Part of Cornwall’s Upstate Art Weekend events
By SCOTT TERESI
President, Greater Cornwall Chamber of Commerce
Cornwall, NY – The Greater Cornwall Chamber of Commerce proudly unveiled a new sculpture at Bridge Street Park on Main Street yesterday, marking the beginning of the highly anticipated Upstate Art Weekend (UPAW). This year’s unveiling continues what started during HGTV’ filming in 2021 when Vivien Collens first loaned one of her original sculptures to the Bridge Street Park.
After three years of delighting park visitors, the original sculpture has found a new home outside the Storm King Engine Fire Station in the Village. In its place, Vivien Collens has graciously loaned another of her stunning works to continue enriching the community’s cultural landscape.
The unveiling ceremony, which was part of the fifth edition of UPAW running from July 18-21, was a festive event attended by residents and tourists alike. Spanning ten counties in the Catskills Mountains and Hudson Valley, UPAW is an annual event celebrating the cultural vibrancy of Upstate New York.
Town Supervisor Josh Wojehowski and Mayor James Gagliano were among the notable attendees who joined in honoring Vivien Collens for her contributions. The event also featured live music, drinks, and catering by Truly Scrumptious, creating a vibrant atmosphere for art lovers and community members.
In addition to the new sculpture at Bridge Street Park, Vivien Collens has significantly contributed to the community by loaning five other sculptures for Cornwall’s first-ever Sculpture Trail. This trail, a series of seven sculptures, stretches from the Cromwell Manor Inn on Angola Road, through the town and village, all the way to Dockhill Road, providing residents and visitors with an inspiring outdoor art experience.
The event also served as a fundraiser for the Chamber of Commerce Art Fund, which aims to support the incorporation of public art in Cornwall and Cornwall-on-Hudson.
The Art Fund initiative seeks to enhance the community’s public spaces, promoting cultural engagement and artistic expression.
Vivien Collens’ generosity and artistic vision continue to have a lasting impact on Cornwall, fostering a deeper appreciation for public art and its role in community life.
Her contributions have set a standard for artistic collaboration and community enrichment, ensuring that Cornwall remains a vibrant and culturally rich destination.
As UPAW unfolds, the new sculpture at Bridge Street Park stands as a symbol of the community’s commitment to celebrating and supporting the arts, reflecting the spirit of collaboration and creativity that defines Upstate Art Weekend.
