The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

North Castle News

The 59th Annual Armonk Outdoor Art Show Returns to the Field on September 25-26

by

Editor’s Note: We are delighted to present the plans for the Armonk Outdoor Art Show, as described by the Show’s Executive Director, Anne Curran. 

Also, since the time the print editions were released, the Armonk Outdoor Art Show has added safety measures to provide a safe and comfortable environment for our volunteers, guests, artists, and sponsors. 

Masks are Required for all attendees over the age of 2, and masks must cover nose and mouth while on show grounds and on buses.

Social Distancing is encouraged throughout all areas of the field. Our new layout of artists’ booths with wide aisles will allow visitors to comfortably browse.

Following an online show last year, the Armonk Outdoor Art Show returns to the great outdoors in its beautiful tree-lined setting, at North Castle Community Park, 205 Business Park Drive in Armonk.  For tickets: https://mailchi.mp/armonkoutdoorartshow/2021-10402562

Typically, the show draws thousands of art-savvy visitors from the tri-state region. Many patrons look forward to the show to reconnect with favorite artists and to discover new, talented artists. First-time attendees will be wowed by the quality and scope of this treasured annual art event.  

A welcoming environment with great food, drinks, and family fun

A spacious field layout will allow added safety protocols and the opportunity to comfortably browse exhibitors’ booths. When it’s time for a break, visitors can enjoy a selection of great food and beverages, including beer & wine.

Free family activities will include take-a-away art kits, a scavenger hunt of clues within artist’s displays, an interactive art installation, fun photo ops, and visiting artists who will guide creative pursuits.

Fine Art and Fine Crafts for every taste, décor, and budget

The top-ranked show presents 160 juried artists from across the U.S. and Canada, exhibiting original artwork across multiple medium, including Fine Crafts, Mixed Media, Painting, Printmaking/Drawing/Pastels, Sculpture, Photography/Digital Art, and Wearable Art.

Artists, happy to chat with observers, often explain the technique, process and inspiration involved in their work. Personal interaction with artists opens the eyes of the beholder to the creator and encourages discovery of art that brings joy with added perspective and appreciation.

Be inspired and plan to purchase great art

There are tools that provide ways to connect with favorite artists, glimpse new exhibitors, help plan a visit to the show and ultimately find artwork that you love.

Follow @armonkoutdoorartshow social media for daily inspiration that will inspire artistic preferences and provide previews of artwork and artists. Save your favorite artists and plan to visit their booths.

Explore the armonkoutdoorartshow.org website to explore the full roster of exhibiting artists, peruse images of their work, and connect directly with them in advance of the show. Don’t miss the five 2021 Featured Artists that are profiled with a short description and video.

Download the field diagram and mark your must-see artists’ booth locations to guide your visit.  

Purchase discount tickets in advance at armonkoutdoorartshow.org

The Armonk Outdoor Art Show, nearly six decades strong, is fueled by talented artists, dedicated volunteers, art-savvy patrons, and generous sponsors, who are committed to presenting an independent, nationally acclaimed Art Show.

Every year, net proceeds of the Art Show support the North Castle Public Library, funding educational and entertainment programs for all ages, and The Armonk Players theater group.

This is a special year of reuniting on the field in appreciation of great art, camaraderie, and staging of another great show!

 

The 59th Annual Armonk Outdoor Art Show

Community Park, 205 Business Park Drive, Armonk, NY 10504

Saturday & Sunday, September 25 & 26 

10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Shine or Rain ~ Sorry, No Dogs

Admission:  

At the Event: $15, Seniors: $13  

Online in Advance: $13

18 and under: Free

Credit Cards Preferred 

Discount Tickets at armonkoutdoorartshow.org

Photos Courtesy of the Armonk Art Show

Tickets:https://mailchi.mp/armonkoutdoorartshow/2021-10402562

Third Thursday in Armonk: NOTE RAIN DATE PLANS/Changes

by

Autos and Music, and Sales… Oh My

Due to the weather forecast, the Armonk Car Show will be held Friday, July 19, in downtown Armonk starting at 5pm. Tomorrow’s concert, 1 Stop Pony Band, will still be on Thursday, July 18, but will be held at the North Castle Library’s Whippoorwill Hall. 

SCHEDULE

  • CAR SHOW AND PARADE DOWNTOWN: FRIDAY, JULY 19, begins 5 P.M
  • FREE CONCERT, 1 Stop Pony Band, has been moved to the North Castle Library’s Whippoorwill Hall
  • SALE DAYS IN ARMONK as planned

 

  •  

 

School Officials Describe a “Reflective, Quiet and Respectful” Mood

by

The Walkout at Byram Hills High School and a Sit In Emphasizing Kindness at the Middle School

Byram Hills Central School District Superintendent Jen Lamia shared a few details about today’s walkout of over 200 Byram Hills High School students. She described the walkout as being “in response to the Parkland tragedy.”

“Deputy Superintendent Dr. Tim Kaltenecker informed me the kids released 17 balloons when they said the names of the victims,” said Lamia.

Photo courtesy of Wendy Rosen

She relayed that the students at the high school organized the event with the building principal Chris Walsh. “The students gathered outside the front doors of the school and were reflective, quiet, and respectful,” she said.

“Some students spoke the names of the students from Parkland. A few others spoke about supporting safety in schools. Overall, our students care about making a difference in the world and are very thoughtful about how they hope to do it!”

Lamia was on a board visitation to the H.C. Crittenden Middle School at the time of the Walkout; Deputy Superintendent Dr. Kaltenecker was at the high school. 

