Every summer since 2008, the low-key hamlet of Wassaic transforms into a psychedelic amalgamation of art, dance, music, and film for the three-day long Wassaic Project Summer Festival (July 31-August 2). The festival focuses on emerging and innovative talent whose work is on display in the most unlikely places. One of the last remaining wood-crib grain elevators in the country has been converted into an art space, and a cattle-auction ring acts as the project’s movie theater. The art itself, being the product of young artists with a penchant for experimentation, is as radical as the setting it’s displayed in. For example, a rusted dumpster lying on its side with teal light streaming out of its carved-out bottom makes up Kelly Goff’s piece, Dumpster. In total, the exhibit features more than 70 artists—not including the 15 bands scheduled to play. Attendees are encouraged to stay at the on-site campground and party all three culture-crazed nights away for a $60 camping fee ($40 if you make your reservation in advance). The festival takes place at The Maxon Mills in Wassaic. Admission is free. Wassaicproject.org
This article appears in July 2015.
