'€œHopper on South Franklin Street,'€ by Lita Thorne is one of 25 '€œHopperesque'€ inspired images on sale at the 2011 Artists In The Park event at Nyack Beach State Park.
by Dave Zornow
Upper Nyack, May 19 — Over 120 original works of art inspired by parks, historic sites in the region and views from surrounding areas will be on display this weekend (5/20-22) at “Hooked on The Hook” at Nyack Beach State park during the annual Artists In The Park (AiP) event.
“I’m a big believer in art helping to create positive change,” says AiP President Lita Thorne. Proceeds from the sale of original paintings and photographs at the event will benefit local parks and the Palisades Interstate Parks Commission. The program is a joint effort of AiP and the PIPC which sees artists as essential partners in parks’ conservation. “It’s a great feeling to know that artists can work with the parks to help revive their beleaguered facilities.”
One hundred years ago, the PIPC’s purchased the Manhattan Trap Rock Company’s quarry at Nyack Beach, the first of five quarries purchased between Nyack and Haverstraw. The 2011 AiP event takes place at what once was the bath house at Nyack Beach State Park but previously served as the “power house” during its days as a quarry. “Artists In the Park prefers to call it the Power House because the original name creates a sense of empowerment which goes along with our mission,” says Thorne. “Once it was a place where native chieftains met. It had a rebirth a century ago. Now, we hope to be lead another rebirth of this magnificent building,” she says.
Additionally, AiP will be raffling off 25 (twenty-five) 5 x 7 original works of art, each donated by one of AiP’s artists. There will be paintings, photographs, and even sculpture represented in the auction. Your chance to win an original painting will only cost $3 per ticker, or a book of ten for $20. ALL of the money raised from these paintings will be donated to the Edward Hopper Art Center in recognition of their 40th Anniversary and their landmark exhibit of Hopper’s work.
Artists in the Park features three days of events this weekend.
- Friday May 20 – The evening opening reception in the Hook Mt. Power House. There will be a 5-8p Tea Social with string duo/trio ensemble. Visitors will also enjoy free baked goods, scones, pastries, tea sandwiches, tea and coffee. All artwork will be for sale.
- Saturday May 21 – Gallery will be open to the public from 7a-8p, Artists paint out from 7a-3p
- Sunday May 22 – The gallery and downstairs will be open to the public from 9a-3p.
Sources: Artists In The Park, Palisades Interstate Parks Commission
