One of the many hallmarks of this town, and one of the best reasons to live here, or visit here, is the opportunity to attend the beloved Armonk Outdoor Art Show! This year’s show has ‘special’ written all over it as it marks the show’s 60th anniversary, after all. The Art Show is a fun experience for all ages and get ready, get set… it’s happening October 1st and 2nd!
The newly appointed director of the show, Nicole Blum stated: “People have told me they moved to the town from the city because of the art show.” There is something for everyone of all ages: there will be children’s activities such as clay workshops, drink and food vendors, and artists of all different mediums will be represented. Some food vendors will be Captain Lawrence serving beer and wine, DeCicco & Sons serving salads and sandwiches, Penny Licks dishing out ice cream, Fortina doing pizza and burgers, and several more! Expect a return of the Byram Hills High School tent too–a really fun spot where many local talented high schoolers proudly display their artwork.
Ultimately, the show is about the artists! This year, expect about 140 different artists–many favorites are returning and exciting new ones are debuting for the first time.
The Armonk Outdoor Art Show is a nonprofit event that raises money for the Friends of North Castle Public Library, Inc. For over 60 years, the money raised thanks to the show has been earmarked to help support our local library’s programs, theater groups and to build upgrades for Armonk and North White Plains locations. All the work is performed by volunteers and that holds a special place in the town’s heart too because, as Blum noted, “it is a small-town community event put on by the community.”
To help celebrate 60 years, a special exhibit with the theme called Art of Storytelling will be offered for the first time. The artists were told to use a book as their canvas and create a piece of artwork. The instructions were very open-ended, the idea being to leave it to the artist’s creativity to interpret the theme. Artists may deconstruct, reimagine, or recycle a book in any way they want, for example. The theme is aimed to help highlight the work of the foundation and that of the Friends of North Castle Public Library, Inc.
As Blum said: “Authors take you on a journey–it’s an escape. The same is true for art: artists take the viewer on a journey.” Many people may think art is very different from reading, however both mediums engage the viewer in a pleasurable, memory making experience. They will be unveiling the Art of Storytelling pieces on September 29. The works will be auctioned that same night, but the show’s producers will not be passing them along to the winners until after the art show. First, a tent at the show will display all the works of the exhibit.
To help raise money for the Friends of North Castle Public Library, Inc, and gather momentum for the upcoming show, the art show had also set up a tent set up during the Fol De Rol. There, anyone who donated a minimum of $35 received a tote bag as a “thank you”. The tote bags are “bright, cheerful and a great way to show support for the art show,” said Blum. The tote bags were designed by local artist Rachel Forman, who is a co-chair of the Art Show! Thankfully, they are still available for purchase! For those who are interested in receiving one, please email info@armonkoutdoorartshow.org or check the link at the Armonk Outdoor Art Show on Instagram.
The Armonk Outdoor Art Show requires enormous behind the scenes work and love to help it run smoothly. With over 32 committees, the considerable effort of all the volunteers pays off handsomely to help make it an event at which the whole community can come together for an enjoyable time. As Nicole Blum said beautifully, it is a day of “wonderful feelings of tradition and excitement.” So come on out and browse gorgeous art pieces, consider a purchase that can complete your home, all the while enjoying your friends and neighbors, and of course, any of your favorite treats!
For more information and to keep up with all its awesome plans, please visit, armonkoutdoorartshow.org, or check them out on any of your favorite social media.
