Celebrate the beauty and meaning of Eid al Adha through the art of henna!

 Eid al Adha, or the "Festival of Sacrifice," is one of the most important holidays in the Islamic calendar. It’s a time of reflection, generosity, and community—and henna is one of the cherished traditions that brings people together during this joyful time.Join  Fathema Rahman (@hennabyshimu) and Fathima (@henna.byfathima7) for an evening of stunning henna designs. Whether you're familiar with Eid or just curious to learn more, all are welcome to take part and get decorated!

Henna is first come, first served. Come early and bring your friends!

Cost:
 Kids 14 & under – Free

 Ages 15+ – $10

Follow the artists for sneak peeks and updates:
 @hennabyshimu | @henna.byfathima7

Spark & Start

Jumpstart your Monday with an hour of creative momentum. Spark & Start is a weekly drop-in session for anyone working on a passion project, personal writing, visual art, or quiet reflection. No agenda, no pressure—just time to create alongside others doing the same. Coffee’s on us.

Please note: Spark & Start is intended as a quiet, creative space—not a time for remote work, phone calls, or meetings. This hour is a space for creativity, not to answer emails.

Modern Acting Sessions occur weekly on Wednesdays beginning May 14th - June 19th, 2025
6 Sessions Total

Modern acting emphasizes authenticity, emotional truth, and presence. Drawing from techniques like Meisner, Stanislavski, and contemporary performance practices, this class—led by actor and teaching artist Sam Malone—invites amateur and professional adults to explore their craft in a supportive, skill-building environment. Through improvisational games, scene work, and partner duologues, you'll develop the tools to deepen your performance, sharpen your instincts, and connect more fully with your scene partners and audience. Ideal for amateur/ pro actors!

Hosted by Friends of Oakdale Lake
First Floor CoLab, The Spark of Hudson

Join Friends of Oakdale Lake for a special presentation on the results of their latest two-year water quality improvement project at Oakdale Lake. Funded by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), this initiative has brought significant environmental enhancements to one of Hudson’s most cherished natural resources.

This event will highlight the data collected throughout the grant period and share key findings with the Hudson community. Oakdale Lake is a year-round recreational space used by the Youth Department and residents alike, and this is a chance to learn more about its health, future, and the impact of local environmental stewardship.

Childcare will be provided so that parents can attend comfortably.
Free and open to the public.

Come be part of the conversation about the future of Oakdale Lake!

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.

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.

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/ 

Modern Acting Sessions occur weekly on Wednesdays beginning May 14th - June 19th, 2025
6 Sessions Total

Modern acting emphasizes authenticity, emotional truth, and presence. Drawing from techniques like Meisner, Stanislavski, and contemporary performance practices, this class—led by actor and teaching artist Sam Malone—invites amateur and professional adults to explore their craft in a supportive, skill-building environment. Through improvisational games, scene work, and partner duologues, you'll develop the tools to deepen your performance, sharpen your instincts, and connect more fully with your scene partners and audience. Ideal for amateur/ pro actors!

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.

FREE wearable-art workshop to create YOUR hat for Hudson's 6th Annual Mad Hatters' Parade! 

Drop in to our all-ages Mad Hat Slam! Veteran parade artists will be on hand to get you started with basic materials, tools, and assorted accoutrements. And feel free to bring your own bling, colorful accents, and up-cyclable accessories. 

Come join the fray for a fun afternoon of millinery magic from Noon to 5PM at Spark’s Co-Lab.

The Mad Hat Slam is a proudly Spark-affiliated event. This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrants Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by CREATE Council on the Arts. 

The Hudson Mad Hatters’ Parade takes place on Saturday May 10 at 3PM. Learn more at madhattersparade.org

Many families are unprepared for what to do with firearms after a loved one passes. Without a plan in place, navigating the legal and logistical aspects of selling, transferring, or disposing of firearms can feel overwhelming.

Join Nadine Gazzola, a Columbia County native, experienced gun shop owner, and NRA-certified firearms instructor, for an informative session on handling firearms in estate planning. This presentation will provide clear, practical guidance on what families need to know before and after a loved one’s passing, including:

• The legal process for transferring, selling, or disposing of firearms

• How to ensure compliance with state and federal laws

• Steps to take now to prevent complications later

• Common challenges families face—and how to avoid them

With over 11 years of experience helping local families through this process, Nadine brings expertise and real-world knowledge to help you feel informed and prepared.

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.

Join us for an insightful discussion on the evolving role of psychedelics in mental health and personal growth. Anne Philippi, founder of The New Health Club, will open with an overview of the current psychedelic landscape, including their therapeutic potential and legal status. She will be followed by a moderated conversation with Dr. Julie Holland, psychiatrist, psychopharmacologist, and author of Weekends at Bellevue and Good Chemistry: The Science of Connection, From Soul to Psychedelics.

Come learn about how psychedelics are being used to treat addiction, improve mental health, and foster deeper human connection. This event challenges common misconceptions, offering a deeper look into the future of psychedelics in mainstream healthcare.

For informational purposes only; this event does not promote or endorse illegal use.

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.

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.