Vacant Katonah Storefronts To Become Art

KATONAH, NY — Vacant storefronts in Katonah will soon be public art installations.

The “Art in Store” project will open on May 22, at three locations in downtown Katonah. Rather than displays of merchandise, the store windows will feature quilts created by Westchester artists.

The installation will include work by Donna Chambers and Arlete Chaves. One of the storefronts will feature quilts made by women incarcerated at the Bedford Hills Correctional Facility.

The first of the storefront art projects are all located in the Katonah Commons on Katonah Avenue. The store window exhibit spaces were donated by the property owners. All the storefront artworks will be on display from May through July.

“After a year of pandemic isolation and economic strain, resulting in many vacant stores, Art In Store will promote economic vitality starting in Katonah, and then expanding to more storefronts in the hamlet, as well as in Bedford Hills and Bedford Village,” Town of Bedford Deputy Supervisor Ellen Calves said in a statement announcing the innovative new initiative. “We’re grateful to Urstadt Biddle Properties for helping Art In Store launch with three prominent Katonah storefronts and for collaborating on this exciting venture.”

The opening for the storefront art project on May 22, at 4 p.m. will coincide with the revival of the Katonah Art Stroll, which was paused during the coronavirus pandemic. It is suggested that participants start the Art Stroll at the Katonah Museum of Art where admission will be free from 4 p.m. until 5 p.m. with advance reservations only. The stroll on Katonah Avenue will feature live music performed by the Gwen Laster Trio and a free ice cream truck sponsored by Bedford realtors, The Mark Boyland Team.

There will be extended hours for galleries and shops during the art walk. Maps of participating retailers and the locations of the storefront art installations will be available at the event. All coronavirus protocols will be in place, including capacity limits, social distancing rules and mandatory masks.