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art show

Armonk Outdoor Art Show Draws a Diverse Crowd of Artists and Art Aficionados

October 24, 2018 by Madeline Rosenberg

Oil painter John Pompeo sat in front of his display of landscape and still life artwork, observing the adults and children who passed by his exhibit at this year’s Armonk Outdoor Art Show.     

“I want to put peace out into the world,” said the Philadelphia-area artist, who has attended the show for three years. “I like that my paintings make people happy.”

Pompeo is one of 185 juried artists who attended the 57th annual Armonk Outdoor Art Show, displaying their work for thousands of visitors on Sept. 29 and 30. Sponsored by the Friends of North Castle Public Library, this year’s show not only featured artists spanning from sculptors to painters, but also a wide range of food vendors, a family activities tent, live music, and hands-on art for kids and adults. As 22 rows of tents lined an open field on Business Park Drive, visitors came to purchase or peruse photographs, paintings, mixed media, printmaking, jewelry and sculptures during the two-day event.

An attendee at Carl Zachmann’s display, who is a second-year Armonk Outdoor Art Show exhibitor and a machine artist.

Greenwich, CT residents Kate and Jordan Shaner said they were happy to attend this year’s art show for the first time, joining thousands of attendees to view a wide range of art exhibitions. The couple came to this year’s show after Israeli artist and Armonk Outdoor Art Show exhibitor Yoram Gal invited them to browse his paintings.   

“We fell in love with his work in Jaffa, Israel,” said Kate Shaner on the second day of the show. “It’s great to see so many people in the community here to look at art.”

Not only did visitors enjoy this year’s event, but artists also said they appreciated the show’s atmosphere and the diverse selection artwork. First-year exhibitor Bruce Franklin said this event is his favorite show he has attended as a photographer, displaying photos from his excursions in Africa and the Bahamas.         

“I’m really impressed by the quality of the work that is here,”

Photographer Bruce Franklin at his booth

said the photographer, who mostly captures images of wild animals and plants. “I love the patrons and the artists, too. The best part is the people–art savvy people.”

And it’s not so easy to become an exhibitor at the Armonk Outdoor Art Show, which Franklin’s comments reflect. Debbie Heidecorn, Armonk resident and one of several co-chairs for the event, said an independent group of jurors who are members of the art community chooses from more than 600 applications as part of the show’s year-long planning process. Only artists who receive awards at the show are guaranteed a spot the following year.

Although the process to exhibit artwork at the art show is competitive, both artists and visitors found themselves at a friendly community event, filled with hundreds of volunteers who look to improve the show each year.     

“Every year we learn,” said Heidecorn. “It’s a learning experience because we only do it once a year. We are so happy that people are so easily adaptable to changes.”

Filed Under: Gotta Have Arts Tagged With: Armonk Outdoor Art Show, Art, art show, Artwork, festival, Vendors, Volunteers

Building The Armonk Outdoor Art Show

August 25, 2016 by The Inside Press

Photo Courtesy/Tompkins Excavating
Photo Courtesy/Tompkins Excavating

By Brian Donnelly

Work always begins on a Thursday. By Friday, an open grassy field flanked by trees is lined with stakes in the ground where 185 vendors then erect tents in symmetrical rows. Lining the old IBM parking lot, nearby roads, and highways are signs directing people to this annual phenomenon. This year those signs will read, “The 55th Annual Armonk Outdoor Art Show.”

“By the end of the day Friday after the artists have erected their tents, it’s like a miniature city,” said Stacy Wilder, one of four co-chairs and 300 volunteers, some of whom work year-round to stage the art show. Slated for Sept. 24 and Sept. 25, rain or shine, the nationally renowned show features 185 artists spanning 33 states, Israel, and Canada. The exhibits run the gamut, including fine arts – paintings, mixed media, printmaking, drawing, pastels, sculpture, photography/digital art, and wearable art – and fine crafts.

(L to R) Art Show Artist Liaison Judy Moniz; Executive Director Anne Curran; co-chairs Debbie Heidecorn, Marian Hamilton, Stacy Wilder, and David Africk; and co-chair advisor Susan Geffen.
(L to R) Art Show Artist Liaison Judy Moniz; Executive Director Anne Curran; the four co-chairs:
Debbie Heidecorn, Marian Hamilton, Stacy Wilder, and David Africk; and co-chair advisor Susan Geffen.

