Each year our Open Studios event draws more and more of the community onto the Bell-ans Park property, and into the buildings including, this year for the first time, the new V°LITION gallery.
Despite the heat, hundreds of visitors came through the studios and the stables, visiting with the artists and the animals, taking in the magic that makes Bell-ans the very special place it has always been and always will be!
The quality of our artists and entrepreneurs is stunning, and the weeks of work so many of them did in advance of the event did not go unnoticed by James and I, and by our visitors. It felt like we had a little bit of MoMa and the Met here in Rockland County, and with the help of so many artists and volunteers, the entire space in the main building felt like dozens of galleries, not just working spaces.
Friday night, when the hanging of the art work in the hallways was completed, it struck me how much love and energy resides here, how much passion for the arts, and communal feeling among the artists continues to energize the space.
Pure amazement when Wendy, Carol and Johanna were pulling out their art work – just wow. This is proof of what happens when we all pull together, when we support each other as artists, we are collectively successful.
A huge shout out to Pearl River Florist for saving the day! They donated all the flowers throughout the building with only one day of notice.
Another virtual hug to our son, Andrew Dodge, whose works were also shown; James and I are so proud of him.
A big thank you to my right and left hands, Marisa Marone and Maryanne McDermott. These two make planning an event a joy!
Finally, here are a few notes I received from two artists I thought I’d share. They are my inspiration!
“Thank you for your hard work and efforts. It takes a village...
A wonderful day for all of us…
XO C”
“Dear Phyllis and James,
You have been such an inspiration to all of us, with your entrepreneurial spirit and energy. Thank you from for your caring and hard work. We are so lucky to be a part of Bell-ans!
XXX Anne”
Here’s to an ever more amazing Open Studios & Open Barn events in the future at our beloved Bell-ans.
Love and gratitude,
Phylli