Bicentennial Kicks into Full Gear with Sculpture Exhibit

The official opening of the "Ossining in 3D" exhibit drew hundreds of people downtown this afternoon to view art, listen to music and eat fabulous food donated by local businesses.

"Some questioned, 'Why Ossining for a sculpture exhibit?' I have to say, I asked the same thing...and then said, 'why not!'" said George R. Camp, head of the Ossining Bicentennial Committee. "And now, after seeing the vitality of people walking through Ossining and their interest and excitement about the different sculptures, I can only say: 'It's terrific!'"

The artists' and VIP reception went off swimmingly, said John Wunderlich, president of the Ossining Historical Society. Attendees filled the first floor of the Municipal Building at 16 Croton  Ave. and spilled out onto the front lawn—where "Dancing Milkweed" by David Boyajian drew eyes and interest.

One of the cynosures was an arched floral display that adroitly evoked the historic Double Arch of the Croton Aqueduct across Ossining's Sing Sing Kill.

Camp and Ossining Town Supervisor Sue Donnelly, taking a breather behind the Bicentennial Committee table where sales of coffee mugs and commemorative journals were brisk, talked about changing the placement of a few of the pieces on exhibit. They worried that the woman on the bench up by the Ossining Library was too far off the sidewalk.

But its placement was perfect as far as Bridget Fearns was concerned. The Ossining resident was sitting on a bench near the sculpture enjoying the day. She thoroughly approved of an exhibit of massive, outdoor sculpture strategically placed all over downtown Ossining.

"I like the idea," she said, "I think it's great." 

The exhibit is open through Oct. 26. A juried exhibit—important to artists and art lovers—it is designed to provide direct and free access to art for residents and visitors. To view the entire exhibit in one take—it's a 1.5 mile walk—maps can be picked up at the Village of Ossining Municipal Building at the Clerk’s and Village Manager’s office, the Community Center, the Ossining Public Library or at www.villageofossining.org and www.celebrateossining.com.

Maps will be available at each location—however, on opening day, there was so much interest that the map box at the library had been emptied by 5 p.m.