By Andrew Vitelli
When did you first get involved with the Armonk Outdoor Art Show? What made you get involved?
I first attended the show in the early 1990’s when I lived in White Plains. My husband and I became acquainted with Armonk because of coming to the art show, and we still credit the art show as what motivated us to find our home here, 18 years ago. We felt that a community that supports a wonderful art show and theatre group (The Armonk Players), as well as the local library, had to be a great place to live, and that is still true today.
Over the past decade, I volunteered at the annual shows and always enjoyed working with neighbors and meeting old and new friends. Early this year, after completing my final term as town clerk, I accepted the position of Executive Director of the Art Show. I work very closely with the co-chairs of the show and others who have key organizational roles. I’m happy to work for the Friends of the North Castle Public Library, and contribute to the wonderful work done by so many long serving and dedicated volunteers. In many ways, I feel like assuming the role of Executive Director of the Art Show has brought me full circle to what originally brought me to Armonk.
Is running the art show a year-round effort? What are some of the biggest challenges in preparing for the show?
The organizational requirements are tremendous and it is very much a year-round effort. Since the show is juried, marketing to exhibitors is important so that we continue to draw a large quality pool of applicants. The evaluation of applications is time-consuming and takes place during the early months of the year. Soliciting contributions and corporate sponsors is key to successful fundraising and this year we have provided Gold Sponsors with the opportunity to have a booth at the show. This has been very well received and we hope to continue to offer special opportunities for our highest level donors to connect with art show visitors. The planning of all aspects of communications, field operations, volunteer committees and volunteer staff for the two-day event is a team effort. Fortunately, the team works very well together and has a good time, too! We are always looking for new volunteers to take on small or larger assignments. The work is rewarding and there is a wonderful community of art show friends that will warmly welcome new volunteers.
What makes the show so unique and valuable for the community?
It is a high quality show that is nationally recognized as one of the top Fine Art and Fine Craft Shows, and while extremely well organized, it maintains a very personal, small community feeling that artists and visitors appreciate. The community benefits from the recognition of hosting such a highly regarded and well attended show in Armonk, while the net proceeds help fund a broad spectrum of library programs, entertainment, new technology, and facility enhancements. Besides that, there is huge satisfaction in putting on the show, now celebrating our 55th year.
How can businesses who want to support the art show get involved?
Corporate Sponsorships are available at three levels: Gold Sponsors ($5,000); Silver Sponsors ($2,500); Bronze Sponsors ($1,000). Business can also support the show as a Community Booster for contributions of $500 and $250. We promote all donors in our communications and maximize corporate visibility for our sponsors. Visit armonkoutdoorartshow.org for more details and to contact me. I would be happy to discuss the unique value to any business by supporting the art show.
For more information, contact https://www.friendsncpl.org/
