Here in the Hudson Valley, we are always on the lookout for a good excuse to get

outside when the weather is good. If you're looking for a break from the city streets,

we think the picturesque Storm King Art Center is a perfect place to escape for the day. 

This open air museum, nestled in the rolling hills of the Hudson Valley, is just 60 miles 

north of Manhattan. From the NYS Thruway, views of some massive sculptures creep

out above the trees - giving credence to the Center's nickname, the Playground of

Giants.

The park spans over 500 acres, with more than 100 post war sculptures from well

known, international artists on display. Although it's almost impossible to see it all in

one day, it's certainly a delight to try. There are also full day, or half day bike rentals 

for the more ambitious guests. We took the chance to stroll the park on one of the

first warm days of Spring and, as usual, we were enthralled by the place. 

Take a look at what we found... 

We had admired online images of Mirrored Fence by Allyson Shotz for a long time

before we got to see it in its place, and in person it blew us away. We love the way

this piece can both magnify the landscape around it, and also completely disappear

from view, depending on your vantage point. Definitely one of our all-time favorites!!

Roy Lichtenstein, known for his comic strip inspired pop art, created Mermaid for the

hull and sails of the boat Young America, which raced in the 1995 America’s Cup. After

it was retired from competition, a fundraising effort was mounted to preserve the

yacht and the painting, and to enable Storm King to install it as part of their permanent

collection.

The colossal Three Legged Buddha (42'L x 28'H) by Zhang Huan is so massive, and

yet feels remarkably weightless too. It's part of a series of monumental works inspired

by the remnants of sacred Buddhist sculptures destroyed during the Cultural Revolution

that Huan found for sale in Tibetan markets.

Standing in front of this huge steel piece, Broken Obelisk by Barnett Newman, with the

massive obelisk fragment connected to its base by only 2" of steel, brought to mind an

article in Kinfolk we read a few months ago: In Anxious Anticipation. The balance

definitely feels precarious.

Photo via Storm King Art Center

Wave Fields by Maya Lin is, for lack of a better word, very trippy to experience in person.

The swells that range from ten to fifteen feet evoke the feeling of being lost at sea even

though you're standing in a grassy field. 

For the monumental piece Luba, Ursula von Rydingsvard stacked 4x4 cedar posts, cut

into them with a saw, and rubbed graphite onto some of the surface to emphasize

shadows and depth. The slender end of the appendage is made of bronze. The effect

is awesome.

We recommend good walking shoes (seriously) and packing a picnic lunch or

enjoying an afternoon snack at the cafe located near the entrance. If you're

driving, Woody's Farm to Table located about 15 minutes away in Cornwall has

amazing burgers and milkshakes! For more information on Storm King including

directions, hours, modes of transportation check out their website here.