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Hudson Valley Online Chat

Chat with 1,863 fellow Hudson Valley creators, professionals, and small business owners

See how people are using our Slack community to ask questions, share opportunities, find work, and make friends. Below is the full archive of content from three of our most active channels:

April 3, 2024
Larry Chapman
Larry Chapman 7:00 PM
Hi everyone! I live in and photograph this incredible valley we call home. My parents fled the metropolis in the 70’s and I’ve been here since. I took a leap of faith, 15 years ago, from building houses to building a life of gratitude by offering photography to those who also appreciate how ridiculously beautiful our surroundings are. We are lucky!

I’m actively searching for a new gallery/studio space, although, that search may be over tomorrow.
Exciting times!
Happy to be invited to this group of creative people, thanks for the invite.

My site needs an update, but you’ll get the idea.
http://www.larrychapmanphotography.com

I’m considering offering print services when the new place opens.

Looking forward to new connections!
jenna.wilchinsky
jenna.wilchinsky 10:43 PM
Hi everyone! It’s so nice to connect with all of you fascinating/inspiring folks! I just moved to Kingston from Philly. I’m an artist, video editor and have a background in nonprofit arts administration. Looking forward to future chats!
CARL WELDEN
CARL WELDEN 11:19 PM
Greetings to all you fine folks!
I’m a freelance production sound mixer for film and TV based in Rosendale. I also do live event sound and VO as a side-hustle. I’ve lived here in the Hudson Valley for 42 years and can help make anyone’s six degrees of separation a lot shorter. If you have a project in need of audio, or just want to talk shop, please feel free to reach out.
I don’t have an office and I don’t maintain a resume, but I’ve recorded sound for Disney, NBC/Peacock, NPR, Discovery Channel, Amazon Prime, HGTV, Adobe Creative, General Electric, Target, IBM, Toyota, Google, Boston Scientific, Jeep, Air BnB, H&R Block, AARP, Invicta and many more…I prefer to work locally whenever I can.
April 4, 2024
Kevin Kobasic
Kevin Kobasic 7:21 AM
Hi all, I'm a Stone Ridge-based storyboard artist/illustrator for animation & advertising, currently boarding on a Nick Jr. show. If you're in Kingston you might see me around doing live caricatures from time to time. Comic book artist in the distant past, always down for geeking out about superheroes and sci-fi.

My outdated portfolio is at www.keviemetal.com, @keviemetal on instagram.

Thanks for this great idea !
Robert Kissner
Robert Kissner 9:07 AM
Greetings folks! I am based in Garrison and a former business owner turned entrepreneurship educator. I started a Westchester-based STEM enrichment program for kids in 2012 and ran that through 2022. I am now an educator for the Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Iona University. I specialize in Design Thinking & Ideation and have recently started developing courses in AI and innovation. Outside of Iona, I am a partner in a consulting firm called The Systems Studio which supports business growth through operation systems design.

In my free time I write and record music in my project recording studio and I am an avid motorcycle rider and mountain biker.

Thanks to for putting this together!
Larry Epstein
Larry Epstein 10:33 AM
Hi Everyone. I am excited to be here. I'm am Emmy award-winning freelance writer and content creator, who has vast experience as a print journalist, TV producer, and documentary writer/producer. If you need any help putting things into words - I'm your man. You can find some samples of my work both behind, and in front of the camera - by visiting my website https://larryeproductions.com . And - that's not all - some of my print pieces are right here - https://riverjournalonline.com/author/larry-epstein/ . Let's connect and see whether we can help each other out.
g.potts.barnard
g.potts.barnard 1:33 PM
Hi all! Nice to be connected with more creative folks. I’m a freelance graphic designer currently living in Hurley! You can view my work here: https://gillianbarnard.com

I’m a SUNY New Paltz grad and returned there last year to teach an intro graphic design class as an adjunct.

