Upcoming Events
Tell A Tale: Community Storytelling Circle with Jayden Cross
Come share a story, share some food, and share in community. Tell a Tale is an intergenerational storytelling circle led by local resident Jayden Cross, inviting neighbors to pass down traditions, memories, recipes, and life lessons.
Longtime Hudson residents are especially encouraged to join and help preserve the voices that have shaped our town. Meet new faces, connect with old ones, and celebrate what it means to belong—through stories that live on when we tell them.
"Don’t let it leave with you."
All ages welcome and encouraged.
Exhibition Closing Walk
Stop by The Spark anytime between 9AM and 3PM on Friday, August 1st for a final look at Portraits of Hudson by Chad Weckler. Grab a bagel or coffee from Circles Bagel Counter, and walk through the CoLab and Second Floor Hub to view the portraits before they come down.
We'll also be offering short tours of The Spark Building throughout the day!
Additionally, all visitors can enter a raffle to win a custom digital portrait by Chad (Winner to be announced by the end of the day).
We hope to see you there!
How to Optimize Your iPhone
Learn how to get the most out of your iPhone in this step-by-step workshop. We’ll walk through key settings and features that can make your phone easier to use, more secure, and more efficient.
This workshop will cover:
How to adjust settings to save battery life
How to manage storage and clear up space
How to use Focus mode, Do Not Disturb, and Notifications
How to set up important privacy and security settings
How to use accessibility features like text size, voice control, and magnifier
Tips for organizing your apps and using widgets
This session is designed for everyday iPhone users—no technical background needed. Bring your phone and follow along as we go through everything together.
SWAY Teen Crew Boot Camp
Are you a Columbia County teen curious about a career in film and television? Join us for a week-long, hands-on summer camp, designed specifically for ages 15 to 19.
As part of the Stockade Works Access Youth (SWAY) initiative, Teen Crew Boot Camp is a 5-day workforce development program led by experienced industry professionals to provide introductions to several on-set departments, preparing teens for the exciting and fast-paced world of working in film and TV production.
Writing Club
In this twice a month, hour-long session, we’ll gather for casual conversation about writing. What challenges are we experiencing with craft or in our practice? How can we motivate each other (and ourselves) to stay accountable to longer projects? We’ll also write!
The Empowerment Project: Education Records Organizer Binder
Join us for a hands-on workshop with Amy Snyder, Regional Coordinator/Education Advocate, and Tina Beauparlant, Regional Manager/Education Specialist.
This in-person training is designed for parents and guardians of children navigating the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE), Committee on Special Education (CSE), or 504 Plans for students with special education needs.
Together, we’ll get your child’s educational records organized into a comprehensive recordkeeping binder. This interactive workshop will help you stay organized and better prepared to support your child’s education throughout the CPSE, CSE, or 504 process.
We will provide binders and related materials.
Please bring the following items with you:
All of your child's educational records from the past two years
IEPs, evaluations, behavior plans, report cards, and any other documents you believe should be included
Learn more about us at www.empowermentproject.net
How to be a Barista 101 (for Teens)
Interested in landing a job at a coffee shop — join us for a free, hands-on Workforce Development Training focused on barista skills — led by Fathema Rahman, The Spark’s Workforce Development Coordinator.
In this 3-hour session, teens will learn:
How to operate espresso machines and grinders
Basic drink building: espresso shots, steamed milk, and simple lattes
Café workflow and station setup
Customer service basics: taking orders, working a register, and communicating with customers
Workplace readiness: time management, teamwork, and showing up professionally
Whether you're considering a job in food service or just want to explore what it's like to work in a fast-paced environment, this training will give you skills and confidence to get started.
Open to teens ages 13–19. No prior experience needed. Space is limited — registration required!
15 spots available! Register below
How to Tidy Up Without Taking Over - Supporting Your Elders at Home with Raena Baldwin
Join professional cleaner Raena Baldwin for a thoughtful workshop on navigating the unique challenges of helping elders maintain a clean and comfortable home.
