Susan Wides: The Hudson Valley, from Mannahatta to Kaaterskill
Financier John Bond trevor built Glenview Mansion overlooking the Palisades and the Hudson River in 1877. The mansion became the Hudson River Museum in 1924 and originally housed the museum’s collection. Today the permanent collection is in the museum’s adjacent and spacious modern galleries built in 1969. The galleries feature 19th and 20th Century art, including fine examples of sculpture and portraiture. Sublime — and often romanticized — landscapes from Hudson River School artists like Jasper Cropsey are mixed with works that tell the story of this area. Once a bustling waterway in the 19th Century, the introduction of the railroad hastened its progress from rural to industrial by the early part of the 20th. Currently on view on the lower level of the modern museum is “Susan Wides: The Hudson Valley, from Mannahatta to Kaaterskill,” a contemporary take on the landscape tradition. Wides makes familiar views of Manhattan strange and surreal. She captures the juxtaposition of nature and industry typical of these Westchester towns, and she skews romantic (and persistent) depictions of the Catskills. The exhibition remains on view at the Hudson River Museum through September 11th.

Mark di Suvero at Governors Island: Presented by Storm King Art Center
Now that summer’s in full swing there’s a chance to catch just about every kind of arts outdoors in the city… And most of it’s for free. “Mark di Suvero at Governors Island: Presented by Storm King Art Center” brings several of the American artist’s large scale sculptures to our area. The sculptures are grouped in different locations across the 172-acre island. In addition to works usually on view at Storm King, the exhibit includes works on loan from private collections and new works that have never been on public view. In all 11 works spanning more than three decades are on display here, making this the artist’s biggest New York survey since the 1970s.

Music in the parks
The New York Philharmonic has cancelled its popular “Concerts in the Parks” this summer. But disappointed classical music fans have a few other chances to catch some free music under the stars. The Met’s summer recital series brings opera back to the city parks. The series begins this week at Central Park Summerstage and Brooklyn Bridge Park with three rising Met stars — soprano Angela Meade, mezzo-soprano Jennifer Johnson Cano and tenor Dimitri Pittas. The Washington Square Music Festival, started in 1953, also offers opera music in the park for its opening concert. Upcoming performances include the Charles Mingus Orchestra and former New York Philharmonic clarinetist Stanley Drucker. And the oldest free classical music series in New York is still going strong at the Naumburg Bandshell in Central Park. WQXR’s Midge Woolsey hosts upcoming concerts featuring jazz pianist Matt Hershkowitz, the Knights in a salute to Liszt and Schubert, and the Jupiter Symphony Chamber players with cellist Ani Aznavoorian.

Shakespeare in the Park
For more free summer evening entertainment in Central Park catch two Shakespeare plays at the Delacorte Theater. The Public Theater tackles “All’s Well that Ends Well” and “Measure for Measure,” problem plays famous for their difficult blend of comedy and the sober themes of unjust execution, moral cowardice and marital betrayal. Annie Parisse and Danai Gurira play the strong heroines who must deal with weak, irresolute and sometimes downright evil men. John Cullum alternates between king and wise counsel in the the two shows which run in repertory with the same company of actors. Enjoy a midsummer night of drama in the park through July 30.

Spanish Paradise: Gardens of the Alhambra
And finally, the New York Botanical Garden’s latest exhibit seeks to capture the exotic allure of the famed Alhambra. But like it’s inspiration in Granada, it is also an inspiring setting for spanish music and dance. The Haupt Conservatory and grounds are filled with the sounds of live Spanish guitar and spanish-influenced music on select Thursday evenings throughout July and August. In the Arthur and Janet Ross Lecture Hall, hear the stirring sounds and experience the intriguing and exciting mystery of flamenco. Performances are free with admission to the Botanical Garden’s “Spanish Paradise: Gardens of the Alhambra.” The Flamenco Inside/Out Trio performs every Saturday and Sunday afternoon through August 21th.