Jammel Cutler reports for Columbia-Greene Media that Austerlitz is celebrating what would have been the world-renowned artist Ellsworth Kelly's 100th birthday this year, with an event at 11 a.m. May 20. The American painter, sculptor, and printmaker was based in Spencertown, and would have turned 100 on May 31, 2023. “Ellsworth Kelly brought his art to the community and his philanthropic endeavors that support students, not just in Austerlitz but the Chatham School District and beyond,” said Karrie Allen Buratto, a marketing and communications specialist at Berkshire United Way, a former writer at Bard College at Simon’s Rock and a former editor of the Chatham Courier. “He was internal to Chatham. His studio was on Main Street in Chatham for a long time. I think it was nice to have such a big artist have a home and work out of a small town in Columbia County.” He was born in Newburgh, and officials are dedicating the Austerlitz town hall to him this month. Austerlitz Town Supervisor Robert Lagonia said, “This dedication shows how much the town and beyond loved Kelly.... His dedication and philanthropic endeavors have been tremendous for the community. I can’t say enough positive things about what the Ellsworth Kelly Foundation and Jack Shear have done for the community. It’s been incredible. They helped fund broadband for those who need it in the community, and they helped fund a new town park. I have nothing but the utmost respect and admiration for both the Ellsworth Kelly Foundation and Jack Shear. It’s an amazing thing that they did for us.” To celebrate his centennial, there are also exhibitions and installations of his work at the Art Institute of Chicago, Glenstone Museum in Potomac, Maryland, and the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. Read more about this story at HudsonValley360.com.