Whether you're supporting aging parents, relatives, or neighbors, this session will offer practical strategies for decluttering, cleaning, and organizing elder spaces in a way that respects autonomy, preserves dignity, and fosters connection. Learn how to assess needs, have productive conversations, and create systems that actually stick.
Raena brings years of experience working hands-on with families to make homes more functional and peaceful. Her approach blends compassion, structure, and deep respect for the people she serves.
Free to attend. All are welcome—especially adult children, caregivers, and community members supporting elder loved ones.
Hudson 1997–2003: Portraits by Phyllis Hjorth
Columbia-Greene Habitat for Humanity & The Spark of Hudson Present:
Hudson 1997–2003: Portraits by Phyllis Hjorth
August 15th - December 19th, 2025
The Spark of Hudson is honored to partner with Columbia-Greene Habitat for Humanity to present an evocative exhibition of painted portraits by artist Phyllis Hjorth, created between 1997 and 2003. These works offer a rare and intimate visual record of life in Hudson at the turn of the century—capturing members of the community in vivid color and bold expression.
Many of the individuals portrayed in these paintings remain unidentified. Through this exhibition, we aim to recognize and reconnect with the lives represented, inviting community members to help restore names and stories to these paintings.
Originally donated to the Columbia County Habitat for Humanity ReStore, the decision to preserve, rather than sell, these portraits reflects the organization’s respect for the people of Hudson, NY. This exhibition honors that gesture by publicly sharing the artwork and creating space for reflection, recognition, and remembrance,
Opening Friday, August 15 from 5-7pm at The Spark of Hudson (502 Union Street, Hudson, NY) with a FREE reception with the artist, Phyllis Hjorth.
We invite all who live in, love, or remember Hudson to view this important collection and help illuminate the histories it holds.
Sound Meditations with Empty Space
Join us for an immersive sound meditation designed to awaken your inner stillness and expand your capacity to listen, both inwardly and outwardly. This session weaves together breathwork, gentle vocalization, and resonant sound to help you regulate the nervous system and drop into deeper states of presence.
We’ll begin with guided breathwork to clear stagnant energy and ground the body, followed by simple vocal toning practices that invite you to explore the healing vibration of your own voice. As your body softens and your awareness opens, we invite you participate in active listening in the rich, meditative tones of singing bowls, chimes, and other harmonic instruments.
This is a space to let go, to attune, and to receive.
Please bring a yoga mat.
Registration required. 15 spots available.
Sound Meditations with Empty Space
Join us for an immersive sound meditation designed to awaken your inner stillness and expand your capacity to listen, both inwardly and outwardly. This session weaves together breathwork, gentle vocalization, and resonant sound to help you regulate the nervous system and drop into deeper states of presence.
We’ll begin with guided breathwork to clear stagnant energy and ground the body, followed by simple vocal toning practices that invite you to explore the healing vibration of your own voice. As your body softens and your awareness opens, we invite you participate in active listening in the rich, meditative tones of singing bowls, chimes, and other harmonic instruments.
This is a space to let go, to attune, and to receive.
Please bring a yoga mat.
Registration required. 15 spots available.
Create Miniatures with Leo Grannis
Join us for a fun and interactive, all-ages workshop with artist Leopold Grannis!
In this hands-on session, you'll create your very own miniature figure using found materials—and take it home at the end of the day. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned maker, you'll learn creative techniques from an expert in a relaxed, welcoming environment. All materials provided!
Birthing Class with Hudson Doula Care
Join the Family Resource Centers of Columbia County and Hudson Doula Care for a free community birthing class led by local doula Abby Larsen! We'll walk through the stages of birth, explore common fears, and work together on creating personal birthing plans in a warm, supportive space.
When: Monday, August 18th, 3:00–4:30 PM
Where: The Hub at Spark of Hudson, 502 Union St., Hudson, NY
This Spark-affiliated event is free to attend, thanks to the generosity of The Spark Hudsonfor donating the space and grant support from the HRBT Foundation and the Ackerman Foundation.
