The side room of the 9W Diner in Saugerties was crammed this week as attendees dragged in chairs from across the restaurant, eager for performances by three artists from very different disciplines: a memoirist, an abstract painter, and a bassist.
The program was part of this month’s “Dialogues for the Ears and Eyes,” a monthly series that invites artists of different mediums to perform individually, then join the audience for a Q&A.
The goal, said poet and art historian Bruce Weber—who curates the events with his wife, artist Joanne Pagano Weber—is to bring together artists who, through their processes, backstories or work, share common threads.
“It’s not accidental,” he said. “Maybe some of their ideas and their promises connected. That’s the alchemy that we try to do.”
First to perform was author Beverly Donofrio, an award-winning memoirist and essayist who has published three memoirs and two children’s books. She is now working on a fourth, “It Started with Adam,” from which she read an excerpt.
Her reading explored a strained relationship with her parents—especially her father—and how it shifted after the success of her 1990 bestseller “Riding in Cars with Boys: Confessions of a Bad Girl Who Makes Good,” later adapted into a film starring Drew Barrymore.
“When I began the book, I wanted it to be about the state of life and to have a spiritual sense. But I was so obsessed with hating men, that it became all about why I hate them,” she said. “Oh, and my hating of men started with my father.”
She also reflected on her growing empathy for him, noting that the hallucinogen ayahuasca played a role in her spiritual and emotional healing.
Next came Andrew Lyght, who blends sculpture, drawing, painting and installation into interdisciplinary work. For his presentation, he brought a swirling pink and purple painting that took on a three-dimensional quality up close.
Lyght said he is experimenting with structure.
“I brought a part of a piece that I plan to make. I’m working on systems,” he said.
He explained that he is focused on making small-scale works that can later be installed at a larger size, given that he works without an apprentice.
“I don’t pre-sketch. Once I make one that’s it, it’s a one-shot thing. People ask me to ‘draw that again.’ I couldn’t do it.”
“But I’m not interested in doing the same thing,” he added. “I’m thinking about this as part of history. I’m trying to present it in a fresh way.”
The evening concluded with composer and bassist Michael Bisio, returning to the series, held Aug. 5, after performing at one of its earliest iterations, when it was still staged above the Jane Street Art Center.
“I brought a very special instrument here tonight, because the last time I played here, it was one of the very first [events] and there were six people here,” he said. “This has grown exponentially, and it’s surprising.”
Despite his modest expectations, Bisio delivered an energetic, shape-shifting set, moving between rhythmic, soothing passages and sharp, frenetic ones. He alternated between pizzicato and bow, changing the room’s mood with each phrase.
As for what tied these artists together, Weber — who also serves on the board of the Woodstock Historical Society—pointed to their dedication and continued growth.
“They all have persevered and blossomed,” he said. “They all emerged on their own through their serious and committed dedication to their art and craft. We were thinking today how such talent and experience is a model for any person starting out on their way or in the early stages of their career.”
Looking ahead, the Webers hope to maintain the momentum.
“We get a good audience. We don’t always get this packed crowd, but we get a pretty good crowd every time. People love it, they come back,” Joanne Weber said.
Bruce Weber agreed:
“People are enjoying it, that’s the only thing.”
The next “Dialogues for the Ears and Eyes” is scheduled for Sept. 2, featuring poet Anne Gorrick, movement artist Celeste Graves and musician Julia Haines.
Kyle Bredberg is a contributing reporter. Send correspondence to reporting@theoverlooknews.com.