NEW MURAL UNVEILING AT DUTCHESS COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS

Description

Arts Mid-Hudson, Destination Dutchess and the Dutchess County Agricultural Society are excited to announce that Brian Zickafoose has been chosen to create a mural for the Dutchess County Fairgrounds Mural Project. The unveiling will take place at a public event at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds Welcome Center August 7, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. WRWD’s Beth Christy broadcasting live from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

This collaborative project invited artists to share their vision through the theme "How does agriculture unite us?" Zickafoose was selected from among nine artists who submitted proposals for his design, which captures Dutchess County's agritourism by highlighting family farms, orchards, wineries, breweries, arts and the area's natural beauty.

Melissa Dvozenja-Thomas, Executive Director of Arts Mid-Hudson, added, “We are thrilled to unveil Brian’s mural at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds, which beautifully illustrates how agriculture unites us all. This stunning artwork celebrates the harmonious relationship between art and agriculture, showcasing how together they enrich our community and culture.”

Based in New York’s Hudson Valley, Zickafoose is an acclaimed illustrator, muralist, and artist known for vibrant works blending nature and spirituality. “It’s an honor to collaborate with the Dutchess County Fairgrounds, Destination Dutchess and Arts Mid-Hudson," said Zickafoose. "This mural celebrates the vibrant creative spirit of the Hudson Valley while honoring the region’s rich agricultural heritage. It’s designed to spark a sense of wonder and transformation in all who encounter it."

Melaine Rottkamp, president & CEO of Destination Dutchess, expressed her enthusiasm. “Following our successful partnership with Arts Mid-Hudson on the mural project adjacent to our tourism brochure racks at the Poughkeepsie Galleria, we looked for another opportunity to collaborate,” said Rottkamp. “We felt that commissioning a stunning mural showcasing agritourism – a key component of our diverse tourism offerings - created the perfect opportunity to celebrate our farms and farmers.”  She added, “Working with the Fairgrounds to place it in an accessible location has been exceptional. Now, hundreds of thousands of people who flock there annually to be immersed in our agricultural heritage will be able to enjoy the artwork.” 

Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino said, "Dutchess County’s farms and fairgrounds are at the heart of who we are, and this mural is a beautiful way to honor that legacy. We are so grateful to Brian Zickafoose for bringing his talent to this project and to our partners who helped bring it to fruition. This is a perfect example of how art and agriculture can come together to inspire everyone who visits the Fairgrounds and to celebrate all that makes Dutchess County special."

Andy Imperati, President & CEO of the Dutchess County Agricultural Society, stated, “We take every opportunity to spread the word about the mission of the Dutchess Agricultural Society, which is to promote and educate people about agriculture. What better place to have this beautiful mural displayed than at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds, where it can be viewed at one of the largest Agritourism venues in the Hudson Valley.”