If you would like to make a donation to the community organizations involved please use the following links.
www.familyresourcecenterscc.org/donate
Open to all expecting caregivers in Columbia or Greene County.
Infant and Young Child CPR Workshop
FREE Friends & Family CPR Workshop — Monday, August 18 from 5–7 PM at The Spark of Hudson on Union Street!
This life-saving event is specifically designed for caregivers and families of infants and young children (ages 0–5). Learn CPR skills that could make all the difference in an emergency.
The workshop is facilitated by Dave Yates of Valatie Rescue Squad, who has been leading these trainings across the county to help empower families and early childhood caregivers.
Participants will receive a certificate of completion at the end of the session and walk away with essential skills to help protect the children they care for.
This free event is a collaboration between:
Valatie Rescue Squad
Family Resource Centers of Columbia County
The Spark of Hudson (thank you for generously hosting!)
While the workshop is free, donations are welcome! You can support these community organizations by:
Bringing diapers, wipes, or gently used clothing (ages 0–5) for families who participate in Family Resource Center’s programs
Making a monetary donation to any of the three partners:
https://www.familyresourcecenterscc.org/donate
https://www.valatierescue.org/donate
https://sparkofhudson.org/donate
Let’s come together to learn, prepare, and protect our youngest community members. Register today!
First Step to Finish Line: How to Run Your First Long Distance Race with Jess Laddin
Wanting to run your first long-distance race? Whether that’s a 5K, 10K, half marathon, or marathon, this workshop is for anyone who's been thinking about signing up but may feel intimidation about pulling the trigger.
Led by Jess Laddin, a Community Coordinator at The Spark of Hudson, avid runner and marathon finisher, this presentation and interactive conversation is packed with practical advice. Jess isn’t a fitness professional—just someone who wanted to run long distances and took the first step.
In this presentation, we’ll cover:
How to get started in the running community
Gear do’s and don’ts
Common myths (and what’s actually helpful)
Tips, tricks, and mindset shifts for training
Training resources to help you stay motivated and on track
Whether you’re eyeing your first 5K or your first marathon, you’ll leave with the tools, support, and inspiration to lace up your shoes and sign up for that race you’ve always dreamed of running!
Jessica Laddin has spent nearly the past four years working in community arts programming and youth/ intergenerational workshop curation. From 2021-2024, Jess was the Community Workshop Coordinator at Hudson Hall at the historic Hudson Opera House, where she programmed free community workshops including, but not limited to, Shakespeare Improv, Chess Club, Hip-Hop Dance, and Art Club. Jess is one of the cofounders of Hudson Community Choir (est. 2023), which is a free and non-audition whose mission is to foster an empowering community of singers of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds to help them find connection, belonging, and joy through musical performance. Jess is now a Community Coordinator at The Spark of Hudson as of August, 2024. She is an avid marathon runner, a cat lover, and aspiring forensic psychologist. Jess is a graduate of Ithaca College (2021) and holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance.
The long distance races she has completed include, but are not limited to:
- Du City Tri Coney Island Half Marathon
- NYRR Brooklyn Half Marathon
- RBC Brooklyn Half Marathon
- NYRR New York Marathon
Waving Session with francesca avani
Every third Thursday of the month, Bridge Street Dance is collaborating with The Spark of Hudson to host waving sessions! Waving is a style of street dance that is about creating illusion, connecting to your inner flow, and so much more. These sessions are *not* classes - these will be a space to connect, practice, session, and exchange all things waving. We will exchange and witness one another in this art form. Come flow with us!
Bridge Street Dance is dedicated to creating spaces where creativity, authenticity, and artistic growth thrive. Through curated events—showcases, workshops, and residencies—our focus is on the exploration of emotions and storytelling through innovative dance.
Home cheesemaking with Susan Chiappini
Enjoy an afternoon of home cheesemaking at The Spark of Hudson with Susan Chiappini. Attendees will participate in making yogurt, creme fraiche, buttermilk and ricotta using fresh raw milk from Chaseholm Farm in Pine Plains, NY. There will be samples for sharing and discussion of the health benefits and science behind the cheesemaking process in this hands-on workshop.
