, and community. September brings the opening of Seasons of Greene VII, along with workshops, music, movement, and gatherings for all ages. From hands-on creative experiences to opportunities to connect and celebrate, there are plenty of ways to make the most of the season at ACC.

Seasons of Greene VII

On View: 8/21 - 10/11/2026
Opening Reception: 8/22, 4 - 7PM
First Fridays: 9/4 & 10/2, 5 - 7PM
Gallery Hours: Fridays 4 - 7PM, Sat & Sun 1 - 7PM
Every landscape holds a story, revealed slowly to those willing to look closely. For the landscape painter, seeing is an act of patience and care. This intimate relationship inspired the Greene Land Trust to establish the Seasons of Greene exhibition series. Each year, accomplished regional artists respond to the forests, fields, waterways, and vistas stewarded by the Trust, offering fresh perspectives on the landscapes that define Greene County. Their work invites deeper appreciation for the places that connect and sustain our communities.
https://athensculturalcenter.org/exhibitions

QiGong
Saturdays | 10-11:15 AM
With Carl Thomsen and Barbara Schofield Thomsen
Developed in China thousands of years ago as part of traditional Chinese medicine, Qigong uses gentle, slow-moving exercises to cultivate energy and support health of the body, mind, and spirit. Accessible to all ages, and especially beneficial for mature adults or those with physical limitations, Qigong can be practiced seated in a chair. Each session concludes with a 15-minute meditation to encourage mindfulness, self-awareness, and relaxation.
https://athensculturalcenter.org/qigong

Sewing Skills
Sunday, September 6, 2026 | 2-4 PM
Join us for a two-hour sewing workshop with Charles Bannon, a courageous LGBTQIA+ activist and one of the original members of the Gay Liberation Front in the Albany area. This hands-on workshop will focus on basic garment repair skills, including hemming a skirt or pair of pants, fixing a ripped seam, and making simple alterations. Participants are encouraged to bring one item of clothing that requires basic repair to use during the workshop.Retired from a long and successful career in wardrobe for various theaters in New York City and locally, Bannon will share his extensive sewing skills, as well as stories from his experiences with the Gay Liberation Front in the area, with members of the Queer and Trans community and our allies.This is a free, all-age event presented by the Queer and Trans Connection Network. Children must attend with an adult. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sewing-skills-with-charles-bannon-tickets-1998491643303?aff=oddtdtcreator

Culture Blooms Annual Fundraising Gala
Thursday, September 10, 2006 | 6-9 PM
Cavalli Hudson Valley
The Athens Cultural Center is thrilled to invite you to our 3rd annual fundraising Gala! Mark your calendars and join us for a fun, lively event benefitting ACC and the exhibitions, programs and events that help our community flourish and grow! The evening will feature catering by Dinosaur BBQ, entertainment by the Lou Pappas Jazz Trio and the centerpiece of the night - a live auction benefiting ACC’s programs. Embrace the spirit of the event and dress in your favorite floral-inspired clothing! 
https://athensculturalcenter.org/2026-culture-blooms

Family Studio Hour: Rhythm, Song and Movement
Sunday, September 13th, 2026 | 10:30 AM-11:30 AM
Join musician and educator Mike Pagnani for an energetic hour of rhythm, song, and movement designed for the whole family. Through interactive music-making, simple percussion, singing, and creative movement, participants will explore the joy of making music together while building listening skills, coordination, confidence, and connection. No musical experience is necessary—just bring your curiosity and a willingness to play! 
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/family-studio-hour-rhythm-song-and-movement-tickets-1997063918941?aff=oddtdtcreator

Bluegrass Slow Jam
Sunday, September 13th, 2026 | 2:00–4:00 PM
A slow jam is a welcoming and supportive, easy-tempo jam session aimed at beginning and intermediate players, but with plenty of room for relaxed experts. The group leader, mandolinist Peter Paden of the Wickers Creek Band, will distribute basic chord charts for well-known tunes and songs before the session, and guide all players, no matter their instrument.  (Acoustic and stringed instruments only, please). 
https://athensculturalcenter.org/bluegrass-slow-jam

Queer & Trans Connection Network
Wednesday, September 23, 2026 | 6:00 - 8:00 PM
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.
https://athensculturalcenter.org/up-next/queer-trans-connections-ld9jj-jzb73-ln6ka-6ftjc-snle5-ykgfn-98f6n

Drum Circle
Thursday, September 24, 2026 | 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Join us for an exploration of the power of drumming to move, connect, and transform. More than simply hearing or playing rhythms, participating in a drum circle is a shared vibrational experience that can be energizing, grounding, healing, and fun. No experience is necessary, and all are welcome. Participants are encouraged to bring a hand drum, such as a frame drum, bongo, or similar percussion instrument.
https://athensculturalcenter.org/drum-circle

Community Studio
Sunday, September 27, 2026 | 1:00 - 3:00 PM
Join us for Community Studio. Bring your supplies and a project to work on. Pull up a chair and share a table as you create alongside fellow artists. Water-based media, fiber arts, writing, collage, and more are welcome! Sliding scale admission at the door: $5–$15. Open to all ages; children must be accompanied by an adult. *Please note: oil paints and spray materials are not permitted in the building.
https://athensculturalcenter.org/acc-classes/open-studio-735ew-pk7md

Autumn Deep Reading Night
Sunday, September 27, 2026 | 5:00 - 7:00 PM
Deep Reading Night is a relaxed, screen-free evening where we’ll read and discuss one poem by the late John Ashbery, a celebrated writer who spent much of his life devoted to creative communities in the Upper Hudson Valley. The poem will be chosen for its openness, emotional range, and relevance to many different lives. Facilitator Leonard Nalencz will guide us through reading it aloud, noticing details, and talking together about what we find; no expertise or prep required. For anyone who loves to read and think in community, or who’d like to try it for the first time. This will be a light-fare potluck, and we invite you to bring snacks to contribute to our community table. $10-$20 suggested donation. Presented by the Matthew Strother Center for the Examined Life and the Flow Chart Foundation.
https://athensculturalcenter.org/up-next/autumn-deep-reading-night

VISIT & REGISTRATION

Unless noted, all classes and events take place at 24 Second Street, Athens, NY. Most events are free; some workshops require registration or suggest a donation. Please visit athensculturalcenter.org for details and to register.

ABOUT ATHENS CULTURAL CENTER

The Athens Cultural Center is a gathering place where art, learning, and community meet. We believe creativity is for everyone—every age, every level, every voice. Our programs are designed to inspire, connect, and cultivate belonging.

For More Info & Photos
Athens Cultural Center
24 Second Street, Athens, NY 12015
📧 info@athensculturalcenter.org
🌐 athensculturalcenter.org