Frost Valley YMCA to Unveil New Art Gallery at Historic Forstmann Castle

CLARYVILLE — The Frost Valley YMCA has announced the transformation of its historic Forstmann Castle into a dedicated arts and exhibition space, with the official opening of the Gallery at Forstmann Castle scheduled for early May.

The gallery will debut during the organization's first-ever Fine Arts Weekend, marked by an opening reception and artisan market on Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.. The event will offer family-friendly viewing hours from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., followed by an evening reception from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. where guests can meet the featured artists.

The inaugural exhibition will feature Crazy River, a series by local artist Hovey Brock inspired by the West Branch of the Neversink River. The gallery will also display works by Hannah Iannuzzi and artists from the YAI Arts Studio, including Jimmy Tucker and Tayloe Schinz-Devico.

In a move to expand cultural representation, the Frost Valley YMCA has partnered with the North American Indigenous Center of New York (NAICNY) to establish a dedicated space within the castle highlighting Indigenous history and art. The indigenous artists participating in this opening are Shannon David and Iakowi:he'ne' Oakes.  

The YMCA plans for the next show's opening reception to be over the weekend of October 2nd–4th. 

Frost Valley is proud to be able to feature the beautiful craftsmanship of the building with the art of so many talented individuals. 

Lodging accommodations remain available in the same format as before. Come stay upstairs from a fabulous Gallery.

“This transformation allows us to open our doors in new ways by creating a dedicated space for the arts, deepening how guests experience Frost Valley, and celebrating the creativity inspired by this place,” said Riel Peerbooms, Frost Valley YMCA CEO.

The exhibition is set to continue throughout the summer season and has been selected as a participating site for Upstate Art Weekend, running from June 25 to June 29. The initiative aims to enhance public access to cultural experiences by connecting art and community within the natural landscape of the Catskills.

Additional information regarding the gallery and upcoming exhibitions can be found at the Frost Valley YMCA website.