[Updated May 23, 2023] The sprawling complex of brick buildings off Railroad Avenue in Garnerville, NY can almost be mistaken for an abandoned factory. But there are signs of life at this 19th century former textile mill, located about 40 miles north of New York City. A small bulldozer is parked near a sagging loading dock, a construction dumpster is filled with debris, and a general sense of renovation hangs in the air.
The complex, which is made up of dozens of buildings and spans 14 acres, looks a lot like a work in progress, Still, I was immediately fascinated by the old-world, industrial landscape.
We were in the GARNER Historic District, a former textile factory complex that began operating in 1838. By 1915, the mill was producing 1.6 million yards of cloth every week. They made uniforms for the Union Army during the Civil War and then for American soldiers in World War Two.
These days, the product output is much different. The former factory is home to GARNER Arts Center, and artist community where hundreds of makers use the repurposed industrial space to work on their craft, from photography, painting, and sculpture to woodworking, stained glass, and jewelry-making.
Sets for television, movies, and Broadway plays are created here. There’s a machine shop and a guitar maker.
As for their mission, GARNER Arts Center “strives to enrich, educate, and connect diverse audiences” through art. That outreach includes a variety of events for the public, including art exhibits, film screenings, live performances, and much more.
Art, History, and Craft Beer Converge at GARNER Arts Center
Matt and I visited on a sunny Saturday in April. We met up with Frank Vitale, Vice President of GARNER Arts Center. Frank gave us a tour of the grounds. He also talked about its past as well as their goals for the future.
He explained that GARNER Historic District is separate from GARNER Arts Center. The latter exists within the former and was founded in 2003 by Robin E. Rosenberg. She is also the GARNER Art Center’s current president.
Looking around, it was obvious that the building facades have weathered at different rates, shading the bricks from beige to blood-red to deep red-black. The buildings aren’t uniform in size or shape either. Some are long and narrow, others flat and wide. Almost all are in gentle states of disrepair.
On our late afternoon visit, the sun cast shadows in striped patterns across the grounds, adding to a feeling that we were inside a living art project.
Frank began our tour by leading us down a narrow alley that was strung with rows of hanging lights. I imagined that with a few metal café tables, the whole scene could be straight out of a Parisian film.
The grounds were nearly empty but never felt deserted. Frank pointed out some of the onsite businesses: a magic supply company, a heating and air conditioning shop. He told us how the damage from Hurricane Irene in 2011 forced other small businesses out for good.
At some points during our tour, I felt like I was in an industrial-themed bohemian maze. Some buildings had metal exterior stairways that led to nowhere. Wires and shiny metal pipes adorned the walls, iron panes framed the sometimes-cracked windows.
Suddenly two little girls dressed as ballerinas appeared out of nowhere and ran past us. Frank pointed out the ballet school, and we stuck our heads inside for a few minutes to watch a group of girls practice.
A little further on, we climbed down a slope to the Creekside Sculpture Garden. The bank was muddy and brown with April rains, making the faces carved into the rocks sort of blend into the natural landscape.
It gave off an odd effect, like whenever I looked around at the scenery, a grumpy rock face would suddenly materialize and be looking back at me.
I loved this place. It was so weird and beautiful, like a time capsule that had been pried open and was now inhabited by artists.
As we approached Industrial Arts Brewing, another onsite business, an earthy, fertilizer-like smell hit my nose. I followed the scent to find huge bins of beer mash left over from the beer-making process taking place inside.
We stopped in to refuel and chat. On the bartender’s recommendation, we ordered the Industrial Arts Wrench IPA and then sat down with Frank at one of the long communal tables, in view of the massive beer-making machinery. The walls were lined with art.
Frank credits the brewery with bringing larger crowds to the area. “Ten years ago, it was pretty much always dead here but now there’s always people around,” he said. He also hopes that people in town will start to take more notice of GARNER Arts Center. He encourages people to come not only for the beer but to “see art in the making.”