Looking forward to connecting!
Katie Diduch (www.KTdid.Design)
Katie Diduch (www.KTdid.Design) 5:02 PM
Hi, all! I’m in the capital district (wishing I was in the Hudson Valley). I have been freelancing/working remotely for over 11 years (designing for 20+). I specialize in accessibility (in several areas): I am a web and print designer, accessibility auditor, and accessible document creator and remediator. This means I can help you with many of your projects in many phases to improve and achieve accessibility! (Tip: thinking about accessibility from the start of a project is the most efficient and cost-effective way to do it!) www.KTdid.Design
kristina.koller.jazz
kristina.koller.jazz 8:47 PM
Currently at the Vinyl Room in Beacon and they have djs spinning groovy/funky vinyl. It’s a vibe!! Come on out if you’re nearby
shauna
shauna 11:56 PM
Hey all, great to see so many familiar and new names and faces here

I'm Shauna and many of you might know me from the HV Tech Meetup back in the day and the Connect with Creatives and Emerging Designers Portfolio Review events I've run through the years with AIGA Upstate NY I'm based in Kingston and before that New Paltz!

By day I work as a design systems / accessibility specialist, coming from a background in front end and UX. I spent the last 4 years working in a federal consultancy working with US gov agencies on some of their digital services, most recently the US Space Force

I also am an adjunct with the design department at SUNY New Paltz, teaching Design for the Web I since 2020 (lmk if you are hiring designers we got students on the hunt for internships and jobs!).

Great to see a new space for this community, can't wait to see what it leads to
April 5, 2024
Daniel Boone Secor
Daniel Boone Secor 7:12 AM
Hey Shauna
Danielle Frimer
Danielle Frimer 9:11 AM
Hey all, and thanks for inviting me ! So inspiring to read through all these hellos this morning. I’m a playwright & screenwriter (daniellefrimer.com) and have lived in New Paltz with my wife for the past three and a half years. I’ve got upcoming play readings in Pine Plains (April 21st) and Beacon (May 9th) - reach out if you’re interested in learning more! I also freelance as a conversation designer (i.e. a playwright for robots ). I’m looking forward to connecting!
Jordan Koschei (ConnectHV)
Jordan Koschei (ConnectHV) 10:30 AM
Did anyone else just feel an earthquake???
Jaclyn
Jaclyn 10:30 AM
YES WE SURE DID
Jordan Koschei (ConnectHV)
Jordan Koschei (ConnectHV) 10:38 AM
https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/us7000ma74/executive
Looks like a 4.8 magnitude centered in NJ!
Good thing there are no other uncommon phenomena coming our way soon, otherwise that would be kind of freaky
I’m out sick today and was just falling asleep on my couch when it started… I thought I was having some kind of a medical issue, until the windows started rattling
stephen.steve
stephen.steve 11:11 AM
Our whole building shook. First for me. 🫨
Molly O'Connor
Molly O'Connor 11:26 AM
Hi HV Connect crew! I'm Molly, marketing and communications pro with over 10 years of experience launching and scaling consumer tech startups. I've led campaigns for high-profile companies like Poshmark, Tonal, TRIPP, and Prenuvo and am currently the Director of Communications and Content at Aescape, the first commercially available, fully automated AI massage experience (you can read more about us here). Happy to chat PR, marketing, branding, or anything in between. I'm based in Poughkeepsie and would love to meet up with folks IRL
Chris Silverman
Chris Silverman 11:51 AM
Yeah, I was on the phone with someone, and there was a rumble and the building trembled. I thought it was construction or something until the person I was talking to—someone miles away—said “Whoa, my house is shaking.”
(And all my California friends are like “oh, you had an earthquake?…only 4.8? No, no, I’m sure that was very scary, I’m always just surprised people even notice those”)
Caleigh Carr, Astro Coffee Co.
Caleigh Carr, Astro Coffee Co. 11:58 AM
Quick Poll! If we were going to host a Coffee & Creatives Chat this month at the RVAC in Wappingers Falls, which date would you prefer?


