Art to the Avenue’s annual spring festival celebrated its 19th year drawing crowds to Greenwich Avenue with overcast skies as the rain paused for the first time this week.
Every May, area artists’ works are placed in storefront windows, hung on walls, situated on sales floors or tucked amid merchandise as part of the event, which is run by the nonprofit Greenwich Arts Council.
At the opening on Thursday evening, most stores hosted receptions for the hundreds of visitors who attended to preview the work of over 120 artists. Flutes of wine and bubbly were offered as were tasty nibbles for the enthusiastic visitors.
A Kate Spade display, windows throughout Greenwich Avenue were decorated for the festival. Credit: Karen Sheer
At Baccarat, fine crystal shared the stage with paintings from artist Dale Najarian. Credit: Karen Sheer
Artist Cynthia Taft with on of her landscape paintings at Michael Kors. Credit: Karen Sheer
Cynthia Taft’s work intermingled with merchandise at Michael Kors. Credit: Karen Sheer
Artist Carol Nipomnich Dixon displays her work at Hermes. Credit: Karen Sheer
Stunning and intricate embroidered art by Carol Nipomnich Dixon. Credit: Karen Sheer
‘Grace Notes’ harmonizing on the Avenue. Credit: Karen Sheer
Dancers from Allegra Dance. Credit: Karen Sheer
Gotta love “Dance Moms” cheering on their kids from Allegra Dance. Credit: Karen Sheer
Allegra Dancers tap the the beat. Credit: Karen Sheer
The Greenwich High School Band entertained the crowds. Credit: Karen Sheer
Betteridge Jewelers added a jazz trio inside their gorgeous store. Credit: Karen Sheer
Artist Felicity Kostakis with a seascape painting at Betteridge Jewelers. Credit: Karen Sheer
A gorgeous display at Betteridge Jewelers displaying paintings of Felicity Kostakis. Credit: Karen Sheer
Artist Christopher Brace with his wonderful urban photography at Rinfret Home & Garden. Credit: Karen Sheer
Artist Rosemary Hanson’s paintings at Lynnen’s Inc. Credit: Karen Sheer
Rosemary Hanson with her work at Lynnen’s Inc. Credit: Karen Sheer
A couple admirers Rosemary’s painting. Credit: Karen Sheer
Geoffrey Nichols with his photography, created on an iPhone at Bank of America. Credit: Karen Sheer
Artist Angel Mieres displays his paintings at La Fenice Gelateria. Credit: Karen Sher
Artist Ken Resen displays his abstract paintings at Madewell. Credit: Karen Sheer
Photographer Bill Gordon’s work dot the brick walls of Bistro V. Credit: Karen Sheer
The shops and restaurants were brightly lit to showcase the hung art, and the artists were available to chat with the public admiring their work. Salespeople greeted all in a friendly manner and offered suggestions for Mother’s day gifts.
All the art on display is for sale, and a 30% tax deduction for the purchaser benefits GAC.
Throughout the avenue the sound of music could be heard as spirited bands, dancers and street performers dazzled the strollers with festive entertainment.
This longstanding tradition, grew out of the desire of the council and area businesses to tap into this intersection of commerce and creativity, as a way to benefit both communities.
The art selected by the retailers remains in place through Memorial Day, so there is ample time for viewers to experience the “gallery” that downtown Greenwich becomes.
The artists were delighted to have the exposure, sharing their talents and creativity. It is the largest arts festival of its kind, not just in Greenwich but in Fairfield County. If you are still considering a piece, the art stays in place through the month of May, still time to hang an original work of art in your home.
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