Opus 40, the beloved sculpture park in Saugerties, is gearing up to host its inaugural fall foliage gala on Saturday, October 21. This event promises to be an annual fundraiser to generate much-needed revenue for the restoration and development of the site. All proceeds will go directly towards supporting the restoration of Harvey Fite’s impressive 6.5-acre bluestone sculpture, as well as the artist’s home from the late 1930s, which has recently been acquired by the nonprofit organization.
The festivities will kick off at 5:30 p.m. with lively music and delectable cocktails provided by Stockade Tavern. For those who have attended Opus 40’s live events throughout the summer, you’ll recognize Stockade Tavern’s vintage bar cart, adding a touch of nostalgia to the fall gala. Dinner will be served under an elegant tent, courtesy of Blue Mountain Bistro-To-Go, accompanied by exquisite wine pairings from Hudson Wine Merchants. As the night progresses, guests will have the opportunity to participate in a paddle-raise auction to support the restoration efforts. The evening will culminate with a spectacular light show, designed by Studio RRD, shining upon, around, and within Opus 40’s central sculpture, creating a truly enchanting experience beneath the starlit sky.
This exciting event marks the introduction of Opus 40’s reinvigorated board of directors, featuring new board president, architect Alan Wanzenberg, and vice president, environmental designer Brigid Walsh. The event’s benefit committee includes Wanzenberg, Walsh, and esteemed board members such as Rob Ross from Studio RRD, Isabel Soffer, Jennie Swantz, renowned photographer Nigel Barker, talented performer Cristen Barker (of the Chin Twins), esteemed writer Nick Flynn, accomplished actress Lili Taylor, event executive Cara Crowley Stammler, marketing strategist Lena Johnson, and visionary entrepreneur Matthew Moneypenny.
Walsh expressed her excitement about the event, stating, “We are all thrilled to be hosting this remarkable gala at Opus 40 as we come together to celebrate Harvey Fite’s incredible legacy and his enduring work. This event not only ensures the continued preservation and renovation efforts, but also offers an unparalleled experience for the Hudson Valley community. It has become a must-attend event on everyone’s autumn calendar.”
Individual tickets for the gala are priced at $250, which includes a full membership to Opus 40 for the year 2024. Alternatively, tables of 10 are available for $2,000. Secure your tickets now at opus40.org/gala.
Opus 40 has made significant strides in fundraising over the past few years, increasing membership revenue and receiving grants from prestigious organizations such as the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the Thompson Family Foundation, the Institute of Museums and Libraries, and the New York State Council on the Arts, among others. According to a press release by Opus 40, their revenue has risen by over 500 percent since 2017. However, Executive Director Caroline Crumpacker emphasized that there are still substantial fundraising goals to be achieved to further repair the sculpture and undertake master planning and restoration for the newly acquired Fite House.
