Third Annual Art in Gardiner To Raise Scholarship Money
By Michelle Terwilliger-Hathaway
From Issue 10: Spring 2011
Dramatic new paintings of Gardiner landscapes will be created and sold during the third annual Art in Gardiner: Plein Air Paint Out event and auction, scheduled for Saturday, June 4th, rain or shine. Organized by the Gardiner Association of Businesses (GAB), the annual event features paintings by adult and child artists, and raises scholarship money for local high school graduates.
Traditionally, the event had been held in the Fall, but a move to warmer temperatures this year could draw a different pool of artists and will provide painters with a different pallet of colors to work with, said event organizer Heidi Meier-Diponio, a local artist and art teacher at Circleville Elementary School.
Participating adult artists will check in from 7:30 to 9:00AM, before heading out to spend a good part of the day capturing beautiful vistas along roadsides, hilltops, sidewalks, creek and riverbanks, orchards and farms. They later return to Town Hall where their works are framed and prepared for auction. The public is invited to come view the completed works and mingle with artists, collectors, admirers and prospective buyers during a wine and hors d’ouvres reception at Town Hall beginning at 5:00PM. The auction follows, beginning at 6:00PM. Last year, more than $5,000 in paintings were sold at the auction.
Art in Gardiner usually draws about 25 adult artists from throughout the Hudson Valley. Events for children will also take place, though on different days. This year, two workshops will be held at the Gardiner Library, on Saturday, May 7, for aspiring artists in kindergarten to fifth grade; and on Saturday, May 14, for artists in middle school and high school. Workshop instructors will include Mrs. Diponio, and local artist/art teacher Pattie Eakin of the Bruynswick Art Studio & Gallery. Works from the Children’s Paint Out/Workshops will be on display at the Gardiner Library starting Sunday, May 15 in coordination with the Gardiner Cupcake Festival. A special reception for families of young artists will also be held that day. Last year, 17 children participated in the Paint Out, a huge hit!
This year’s Best in Show award for adult artists will again include a cash prize. The top four adult winners will show their work at local businesses throughout the summer. Winners in the child artist categories will be awarded savings bonds and art supplies.
Artist registrations are available at www.gardinernybusiness.com. To host a participating artist at your place of business or property, please call 845 641-4605 or email heidi@diponio.com.