Coffee and a local cheese board will be served for attendees to enjoy as they learn.
Topics covered will include:
Sourcing milk
Equipment for cheesemaking
Nutritional benefits
Shelf life and storage
Serving suggestions
Susan Chiappini, PhD is a passionate home cook who loves sharing her kitchen knowledge with others and has taught cooking classes in New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and New York State.
Susan works seasonally as the farm kitchen supervisor at Montgomery Place Orchards in Red Hook. She has studied human physiology and nutrition at the Medical College of Virginia, and Columbia University and she is certified as a Master Food Preserver through Cornell Co-operative Extension. She and her husband make their home in Rhinebeck.
$45 per ticket, purchase below!
Intro to Vibe Coding with Albert Wenger
Curious about coding but not sure where to start? Join us for a beginner-friendly introduction to vibecoding. Learn how to use AI to turn your imagination into working code, such as a dynamic chart, interactive illustration, or engaging game. Whether you’re an artist, writer, student, or simply intrigued, this workshop will show you how to get started. No experience needed—just bring your curiosity and get ready to explore what’s possible when code meets creativity.
Second Life Studio: An Upcycling Art Workshop
Second Life Studio: An Upcycling Art Workshop in collaboration with the Columbia-Greene Habitat for Humanity ReStore.
Join us at Second Life Studio for a hands-on workshop where we turn old, donated materials from Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore into creative new works of art.
You’ll get access to a wide range of salvaged items—wood, metal, furniture parts, and more—and use them to build something unique. All tools and supplies are provided, and no experience is needed.
This is a great chance to get creative, reduce waste, and give new life to old objects.
Open to all ages and skill levels. Materials provided.
FREE! Register Below!
Second Life Studio is in tandem with exhibition Hudson 1997-2003: Portraits by Phyllis Hjorth on view at The Spark of Hudson through December 19th, 2025.
Intro to Sourdough with Chef Tepper
Curious about sourdough but not sure where to start? Join us for a hands-on introduction to sourdough with Chef Tepper, founder and head chef of Circles. Tepper will guide you through the fundamentals of sourdough—from building and maintaining a starter to understanding fermentation. You’ll leave with the knowledge to begin baking at home.
Circles began as a roving sourdough pizza and bagel pop-up out of Lil' Deb’s Oasis in Hudson, NY, known for food that’s surprising, thoughtful, and spicy. Today, Circles Bagels operates a popular counter at 502 Union St., open Friday through Monday.
No experience necessary—just bring your curiosity and an appetite for learning.
Watt's in Your Hands?
Presented in partnership with the Clean Energy Hub
Ready to take control of your energy use and lower your utility bills? Join us for Watt’s in Your Hands?, a free, hands-on workshop designed to help Hudson residents make the switch to cleaner, safer, and more affordable energy solutions.
We’ll break down practical steps you can take to reduce energy waste, improve home efficiency, and access programs that support a greener lifestyle. Plus, every participant will receive a free home energy kit to help you start saving right away.
Come with your questions, leave with tools in hand—and real steps toward a cleaner future.
50 spots available! FREE and open to all!
How to Build a Cheese Board with grace pullin
Join Grace Pullin—Spark’s own special events coordinator — for a hands-on workshop in the art of cheese board building. This interactive class blends culinary creativity with local food education as Grace shares tips on crafting beautiful, balanced boards while teaching about Hudson Valley dairy, sustainable farming practices, and the nutritional value of local cheeses.
Whether you’re prepping for a party or just love cheese, you’ll walk away with practical skills, a deeper appreciation for regional producers, and of course CHEESE!
Free to attend. All materials provided. Spots are limited—register now!
CANCELLED: Writing Club
CANCELLED FOR JULY 22ND. In this twice a month, hour-long session, we’ll gather for casual conversation about writing. What challenges are we experiencing with craft or in our practice? How can we motivate each other (and ourselves) to stay accountable to longer projects? We’ll also write!
