RHINEBECK, NY – For nearly five decades, the nonprofit Omega Institute for Holistic Studies has embraced the arts as a catalyst for personal growth, community connection, and cultural transformation. Rooted in the Hudson Valley–a region long known for inspiring artists, writers, musicians, and creative thinkers–Omega has welcomed generations of creatives to its campus. Today, Omega's commitment to the arts is expanding through residencies, exhibits, and campus installations, with new support for women artists made possible by a generous grant from Towanda Foundation that was matched by the Women Moving Millions Art Catalyst Matching Fund.
“Art has always been part of the fabric of Omega,” said Carla Goldstein, President and Chief Executive Officer of Omega. “Creative expression helps us see ourselves, one another, and the world in new ways. We are deeply grateful to Towanda Foundation and Women Moving Millions for their partnership and generosity, which are helping us advance opportunities for women artists and strengthen the role of creativity in fostering connection, imagination, and human flourishing.”
“At Towanda Foundation, we believe that healing people and healing the planet are deeply connected. Artists help us imagine new possibilities, tell stories that move us to care, and create the cultural conditions for meaningful change,” said Sara Hinkle, President of Towanda Foundation. “We are proud to support Omega’s Artist Residency because creativity needs space, rest, and community to thrive. We are grateful to Women Moving Millions, whose catalytic matching fund helped expand this opportunity.”
Sarah Haacke Byrd, CEO of Women Moving Millions, added, “Art has the unique power to heal, inspire, and connect us across differences. By amplifying the voices of women artists, particularly those from historically marginalized communities, the fund seeks to advance equity, elevate women creatives, and shift narratives around gender, power, and democracy.”
Open annually from May through October, Omega offers dozens of workshops in visual arts, literary arts, music and voice, dance and movement, theater, and creative living.
One of the clearest expressions of Omega’s arts programming is its longstanding annual Arts Week, taking place June 28–July 3. Arts Week brings together participants from a wide range of artistic disciplines for an immersive experience that combines focused study with shared community. Workshops this year explore writing, photography, music, fiber arts, improvisation, journaling, storytelling, and creative ritual-making. Throughout the week, participants gather for meals, evening events, and showcases that celebrate the creative process and the work that emerges from it.
In addition to formal workshops, Omega offers regular open arts classes throughout the season, creating opportunities for guests staying on Omega’s campus to explore creativity regardless of prior experience.
Leading Omega’s visual arts program is Kathleen Laucius, Omega’s Senior Director of Creative and Art Curator, whose work has helped shape and expand the arts across campus through curatorial vision, artist partnerships, acquisitions, and open arts programming.
“Art expands the heart and sharpens our sense of being alive,” said Laucius. “Our goal is to create opportunities for people to encounter art in unexpected places, and in ways that invite reflection, wonder, and connection.”
That vision is reflected throughout Omega's campus. Permanent campus installations include Seven Generations, the beloved sculpture by artist and author Frederick Franck, and Recliner with Head in Hands, a bronze sculpture by acclaimed artist Joy Brown, acquired for Omega's permanent collection with support from Towanda Foundation and the Women Moving Millions Art Catalyst Matching Fund after a successful loan exhibition. White Horse, a monumental 12-foot-tall steel sculpture by renowned sculptor Peter Busby, is on loan for Omega’s 2026 season.
The Omega Center for Sustainable Living’s lobby gallery and classroom feature current exhibits: Held: Works on Paper, featuring a collection of 60 works on paper by Jean Gauthier; and All Living Things, Lois Guarino's expansive “Wonder Wall” composed of 1,000 individual oil paintings. Additionally, the Ram Dass Library will feature works of art throughout the season.
Located on 250 acres in Rhinebeck, New York, just 90 miles north of New York City, Omega’s campus is a living classroom for immersive learning, rest, and connection. Omega offers programs in wellness, creativity, personal growth, and social impact. Amenities include gardens, walking trails, a lake, the Sanctuary, and the Omega Wellness Center.
Philanthropic support plays a vital role in helping Omega expand access to creative programming and scholarships. Those interested in supporting this work can make a contribution at eOmega.org/support-omega/ways-give.
To learn more about Omega’s work, visit eOmega.org and follow Omega on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn.