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.

Example of a waving session: https://www.instagram.com/p/C-tuGettPUH/ 

The Hudson Community Choir invites you to a special Open House at The Spark of Hudson—an evening for voices to rise together in unity, reflection, and joy. We welcome anyone interested in joining a community choir to meet the choir and enjoy a casual rehearsal of this season's repertoire. 

The heart of this gathering is a communal singing of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” often referred to as the Black National Anthem. Over the decades, “Lift Every Voice and Sing” has grown into a deeply meaningful anthem that speaks to struggles, resilience, and enduring hope. It has been sung in churches and classrooms, at civil rights marches and public ceremonies, and continues to serve as a powerful call for justice, freedom, and unity. 

Additionally, Black community members will have a chance to sign up for a special choir that will lead the singing of the Black National Anthem on Juneteenth - Thursday, June 19th.

Whether you’re an experienced vocalist or simply someone who finds joy in singing, this event is for you.

Join us for a roundtable discussion exploring how AI is reshaping the creative process. Led by facilitator Alex Todaro, this interactive session invites artists to examine both the opportunities and challenges AI presents in artistic expression. Through engaging activities and open conversation, we’ll discuss AI’s role as a tool, ethical considerations, and its impact on creativity. Organized by The Spark of Hudson and CREATE Council for the Arts, this event is a space for curiosity, diverse perspectives, and new ideas.

Calling All Justice Advocates!

Step into the world of unsolved mysteries with the Cold Case Collective, a new club at The Spark of Hudson dedicated to examining real cold cases. Join us in a supportive environment as we work to keep victims’ stories alive, develop ethical investigative skills, and learn from guest speakers who prioritize justice for those affected. Be part of a thoughtful community committed to exploring true crime with respect and purpose. Let’s honor these stories and learn together.

Join The Spark of Hudson and The Soft Spot for a free community swap. It’ll be an opportunity to exchange gently used clothing and children’s toys.

Please bring clean, gently used baby, children, and adult clothing, shoes, and accessories. Any toys should be clean, functioning, and with all parts included. No registration required - just come join us for a more sustainable way to update your closet for spring.

Everything left at the end of the swap will be donated with Helpsy. Bagels, coffee, and other refreshments will be for sale from Circles.

Language should never be a barrier to opportunity. Machine translation (MT) is revolutionizing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) by breaking down linguistic barriers that limit access to education, work, and community engagement. Yet, many institutions still operate in a single language, excluding non-native speakers from essential information and services.

MT provides real-time translation, enabling multilingual communication in classrooms, workplaces, and public spaces. While not perfect, when paired with human oversight, it offers a cost-effective and scalable way to foster inclusion. Investing in translation technology means more people can participate fully in society, ensuring language is no longer an obstacle to engagement.

Join us for this Spark Conversation with Pam Doran, an expert in AI and machine translation. With a master's degree in learning and emerging technology, Pam will explore how translation tools can be used ethically and effectively to advance equity and give everyone a voice.

From pixelated beginnings to immersive open worlds, video games have transformed from simple arcade entertainment to a powerful cultural force. Join David Ryder, a Spark of Hudson Apprentice, for an engaging Spark Conversation exploring the history of video games—how they’ve evolved, the technology that shaped them, and their impact on society.

Whether you’re a lifelong gamer, a casual player, or just curious about the evolution of this art form, this discussion will take you through the key milestones that defined gaming history. Bring your questions, nostalgia, and favorite gaming memories for an interactive conversation!

School’s out, but the fun is in! Join us at The Spark for a Supervised Play Day—a special event for kids to enjoy a day of games, arts & crafts, and a relaxing movie while parents get some uninterrupted work time in our First Floor Colab (free coworking for parents!).

Our friendly team will provide a safe and engaging space for kids to play, create, and unwind.

The Spark of Hudson will provide snacks, but all attendees must bring a bagged lunch.
Parents must be present in the building at all times.

Spots are limited—sign up now to reserve your child’s place!

$50 per child

For questions, contact us at hello@sparkofhudson.org

If you work in a creative field and struggle with the bookkeeping side of your practice, this workshop is for you. Artist and self-employed bookkeeper Amanda C. Mathis will guide you through basic bookkeeping procedures that will help you keep your business finances organized so you’ll feel ready when it’s time to file your taxes. We’ll review various systems for tracking financials, how to use a chart of accounts, what types of expenses are deductible and how they should be categorized, as well as other helpful bookkeeping tips.

Amanda C. Mathis is an artist and bookkeeper living and working in Surprise, NY. Amanda has been working as a self-employed bookkeeper since 2015 after leaving her full-time position as Operations Manager at Archive Fine Art in Saugerties. She is proficient in Quickbooks for Mac, Quickbooks Pro (Windows) and Quickbooks Online. She handles bank reconciliations, financial reporting, accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, sales tax and preparation for audits, as well as other related tasks. Her bookkeeping clients include artists, commercial photographers, filmmakers, designers, architects, a homeopathic doctor, a professional organizer and many others. While Amanda’s true passion is her art practice, she enjoys helping others navigate and meet their bookkeeping needs.

