A panoramic view of the first rooms of the exhibit. Photo by Rhea.

On February 7, the public had its first glimpse of Videofreex: The Art of Guerrilla Television at the Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art. The New Paltz museum dedicated a few thousand square feet to this massive retrospective, curated by Andrew Ingall. There were video screens, maps of New York City and State plotting Videofreex haunts and activities, ancient equipment stenciled with their name, and hundreds of people there to witness it all.

That day, from a Prosecco toast to the last drop of reminiscence over dinner, was one for the Videofreex record books. Though I wasn’t around to experience the Videofreex heyday, I felt very much a part of their renaissance. I found myself saying things like “You’re Horrible Howard? It’s so good to meet you!” and “You directed The Kitchen??” The exhibit runs through July 12, 2015.

Reel to reel video equipment was donated for the exhibit. Photo by Rhea.

Exhibit curator Andrew Ingall accepts the dubious distinction of his own face inserted into a vintage Videofreex group shot. Photo from Andy’s Facebook page.

The Videofreex and progeny (three generations in all–with Nancy via Skype!) pose in an echo of a vintage group portrait. Photo by Mike Nelson.

Videofreex members pose outside the American Legion near their home in Lanesville, NY, in the mid-1970s.