“It’s well-selected and juried, and even though it is fine arts and crafts there are things there for people with all different budgets,” Wilder, a 22-year resident of Armonk, said. “Whether you’re looking for a print that’s $50, or a bronze statue for many, many thousands of dollars, we’ve got a full range of quality art.”

Armonk resident Lanni Sidoti, 52, exhibits enamel jewelry and wall pieces. “I kind of consider it the highlight of the year,” she said, looking forward to her fourth time exhibiting at the show, which happens to be within walking distance from her home. “I’m very happy that I’m in it. Just because I’m in it one year doesn’t mean that I’m in it the next year.”

Even returning artists have to be juried in every year, with the exception of the award winners of the prior year. Hundreds of artists apply to be a part of the show, including more than 600 this year alone. Among those selected, 46 are new to this year’s show.

“We get to look at the cream of the crop and boil it down to who we think is really the best,” Wilder said. “So, we have a reputation for having really great quality work.”

The art show’s executive director, Anne Curran, has been working on the show’s administrative aspects since the beginning of this year. “The art show is a premiere two-day event that has broad appeal for corporate sponsors,” Curran says. “There is great value in sponsorships for all of us.”

By Christine Mackellar–jewelry
By Christine Mackellar–jewelry

Long-time volunteer and interior designer Susan Geffen said the show has, in years past, featured renowned artists like New York wire artist Skye Ferrante and Brooklyn painter Ken Solomon. His work has been shown at the Brooklyn Museum and the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA).

“Some artists do it as a stepping stone to other things. For others this is how they sell their art,” she said.

By Denis Leblanc -watercolor
By Denis Leblanc-watercolor

The latter category includes Sidoti. “It’s my best show,” she said.

Geffen first attended the art show when she moved to Armonk in the early 1970s, a decade after its inception in 1961. The first show featured only a handful of artists displaying their work on the lawn of the Armonk Methodist Church bordering Main Street. As turnout grew through the years the show relocated to the parking lot in front of the library, and then again to the Legion Field behind Town Hall. In 1997 it moved to its current home at Community Park, the old IBM field, according to the art show’s website.

The last move, Geffen said, turned a nice community event into a nationally-ranked attraction. “Art Fair Sourcebook,” which Wilder called a bible for art fair exhibitors, named it among the “Prime 50” Fine Art and Fine Craft Fairs in the U.S. “Sunshine Artist Magazine” has consistently named it among the “Top Fine Art and Design Shows” in the New York Metro Area.

(L to R) Art Show Artist Liaison Judy Moniz; Executive Director Anne Curran; co-chairs Debbie Heidecorn, Marian Hamilton, Stacy Wilder, and David Africk; and co-chair advisor Susan Geffen. Photo by Andrew Vitelli

 

“It was the move that started it because we were able to contain the show so that we had an entrance, and we were able to charge an admission fee,” said Geffen, whose many volunteer roles include offering free personal consults connecting visitors with art that best fits their taste and decor. “So, we started to make more money, more money for the library.”

The show is sponsored by Friends of the North Castle Public Library, Inc. The proceeds, which Wilder said have topped $100,000 each of the past 15 years, benefit the North Castle and North White Plains libraries. Approximately 8,000 people visit the show every year, Geffen said.

“The Armonk Outdoor Art Show is the largest fundraising event that’s held by the Friends,” said Edie Martimucci, executive director of the North Castle Public Library. “And the impact that it has on our library is that it enables the Friends to help us with our programming.” In addition to supporting programs like the summer reading program, movie series, yoga classes and art lectures, the proceeds from the art show have funded many renovations and upgrades to the library. They include a new circulation desk and an interactive play and reading area in the children’s room.

Martimucci recently presented to the Friends plans to open an art gallery in the library. She hopes to open it in late 2017.

Wesley Rasko–glass
Wesley Rasko–glass

“We are a library that is a result of the art show and we want to have more cultural programming that reflects art,” she said.

First-time exhibitor Luis Perez, 54, will debut in style with a double booth. He will help run another double booth, which features the Byram Hill High School students exhibiting their work.

