Armonk Outdoor Art Show Slated for October 1& 2, 2005
by Jane Sims

It takes much more than exceptional arts and crafts and a bucolic setting to become one of the best outdoor art shows in the country. It takes the passion and commitment of an entire village. The Annual Armonk Outdoor Art Show was recently ranked in the top one percent of all national outdoor art shows, which comes as no surprise to its exhibitors, its patrons and the community. “ This is a whole town effort,” said Sue Geffen, President of the Friends of The North Castle Public Library, the organization that has sponsored the show since it’s beginning in 1961. “The feeling at the show is a combination of small town warmth and professionalism.”

The 44 th Annual Armonk Outdoor Art Show will be held on Saturday, Oct. 1 and Sunday, Oct. 2. A 1950’s themed preview party, “Art After Dark” will launch the event on Thursday evening, September 29, from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. at the Swiss Re headquarters in Armonk.

The Armonk Outdoor Art Show is one of the few in the nation that selects its exhibitors by a jury. Composed of art experts and professionals, the jury selects artists that represent an eclectic range of styles, approaches and audience appeal. This year, the show features over 190 artists, including 45 new exhibitors. Hailing from 35 states as well as Canada and France, the artists will exhibit works from seven mediums including watercolors, oils/acrylics, photography, sculpture, mixed media, graphics/drawing/pastels and fine crafts including jewelry, leather and raku.

Industry insiders consider the Armonk Outdoor Art Show one of the top outdoor art shows in the nation. “Sunshine Artist Magazine” ranked the show in the top 1% of all U.S. outdoor art shows, making it the #1 show in the New York metropolitan area. “ ArtFair SourceBook,” a trade magazine for artists, hailed the show as one of the top in the Northeast.

There is something for everyone’s taste and budget at this year’s show. “Watercolorists P. A. Kessler's botanicals are exquisite,” said Judy Moniz, head of the jury selection process. “Marilyn Endres/Eucled Moore's beautifully shaped wooden sculpture is made from segmented wood and Kurt Walrath's blown glass vessels are interestingly shaped and colored. These are only a few of our ‘must see’ exhibitors.” The show also includes children’s activities such as sand art and face painting.

The Armonk Outdoor Art Show is open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, rain or shine, at the Community Park, Business Park Drive, in Armonk. Admission is $7.00 for adults; children are free. Free parking is available. For more information call: 914-273-7676 or visit www.armonkoutdoorartshow.org.