This month, we’re proud to spotlight the Center for Photography at Woodstock (CPW) as our January Client of the Month—a nationally recognized nonprofit arts organization rooted right here in the Hudson Valley.
Founded in 1977, CPW has long been a cornerstone of photographic arts education and exhibition. In January 2025, the organization marked an exciting new chapter with a grand re-opening of its new Kingston home in the historic Van Slyke & Horton cigar factory, a 40,000-square-foot building in the heart of the Midtown Arts District.
What was expected to be a celebration for a few hundred quickly turned into something much bigger.
“Given the buzz we were hearing around town, we increased our estimated attendance from 200 to 250 at the last minute,” said Nadine Lemmon, Treasurer of CPW. “That night, more than 2,300 people joined the celebration. There was a literal traffic jam on Broadway and a line out the door!”
Since relocating to Kingston, CPW has embraced its role as both a cultural institution and a community hub.
“Although almost 50 years old, CPW has reinvented itself as a start-up since moving to Kingston,” Lemmon shared. “As a community hub serving local artists and audiences, we’ve been thrilled with the warm welcome we’ve received and look forward to continuing to work in this community.”
CPW is dedicated to advancing photography as a means of creative expression, cultural dialogue, and social engagement. Through exhibitions, educational programs, artist residencies, and community outreach, CPW supports photographers at all stages of their careers while making contemporary photography accessible to a broad audience.
Over the years, CPW has become a vital cultural anchor in the Hudson Valley, welcoming artists, students, and visitors from across the region and beyond. Their programming not only elevates emerging and established photographers, but also encourages meaningful conversations around history, identity, and social change.
When asked why CPW chose Ryan & Ryan as their insurance agency, Lemmon shared:
“We were having trouble finding an insurance policy that would enable us to occupy the building while working on the renovations. Bob had a solution, and he was incredibly attentive to reviewing all of our insurance needs. He has also been proactive at flagging potential liability issues, and his team has skillfully guided us through a couple of bumps in the road. We’re very happy with our decision!”
Beyond the insurance relationship, Lemmon noted the importance of working with a local agency that is deeply invested in the community.
“I’ve been impressed by how involved Bob is locally—he truly cares about his customers. The whole team has been a pleasure to work with.”
You can visit CPW’s gallery Thursday–Sunday from 11am–5pm at 25 Dederick Street in Kingston, or learn more about their exhibitions, programs, and upcoming events at www.cpw.org.
