Constructions and the Working River“Constructions and the Working River” brings insightful, thought-provoking works to Newburgh through the eyes, hands, and hearts of three regional artists.

Newburgh, NY — GRIT Gallery’s first exhibit in the new year is a group show featuring thought-provoking mixed media and sculptural pieces that explore the local effects of global matters. Running January 17-March 1, 2026, “Constructions and the Working River” highlights three regional artists who incorporate industrial materials, found objects, and elements of nature into emotive works that each have a story to tell.

Gary Berg is a self-taught artist and retired electrical engineer from Chicago who currently resides in Newburgh, NY. His work is a melding of technology components, earth, and emotion to bring to life mysterious and intriguing sculptures. He leads the CONSTRUCTIONS theme; through the use of objects obtained while antiquing and hiking, he constructs pieces intended to be playful and provocative, encouraging others to see the world in a new light and exercise their own creativity.

Photographer Brian Wolfe’s collection of work for this show focuses on aspects of industry and their relationships with the Hudson River and Bannerman's Island. Born and raised in Newburgh, his WORKING RIVER collection emphasizes seasonal changes within the wild waters that connect Northern NY to NYC over 300 miles, along with “the human-driven vessels that float in economic hopes.” 

David Lionheart's body of mixed media work includes pieces meticulously built with iron, copper, and fabric in an abstract elegance that thoughtfully contradicts the overarching industrial theme. As a lifelong builder and self-taught artist, Newburgh-based Lionheart has long been using his hands to make matter and his heart to show what cannot be seen in that process. 

Lionheart, also GRIT Gallery’s curator, says: 

“This exhibit covers three driven artists connected in both friendship and in their respective abilities to take local moments that matter globally, and forge time-in-time with artistic prowess. We welcome and encourage gallery visitors to look but also to listen, as we aim to inspire creation of their own.”

EXHIBIT DETAILS:

Constructions and the Working River

January 17-March 1, 2026

Opening Reception: January 17, 2026 from 3-7pm

Meet the artists and enjoy refreshments plus live music.

GRIT Gallery is located at 115 Broadway, Newburgh, NY. 

Open weekends from 1-5 pm.

Curator David Lionheart and all three artists are available for interviews.

About GRIT Gallery: 

GRIT Gallery, located on Broadway in the historic City of Newburgh, features the thought-provoking work of artists of various media, whether from around the country or down the block; from established art-scene veterans to regional up-and-comers. Each show is dedicated to advancing the development of the Newburgh and greater Hudson Valley art communities, bridging the gap between esteemed collectors and the simply curious by forging connection, eliciting hope, and inspiring all. 

Gary Berg – Artist’s statement:

My creations are attempts to share inner thoughts that are difficult to put into words. I enjoy using found objects, especially metal or rock to map an idea into a physical entity. The process of constructing a piece is very satisfying, and the hope is that these works encourage others to be curious, ask questions, and use their own innate creativity to reflect the wonders surrounding us. 

About Brian Wolfe

A lifelong resident of the Hudson Valley, Wolfe received a BA from Notre Dame in theatre design and sociology and MFA in set and lighting design from the University of CT. Now part owner of Costume Armour, he builds sculpture, props, costumes and 

scenery for Broadway, Disney, TV, and film. Given his first 35 mm film camera at 13 

years old inspired him to build my own darkroom in a basement closet; today, photography is his greatest passion informed by a lifetime working in the arts, from photojournalism to capturing the majestic beauty of the Hudson River and the mountainous Hudson Highlands, to portraits of fascinating people in his hometown.

About David Lionheart:

David's body of artwork is more than material on canvas; it’s an outpour of a lifetime of experiences, both up and down. As a builder, author, mentor and artist, David’s mission is to teach others about their potential and how any one person can be a positive force for themselves and others. Learn more at davidlionheart.art

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