We left the brewery with a four-pack of Wrench IPA to take home with us, and added Industrial Arts Brewing to our growing list of favorite New York State breweries.
Frank is hopeful for the future of GARNER Arts Center and stated simply why it’s vital.
“It’s waking up art in the community.”
What to See and Do at GARNER Arts Center
1. View Art Exhibits and Installations
GARNER Arts Center holds regular gallery hours. The public is welcome to visit during this time and view featured exhibitions. Expect a wide range of art forms and lots of contemporary, experiential pieces.
2. Follow the Creekside Sculpture Trail
Set upon the banks of the creek running through the property are various rock sculptures that make up GARNER Art Center’s Creekside Sculpture Trail. The sculptures were created by the late Ted Ludwiczak, a Hudson Valley artist well-known for his whimsical rock sculptures. His artwork is part of the permanent collection at the American Folk Art Museum in New York City.
Ludwiczak is also known for the hundreds of works he created by carving unique faces into rocks, works which later became known as “Ted’s Heads.” View the Creekside Sculpture Trail by following the main road from the parking lot.
3. Drink Craft Beer at Industrial Arts Brewing
If there’s a more perfect name for a brewery situated among the smokestacks and faded brick buildings of a 19th century mill-turned-artist colony, I can’t imagine what it might be!
Having a cold beer after viewing unique art installations and wandering scenic alleyways is the perfect way to unwind and ponder just what a unique destination GARNER Arts Center truly is.
Industrial Arts Brewing Company makes seven staple beers, with names cleverly suited to the brewery’s industrial location, including Wrench (a hazy IPA), Tools of the Trade (an extra pale ale), and Metric (a pilsner).
Enjoy your craft beer in their spacious indoor taproom or covered patio (well-behaved dogs are welcome). Industrial Arts Brewing also hosts live music, food trucks, and other special events. Customers are welcome to bring their own food or order from nearby Hudson’s Mill. Taproom is open Thursday-Sunday.
4. Dine at Hudson’s Mill
After a day of art galleries and craft beer, you’ll be hungry! Like Industrial Arts Brewing, Hudson’s Mill is located within GARNER Arts Center, so you don’t have to go far for good food. Their extensive menus offer salads, sandwiches, wings, burgers, tacos, fish & chips, and pretty much anything else you can think of!
Open Wednesday-Sunday, Hudson’s Mill serves lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. They also offer a full line-up of live music and entertainment.
5. Attend the Hudson Valley Maker Faire
Attend a fair that celebrates innovative makers from across the Hudson Valley region and beyond. The annual Hudson Valley Maker Faire is an annual two-day event that showcases creative projects across many genres.
Attendees will wander throughout GARNER Arts Center and see open artist studios, immersive installations, technology demonstrations, live workshops, and so much more.
There will be plenty of live music and performances throughout the days, and local food and beverages will be available for purchase. See dates and admission information here.
6. Get Married at a Dream Wedding Location
At the same time our tour with Frank was winding down, workers were setting up for a wedding at GARNER Arts Center. Where the outdoor ceremony would take place, the rows of light-colored wood chairs set against a worn brick building as a backdrop was stunning. The roar of the creek was a steady, relaxing whisper. The weather was dry and warm.
Frank took us to the room where the reception would be held. It was in a former carpet manufacturing warehouse. Strung lights and white flowers complimented the worn wooden floors and exposed brick, and it was nothing short of a shabby-chic-lover’s fantasy.
Final Thoughts on Visiting GARNER Arts Center
If you’re looking for something out of the ordinary to do in Rockland County, this is it! GARNER Arts Center is a one-of-a-kind destination, an artist neighborhood whose community is solely focused on making art. The 19th century factory setting lends an industrial vibe to the experience. Once you’ve entered GARNER Arts Center, you’ll feel like you’re in a different world, a world where only art matters.