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OCTOBER 26 - NOVEMBER 1, 2026

Windows to the Soul

This week, The Weekly Beat introduces Anthony Azam Merriweather, a portrait artist whose work brings together vibrant pop art colors, rugged grunge textures, and the intricate details of photorealism.

Raised in a creative household in Queens, New York, Anthony learned the foundations of art from his parents and spent the next 25 years developing a style uniquely his own. Through portraiture, he explores personality, emotion, and the stories that can be told without words.

Get to know the artist behind the portraits in this week's Artist Feature, Windows to the Soul: The Art of Anthony Azam Merriweather.

Anthony Azam Merriweather

The Beat Behind Plattsburgh

The Weekly Beat is Plattsburgh's only weekly community calendar, brought to you by Plattsburgh Pulse. Every issue brings the week's local events together in one place, so you don't have to piece it together.

Each event includes location and ticket links when needed, plus a custom Vibe Chart — a quick visual guide to help you shop events for your vibe.

Every week includes a feature from a local artist, as well as a Spotlight Sponsor to bring you closer to the local businesses supporting our community.

A local coupon book is coming soon, giving readers even more ways to support Plattsburgh businesses.

Whether you're looking for events, community updates, or simply want to stay connected, The Weekly Beat keeps you in the loop — without social media noise or an algorithm deciding what you see.

Subscribe for free. Beat drops every Sunday at 9 AM.

RYAN CASEY

Subscribe for Ryan's feature. Weekly Beat Issue 031. 11/02/26

HUNTER GOMEZ

Meet Plattsburgh local and first-time author Hunter Gomez!

Hunter recently released his debut novel, Blood Moon Rising, and we're excited to share his story.

Join us November 8 for Hunter's upcoming feature in The Weekly Beat, where we'll get to know the author behind the book!

UPCOMING FEATURES

BROWSE PAST ARTIST FEATURES

THE WEEKLY BEAT || ISSUE 029

A conversation with Bethany Grant, a local photographer and community member, as she explores the importance of capturing today's moments for tomorrow's history. Plus, we're wrapping up our four-week Sponsor Spotlight with Caracciola's, celebrating the people, passion, and community behind this local favorite.

THE WEEKLY BEAT || THE HUMANA ELEMENT

A conversation about art and ai.

Sara Acors

The weekly Beat Issue 026

Local artist and musician Ethan Rogers.

Weekly Beat Issue 025

Inside this week’s Beat, we look back at the Fourth Friday kickoff, explore the Artist Gallery, and go behind the scenes with our sponsor spotlight, Adirondack Fox Brewing.

ROBERT GAINES

Meet Plattsburgh sign painter Robert Gaines, whose traditional hand-painted lettering connects art, craftsmanship, and the character of a place. Explore his story and the human touch behind this time-honored craft.

DUST JOSEPH

Dust Joseph, featured as Plattsburgh Pulse's Artist of the Weeky.

GHARAN BURTON

Gharan Burton, a Plattsburgh, New York artist and muralist, creates oil paintings and public art inspired by the landscapes of Dominica and the North Country. Known for murals throughout downtown Plattsburgh, including the Harvest mural behind the North Country Food Co-op, Burton’s work reflects his connection to nature, community, and the two landscapes that shaped his artistic journey.

PESO 131

Meet Plattsburgh hip-hop artist Peso 131 and explore his journey through music, creativity, community, and the legacy of hip-hop in the North Country.

BENN RYMON

Benn Rymon, a Plattsburgh-based hip-hop artist and producer whose decades-long connection to the culture reflects the evolution of the local music scene, creativity, and community

RYELYN McKAY

Ryelyn McKay, the local jewelry artist behind Ryelyn by Design, showcases her handmade jewelry and creative process in Plattsburgh, New York. Her work reflects a blend of craftsmanship, personal expression and the creativity shaping Plattsburgh’s local artist community.

Kyle Keswick

North Country graphic designer Kyle Keswick of Keswick Designs. Kyle’s work can be found throughout Plattsburgh—from familiar logos and storefronts to branding, illustration, signage, packaging, and the design behind the Plattsburgh Passport. His work reflects the fingerprints thoughtful design can leave on a city and the community around it.

