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 does mark the show’s 60th anniversary after all. The Art Show is a fun experience for all ages and get ready, get ready… happening on October 1st and 2ndn.d!
Newly appointed show director Nicole Blum stated, “People have told me they moved to the city from the city because of the art show.” There’s something for everyone of all ages: there will be children’s activities like 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 serving ice cream, Fortina making pizza and burgers and a few more! Expect a return of the Byram Hills High School marquee as well – a really fun place where many talented local high school students proudly display their artwork.
After all, the show is about the artists! This year, expect around 140 different artists – many favorites are returning and exciting newcomers are debuting for the first time.
The Armonk Outdoor Art Show is a non-profit event that raises money for the Friends of North Castle Public Library, Inc. For more than 60 years, money raised thanks to the show has been earmarked to help support our local library programs, theater groups and build improvements to the Armonk and North White Plains locations. All the work is done by volunteers, and it also holds a special place in the heart of the city because, as Blum noted, “it’s a small-town community event organized by the community.”
To help celebrate the 60th anniversary, a special themed exhibition called The art of storytelling will be offered for the first time. The artists were told to use a book as a canvas and create a piece of art. The instructions were very open, the idea was to leave it to the creativity of the artist to interpret the theme. Artists can deconstruct, reimagine, or recycle a book in any way they want, for example. The theme is intended 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 goes for art: artists take the viewer on a journey.” Many people may think that art is very different from reading, however both mediums engage the viewer in a pleasurable experience, creating memories. They will be unveiling the Art of Storytelling pieces on September 29. The works will be auctioned off that night, but the show’s producers won’t hand them out to the winners until after the art show.First, an exhibit tent will display all of the exhibit’s works.
To help raise money for the Friends of North Castle Public Library, Inc and to gather momentum for the upcoming show, the art show also had a tent set up during Fol De Rol. There, anyone who donated a minimum of $35 received a bag as a “thank you.” The bags are “bright, cheerful and a great way to show support for the art show,” Blum said. The tote bags are designed by local artist Rachel Forman, who co-chairs the Art Show! Thankfully, they’re still available for purchase! For those interested in receiving one, please email [email protected] or check out the Armonk Outdoor Art Show link on Instagram.
The Armonk Outdoor Art Show takes a lot of work and love behind the scenes to help it run smoothly. With over 32 committees, the considerable effort of all volunteers is greatly rewarded in helping to make it an event where the whole community can come together for an enjoyable time. As Nicole Blum beautifully put it, it’s a day of “wonderful feelings of tradition and excitement.” So, come out and browse wonderful artwork, 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 her wonderful plans, please visit, armonkoutdoorartshow.org, or check them out on any of your favorite social media.
