Art Show: Bedford — A local tradition returns for 53rd year

Painting of the Bedford Oak. COURTESY OF KENDALL KLINGBEIL

Art Show: Bedford is returning this month for its 53rd year. This year it will  feature 45 artists, some new to the show and others returning. Held in the Fellowship Room of St. Matthew’s Church, located at 382 Cantitoe St., Bedford, there will be works in a range of media and prices.

“We like to think it’s one of the highlights of the social calendar of Bedford,” said event co-chair Jenny Convery. “It comes at a time of year when people are kind of recovered from Christmas and are looking to get out and do something a bit social and fun.”

She said the event has a great vibe.

“The atmosphere of the show is so incredible,” she said. “Most of the artists are there during the show, they are relaxed, they love chatting with the patrons who come to show and there’s always a fire going in the fireplace, and we usually have snacks out. People are just hanging out by the fire, and looking at art, and talking, and everybody’s nice.”

The committee sent invitations out in the first week of January. 

“It is sent to well over 1,000 homes and sets the stage for the show, so the artwork we feature is very important,” said Tara Deeks, another chair of the show. “In recent years we have featured longtime friends of the show and renowned local artists — Julie Testwuide, Carol Bouyoucos, Shelley Dell, Rachel White, Betty Ball and Mireille Duchesne. This year we will feature the work of Kendall Klingbeil.” 

Klingbeil is a Pound Ridge-based artist known for her versatility and range of styles. She painted a unique view of the iconic Bedford Oak. The painting will be available for purchase at the preview party Friday, Jan. 23.

The preview party will have hors d’oeuvres served courtesy of Happiness Is.  Organizers say the local band Mark Weigel & Friends will ensure things stay lively, assisted by the generous pouring hands of the men of St. Matthew’s at the bar. Tickets for the party are available at the show’s website,  artshowbedford.org. 

Art Show: Bedford has a simple mission, to showcase local artists and support local charities. With donated food and wine, 100% of the proceeds go to nonprofits.

“Many of our charities have remained the same over the years and we are confident that the organizations we support are maximizing the benefit of every dollar,” Deeks said. “In many instances, parishioners of St. Matthew’s are board members or active supporters, so we try to do more than just write a check.”

This year’s charities are: A-Home, the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester, the Community Center of Northern Westchester, Endeavor Therapeutic Horsemanship, Hope’s Door, Hour Children, Midnight Run, Neighbors Link, New Dawn, Rehabilitation Through the Arts and The Pantry.

The dates and times for the 53rd Annual Art Show: Bedford

— Preview Party is Friday, Jan. 23, from 6:30 to 9 p.m.

— The Exhibition Sale is Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 24 and 25, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday to Sunday, Jan. 30, 31, and Feb. 1, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

— The Silent Auction runs throughout the show and closes at 3 p.m. on the final day.