ANDREW McGILL

Meet Andrew McGill, a local artist and art teacher who brings creativity into every part of his life through upcycling, experimentation and the belief that anyone can make art.

KEVIN SABOURIN

Meet Kevin Sabourin, a Plattsburgh artist, sculptor, musician, and educator whose lifelong dedication to creativity has shaped the local arts community. From touring with legendary musicians to mentoring aspiring artists, explore his journey and his perspective on art, discipline, and the creative process.

The Art of Intention

Explore the story of Plattsburgh artist Mercedez as she shares how poetry, candle making, tarot, and intention come together through art, healing, and communty

HAPPY, INC

The Happy Artist Collective is reimagining what public art can be in Plattsburgh. Through community murals, graffiti workshops, and creative outreach, the collective is creating opportunities for people of all ages to leave their mark while strengthening connections across the region. In this Plattsburgh Pulse feature, we explore the story behind the Happy Artist Collective, the vision driving its members, and how art is becoming a catalyst for belonging, collaboration, and community pride in the North Country.

CYLE JERSEY

Cyle Jersey, a Plattsburgh- based artist and creative, featured by Plattsburgh Pulse for his work, artistic perspective, and connection to the local North Country arts community

Nicole Babu

Nicole Babu, known as The Culprit, poses with her mixed media collage artwork during her artist feature for Plattsburgh Pulse. The Plattsburgh, NY artist creates original collage, printmaking, and mixed media pieces while helping build the local creative community through workshops and collaborative art events.

MIKE PROTICH

Portrait of Mike Protich, featured in The Weekly Beat by Plattsburgh Pulse. This community feature explores the relationship between creativity, connection, and influence, highlighting how individuals help shape the culture and character of the communities they call home.

Sarah Mitchell

Singer- songwriter Sarah Mitchell shares her journey through music, motherhood, and finding her voice.

JEFF MEYERS

A look at the passion, process, and perspective behind a local artist’s creative journey.

Taylor Lavalley

Finding purpose through creativity and embracing the courage to share it with others.

Cindy Snow of Hippie Chic

Cindy Snow, creator of Hippie Chic, working with stained glass artwork in her home studio. The Plattsburgh-area creative, storyteller, and entrepreneur creates custom glass art, mosaics, and memorial pieces inspired by emotion, memory, and community.

Outdoor Art: Plattsburgh Public Art Project

Outside Art: Plattsburgh Public Art Project explores the murals, artists, and creative efforts transforming public spaces throughout Plattsburgh. Found in 2016, the project has helped turn walls, buildings, and everyday places into opportunities for connection, storytelling, and community pride.

Brady Sweet Issue 005

Music, storytelling, and the experiences that continue to shape his artistic voice.

Michael Bergman Issue 004

The creative path, inspirations, and community connections behind the artist.

Steffaney Wilcox

Art, self-expression, and the journey of creating something meaningful from within.

Issue 002 • Joe Ferris
Where illustration, humor, and music meet to create connection and community.

Issue 001 • David Vitanza
The story, influences, and creative spark behind the artist who launched the series.
Sent 4m ago

Joe Ferris Issue 002

Where illustration, humor, and music meet to create connection and community.

David Vitanza Issue 001

The story, influences, and creative spark behind the artist who launched the series.

Made Possible by Our Founding Sponsor

The Artist Spotlight is a dedicated space where we celebrate the creatives who help shape the culture of our community. Each week, we highlight a local artist by sharing their story, showcasing their work, and exploring the passion behind their craft.

This feature exists because we believe every artist has a story worth telling - and that a stronger creative community begins by investing in the people creating it.

The Artist Spotlight is proudly made possible by Jaxtaposed Creations.

More than a tattoo studio, Jaxtaposed Creations is a creative community space dedicated to supporting local artists and cultivating meaningful connections. Its gallery walls feature artwork and handmade creations from local makers, with 100% of every sale going directly to the artist—creating opportunities for both emerging and established creatives.

As the Founding Sponsor of the Artist Spotlight, Jacqueline “Jaxie” Rodriguez is helping Plattsburgh Pulse celebrate local talent, preserve creative stories, and build a culture where artists, businesses, and the community grow together.

Because every thriving community begins by investing in the people who create it.