Understanding credit is key to financial stability, but it can often feel confusing or overwhelming. This workshop breaks down the essentials, covering how credit scores work, what factors impact them, and steps to build or improve credit over time. Participants will also learn common pitfalls to avoid, debunk popular credit myths, and explore useful tools for monitoring and managing credit. Whether you're just starting to establish credit or looking to boost your score, this session provides clear, practical guidance to help you take control of your financial future.

This workshop is facilitated by Team Laura and Kate of GuaranteedRate.

 How do you relate to sustainability? What role does it play in your daily life?

Sustainability can mean many things—environmental practices, food systems, green spaces, or simply how we connect with our surroundings. But it’s not always clear where we fit into the conversation.

Join Micaela McClinton for an open forum to explore our personal relationships to sustainability and community engagement. This isn’t about having the “right” answers—it’s about sharing experiences, perspectives, and questions in a welcoming space.

With nearly a decade of experience in sustainable agriculture, a background in herbalism, and a focus on the intersection of environmental science, economics, and policy, Micaela brings insight and curiosity to the discussion.

Whether sustainability is already part of your life or something you’ve never really thought about, this conversation is for you. Let’s talk about how we each experience it in our own way.

Crypto for All Ages is an engaging and accessible event designed to demystify cryptocurrency for everyone—whether you’re a complete beginner or already familiar with digital assets. Together, we’ll explore the basics of blockchain, how cryptocurrencies work, and their potential impact on the future of finance. No prior experience is needed—just curiosity! Join us for a discussion that breaks down complex topics into easy-to-understand concepts, making crypto approachable for all ages.

The Spark is excited to be collaborating with CREATE Council on the Arts to present Nate Padavick's Elevate Your Website workshop! It's a FREE, hands-on workshop for creatives that explains how search engines work and shows how small website changes can make your site a more effective marketing tool for your entrepreneurial practice.Friday, March 14, 10-11:30am at The Spark of Hudson 502 Union St, Hudson, NY

Join us for an eye-opening discussion led by lifelong Hudson resident and volunteer firefighter, Justin Elliott. Dive into the challenges facing volunteer fire departments today: Why are numbers dwindling? What’s life like as a firefighter? And most importantly, how can you make a difference?

Justin has been answering calls for help since he started as a young explorer at just 14 years old. Now, 22 years later, his passion for serving his community burns brighter than ever. Let’s spark a conversation that could help ignite change!

Create & Cherish: A Timeless Keepsake!

Join us for a hands-on Mini Ceramic Ornament Workshop led by artist Jackie Fischer! This intergenerational workshop welcomes all ages to create a special keepsake together—perfect for families, friends, and creative individuals looking to craft lasting memories.

What to Expect:

• Design and sculpt your own mini ceramic ornament

• Explore simple ceramic techniques

• Bond with loved ones over a meaningful creative experience

• Jackie will fire the ornaments, and participants can return to pick up their finished treasures

Come create something that will bring joy for years to come! No experience necessary—just bring your creativity!

$25 per attendee

This women's circle, open to female-identifying and non-binary individuals, will be led by Nancy Maurice Rogers and other creatives in the field of arts. Through discussions and dialogues, we will delve into exploring creative processes and recognize the diverse area creativity has in our lives today and that which holds potential for future explorations in our lives. We will expand concepts and understand creativity together to include areas where we can cultivate creative explorations in our lives and in collaboration with others. These discussions will inform, include and support all approaches, ideas and inquiries into creative realms as we search to find our way as individuals and collectively.

This Women's Circle will meet monthly to build dynamic and synergistic support and understanding, building from the place where we begin.

School’s out, but the fun is in! Join us at The Spark for a Supervised Play Day—a special event for kids to enjoy a day of games, arts & crafts, and a relaxing movie while parents get some uninterrupted work time in our First Floor Colab (free coworking for parents!).

Our friendly team will provide a safe and engaging space for kids to play, create, and unwind.

The Spark of Hudson will provide snacks, but all attendees must bring a bagged lunch.
Parents must be present in the building at all times.

Spots are limited—sign up now to reserve your child’s place!

$50 per child

For questions, contact us at hello@sparkofhudson.org

Have a business challenge or question? Bring it to this month’s Entrepreneurship Club! Submit questions in advance or bring them to the session, and we’ll brainstorm solutions together. Whether you’re wondering how to attract more customers, price your services, or refine your pitch, the group is here to help.

Join us for a unique and reflective workshop that celebrates life, legacy, and connection. "Life Stories in Progress" invites participants to collaboratively craft their own obituary alongside a family member or friend, creating an opportunity to honor the past, reflect on the present, and envision the legacy they wish to leave behind.

Facilitators: Lisa Dolan and Caitie Hilverman, a mother-daughter duo, will guide this reflective and meaningful experience.

