Art in the Loft at the Millbrook Winery

Art in the Loft at the Millbrook Winery
Art in the Loft first-place winner Linda Lavin with her painting “Starry Night.” Photo by Judith O’Hara Balfe

Whether you’re there for the art, the wine, the ambiance, or for all three, Art in the Loft at the Millbrook Winery is always a good place to be, and this year, the 23rd since it began, was no exception. 

On Sunday, Nov. 12, the air was too chilly to spend time in the vineyard or on the patio, but inside, it was warm and friendly — the food by Simply Gourmet was grand and music by The Swing Vipers was swinging!

A collaboration between Millbrook Winery and Arts Mid-Hudson, a number of art pieces are chosen each spring and judged by a juried panel to hang on the walls of the gallery at the winery. Visitors not only enjoy seeing the artworks, but they vote on them, as well.

With a point system of three points for first, two points for second and one point for third, the votes are tallied in November and the winners are announced at the Art in the Loft reception held at the winery. On that day, 20% of all wine sales purchased by reception guests is donated to Arts Mid-Hudson, a nonprofit group that has been active since 1964.

David Bova, general manager and vice president of the winery, recalled the history of the Chateau Mouton Rothschild, the celebrated French vineyard, and its tradition of having leading artists design its labels, starting with Jean Carlu in 1924. In 1945 it resurrected the idea and had young, unknown artist Phillipe Jullian design a label celebrating the Allied victory and the return of peace. Miro, Chagall, Braque, Picasso, Dali, Francis Bacon, Jeff Koons and King Charles of England among others are some of the artists who have since designed labels for the French winery.

Bova said that it was this Rothschild tradition that inspired him, along with marketing director Stacy Hudson, to form the partnership with Art in the Loft. Art in many forms can be submitted, although the majority are paintings in different mediums as well as photographs. 

There were 16 artworks hanging in the exhibit. Bova said that over 20,000 people had visited the winery this year and a total of 2,400 votes made. Hudson added that seven out of the 16 paintings were sold prior to the judging, to be picked up after the winners were announced.

The winner not only gets the recognition, but the winning artwork is made into a label for a special wine, and for each bottle of wine bearing that label, the artist will receive 10% and Arts Mid-Hudson will get 10% of the sale.

This year’s winner was Linda Lavin of Rhinebeck for “Starry Night,” a print on giclee canvas. She is an occupational therapist who has been painting for about 10 years, and is inspired by color. Not always certain about what her subject will be, she is inspired by color and shape, and said her work is an appropriation — it has been a real process. Her work received 759 votes.

Second place went to Arquimedes Mejia for “Winery Lake,” an oil on canvas, with 615 votes. Third place, with 470, went to Maureen Lohan-Bremer for an archival pigment print titled “The Mighty Hudson.”

The Millbrook Vineyards and Winery is located at 26 Wing Road. For more information about Arts Mid-Hudson go to www.artsmidhudson.org

Latest News

Racecars roar in NASCAR’s return to Lime Rock Park

High-speed action made for a weekend of excitement at Lime Rock Park Friday and Saturday, June 27-28.

Photo by Simon Markow

LAKEVILLE — For the first time since 2011, Lime Rock Park hosted National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing events June 27 and 28.

It was billed as the largest event in modern track history with an estimated 20,000 fans attending.

Keep ReadingShow less
Joseph Robert Meehan

SALISBURY — Joseph Robert Meehan the 2nd,photographer, college professor and nearly 50 year resident of Salisbury, passed away peacefully at Noble Horizon on June 17, 2025. He was 83.

He was the son of Joseph Meehan the 1st and his mother, Anna Burawa of Levittown, New York, and sister Joanne, of Montgomery, New York.

Keep ReadingShow less
Florence Olive Zutter Murphy

STANFORDVILLE, New York — It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Florence Olive Zutter Murphy, who went home to be with the Lord on June 16, 2025, at the age of 99.

She was born in Sharon, Connecticut on Nov. 20, 1925, and was a long time resident of the Dutchess County area.

Keep ReadingShow less
Chore Service hosts annual garden party fundraiser

Chore Service hosted 250 supporters at it’s annual Garden Party fundraiser.

Bob Ellwood

On Saturday, June 21, Mort Klaus, longtime Sharon resident, hosted 250 enthusiastic supporters of Northwest Corner’s beloved nonprofit, Chore Service at his stunning 175-acre property. Chore Service provides essential non-medical support to help older adults and those with disabilities maintain their independence and quality of life in their own homes.

Jane MacLaren, Executive Director, and Dolores Perotti, Board President, personally welcomed arriving attendees. The well-stocked bar and enticing hors d’oeuvres table were popular destinations as the crowd waited for the afternoon’s presentations.

Keep ReadingShow less