Second Fall for Art in Millerton, Oct. 23 and 24

MILLERTON — There’s nothing like the autumn season in the Northeast — the beautiful foliage, the crisp air, the apple cider — but around these parts there’s something else that adds to the season. It’s Millerton’s Fall for Art, which was successful in its first airing last year. It was followed by Spring for Art. The events are sponsored by the Millerton Business Group and they engage the entire merchant community in the village proper, as well as the burgeoning artists’ community in the Tri-state region.

“I think there are so many creative people in this area and I’m not even sure how aware many people are that there is this real wealth of creativity around here,� said the business group’s Jan Gilmor, of Gilmor Glass. “An event like this highlights the fact that we have so much creativity in all forms — musicians, writers, actors, dancers — so many disciplines that practice their arts here. This is a nice way to see what people do.�

Gilmor said she often hears people speak about visiting Millerton for the first time and really enjoying the experience. That tourists will be “constantly surprised� by the village and what it offers. A few years ago it was even selected by Arthur Frommer’s Budget Travel magazine as one of the “Top Ten Coolest Small Towns� in America. Events like Fall for Art just enhance that image exponentially, Gilmor said.

“I think all of the businesses are very much behind this. We have nearly every storefront business in town wanting to participate in this,� she said, adding that even stores that won’t be open will still be displaying artwork in their windows. “It absolutely draws people into the area. Ever since we started doing this last year we’ve had at least 500 to 700 people on average each time come through the village to see what’s going on. Last year it was pouring rain and we were sure no one would turn up, and the village was packed. We hope it will be packed again.�

This year the theme is a treasure hunt. Maps will be available at all participating shops, of which there are about 30, with a list of clues. As participants walk through the village and amass clues, they will get closer to finding the treasure. Once someone has a minimum of five correct answers, they qualify for one of three gift baskets, with goods and services donated by local merchants.

Roughly 60 artists are showing their work at the two-day Fall for Art event, which is this weekend, Saturday, Oct. 23, from 5 to 8 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 24, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. along Main Street in Millerton. Businesses will offer refreshments, conversation and a party atmosphere. Much of the artwork will be for sale. Sponsors for the event include Harney & Sons Fine Teas, Harney Real Estate, Herrington’s, Salisbury Bank & Trust, WKZE and WHDD.

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