Hundreds fall head over heels for art

MILLERTON — Over two dozen businesses throughout Millerton opened their doors on Saturday, Oct. 22, and Sunday, Oct. 23, to celebrate the third annual Fall for Art festival.Over 60 artists displayed their paintings, sketches, photographs and sculptures during the town’s largest annual art appreciation fest billed as the “village celebration of creativity.”Hundreds of people filled the streets and the stores to explore the town and get a head start on holiday shopping while participating in the Fall for Art Treasure Hunt and enjoying quirky surprises like the live alpacas in the window of Copper Star Alpaca.“It’s such a positive energy for the businesses,” said Rhonda Cook, the gallery manager of Eckert Fine Art. She said that at times, her gallery was so packed that it was difficult to see the art hanging on the walls.Cook said the Fall for Art festival gives Millerton exposure and builds the town’s reputation as a hip, creative hotspot.Barbara Crocco, owner of Copper Star Alpaca, agreed. “It made people see that [Millerton] is an upcoming town with a lot of things to do,” she said. “Anything we can do to draw more people in is a positive.”Kent Hunter, owner of Hunter Bee, said that everyone benefited from the event — the town, the businesses and the attendees; when the whole town is promoted, the success reaches everyone.Hunter said that the event is a great destination activity that encourages people to bring their friends and families, which introduces more people to the town’s charm. “People are always impressed once they get here.”He noted that the event’s draw is evident in the loyal attendees who have come every year and the new people to hear about the event through word-of-mouth.“We’re pleased to be part of the event,” he said. “We believe in nurturing talent.”The strong support was not lost on the artists, who all expressed their gratitude toward the businesses and other supporters.“Helping the local art community is a fabulous thing,” said Avery Danziger, an artist whose work was featured at the 14th Colony Artists gallery on Main Street.“It’s a kick for me. I enjoy it. It’s a pleasure to hang out with other artists,” he said.Danziger also said that the overall community gets a lot out of attending the event. “It benefits all of us to be exposed to as much art as possible.”Fall for Art will continue again next year, hopefully bringing as many art appreciators and holiday shoppers as this year.

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