Serious Fun Arts Fest Kicks Off with Monumental Murals and Sculpture
BCW Member ArtsWestchester kicked off its upcoming five-day Serious Fun Arts Fest in downtown White Plains on Wednesday with artist Chris Soria painting an 18-by-30-foot mural at the former Macy’s at the White Plains Galleria. A press conference to preview the exciting event was attended by artist Soria, White Plains Mayor Tom Roach, ArtsWestchester CEO Janet Langsam and White Plains Business Improvement District Executive Director Brittany Brandwein.
Soria is one of several artists who in the coming weeks will paint the first of several monumental murals in downtown White Plains as part of Serious Fun’s celebration of public art involving more than 200 artists. The five-day Serious Fun Arts Fest to be held Oct. 12-16 will brighten the city with activities ranging from concerts to live mural painting, a public art walking tour and dancing in the streets. There will be performance art, massive public art unveilings by renowned artists, fun family artmaking and more throughout downtown.
Other new monumental new works of public art in downtown White Plains include:
- A two-story reflective stainless-steel tear drop sculpture by Bulgarian artist Georgi Minchev.
- A nine-story vibrant fabric installation by internationally renowned artist Amanda Browder.
- Sculpture installations by artists: Shelley Parriott; Tom Fruin; Cheryl Wing-Zi Wong and more.
- Two major art installations by Barbara Takanaga at the White Plains Station.
- A block-long mural at the construction site of the future Hamilton Green.
A Serious Fun Block Party and Headliner Concert Celebration are scheduled for October 15 and 16 on Mamaroneck Avenue, which will be closed to vehicles.
“When we talk about ‘Serious Fun,’ we are talking about bringing the arts outdoors, right onto the street for everyone to enjoy… isn’t that a fun way to bring our community together?” says ArtsWestchester CEO Janet Langsam. “The five days of public art and music is all about access – – on and off the walls in White Plains for visitors and residents of all ages.”
The festival is ArtsWestchester’s latest investment in a public art program that since 2020 has provided artists with more than $700,000 in grants and commissions and delivered two dozen new works throughout Westchester County.
The Serious Fun Arts Fest is possible thanks to a Market New York grant from I LOVE NY/New York State’s Division of Tourism through the state’s Regional Economic Development Council initiative. Major support is also provided by Montefiore Einstein, the festival’s presenting sponsor.
Similar News Items
BCW-member ArtsWestchester’s Annual Arts Awards on Wednesday celebrated local organizations, artists and art patrons who power the county’s vibrant cultural scene. The Sonesta White Plains buzzed with energy as over 300 attendees gathered for the event that celebrated ArtsWestchester’s 60th anniversary and artists who champion inclusivity and artistic excellence. “I don’t need to tell you […]
The Business Council of Westchester is among nearly 40 other businesses and business associations across the state. as well as various national groups that have joined with the Business Council of New York State, Inc. in delivering a legislative memo in support of the “Affordable Waste Reduction Act” (S.5062 (Martinez)/A.6191 (Jackson)). The supporting groups have […]
BCW Member WBP Development joined with State, County and Village officials on April 3 for the groundbreaking of Station Plaza, a $96 million transformative project consisting of an eight-story residential building with 108 units and a four-level detached parking garage. Each apartment will be designated for households earning at or below 80 percent of the […]
Become A Member
Join the county’s largest and most influential business organization today.
JOIN NOW!
Leave a Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.