MILLBROOK, June 2 — The Millbrook Regional Art Museum officially opened its most ambitious summer exhibit in recent memory Saturday morning, welcoming a line of more than 200 visitors to the debut of "Rust and Renewal: Art from the Industrial Heartland." Curated by museum director Felicity Garrow, the show brings together 14 painters, sculptors, and mixed-media artists whose work grapples with the legacy of Millbrook's former manufacturing economy — the shuttered mills, the repurposed warehouses, and the people who lived through it all.
Highlights of the Show
Among the standout pieces is a sprawling 12-foot mural by Millbrook native Desmond Obi, painted entirely with pigments derived from rust and reclaimed industrial materials. Sculptor Tina Kowalski contributes a haunting installation of cast-iron figures in the museum's east gallery, while photographer Syl Nakamura's black-and-white series documenting the old Halcott Foundry site provides a documentary counterpoint to the more abstract works. "I wanted the show to feel like a conversation between grief and hope," said Garrow at Saturday's opening reception. "These artists aren't just mourning what's gone — they're imagining what comes next."
- Exhibit dates: June 1 – August 31
- Location: Millbrook Regional Art Museum, 88 Fenwick Boulevard
- Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Admission: $12 adults, $8 students/seniors, free for members
- Featured artists include Desmond Obi, Tina Kowalski, and Syl Nakamura
The museum has also lined up a full slate of programming tied to the exhibit, including a panel discussion with three of the featured artists on June 14, a family-friendly "make your own mixed media" workshop on June 22, and a closing reception on August 30. Garrow said the museum is in talks with two regional institutions about a possible traveling version of the show. Full programming details are available at the museum's front desk and website.
