Talents of Scarsdale Shine at Scarsdale Art Association's Annual Outdoor Art Festival

The unspoiled greenery of Chase Park and mellow tunes by a jazzy keyboardist created a fitting backdrop for the tapestries of the natural world, photography, and abstract masterpieces presented through the morning and afternoon. Talented artists perched in front of their pieces, while spectators passed through to express their admiration and to chat and interpret obscurity.

Looking around, the looming end of the summer season was prevalent through paint—nautical themes were reminiscent to anyone who will soon long for the warmer months that are fading fast.

In particular, artist Nancy Abbe's oil paintings captured the beauty of the shore. Her interpretations of the beach reminded one of a relaxing vacation at a nearby standby—Montauk. This piece depicting the waves off the coast of Long Island was as captivating as it was rich in different hues of blue.

Vivian Bergenthal, a member of the Scarsdale Art Association and local resident of the town, has participated in the festivities for years. She continued the tradition when she unveiled the culmination of her individual style at the park-wide exhibition this year.

Her colorful pieces depicting nature practically jumped off the walls in their energetic expressions.

"It makes people feel good when they look at beautiful scenery," she said of the landscapes, gardens, and flowers shown in the pieces she brought today.

Her goal today is for visitors to identify with the message of the pieces and to feel connected to them as well.

"For the artist, you've really achieved something when you make someone feel like you are there," she added.

When I checked in with her the first day of this festival, Bergenthal had received two offers since the day's beginning to show her talents in other art shows including one of the frame shops downtown and a festival taking place in Valhalla next spring.

This community event helped to bring the artist together with other creators and cultural appreciators alike.

"It's always wonderful to be able to share a passion for the arts with others," she added.

For those visitors with a high regard for the arts, today was just as much fun for them as it was for the creators.

Aline Gendron, a spectator, has been coming to the annual celebration for years, and was awed at the Association's overall skill and originality this time around.

"[The display] is extraordinary; there is a lot of talent," she closed.

Of all the pieces shown, Gendron enjoyed the still-life portraits best, adding that sometimes with the oil paintings on display this weekend, one has to look very closely at a piece to be able to tell whether it is a photograph or a painting.

"I'm here for the culture. It's a great day for beautiful art."

The Annual Outdoor Art Festival will continue September 12^th, from 10am-5pm.