How to Stay Tidy with Tiny Humans led by Raena Baldwin
Between diapers, snacks, and the never-ending game of "where did that go?", keeping your home in order during the early years of parenting can feel impossible. But it doesn’t have to be. In this practical and compassionate workshop, organizer and systems expert Raena Baldwin returns to The Spark to share realistic, judgment-free strategies for creating routines that actually work when you have little ones at home.
Whether you're in the thick of newborn nights or navigating the unpredictable energy of toddler days, you'll leave with:
Tools for setting up a manageable home rhythm
Ideas for simplifying daily tasks (even when you're sleep-deprived)
Tips for organizing your space and your time
A sense of encouragement that you’re not alone in the chaos
This workshop is for any caregiver looking to feel more grounded, supported, and in control—whatever that means in your current season.
About the Facilitator:
Raena Baldwin is the founder of Fresh Start, a personal organizing company that specializes in helping individuals and families reclaim their spaces and routines with care. While her company offers traditional cleaning services, Raena’s true passion lies in creating home systems that support her clients’ lives. From redesigning rooms to implementing chore routines, her work is tailored, holistic, and deeply rooted in empathy. She believes that every home—and every family—deserves support that meets them where they are.
For Parents: How To Talk To Your Kids About Sex In The Real World (Before They Learn It From Porn)
Join Cindy Gallop, founder and CEO of MakeLoveNotPorn, for a conversation about updating 'The Talk', and why it isn't, and should never be, just one talk, but ongoing communication: how to educate your children on what sex, love, and intimacy really look like and are really all about. In this engaging session designed for parents, Cindy will share a short presentation followed by an open, interactive discussion on how to ensure that you equip your children with the best possible start on how to navigate dating, relationships, consent, pleasure, and connection in the real world—not the porn world.
This event is a judgment-free space to ask questions, share ideas, and get real about sex. It's for parents of children of all ages - Cindy recommends beginning conversations as early as possible, and will provide simple, easy ways to do that.
Cindy Gallop is a well-known entrepreneur, speaker, and social activist who has spent her career challenging cultural norms around sex, gender, and power. In 2009, she launched MakeLoveNotPorn, a platform designed to provide honest, real-life stories about sex and intimacy—offering a healthy alternative to the often distorted perspectives of mainstream pornography.
Entrepreneurship Club with Special Guest Cindy Gallop
Cindy Gallop is a legendary entrepreneur, advertising icon, and fearless advocate for social change. After making waves as the former chair of ad agency BBH, Cindy founded MakeLoveNotPorn, a groundbreaking platform that challenges toxic narratives around sex and promotes real, authentic human connection. Known for her radical candor and visionary thinking, Cindy is a globally sought-after speaker and startup advisor who's redefining entrepreneurship, one bold idea at a time.
She’s stopping by The Spark of Hudson for an open, informal discussion — and you're invited.
Bring your questions, challenges, issues, problems - Cindy is all about finding practical solutions!
Register Below!
Waving Session with francesca avani
Every third Thursday of the month, Bridge Street Dance is collaborating with The Spark of Hudson to host waving sessions! Waving is a style of street dance that is about creating illusion, connecting to your inner flow, and so much more. These sessions are *not* classes - these will be a space to connect, practice, session, and exchange all things waving. We will exchange and witness one another in this art form. Come flow with us!
Bridge Street Dance is dedicated to creating spaces where creativity, authenticity, and artistic growth thrive. Through curated events—showcases, workshops, and residencies—our focus is on the exploration of emotions and storytelling through innovative dance.
Book Talk and Storytelling Workshop: Something Between Us with author Anand Pandian
Join us for a book talk and interactive storytelling and writing workshop with anthropologist Anand Pandian, author of Something Between Us: The Everyday Walls of American Life, and How to Take Them Down.