React with an emoji!
Kevin Kobasic
Kevin Kobasic 1:21 PM
And that's just a taste of what will happen if my demands are not met
Doug Bartow
Doug Bartow 3:21 PM
April 6, 2024
kyle
kyle 12:07 PM
Thanks for setting this up! It's a pleasure to connect with you all!

My name is Kyle J Caldwell and I am a Photographer specializing in Architecture and Interiors. Hence, I travel all over the Northeast states, so if I can be of assistance do let me know.

Also, I have plans to open up a photo/video studio space in Kingston with local memberships open to the community. Are you looking for part time studio space in the Kingston area? Excited at all the prospects/genres this will open up after not having a studio for nearly 15 years. So if you are interested in learning more about the studio or any type of creative collaboration feel free to reach out. Love meeting fellow creatives or potential clients in the HV region! www.kylejcaldwell.com
devonwood5131
devonwood5131 4:56 PM
Hey everyone! It’s great to see so many wonderful and familiar faces.

My name is Devon, I’m born and raised in the Hudson Valley. I’m a photographer, videographer, and content creator. I primarily specialize in community and corporate events, portraits, and commercial work and am looking to delve more into documentary filmmaking.

I’ve been a content creator for over 10 years now and my love of being in front of the camera is what ultimately lead me to my love of being behind it. I love storytelling in a variety of different ways and am always intrigued by all things art and creativity. I love collaborating with people and am always up for anything!

Feel free to check out my website and YouTube. Looking forward to connecting with ya’ll!

www.devonwoodmedia.com

https://youtu.be/4hWHCuQlz30?si=msxivN2JWZo19u_g
Jordan Koschei (ConnectHV)
Jordan Koschei (ConnectHV) 5:06 PM
Here it is, folks — our first-ever ConnectHV live event! Huge thanks to for hosting!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/878732571777
Make sure you RSVP
April 7, 2024
amanda
amanda 8:40 AM
Hi neighbors! I’m an Executive Coach + Somatic Therapist currently living in Shawangunk, NY (near Gardiner). I spent 20 years building businesses and watching people crash and burn from burnout (including myself). I started my own coaching practice to help Founders + Leaders scale their businesses without sacrificing themselves. In addition to 1-1 coaching and speaking, I lead retreats that sit at the intersection of career development and spirituality (I have one coming up at Dharmakaya in August).

I also host a podcast called “Full Plate Full Cup” which is sort of like How I Built This meets Super Soul Sunday.

Last thing I’ll say is… I’m currently immersed in Somatic Experiencing certification and a shamanism apprenticeship so if you’re into that kind of stuff — HMU!
April 8, 2024
Erika Wei
Erika Wei 10:48 AM
Hi everyone! I'm Erika, based in Rhinebeck and working for the UN doing data engineering and visualization work. Also am a textile weaver on the side selling at some local shops and markets from time to time. So nice seeing the diverse creative community in the area and looking forward to meeting and getting to know you. Thanks to for organizing this group!
Daniel Boone Secor
Daniel Boone Secor 10:53 AM
Hey
Dennis Crowley
Dennis Crowley 11:56 AM
Hey Connect HV –– so I run the local men’s semi-pro soccer team (Kingston Stockade FC). I always think of our home games as a “platform” for local businesses / farms / artists / vendors / makers, etc. to use to promote their work. We see around 800-1000 fans at home games.

If there’s anyone on the list who’s be interested in being a part of the games (setting up a table to vend or promote // selling items at merch table? // singing the national anthem?) send me a DM. I am trying to have more of a focus on climate / sustainability (aka: I aspire to use the games as a platform to tell a climate-first narrative) so bonus point if you fall into that category

Let me know! 5 home games in June @ Poughkeepsie (Marist College). No charge, just looking for good people / products / stories!
Jenna Petrone
Jenna Petrone 1:30 PM
Hey ya'll!! I'm a little late to the game as I was traveling, but I'm Jenna and it's great to meet you!

I'm a photographer based in Catskill and my wife and I run a small creative agency called The House of Heart. You my check out all of our websites below. Looking forward to connecting!!

