Ossining Celebrates Bicentennial with Sculpture Exhibit
The “Ossining in 3D” bicentennial sculpture exhibit, a 25-piece outdoor exhibit open to the public through October 26, weaves through the village’s historic buildings and downtown waterfront area.
The six-month juried exhibition will provide direct and free access to art for thousands of residents and visitors. “Ossining has a rich and storied history,” said Village of Ossining Mayor William Hanauer. “The sculpture exhibit sets incredible new works of art against a beautiful backdrop of Victorian architecture seen in our homes, buildings and churches. We should all take pride in our Village, past and present, as we embark on an exciting future ahead.”
“Ossining is really the place to be,” said George Camp, Bicentennial Committee Chairman. “So many people had a hand in making this sculpture exhibition a reality – the local government, bicentennial sponsors, and a number of very devoted volunteers. It has truly been a community effort and we look forward to sharing these magnificent sculptures with thousands over the months ahead.”
The length of the sculpture walk is approximately 1.5 miles with on and off-street parking available. Docent-led walking tours will be available to the public on some Saturdays. The tours will feature the artists and their sculptures, as well as their historic settings and will begin at 81 Croton Avenue at 10 a.m.. Reservations made by phone at 914-762-6232 or by email at vmonastra@ossbuilding.org. Additional tours may be requested.
Maps for self-guided tours and additional information can be picked up at the Village of Ossining Municipal Building at the Clerk’s and Village Manager’s office, the Community Center, the Ossining Public Library, and will be available at each sculpture location. Maps are also available online at www.villageofossining.org and www.celebrateossining.com.
“The Ossining in 3D sculpture exhibit is the culmination of nearly three years of work,” saidOssining Village Manager Richard Leins. “One of several events sponsored by the Bicentennial Committee, the sculpture exhibit furthers the bicentennial theme of ‘Honoring its Past – Embracing the Future.’ The significant contemporary sculptures set in historic venues are intended to encourage thoughts of the Village’s long distinguished history and its bright future.”
The 25 sculptures were selected from nearly 100 submissions. Exhibiting sculptors come from across the northeast and beyond, including three artists local to Westchester. Some, including artist Gary Orlinsky, used Ossining as their point of inspiration. Orlinsky’s piece, made from wood, paint and saplings, pays homage to the Double Arch, part of the Old Croton Aqueduct that is a landmark of Ossining. “The shape of the top arch is referenced by the horizontal bamboo lines which hint at the aqueduct’s brickwork while the lower arch reverses this process with the void defined by the vertical lines,” he said.
The Village of Ossining’s Bicentennial Celebration is made possible with major support from Ginsburg Development Companies in collaboration with the Ossining Arts Council, Ossining Historical Society and the County of Westchester. Significant additional funding has been provided by General Electric Company, Emigrant Bank, Avalon Bay, Cedar Manor, Inc., Dorsey Funeral Home, Open Door Family Medical Center, Inc., Hudson Valley Bank, The Bethel Methodist Home, Solomon Organization, Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services, Inc., Mahopac National Bank and Club Fit.
For information on “Ossining in 3D” sculpture tours or other upcoming bicentennial events, visit www.celebrateossining.com, www.villageofossining.org, or contact the Village Manager’s Office at 914-941-3554.
Adam has worked in the local news industry for the past two decades in Westchester County and the broader Hudson Valley. Read more from Adam’s author bio here.
