It's going to be an artful, art-filled summer in Ellenville, judging by the plans discussed at a recent meeting of the Art Ellenville group.

An energetic group led by Ellenville's Director of Visual Arts Judy Sigunick, it's composed of 30 or so local folks that represent a cross-section of the community. Painters, photographers, graphic designers and jewelry makers sit with local businessmen, property owners and elected officials to make things happen.

Just for starters, there's going to be another 10x10x10, showcasing well-known artists in store windows. Before that opens in July, we'll have a chance to see John Hazard's 40-minute film on the creation of last year's 10x10x10 event at the Shadowland on June 24.

Building on the success of the recent Poetry Slide, and with an eye to keeping kids involved, there will be a local art show to present the visual art of local youth in combination with the poetry.

Chuck Davidson provided photos of a recent project in Katonah, and he'll be coordinating a similar project in Ellenville this summer. A very interactive concept, Davidson has lined up artists to paint one big painting on a grid of canvasses that can later be sold individually to raise funds for future art efforts. It will be staged in a highly visible way that makes the public participants in the process.

“Artists do things for real, not for money,” Sigunick said. “But money is needed to make it happen,” so attention must be paid to how this art explosion can happen without over-burdening businesses or taxpayers.

Ellenville mayor Jeff Kaplan has asked Sigunick to meet with Town of Wawarsing officials to find ways for the town to be a partner in the effort, since much of what happens includes town residents and boosts tourism possibilities.

With that in mind, the group is looking for liaisons. Sigunick said that when students are involved, the Ellenville schools can seek funds to help pay for materials. A local property owner and developer, Levi Hecht of 770 Development, will donate space for a youth art project. The new Ellenville Farmers Market, slated to open Sunday, June 10 will also give space to artists to demonstrate and sell their work. Art is for everybody, so borrowing from Chicago, a city that gave artists cows to interpret, and Catskill, which provided cats for decorative treatment, the Ellen Project will offer small statues of Ellen Snyder, the village's namesake, to be decorated by local residents and used throughout the village.

Look for this - and more - this summer on the streets of Ellenville…you can't miss it!

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