Can't wait to connect with you!
Brittany Proia
Brittany Proia 2:26 PM
Hey Folks!! (thanks for inviting me !) I am delighted to be here and learn about you all. I’m a theatre producer, director, performer (https://www.brittanyproia.art) and I live in Highland with my composer husband. I am also the managing director or SHADOWLAND STAGES in Ellenville, NY and I love making theatre in our region. Thanks for creating this space. Can't wait to connect!
April 9, 2024
dave
dave 8:33 AM
Hi!
Excited to be here! I’m a principal engineer at Warby Parker, mostly focusing on the front-end around areas of performance, accessibility and experimentation. My wife and I live in Kingston with our two year old daughter Priscilla.

I used to record bands playing music in my apartment, but gave that up to focus on my work. I’d love to get back to some intersection of music and technology.

I was standing on the side of the road with a flat tire when the earthquake happened and didn’t feel anything!
Kevin Scott
Kevin Scott 8:38 AM
Hi all! I’m based out of croton-on-Hudson. I work as a machine learning engineer during the day and record my own music at night. I’ve been looking, so far unsuccessfully, for a music share near me where I can leave some recording equipment.
Tyler Walker
Tyler Walker 9:03 AM
ooh, these last two posts hit me on the head. i transitioned from composing full-time to do app development, and it's been amazing. would love to connect with some other musicians here. what are you trying to ditch? i've got some space, but i also have gear acquisition syndrome. a dangerous combo
Jordan Koschei (ConnectHV)
Jordan Koschei (ConnectHV) 9:08 AM
Blatant self-promotion time: it's been a few years since I published an interview on Creative Hudson Valley, but I just hit publish on the first interview of season two, with Kingston-based singer/songwriter Al Olender! I'm proud of how this one came out:
Colton Cox
Colton Cox 9:19 AM
Hey folks! Thanks to for the invite to the community. I'm Colton. Lifelong Hudson Valley resident (grew up in Orange County, now live in Dutchess). I worked in content strategy / marketing tech for a few years before settling into the design team at IBM Poughkeepsie, where I'm currently a manager. In my spare time, I'm usually fiddling with creative fiction.

Love seeing the breadth and depth of the creative/tech community here. Glad to be a part of it
Mark Mendelis
Mark Mendelis 9:40 AM
Hello everyone! And thanks for putting this creative petri dish together.

I'm Mark, a freelance creative director and copywriter living full-time in Ulster Co (Saugerties). I've worked on some of the biggest brands on the planet but also some of the smallest ones, too. Literally. I'm currently working with Alleyway Ice Cream on their packaging and other needs. Anyhow, my site is below. Excited to connect with others here.

https://markmendelis.com/
kati
kati 9:58 AM
Hello!! Thanks for bringing all of us together in this virtual space!

I am as local as it gets - grew up in New Paltz! I’m also an Indigenous (Sioux) Army Veteran who owns a small marketing agency, supporting local small businesses manage their digital presence with social, website, email, SEO, photography, and video. https://haynesmarketingmedia.com

I’m also the first ever President of the Board of Hudson Valley Women in Business. We’re a nonprofit (just became 501c3 in February 2024) supporting our community of 3,400+ women business owners and intreprenuers with education, networking, mentorships, and so much more! Learn more at https://HVWiB.org

I look forward to connecting!!
vickynkennedy
vickynkennedy 10:44 AM
Hi all! Thanks for the opportunity to connect here. My wife and I live in Woodstock. She's a director and producer for film and theatre, and I'm the corporate geek who launched my own consultancy last year. I specialize in working with enterprises on their product education and certification strategy at Echtus.com (super niche, I know). Looking forward to networking!
chiara
chiara 12:08 PM
Hi All! Also excited for this growing community. My name is Chiara and I'm a multi-disciplinary creative consultant. I've spent the last 20 years creating digital experiences and branding for clients across industry and scale. My last big project was supporting the AEM platform migration for all of IBM.com marketing pages with template and component design, enablement, and documentation.

I'm currently supporting a local non-profit with their branding and communication strategy and looking for more opportunities for creative problem solving!