“Most high schools have great art programs and we want to pursue this wonderful experience for teenagers to know what it’s like to be a pro artist,” he said. High school artists have been an integral part of the art show for the last few years. This year they more than doubled in number from about 10 to 24. Perez plans to make it even bigger next year by inviting students from Valhalla High School to submit applications, too.

Valerie Bunnell–sculpture
Valerie Bunnell–sculpture

“I’ve always enjoyed seeing the show. I think it’s a really well put together show and the fact that I get to be a part of that is really exciting,” said Andrea Conrelius, 18, who was a part of last year’s high school booth.

While the Armonk Outdoor Art Show has grown into a city of a show in its 55 years, Geffen said it’s still the same “great hometown thing to do” that it was when volunteers baked pies, cakes and the much-loved art show brownies in the early days. Today, the show features a wide selection of food vendors.

Steven Kolodny– jewelry piece
Steven Kolodny–
jewelry piece

“We all really like each other,” Wilder said of her fellow volunteers. “It’s a great group of people and it makes you feel good about where you live because you’re working with your friends and neighbors for a common cause.”

The art show is held at 205 Business Park Drive in Armonk and runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sept. 24 and Sept. 25, rain or shine. Admission is $12 for adults and $10 for seniors or with coupon, while children under 18 get in for free. Visit www.armonkoutdoorartshow.org for more information.

Marvin Blackmore–clay
Marvin Blackmore–clay

Brian Donnelly was born and raised in Westchester. He is a freelance reporter, videographer and social media specialist, whose hobbies include riding bicycles, waves and rooftop hammocks.

Filed Under: Armonk Cover Stories Tagged With: Armonk, Armonk Outdoor Art Show, art show

Armonk Outdoor Art Show: Question and Answer with Anne Curran

August 25, 2016 by The Inside Press

Anne Curran photoBy 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/

Filed Under: Armonk Cover Stories Tagged With: Anne Curran, Armonk, Armonk Art Show, art show, Friends of the North Castle Public Library, Inside Press, theinsidepress.com

The Armonk Outdoor Art Show: A Celebration of Art and Community

September 1, 2015 by The Inside Press

Byram Hills High School AP Art students are also juried for participation in the show.
Byram Hills High School AP Art students are also juried for participation in the show.

By Sarah Jane Weill

The Armonk Outdoor Art Show, ranked as one of the “Elite 100 Fine Art Craft Shows” by Art Fair Sourcebook as well as one of the “Top Fine Art and Fine Craft Shows” in the New York Metro Area by Sunshine Artist Magazine, is back for its 54th year this September. With approximately 8,000-10,000 visitors from the tri-state area annually, there is a lot of anticipation leading up to the show.

A community-supported event, there are approximately 300 people working on the completely volunteer-run show. In particular, the five co-chairs: Stacy Wilder, Marian Hamilton, Debbie Heidecorn, Ava Zukowsky, and David Africk begin working on the next year’s Show almost immediately after the conclusion of the current year’s event. There are always things to be done to “keep it fresh,” says Wilder of the preparation. “What does change is not always noticeable…much of it is ‘behind the scenes.”

The Art Show consists of about 185 exhibitors, 42 of which will be new to the event. All artists have to apply, with the exception of the previous year’s award winners who are automatically welcomed back. The applicants are reviewed by the Art Show jury, which is comprised of about twelve local jurors, all of whom have varied professional art backgrounds. “The Art Show jury meets twice a week in the spring for about six weeks reviewing applicants,” explains Judy Moniz, who is in charge of the jury. “The show is quite competitive,” she adds. This year, there were approximately 550 hopeful applicants.

The nationally recognized show welcomes thousands of visitors each year from all over the tri-state area.
The nationally recognized show welcomes thousands of visitors each year from all over the tri-state area.

The artists are divided into eight categories: printmaking, drawing, pastels; oils and acrylics; photography and digital art; sculpture; watercolors; mixed media; fine arts; and wearable art. Awards are given for 1st, 2nd, 3rd and Honorable Mention in each of the categories. There is also an award for Best-in-Show, which, last year, was presented to Robert Hessler for his work in pottery. At the end of the first day of the Show, three new judges, all of whom also have professional art backgrounds, decide the winners following detailed discussions and careful scoring of all the artists’ work. The distinguished ribbons are then handed out on the second morning of the show. “Artists from throughout the country, as well as from Canada and Israel, will be exhibiting this year,” Moniz says.

