Kudos to the Millerton shopkeepers and area artists who participated in the well-attended Spring for Art event last weekend — it was clearly a smashing success and mutually beneficial to all involved.
The Millerton Business Group, and business owners Jan Gilmor and Barbara Walker, organized the two-day event following last year’s very popular Fall for Art, which was a huge hit despite torrential rains. Capitalizing on the Tri-state region’s creative roots, along with Millerton merchants’ business savvy, is apparently an ideal way to draw in loads of visitors to this quaint and rural village.
Shoppers and art lovers were able to tour stores, viewing (and hopefully purchasing) retail goods as well as original art, all the while enjoying wine, hors d’oeuvres and good conversation as they viewed artwork from more than 50 local artists. There were paintings, sculptures, jewelry, ceramics and more at 30 different shops. There was also a separate art exhibit by the 14th Colony Artists, a group that displayed its work at the former David Gavin Salon. Spring for Art participants were also able to pick up passports, and get them stamped at stores on the tour to then qualify to win gift basket raffles, all in the name of fun. And for those who took part it was fun — just as such an event should be. Saturday evening rounded out at a “Post Art Party� at The Motor Works, where everyone was invited to enjoy tasty treats and live music, celebrating the collaborative event and the spirit of this unique village.
Credit should be paid to the many retailers, business group members and artists who were involved in this glamorous yet friendly affair — their time and energy helped showcase Millerton as a destination where people yearn to go — and that’s a very good thing. It’s good for the village’s morale, it’s good for the village’s reputation, and most importantly, it’s good for the village’s economy.
Let’s hope that Spring for Art and its sister event earn permanent places on Millerton’s annual calendar. The events deserve this region’s support — they are so well done, are such a delight to all involved and help create a wonderful synergy among the business community, local artists and area residents. Best of all, they very simply help bring more beauty and artistry into our world, and that’s something everyone benefits from.
