Beacon - Sometimes the name of an event alone is enough for a quick sell... such was the case with Beacon’s 2010 Windows on Main Street.
"This year it wasn’t about having to ask artists to do their work at this event," said Melissa Tatge, Co-organizer of the sixth annual event. "I actually had artists approach me to want to contribute, and anyone I asked was eager to participate."
Further testimony of the Windows on Main’s growing popularity was evident Saturday night, as the event highlighted Beacon’s Second Saturday venue. Here, visitors had the opportunity to meander the mile long, busy Main Street stretch, while admiring window artwork in 22 of the businesses. With detailed maps available at both the Bank Square Coffee House (East End hub) as well as Zuzu’s Leaf & Bean (West End hub), guests could be found admiring site-specific works of art, aimed at unifying the community, residents and businesses. It’s that cultural and social awareness that those involved in Windows on Main are hopeful will incite economic growth as well as solidify lasting relationships. The formula appeared to once again prove successful.
"I think it’s fantastic with what I have seen so far; since moving to Beacon; I have been so impressed by the variety of ideas, how diverse and interesting they are amongst the artists," said Tatge at the event’s Opening Reception, held at the Chill Bar. "It has been so nice to see the excitement that has taken place about this event."
That energy could be found a few doors down, inside and outside, the Dream in Plastic store’s doors. Crowds gathered along the outdoor window perimeter to admire the "Four Ever" graffiti art of four area artists, Andy Donlan, Charles Wolfson, Louie Gaspard and Charles Harmon. While inside, they were treated to gift bags, refreshments, along with interaction with the store’s staff and artists.
Meanwhile, a few hundred feet in the other direction of the Chill Bar, Beacon-based artists, Kristie Nicole Phillipson, was doing some socializing of her own at the Bank Square Coffee House. Here, the young artists could be spotted instructing guests on how to make their own Coffee House Character, providing them with the opportunity to find their inner artists. If a model was needed, they didn’t have to look far, as Phillipson had some of her own artwork adorning the coffee house’s windows.
"I found out about Windows on Main from the Beacon Arts Community Association (BACA), which put out a general call to artists," explained Phillipson. "I think it is a really great event, giving artists a chance to show what businesses bring to the community, while artists can assist with that process by helping to express it."
Yet another artist chipping in to that business and art tandem was Myra Kooy. Over at the River Winds Gallery, Kooy has made the most out of the large window space area. Using the name "River Winds" name for inspiration, the mixed artist is displaying an ensemble of old doors, river rock and different things, such as glass and china, she has collected in the nearby Hudson River bank in order to make mobiles. This year marks the fifth time River Winds has participated in Windows on Main in the event’s six year history.
"Windows on Main brings a nice energy to the town," said its Co-owner Mary Ann Glass. "It allows artists a chance to showcase in a public venue, while collaborating businesses and artists."
Windows on Main Street is scheduled to run through Saturday, September 11. A Closing Reception and Book Signing (book in the works on the popular event) will take place at Zuzu’s Leaf and Bean, located on 453 Main Street, from 4-6pm, on that date. Zuzu’s is enjoying its third year taking part in Windows on Main Street. For the second year in a row, a 36 x 72 foot large map of Beacon’s Main Street, along with specifications of "Windows" participating stores and brochures can be found in the front window area, doubling as a "Visitor Center." A small number of "fun" reworked, real photo face art can be detected there as well. Store owner, Brienne Cliadakis, has been looking forward to Saturday’s unveiling of this year’s "Windows" for some time.
"This event is a great way to be a part of the community, really helping draw people into the coffee shop as well," said Cliadakis. "It’s also a wonderful opportunity to see some great art; these artists have done some amazing things to display their work, using the space and colors of the shops while really playing upon the windows in some interesting and creative ways."