Pandian began working on this book in response to the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Disturbed by the rise in anti-immigrant rhetoric and the growing political polarization, he set out to understand what was fueling these divisions—and how people might begin to bridge them. Over several years, he traveled across the country, engaging with Americans from many walks of life, including police officers, urban planners, activists, truck drivers, and community organizers.
Through these encounters, Pandian explored how the physical and cultural structures of everyday life—homes designed for privacy, vehicles built like armor, media bubbles, and even our own ideas about safety and identity—can reinforce separation and suspicion. Something Between Us examines these “everyday walls” and how they shape our ability to connect with others, especially those whose lives or beliefs differ from our own.
At the same time, the book is grounded in hope. It highlights the small but powerful ways people are pushing back against division—through mutual aid, community-building, and acts of deep empathy. Pandian invites readers to imagine new ways of living in relation to one another, based on care, curiosity, and solidarity.
Participants will learn about the book then engage in a storytelling and writing workshop led by Pandian designed to explore personal experiences of difference, connection, and civic life. This workshop will invite attendees to reflect together on their own positions in relation to others—both familiar and unfamiliar—and to consider storytelling as a means of social and political connection. No prior writing experience is required. All materials will be provided.
Presented in partnership with Spotty Dog Books & Ale. Books will be available for purchase at the event. Free and open to all.
Yoga & Diaper Drive w/ The Soft SPot NY & Lava Yoga
Join The Soft Spot NY for a rooftop yoga class and diaper drive at 9am on Monday, July 14th at The Spark of Hudson. Amanda Huggins of Lava Yoga will be leading us in a free outdoor class on The Spark’s rooftop deck.
Please bring a new, unopened package of diapers or pull-ups for donation. Lava Yoga will provide mats.
Your donations will benefit our local National Diaper Bank Network members - the Berkshire Community Diaper Project and The Food Pantries for the Capital District.
Registration is capped at 20 spots, with a waitlist available.
LAB/SHUL - Raising The Bar: Experimental Family Workshop
Lab/Shul Raising the Bar B Mitzvah Team invites your family to dive into one of the oldest stories in the Jewish tradition through your own family's story - in this interactive, artistic, engaging playshop. This session is designed to cultivate empathy, curiosity and imagination through creative, playful experiences to connect to self, others and the world.
Snacks provided.
BYO heart and spirit!
‘Femenine’ in Conversation with Kyle Marshall and Isaac Jean-Francois
On Wednesday, July 9, join us on the beautiful Skydeck at The Spark of Hudson for an intimate peek into the world of Femenine, choreographer Kyle Marshall’s new dance piece that will be performed at PS21 on July 11 and 12. Set to composer Julius Eastman’s jubilant work of the same title, Femenine is a vibrant embodiment of queer joy, celebrating Black and Brown LGBTQ+ people and artistry in times of resilience and solidarity.
Marshall will be in conversation with Isaac Jean-Francois, a Julius Eastman scholar and doctoral candidate at Yale University, whose research interests include Black studies, phenomenology, psychoanalysis, and queer studies.
The event is free with registration. Light refreshments will be available.
Spark Conversations: Severe Weather Preparedness with Ken Campbell
As summer storms grow more frequent and intense, preparation becomes essential. Join us for two evenings of hands-on learning with Ken Campbell, an expert in emergency response and trauma care, as we explore how to stay safe and connected during severe weather events.
Ken Campbell brings over 25 years of experience in critical care, emergency medicine, and disaster preparedness. He has served as a paramedic, ICU and ER nurse, and rural emergency provider, andhas trained civilians AND first responders from across the globe in stress management and emergency preparations.
In this workshop, you’ll learn:
How to shelter In place for 3 days and also how to use a go Bag to safely relocate on short notice if officials order it (if needed).
This session is ideal for anyone seeking practical tools to protect themselves and their loved ones during extreme weather events. Whether you're just beginning your preparedness journey or looking to deepen your knowledge, you’ll leave with actionable strategies and increased confidence.