For the second year now, there will also be a booth of high school student artists at the Art Show. Approximately ten artists from the Byram Hills’ AP art program will be exhibiting. These students also had to apply to the Art Show, and were juried for selection. The addition of local student artists establishes another great connection to and within the Armonk community.

The Art Show puts out a detailed directory displaying all the artists and images of their work. This is a unique approach for this type of event and, as a result, it is very “popular among the artists…it’s a big draw,” explains Wilder. “A lot of work goes into making [the directory], ” she continues, “it sets the show apart” as it showcases the artists beyond the Art Show itself. The student artists and their work will also be fully featured in the directory this year.

There’s a lot to do at the show, for people of all ages and interests. Primarily, attendees visit various artists’ booths and have the opportunity to engage with them and learn about their work firsthand; a truly unique opportunity for art-lovers of all kinds. Free guided-tours are also organized at the show, during which tour guides escort people through the event at scheduled times; each tour focuses on different aspects of the show, specifically planned so that all interested attendees will be able to find at least one tour that appeals to them.

The 185 juried artists offer a wide range of art to suit every taste and budget.
The 185 juried artists offer a wide range of art to suit every taste and budget.

Personal shoppers are likewise available to help those looking to purchase art, perhaps with an eye toward some home decorating. There are also events for children: an art booth at the back of the show featuring sand art, face painting, and other crafts, as well as a scavenger hunt that takes place throughout the whole venue. A food court with a wide selection tasty treats including some organic options, completes the scene.

This year, a transportation feature is being added to the Art Show. Castle Cab, an Armonk-based taxicab-company that uses App on-demand and advanced reservation requests, is acting in partnership with the Art Show to help bring more people to the event. Primarily, this will help New York City residents get to the show, as transportation can be difficult. Attendees who take the train from Grand Central Station to North White Plains will find will find Castle Cab cars waiting for them upon arrival. For a flat fee of $10 per car, instead of the usual rate of $18, the cars will take their passengers directly to the show and drop them off at a premium entry spot. When visitors are ready to leave the Show, the cars will be standing by to take them to the station. Or, if people are looking for a bite to eat or to do some sightseeing in town, the cars will accommodate travel to any local destination–to or from the show–for half price. This is an exciting new development and partnership, and will hopefully be a big draw for even more attendees, especially from places farther away.

art show 5The connections to the community deepen as net proceeds from the Art Show go to the North Castle Public Library. The annual event is the library’s biggest fundraiser, and benefits many aspects of the library including new programming, children’s programs, technology and facility upgrades. A recent example of funding allocation is the wonderful indoor playground in the children’s reading section. “The show has three levels of sponsorship,” Wilder explains, “gold, silver, bronze and also additional sponsors and community supporters”. All are listed in the Art Show’s directory, which is also great exposure for sponsoring local businesses.

The Art Show will take place the weekend of September 26th – 27th, 2015, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. The event goes on rain or shine. Admission price is $10, or $8 for senior citizens and coupon holders. The discount coupon is available for print on the Armonk Outdoor Art Show website: armonkoutdoorartshow.org. Ages 18 and under are free. There is ample free on-site parking for those driving themselves, as well as senior and  parking. No dogs are allowed, not even art-loving ones!

With so much to see and do, the excitement for the Art Show is palpable. This event has become one of huge importance to the Armonk community. Not only is it a great place to see a variety of talented, diverse artists, but it is also a perfect opportunity to go out and enjoy the experience of being with people who share an enthusiasm for art and the town itself. Events like these are truly special, and so it is no surprise that after all of the hard work, year after year, it is a great success. Of course, this year will be no different!

Sarah Jane Weill attends Bowdoin college. She is a graduate of the Horace Greeley High School class of 2014.

 

 

 

Filed Under: Armonk Cover Stories Tagged With: Armonk, art show, community, Fine art, Inside Press, theinsidepress.com

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