| IN WINDSOR, NEW YORK |
At a time when barges plowed canals and trains steamed the rails, Windsor, a small village nestled along the Susquehanna River in the western Catskill Mountains, led New York in the manufacture of the leather whips buggy drivers cracked to prod their horses along plank and gravel roads.
As wheels replaced hooves, buggy whip manufacture faded. A few buildings, however, survived--constructed as they were of stout timber felled from the surrounding wooded countryside. One such building was the Whip Works, which, with its Main Street location, overlooks the tree shaded Village Green with its grass commons, brick band shell, Currier and Ives white frame churches, and seasonal farmers’ market.
In the crisp and colorful fall of 2005, the Whip Works awoke from its century long slumber. Lovingly restored by its new owners in 1800s Italianate, this sturdy structure is now the home of the Windsor Whip Works Art Gallery. Its first exhibitor was Max Spoerri of Manhattan’s Soho whose paintings matched the vivid fall red, orange, and yellow palette of the season.
From its inception, every six weeks since, the Whip Works hosts local, national, and international painters, sculptors, potters, print makers, portraitists, and landscapers whose styles range from photorealism to impressionist to abstract expressionist.
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In addition to its role as a magnet for artists and gallery visitors (who are, as well, potential new residents and entrepreneurs) to Windsor, the Whip Works has become a focal point for those citizens of the region who seek to secure Windsor and its surrounding waters, clean air, farms, and mountains as a sustainable and thriving cultural, recreational, civic, entrepreneurial, and artistic center well into the 21st century.
Along with the Village and Town of Windsor, the Whip Works played a key role in organizing the region’s first (and now annual) “Window on the Arts”, a 1,500+ attendee music and arts festival that features more than 50 regional artists many of whom were first drawn to the region by affordable housing, clean air and water, scenic vistas, convenient access to shopping, health care, and the emerging arts and university life of Binghamton, some 20 miles to the west.
Well into the 21st century, working with the Village and Town, the Whip Works and the arts it symbolizes will continue play a vital role in defining and creating the supportive environment for sustainable economic development based a vibrant arts community, fine restaurants, boutique shopping, information technology entrepreneurship, outdoor recreation, and the charm and benefits of an urban yet rural lifestyle. |
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Window on the Arts photos by Jim Melody
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| Calling all art lovers! The historic village of Windsor, New York will celebrate its Fourth Annual Window on the Arts Festival on September 17, 2011, on the oldest Village Green in Broome County. |
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Highlights include:
• Juried outdoor art show with 50 fine artists and artisans
• Live music all day in the Village Gazebo
• Festival food court featuring international cuisine & Chef demonstrations
• Historical presentations celebrating the area's rich cultural heritage
• Open house at Windsor Whip Works Art Center and Gallery
•Young Artists' make & take artwork
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Free parking! Free shuttle bus! Free admission!
Window on the Arts is held rain or shine! |
| Come join us for a unique, culturally rich experience in a country setting! |
The Windsor NY Partnership extends its sincere thanks to the outgoing members of the Window on the Arts committee; Festival Chairman David Yetter, Treasurer Jill Skinner, Artist coordinator Doug Vitarius, Volunteer coordinator Ike Crosby, Logistics coordinator Scott Clark, and Security coordinator Tom Skinner. Most of these volunteers have served the Window on the Arts Festival since its inception in 2008. Windsor’s annual festival of art, music, and food would not be the success it is today without the hard work of its volunteers.
The Partnership also extends a huge welcome to incoming and continuing volunteers: Sue Rambo and Sharon Warnock-Festival Co Chairs, Kedron Hay-Treasurer, ReBecah Kilbury-Artist coordinator, Bruce Cameron-Music coordinator, Sharon Warnock-International Food Court coordinator, Eileen Ruggeri-History coordinator, Bill Pesce-Advertising coordinator, Cathy Hupman-Volunteer coordinator, and Bill Warnock-Logistics coordinator. This year, Jill Skinner will be heading up a new and exciting category entitled Children’s Art!
Additional volunteers are always needed in each category!
Please contact Sue @655-2128 or Sharon @231-9473 for inquiries or opportunities to volunteer!
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