The Art of Remembering: Gravestone Preservation 101 led by caitie hilverman
Join us for a hands-on introduction to gravestone preservation, rooted in the rich history of Hudson’s own Cedar Park Cemetery. We’ll explore the stories behind local figures while learning why gravestones matter -- not just as memorials, but as cultural artifacts, genealogical treasures, and works of art. You’ll also gain practical tips for cleaning and caring for headstones with respect and care. Perfect for history lovers, cemetery wanderers, and anyone interested in preserving memory.
Photo Safari With Chad Weckler
Join photographer Chad Weckler for a hands-on photo safari through the streets of Hudson. This walking workshop is perfect for beginners and seasoned photographers alike who want to sharpen their eye and deepen their understanding of visual storytelling.
The session begins at The Spark Building, then we’ll head out to explore the rich textures, lighting, shapes, and patterns of Hudson’s vibrant streetscape.
What you’ll explore:
Lighting and natural contrast
Compositional framing and cropping
Shapes, patterns, and color dynamics
Bring your camera or simply your cell phone—whatever you use to capture the world around you.
This is a great opportunity to walk, observe, and create alongside one of Hudson’s most experienced photographers.
Free to attend. All skill levels welcome.
Chad Weckler's exhibition Portraits of Hudson will be on view at The Spark Building through August 1st, 2025.
Morning School: Suzanne Snider, Community Storycircle
Suzanne Snider (Founder/Director, Oral History Summer School 2012–) is a writer, documentarian, and educator who founded, in 2012, Oral History Summer School—which now runs year-round—in upstate New York with the companion audio archive, the Community Library of Voice and Sound (directed by Emma Brown). She consults with institutions and project teams including the National Public Housing Museum, MoMA, Center for Reproductive Rights and the Sing Sing Prison Museum. She has taught at Columbia University (OHMA), Bard’s Center for Curatorial Studies and she is a Part-Time Associate Professor at the New School. Prior to her work with adult learners, she taught in the New York City public school system (pre-K through 6th), and developed arts curriculum for visually impaired students at the New York Institute for Special Education.
Free light bites and coffee by CIRCLES
Morning School: Jess Laddin & Claude Vachal Snider, The OCD Interview
Jessica Laddin has spent nearly the past three years working in community arts programming and youth/intergenerational workshop curation. From 2021–2024, Jess was the Community Workshop Coordinator at Hudson Hall at the historic Hudson Opera House, where she programmed free community workshops including, but not limited to, Shakespeare Improv, Chess Club, Hip-Hop Dance, and Art Club. Jess is one of the cofounders of Hudson Community Choir (est. 2023), which is a free and non-audition whose mission is to foster an empowering community of singers of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds to help them find connection, belonging, and joy through musical performance. Jess is now a Community Coordinator at The Spark of Hudson as of August, 2024. She is an avid marathon runner, a cat lover, and aspiring forensic psychologist. Jess is a graduate of Ithaca College (2021) and holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance.
Claude Vachal-Snider is 11 years old. She/they live in Hudson and go to Catskill Montessori School (CMS). Claude likes spelling and has participated in the regionals. She/they plays piano and ukulele and is in two choirs. Claude has 8 dead fish and shares a small, messy closet with the two other 6th graders in her school. They live in two houses with her Moms and has OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder). Their two icons are Billie Eilish and Melissa Gilbert.
Morning School: Charlie Merrick, Collaborative Poetry
Charlie Merrick is a writer and organizer in Providence, RI. He holds a B.A. in Public Health and WGSS from Mills College, where his thesis explored the Queens Memory Project during the COVID-19 pandemic. He served with AmeriCorps at the RI Center for Primary Care, supervising a social medicine clinic. Charlie uses qualitative research to explore addiction treatment, peer support, and lived experience. His work is shaped by HIV/AIDS activism, autonomous education, and deep engagement with poetry and theory.
Free light bites and coffee by AGUILA REAL!