What to Expect: 

• Guided Conversations: Engage in meaningful dialogue with your partner, using thoughtfully designed prompts to explore milestones, values, and cherished memories. 

• Creative Writing: Receive tools and guidance to craft a personalized obituary that reflects your life story with honesty, humor, and heart. 

• Intergenerational Connection: Share stories, strengthen bonds, and create a keepsake that honors your journey and the connections that define it. 

Who Should Attend: This workshop is designed for participants of all ages and is especially meaningful for two people to attend together – parents and children, siblings, spouses, close friends, or any pair looking to deepen their connection through storytelling.

Why Write Your Own Obituary? Reflecting on your life and articulating your legacy can be an empowering and transformative experience. It allows you to: 

• Celebrate your achievements and values. 

• Share your unique story in your own voice. 

• Deepen relationships through shared memories and perspectives.

This Spark Conversation, led by Jaime Cooper and Bryan Zimmerman, introduces tools based on the Invitation to Change (ITC) approach to help strengthen relationships with family and friends, particularly in the presence of conflict, addiction, or other disconnecting behaviors.

The discussion will cover skills for processing emotions, minimizing reactivity in oneself and others, building awareness of personal values, and developing practical communication techniques to foster deeper understanding and connection.

The Invitation to Change approach is a set of skills and concepts designed to help families support loved ones who use substances. For more information about ITC, visit cmcffc.org.

Jaime Cooper practices ITC and leads groups for the families, friends of people who use substances. She has seen hundreds of family members grow their willingness to lean into challenges, increase collaboration and make positive changes for themselves and the people they care about.

Bryan Zimmerman is the Family Support Navigator in the Prevention department at Twin County Recovery Services, where he provides free support, referrals, education, and opportunities for peer connection to individuals and families wishing to support themselves and their loved ones through the recovery process.

The Spark of Hudson's AI Club Presents:
AI for Every Age — Discover how artificial intelligence can inspire, educate, and empower people of all generations!
Date: February 20th, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM
Whether you're tech-savvy or just curious, this event is for you! Don't miss the chance to explore the fascinating world of AI.

Learn about new housing grants and connect with local organizations offering housing resources, financial assistance, and tenant support. Open to all!

*This event does not offer housing placements

In collaboration with The City of Hudson’s Housing Department

What role does the UDHR play in 2024 and beyond?

Dr. Pierce will explore how this foundational document has shaped global conventions on human rights—from protecting children to combating violence against women to advocating for persons with disabilities. Discover how the UDHR has influenced nations' governing principles and reflect on what you consider essential rights versus privileges.

Bring Your Goals to Life with Vision Boarding
Join us at The Spark of Hudson for the Entrepreneurship Club: Vision Boarding Workshop with Natalie Knuding.

When: Thursday, February 6, 6:00 PM
Where: The Spark of Hudson

This monthly club (meeting the first Thursday of each month) is a chance to connect with fellow entrepreneurs, spark creativity, and map out a plan for achieving your goals. Let’s set intentions, make actionable plans, and inspire each other to take the next steps.

In this monthly, 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!

Writing Club meets on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. 

Join us for an immersive workshop exploring the synergy between tarot and artistic practice to hone your intuition and inspire your creativity. Discover how tarot can be a springboard for new ideas and phenomena in your art while blending mediums to deepen your process.

Led by Cat Tyc, this workshop features insights from the works of Jessica Dore, Leonora Carrington, Michelle Tea, Alejandro Jodorowsky, and other visionaries who embraced tarot in their creative journeys.

Join us for the First Time Homebuyers Workshop on January 22 at 6 PM at The Spark of Hudson (502 Union Street, Hudson, NY 12534). Learn about the mortgage process with Team Laura & Kate from GuaranteedRate. This workshop is a great opportunity to ask questions and gain confidence in your home-buying journey.

In this Spark Conversation, Claire Cousin shares her journey raising Jr., a compassionate, creative, and spirited child diagnosed with PDA profile autism (Pathological Demand Avoidance). This talk will provide a safe, empowering space for parents to learn about PDA, its unique characteristics, and how it differs from other autism profiles. Through personal experiences, the discussion will shed light on the challenges and strengths of living with PDA, offering insights into seeing the world through Jr.’s eyes.

Attendees will gain valuable strategies for advocating for themselves and family members in the medical system, and how building a supportive network can help. The goal is to inspire parents to embrace their voices and feel confident in advocating for their children’s needs. Together, we can raise awareness, share stories, and foster a stronger, more understanding community for our children.

Stop by The Spark of Hudson to warm up, have a bite, and enjoy some music while you have a last chance to enjoy "Our Town on the River"—a stunning showcase of Hudson’s finest artists, closing soon!

Don’t miss your chance to experience "Our Town on the River"—a stunning showcase of Hudson’s finest artists, closing soon! This captivating exhibit celebrates the vibrant creativity and spirit of our community and features incredible local talent like Chiara Hughes Mba, David McIntyre, Ifetayo Cobbins, and more.