With the arrival of spring, the Yonkers Downtown BID will resume its popular Evolution Arts, the new free public event we introduced last April to showcase the works of emerging artists from Yonkers and the region on the third Sunday of every month. The free exhibits will be on display on Sunday, April 19, from 1 to 4 PM at the Plaza Park, just south of the Metro North Train Station. The afternoon of leisurely art browsing in a wonderful outdoor setting—just steps from the scenic Yonkers waterfront—will be accompanied by live and free entertainment. The rain date is April 24.

Evolution Arts continues the trend in recent years of Yonkers Downtown, emerging as one of Westchester’s most vital destinations for the visual arts, attracting artists from beyond the area as well as visitors to enjoy the creative works of both established artists and new talent. The latest development in this trend occurred on Saturday, March 29 when I had the honor of joining in the grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony for the Blue Door Art Gallery at 13 Riverdale Avenue. In the spirit of this event, there was live entertainment and a number of artists and officials who were on hand to welcome our newest neighbor to the downtown. The inaugural exhibition of artwork consists of works selected by two prominent artists—Richard Haas, international muralist and Sandra Sider, fiber artist and curator.

Blue Door joins a robust art community including many artists who have made Yonkers their home such as Jef Campion of Metro 92; photographers Stephen Tyler and Ana Bernstein; Haifa Bint-Kadi, an artist-in-residence and mosaicist and sculptor Vinnie Bagwell, whose sculpture, “Ella Fitzgerald—First Lady of Jazz,” graces the Station Plaza streetscape for all to see and admire every day.

These are only some of the artists who call Yonkers Downtown home.

In addition, Yonkers downtown is fortunate to have cultural treasures that celebrate the works of artists with periodic exhibitions for the enjoyment of everyone. They are the historic Philipse Manor Hall at 29 Warburton Avenue and the Yonkers Riverfront Library at 1 Larkin Center and the Hudson River Gallery & Conservators at 86 Main Street. And, if you haven’t strolled through the Sculpture Garden at City Hall or at the Waterfront, I highly recommend you do so. You are in for a treat. You can get to the Waterfront Sculpture Meadow Park easily. Pass the Richard Haas Murals on Main and Warburton and venture down Main under the railroad aqueduct where you will see artist Barbara Segal’s works entitled “Muhheakantuck,” meaning “river that flows two ways.” Make a left at the Waterfront Amphitheatre and the park—another of Barbara’s creations—is just down the block. It’s a great art adventure.

We are excited that our Evolution Arts will continue to play a vital role to show the important role that art plays in our community. Like last year, these festive Sunday afternoons will help attract art lovers from throughout the county who will also take advantage of the wonderful special lunch and dinner menus that our many dining establishments will offer, several at discount.

I invite artists wishing to exhibit their art to Evolution Arts to e-mail up to five digital images (640 x 480 pixels) of their work, including information about the medium, size and any display requirements. Artists will be responsible for the cost of displaying their works and insurance. They are also required to be present during the exhibit hours. Submissions should be sent to info@yonkersdowntown.com. The deadline for exhibiting at the May 17 and June 21 Evolution Arts shows is May 1.

I look forward to seeing you this spring at the Plaza Park to celebrate Art in Yonkers Downtown.