Little Bo Peep Lost Her Sheep: Clown Show & workshop for kids
Listed as one of Time Out NY’s best shows in NY in 2024
“There aren’t adequate words to describe how funny this is” ️️️️1/2 -The Reviews Hub
“A Celebration of everything that makes a live performance unpredictable, beautiful, and very funny” -The Young Londoner
“Strange but a-peeling” -The Daily Express
Get ready to laugh, play, and get a little silly! Jack and Zoe—two real-life clowns —bring their high-energy fun to The Spark with a clown-tastic take on Little Bo Peep.
The 30-minute show is full of goofy surprises, big emotions, and chances for the audience to join in. After the show, kids jump into a hands-on clowning workshop with games, group activities, and lots of laughs.
Free to attend!
Jack and Zoe have performed in NYC, the Berkshires, London, Paris, and at the world-famous Edinburgh Fringe. They’ve taught clowning to kids and adults all over—and now they’re bringing the joy to Hudson.
Register below!
MORNING SCHOOL: Sofia Sarcedote, Narcan & Harm Reduction
Sofia Sarcedote is a medical student at Brown planning to go into primary care and addiction medicine. She has worked in housing case management and qualitative research on HIV and addiction care. Her oral history work documents the creation of the first state-sanctioned overdose prevention center in Rhode Island.
Free light bites and coffee by AGUILA REAL!
Writing Club
In this twice a month, hour-long session, we’ll gather for casual conversation about writing. What challenges are we experiencing with craft or in our practice? How can we motivate each other (and ourselves) to stay accountable to longer projects? We’ll also write!
Morning School: Fathema Rahman, Henna and Heritage
Fathema Rahman is a Bengali-American student who grew up in New York City and has lived in Hudson for nearly seven years. Her journey in community involvement began during high school, where she led the multicultural club and started reconnecting with her cultural roots—particularly through the art of henna and its significance in Bengali tradition.
After graduating, Fathema continued her leadership work in college, serving as president of the Business Club and J-Treasurer of the MSA. She is currently working toward her Bachelor's degree in Accounting, which she expects to complete this fall. Alongside her studies, Fathema works with high school students as the Workforce Development Coordinator for the Spark of Hudson’s youth apprenticeship program. In her free time, she enjoys nature walks, binge-watching shows, and exploring creative outlets that connect her with her heritage.
Free light bites and coffee by Aguila Real!
Morning School: Sarah Van Buren - DJ’ing
Sarah Van Buren (SVB) is a raver, DJ, sound artist, and library worker in Stottville, NY. She explores buried histories through sound and communal ritual. Sarah is Youth Services Manager at Hudson Area Library, a founding member of Community Rave Network, a Deep Listening® facilitator, and co-curator of 24-HOUR DRONE.
Free light bites and coffee by CIRCLES!
Rooftop Modern Acting with Sam Malone
Modern Acting Sessions occur weekly on Wednesdays beginning May 14th - June 19th, 2025
6 Sessions Total
Modern acting emphasizes authenticity, emotional truth, and presence. Drawing from techniques like Meisner, Stanislavski, and contemporary performance practices, this class—led by actor and teaching artist Sam Malone—invites amateur and professional adults to explore their craft in a supportive, skill-building environment. Through improvisational games, scene work, and partner duologues, you'll develop the tools to deepen your performance, sharpen your instincts, and connect more fully with your scene partners and audience. Ideal for amateur/ pro actors!
Youth Pride Party
Join us for the Youth Pride Party on June 17 from 4–6 PM at The Spark of Hudson! Open to ages 12–18, this free event will feature music, games, food, and a pride sign-making station. Celebrate in a safe and welcoming space for LGBTQ+ youth and allies.
📧 For more info: toby@c-gac.org
Explore Emerging Wine Regions with Neverstill
As we better understand the impacts of climate change and a shifting global market, emerging wine regions are leading the way towards a world of more sustainable and healthy wines. Join us at Spark of Hudson for a tasting and exploration of the future of wine with Neverstill Wines (Tasting Room at 739 Warren Street). Come sip their fresh and bright wines and learn something along the way!
Neverstill is a woman founded and led wine brand committed to a sustainable and vibrant future in the wine world.
Only 20 spots available, register now!