You can find me at chiarabartlett.com!
Kennedy
Kennedy 12:42 PM
Oh hello there… I just met , who invited me to this group YAY! Im excited to see some familiar faces in this group already.

My name is Kennedy Davey, I’m a PRODUCER of all sorts. Having worked in Features (physical production) with 20th Century Fox, Advertising (both agency + Prod Co EP), Post (The Mill). I’m now line producing a low budget feature filming in the HV. I’m eager to get to know more creative folks in our area and I want to produce more films this year, while somehow magically striking the balance of getting paid.

I live in W Saugerties with my 4 year old son and husband, who’s a comms strategist in advertising, if anyone needs it.

You can see my work at kennedydavey.com or loveflorencefilms.com
Freddie at Barnfox
Freddie at Barnfox 2:21 PM
Hey everyone, feel welcome to share this instagram story to help get the word about the first ConnectHV Meetup @ Barnfox in Poughkeepsie on May 1st. You can link it to the Eventbrite here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/connecthv-barnfox-may-meetup-tickets-878732571777?aff=oddtdtcreator
Looking forward to meeting folks in person!
Taylor Dederick
Taylor Dederick 3:12 PM
Hey everyone!! I'm so excited to be joining this. I love seeing so many familiar faces, and it's such a pleasure to connect with you all.

My name is Taylor Dederick, and I am the founder of Unless Media, a creative marketing studio based in Saugerties offering social media management, email marketing, paid ads, marketing consulting, and photography and content creation!

I'm a Hudson Valley native - born and raised here in Saugerties. I graduated from Siena College in Loudonville, NY, with a B.S. in Marketing and Digital Design and went on to work in corporate, where I QUICKLY learned it wasn't for me.

So, I founded Unless Media in 2021 with the goal of bridging the gap between structured marketing practices and freethinking, creative small businesses. I've since worked with businesses large and small all over the world, but over the last year or so, I have decided to hone in and focus on working with businesses in my community to help them grow! You can check out my website at www.unlessmedia.com, message me here or on my Instagram @unlessmediia, or email me at [email protected] if you're interested in learning more about Unless Media.

I love meeting with and getting to know other creatives, so send me a message, and let's grab some coffee. ️

& a huge thanks to for creating this space for us all!
Daniel Boone Secor
Daniel Boone Secor 3:45 PM
Welcome Taylor. Been a fan for awhile.
Would love to talk shop one day.
I just launched my community centric branding agency corliesave.com
We've talked a bit via insta, but somehow this just feels a little more intimate
(thanks again )
peter.kang
peter.kang 8:49 PM
Hi everyone, I’m Peter Kang, moved full-time to Rhinebeck last fall as we welcomed child #3. Love it here, especially taking the kids to different parks and trails every weekend.

I have a portfolio of agency businesses mostly focused on building websites for businesses on platforms like Shopify and Webflow (check them out here: https://www.barrel-holdings.com/. I write a lot about agency business on my personal site at peterkang.com. Always down to grab coffee and talk shop. Look forward to meeting others here in HV, excited to be here.

Join the conversation

Ready to join the conversation? Enter the Slack community below.

What is Slack?

Slack is a chat platform, similar to Discord or Microsoft Teams or old-school IRC. It's meant to be used by businesses for team communication, but we're using it as a community platform. We picked Slack by popular request and it's worked out pretty well so far.

What's the difference between the Slack and the directory?

The directory allows you to showcase your work and find local creatives and professionals. The Slack is a chat platform for the community with active conversation happening all the time. They complement each other, and both are useful!

Why should I join?

Over 1,800 local creatives and professionals are in the group, connecting with each other and sharing opportunities. People are finding work, hiring locally, sharing resources, launching new projects, and generally being a community that's authentic and human rather than the opposite.

What's the vibe?

Conversation in the Slack is casual and human. There are lots of people introducing themselves, asking for recommendations, hiring people and sharing that they're ready to be hired, and announcing new events or projects. (And it's totally fine to just lurk, too!)