The Gatehouse in Central Valley takes on a new role as art venue

Central Valley - The Gatehouse in Central Valley has lived many lives. In 1912, it was built as the grand entrance to the Proctor Estate, home to one of the great theater impresarios of the early 20th century. Nearly 100 years later, nothing remains of the estate, but the charming stone gatehouse still stands tall and proud and has been reborn as the Woodbury Historical Society’s Historic Site and Learning Center. Its restoration and renovation for more than 10 years are a work in progress and are the result of extraordinary volunteer efforts totally funded by private donations. Now the Gatehouse will take on a new role as an art venue for two upcoming weekends. On Aug. 11-12 and 18n19, from noon to 5 p.m., history and art will come together to present “The Hudson Valley in Prints - An Exhibit and Sale of Lithographs, Engravings and Maps from the 19th and 20th Century n 1800 to 1950.” The event is made possible through the expertise of Robert Newman, a resident of Central Valley and member of the Gatehouse Committee. Newman is owner of “The Old Print Shop” in New York City. The Old Print Shop was established in 1898 and is world famous for its collection and specialized knowledge in buying and selling great Americana prints. These include an extensive collection of lithographs by publishers such as Currier and Ives and a collection of rare and noteworthy maps of America. In recent years, the Shop has expanded into the “vintage” photographic market. Newman will bring his experience, information and a wide selection of lithographs, engravings and maps to the Gatehouse for this sale and exhibit which will focus particularly on the Hudson Valley. (For information on The Old Print Shop, you may log onto www.oldprintshop.com.) Long before photography, the events and scenes of our area were captured by artists who recorded the growth of the Hudson Valley during the 1700’s, 1800’s and into the 1900’s. This was part of a phenomenon throughout the United States in which engravers and artists traveled the country. After the Civil War, for example, nearly every city and many towns in America, including the Hudson Valley, were documented with a bird’s eye view from the East Coast to the West Coast. The result is a body of work which combines great art with a captivating insight into the past. As an added feature during the weekend of Aug. 11 and 12, Newman will be speaking briefly at 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. to explain more about the lithographs, engravings and maps which will be on exhibit and for sale. This event is meant for all n those who wish to simply enjoy the exhibit and those who may want to purchase a piece for their home or office. For those making purchases, cash, checks, VISA and Mastercard will be accepted. Essential information: History and art will come together on the weekends of Aug. 11-12 and 18n19, from noon to 5 p.m., at the Gatehouse in Central Valley with the presentation “The Hudson Valley in Prints - An Exhibit and Sale of Lithographs, Engravings and Maps from the 19th and 20th Century n 1800 to 1950.” The Gatehouse Historic Site and Learning Center is located at 224 Smith Clove Road (at Pine Hill Road) in Central Valley. For more information on the event, call 845-928-6378.