Artist faces challenge at first ArtFest

File photo The organizers didn’t know if there would be sculptures at ArtFest, but there will be several exhibitors at the June 8 event.
File photo The organizers didn’t know if there would be sculptures at ArtFest, but there will be several exhibitors at the June 8 event.
File photo
The organizers didn’t know if there would be sculptures at ArtFest, but there will be several exhibitors at the June 8 event.

Painting outdoors is not a challenge for Paul Gould. He’s been doing it since he was 13. But it may be a little tougher on June 8 when he does it during the inaugural Hudson River ArtFest.

The exhibition, which includes the work of several artists, will be held from noon to 4 p.m. at Donahue Memorial Park. It’s a rain-or-shine event since the art will be displayed in the big tent or under pop-ups. Admission is free.

All of the items are for sale. Guests will be able to enjoy live music and purchase refreshments at the yacht club.

Parking at the riverfront will be restricted. But passengers can be dropped off at the show, and there will be a shuttle bus running from Village Hall to the park.

The ArtFest Committee will present ribbons in six categories, and the public will get to vote for the creation they like best. The awards ceremony will take place at 3 p.m.

From noon until 3 p.m., Mr. Gould will be creating a Hudson River scene on location. Guests can watch him at work, and can buy raffle tickets for a chance to win the painting.

Three hours is a long outdoor session for the artist. Unless the day is overcast, the light and the shadows will continue to change. What Mr. Gould sees when he starts is likely to be different from what he experiences at the end.

He’s taking more time, so that more people can see the demonstration and he can occasionally take a break and chat with them.

The ArtFest Committee has  been meeting weekly. To attract participants, the members created a flier that they distributed at art stores in the area.

Exhibitors pay for their space, and also pay a commission on the works that are sold. Part of the proceeds will be used to pay for next year’s exhibition.

ArtFest Committee: Brendan Coyne, Gayle Clark Fedigan, Paul Gould, Nick Landi, Robert Rosenberger, Ken Schmidt, Robert Trondsen.