If you’ve ever walked down Beekman Street, you already know it’s a thriving, pulsating, always-evolving art and business community. Located a mere four blocks west of downtown Saratoga Springs and Broadway, the district is both mellow and vibrant, an area where people from all walks of life can admire and shop for artisans' work, dine at a variety of restaurants, and wave hello to residents who love where they live. 

During the early 1900s, the neighborhood became home to Irish, Italian, and African American workers, who brought their rich histories, vibrant cultures, and strong sense of family to the area. They worked in the tourism, hotel, entertainment, and railroad industries. This multi-ethnic community embraced families and family-run businesses. In the early 2000s, a concerted effort began as local artists joined forces, deciding to purchase or lease and renovate affordable spaces that had become available on Beekman Street and needed some tender loving care. 

The first art fair took place in 2012, and it was a success, laying the groundwork for the event to grow exponentially into the well-run and organized celebration it is today. Since then, there’ve been only two years when the art fair didn’t happen. One was in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the other was in 2024, when the Belmont Stakes was scheduled to be hosted at the track, meaning there weren’t enough volunteers to help out here.

“We really want this to be all about the artists,” Susan Rivers, who practices ‘Quilted Alchemy,’ blending textiles and technology to create unique fiber art and mixed media pieces, states. “They are so proud of their work, and we try hard to foster relationships among them. Our goal is to continue making this event sustainable. We’ve been hosting workshops and Zoom meetings since April, providing artists with several ideas on how they can market their shows before the day even begins.”   

This year’s art fair will take place on June 1st, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., a rain-or-shine event. They refer to it as a “one-day fun day,” when I sat down to talk with four key players organizing the event. “It’s going to be great! We’ll showcase a juried fine arts and craft show. There will be street performers, live music, and eight food trucks spread throughout the Beekman Street Arts District, which now encompasses four blocks – extending from Washington Street to West Circular. Even neighbors, Principessa Elena Italian Society and The Frederick Allen Elks Lodge will be involved with the day’s celebrations.” Four distinct voices speak at the same time – the excitement is palpable. Although streets in the general vicinity will be open to foot traffic only that day, making parking in the area limited, plans are in place to have a CDTA bus shuttle people back and forth from the Saratoga Casino Hotel to the event, as they have in the past.

There will be sixty artists on site from every medium, including ceramics, painting, jewelry, woodworking, fiber arts, wearables, photography, furniture, and more. “Nothing is mass-produced,” Cecilia Frittelli Lockwood, who owns and runs the Textile Studio and gallery space located at the north end of Beekman Street Arts District with her husband Richard, tells me. “Right!” Meg Dalton – a powerhouse who creates fantastic quilts using garden and travel photos as inspiration, chimes in with an example. “We may have someone here displaying greeting cards for sale, but they will be handmade, more unique than what you might find in a store.” Speaking of stores, the shops on Beekman will be open during the art fair, so be sure to stop by, introduce yourself to the owners, chat with them for a few minutes, and learn more about what they have to offer. Some of the galleries will offer wine and refreshments throughout the day.

“Oh, oh, we can’t forget to mention that ‘Upset, The Miniature Dark Horse of Saratoga’ will be here from 10-12!” Susan interjects. Additionally, several non-profits will be attending, but the list has not been confirmed as of this report.

“Café Lena is collaborating with us this year,” Eden Compton smiles, her eyes lighting up at the thought. Everyone loves the venue – it’s such a historic staple of our Spa City. Eden owns and operates a fine art gallery in the burgeoning arts district. She also teaches various workshops and offers private classes to interested students. “We’re so happy to partner with them. They’ve worked hard to curate and produce a show highlighting seven different acts. It’s going to be quite the lineup!” she shares with me.

“One of the marvelous things about community is that it enables us to welcome and help people in a way we couldn’t as individuals.”

- Jean Vanier - 

The Lineup

10 a.m. Folk Club Kids

11 a.m. Amelie Ushakov

12 p.m. Lovella with
Seth Warden Band

1 p.m. Prakash Slim

2 p.m. Mostly Modern

3 p.m. Millstone Rounders

4 p.m. Reese Fulmer &
The Carriage House Band

It’s evident that the women I’m meeting with are passionate about the art district – what it once was, what it represents today, and what they envision for the future. Meg says she loves being in such a great, tight-knit community and would love to see more shops and galleries open along the tree-lined street. Eden describes the area as unique, noting that it has always been a community that encourages creativity to flourish. Like Meg, she wants to see more growth, with studios that boast garden porches and working artists that open doors to welcome shoppers inside. Susan leans back in her chair and laughs. “I always had a dream of opening a gallery here on Beekman. I was afraid there was nothing I could afford. When a group of us discovered that this small building was available, we seized the opportunity to collaborate and bring our dreams to life.” She is referring to The Cottage of Art and Design, a charming space that highlights the works of four local artisans.

I didn’t get to speak with Meryl Davis, who is the creative vision behind Blackbird Design Studio. Here, she brings to life unique and wearable art crafted from glass and mixed metals, with a special emphasis on enamels. I was also unable to meet with Amejo Amyot, whom they all swear is ‘The Diva of Beekman.’ The title is said with respect, and they explain that she was the one who founded The Arts District on Beekman in 2001 and has a voice that makes things happen.

Cecilia talks about how Beekman Street seems magical, that it’s a real community working together to see everyone succeed. “I’d love to see this a ‘pedestrian-only’ area, though I’m not sure that can ever happen,” she laughs for a second. “But all kidding aside, it has been a group effort to grow the art district, and passionate people are the ones coming to the table with ideas to make it happen.” 

Yes, I nod. I look around this table and see the passion, hear the ideas, and heartily agree.

You can find more information about the arts district and the 2025 art fair here:

Instagram @artsonbeekman
Facebook Beekman Street Arts District
www.saratogaartsdistrict.com

Save the Date:
Sunday June 1st, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m