The third annual “Art in the Park” event held on Saturday, Sept. 25, was a huge success for the Women’s Club of Farmingdale and our village as well. Those who attended were treated to a beautiful, seasonal, colorful day filled with art appreciation and music plus a nice stroll through our Village Park.
Our gratitude is extended to Mayor George “Butch” Starkie, Deputy Mayor Pat Christiansen, and Cheryl Parisi for their personal attention and support.
They and the village staff supported and participated in the project from the onset.
Our thanks are extended to Debbie Podolski, president of the Chamber of Commerce, as well as the director of the Farmingdale Library. Due to her enthusiasm in our project, the Chamber donated the money for the music that filled the air that day.
Special thanks to Senator Kemp Hannon and Legislator Joe Belisi for attending and supporting our efforts to bring more interest in the arts to our village.
We also express our thanks to the merchants of Farmingdale who donated gift certificates to be awarded to the artists who won ribbons for their artwork.
Thanks are also extended to the Farmingdale Fire Department who graciously hung the “Art in the Park” banner across Main Street.
Women’s Club enthusiastically thanks Professor Wayne Krush, of the Art Department of Farmingdale College for his interest and support. Through his efforts and his students’ participation, a contest was held at the college for the poster that was used this year for “Art in the Park.” The students had a booth in front of the park to display and sell their work. Talented Professor Krush was also the leader of the Lonesome Moonlight Strong Band that entertained us for the day.
We wish to thank Christy Hinko, editor of the Farmingdale Observer, who was instrumental in obtaining advertising coverage not only in Farmingdale but also in the surrounding communities for our project.
Finally we wish to thank our committee Catherine Bongiorno, Barbara Hoerner, Ann Lomonte, Jane Monaghan, Marie Ortolani, Cheryl Parisi, Loda Romanelli and Fran Rotondo who spent months with us in preparation for this endeavor.
Success came to “Art in the Park” because 45 artists and the visitors who came to view their work supported our wish to bring art into our community. Through our efforts and theirs, Women’s Club will be able to give two $1,000 art scholarships to Farmingdale High School graduates this year and the remainder of the proceeds will go to other community projects.
Dolores Cianciabella, Chairperson
Art in the Park; and
Veronica Jones, co-Chairperson
Art in the Park on behalf of the Women’s Club of Farmingdale
