Vendors Archives - Inside Chappaqua and Inside Armonk: The Magazines for New and North Castle

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.”

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 56^th 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 57^th annual AOAS will be held on September 29 and 30.