Peter Criswell ’89 Discusses Ulster’s Creative Community in Hudson Valley One

Peter Criswell ’89, the chair of the county legislature for Ulster County, was interviewed by the Hudson Valley One for a piece on the arts scene in Kingston. Interviewing artists from radio coordinators to clowns, the article discusses how the county’s art scene has room to grow. Challenges like rising costs and gentrification contribute to artist displacement, a problem Criswell and others want to solve.

Criswell majored in anthropology and theater at Bard and spent a decade doing live theater. He says that experience made him appreciate how artists have to work on a budget. “I see a lot of what we’re trying to do as being connectors,” he said. “We’d like to try and encourage more arts commissions around the county.”

Post Date: 07-29-2025