SAA Gears Up for Outdoor Art Show and Sale

The warm weather is finally here, and that means it's time to enjoy the outdoors. If you’re looking for something interesting to do this weekend and love art, visit the 's outdoor show and sale at Chase Park on Saturday, May 14 from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. and Sunday, May 15 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Colorful works of art will be on display, including photography, watercolors, fabric art, acrylics and oils depicting a variety of subjects and scenes. 

One featured watercolorist is an architect whose works reflects his love of building and structure. Another artist combines photography and fabric, while a third show participant paints miniature still-life oils embedded with gold leaf. Additional works by a few other painters include portraits of children, clowns and animals. All artists are happy to do portraits on commission.

Founded in 1938, the SAA. is an offshoot of what once was the Women’s Club Art Program. Anna Richards Brewster, the well-known American Impressionist, was a driving force in starting the program and even gave art lessons herself. Internationally acclaimed and widely exhibited, a collection of Brewster's paintings can be seen at the Scarsdale Library.

Among the earliest forces in the Scarsdale Art Association was Arthur Beech, a retired illustrator and a talented oil painter who steered the SAA for many years. His son, Arthur Beach IV, continues in his father’s footsteps chairing the Outdoor Arts Festival.

“SAA always enjoyed prestige due to the efforts of the many capable members who were happy to put their energies into the organization by offering classes and public events," explained SAA member Nancy Abbe, whose work is mostly oil paintings of seascapes or portraits.

“Incidentally, the organization was only open to residents of Scarsdale and Edgemont. Gradually, much of this changed with the advent of women entering the work force in droves," said Abbe. "I don't really know whether men were always part of the SAA membership; certainly, they were integral since the 60s as artists and officers. However, at some point the organization offered membership to anyone outside the community. This brought a healthy infusion of talent and energy to the SAA.”  

Abbe, who noted that the SAA is trying to get back into the tradition of having two outdoor shows a year, aims for the organization to promote local artists and help sustain Scarsdale's sense of community. 

“It is our hope to retain a small town atmosphere in our shows instead of commercialism,” said Abbe.

For more information on the Scarsdale Art Association and their upcoming events, visit their website.