At the middle school, students had organized a sit-in and spent their time writing acts of kindness on index cards.  “The event at the middle school was also run by students—completely–and they were fantastic,” Lamia added. “Our kids are a gift.” 

While not a student-organized event, per se (“Developmentally, the kids are too young,” said Lamia), at Wampus Elementary School, the teachers engaged the children in acts of kindness activities.

 

 

Unique Collections, Family Fun and More at the Armonk Outdoor Art Show

by

Friends of the North Castle Public Library holding court.

By Molly Alexander

On Business Park Drive, the sun shone brightly and visitors either strolled or boarded a complimentary shuttle bus all eager to arrive at the North Castle Community Park for the 56th Annual Armonk Outdoor Art Show (AOAS) on September 23 and 24. With over 300 volunteers, more than 185 artists and excited attendees from near and far, this award-winning fine art and fine crafts show served as a warm and welcoming family attraction.

Corporate sponsors including Equinox, Houlihan Lawrence, Northern Westchester Hospital, and White Plains Hospital Medical and Wellness offered info and demonstrations. Family Activities sponsors included the Harvey School, First Five Learn and Play and the Neuberger Museum of Art provided wonderful activities for children of all ages. Silver corporate sponsors included William Raveis, Burke Rehabilitation Hospital and Framings. For a full listing of sponsors, visit armonkoutdoorartshow.org.

Show-goers meandered through rows and rows of art ranging from crafts, sculptures, paintings, photography, jewelry, handbags and clothing. Each tent had a unique artistic treasure inside. “It’s very interesting how all the artists are from everywhere; all around the country,” an attendee commented. “Every piece of art is different.”

Awards were also presented to artists in seven categories and there were two additional special awards with $1000 prizes. The Alan C. Solomon Best of Show Prize went to honor the artist who “exemplifies creativity, artistic talent and mastery in his/her artwork across all artistic categories.” It was awarded to Bounkhong Signavong, the founder of Lao Design. The Sylvia Rogers Best New Artist Prize “to attract new artists to the AOAS and recognize the talent and imagination of up and coming artists,” was awarded to Cuban born Enrique Miralles, who exhibited a powerful collection of dry point etchings.

The weather on both days was absolutely gorgeous, if a bit toasty and kept guests sipping on iced drinks to keep cool and partaking in delicious foods from area vendors. It offered a day of exploration for all with many visitors picking up original pieces of art wear, paintings, and sculptures created in a variety of mediums to treasure for many years to come. If you missed this event, come next year when the 57th annual AOAS will be held on September 29 and 30.

Sculpture by Valerie Bunnell
Woven aluminum by James Mosier

 

Painter John van Orsouw

Elegant Aerial Performances Charmed and Dazzled on a Final ‘Third Thursday’

by

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Story & Top Photos By Molly Alexander   

The final Third Thursday on August 17 in Armonk was the first of its kind: a unique circus extravaganza featuring immensely talented and expertly trained performers. Armonk Square was the setting for an event with a distinct town fair feeling as cheerful, hard working Westchester Circus Arts staff spent hours engaging hundreds of residents and visitors alike–bringing to the Square magicians, performers on stilts, and most mesmerizing of all, the main event: the company’s highly elegant and sometimes gasp-producing aerial performances.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attendees also enjoyed a tightrope walking workshop, a chance to watch jugglers and generally to experience pure magic as kids and grown-ups eutger danced near Main Street too at the front of the Square while humming or singing along to a festive lineup of 80s, 90s and contemporary favorites by the three-member band, Vinyl Countdown.

From their Tarrytown, N.Y. location, Westchester Circus Arts has five awesome instructors and teaches classes to the general public. Inside the Square, WCA staff  used a hoop, trapeze, silks, and more to capture their audience’s imagination and attention! With the trapeze hanging from four sturdy posts, attendees applauded and cheered as Westchester Circus Arts’ best performers and instructors quite simply, wowed the crowd.

The intricate moves were flawless and had some viewers staying on or returning back to the Square to catch additional performances. Each performer showed off her best routines for about five minutes, with shows starting at 5:30 and continuing every half hour or so.

Each Third Thursday has been a true success each with its own unique charms and offerings, according to Robby Morris, one of the Armonk Chamber of Commerce’s organizers of the event. “It’s really amazing how much the whole community gets involved, and how there’s a dedicated community working within the community.”

Indeed, walking into the small Square in downtown Armonk on a Third Thursday has started to feel like entering a circus tent, as live music carries cheerful vibes into the air and the sounds of laughter and a community coming together is heard and celebrated.

Families have ventured out for a chalk art contest, a chili cook-off and a classic car show through the streets of Armonk, all hosted by the Chamber. Stacy Wilder, the Director of Communications, said Third Thursday is a town favorite and attendance peaked thanks to the wonderful street performers adding to an impressive grand finale on a ‘final Third Thursday’ night in Armonk.

The reviews for Third Thursday attendees have been uniformly positive. Offered Armonk resident Michelle Savage, who has attended several of the events: “From the live music, to the balloons and to the face painting, this is why we love living here.” Get excited for the coming events this fall and winter! To keep up with what’s planned, visit armonkchamberofcommerce.com 

Molly Alexander, a rising Senior in the LIFE School at Horace Greeley High School, is an intern for Inside Chappaqua and Inside Armonk Magazines.

Additional Photos to the left and below by Grace Bennett/Inside Press

Vinyl Countdown band members

(L-R) Armonk’s James Shelly, Chamber’s Stacy Wilder and Friend

 

Representing the North Castle Historical Society