On a beautiful Spring afternoon worthy of a painting itself, community residents, town officials, artists and students gathered at the Armonk Branch of the North Castle Library for the Gala Opening of the Art in North Castle exhibit on Thursday. April 9. 2026. Hosted by the Art in North Castle subcommittee of the North Castle Revolutionary War 250th Steering Committee (“NCRW250SC”), the Gala showcased the entries for the Art contest and awarded prizes to winners in student and adult categories.

After attendees walked around the Library’s Friends Gallery to admire the entered pieces and talk with those artists present, Steering Committee Co-Chair Ed Woodyard welcomed Supervisor Rende and Town Board Members DiGiacinto, Berra and Vataj, Town Clerk Simon and thanked them for their support of North Castle’s 250th Steering Committee’s efforts and initial special budget fund supporting early events such as this. Woodyard introduced Art in North Castle Co-Chair Marian Hamilton who then spoke of the Contest that culminated in the afternoon’s Exhibit.

Marian Hamilton, a Director of the Friends of the North Castle Public Library, believed a tie in to its esteemed Annual Art Show would be perfect as part of the Town’s year-long commemoration of the Semiquincentennial. Hamilton first envisioned this contest over two years ago during initial talks of the 250th Celebration activities. She thought opening the contest to students would also generate interest in this historic celebration. Beginning her remarks, Hamilton had guests laughing at art inspired jokes notably “What do you call a patriotic artist? – A Yankee Doodler!” Submitted pieces for juried consideration, due by February 15th, were to represent North Castle history, our Nation’s 250th Anniversary. or a combination of both. Announcements and posts were made, flyers hung and circulated.

The contest had garnered much interest especially among students for which an art teacher had thanked Hamilton and the subcommittee for including them. Introducing her committee’s members June Greenspan, Susan Goldstein, Rich Rosen, Nancy Rosner and Co Chair Susan Geffen, Hamilton thanked them for all their hard work coordinating the contest from start to finish and in arranging the festive reception. Town employees were thanked, too, for their assistance in moving and installing the many art pieces.

In announcing the award winners, Hamilton remarked about the wonderful variety in submitted art work across different mediums, and that the amount of varied talent was “awesome!” Certificates were given for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners in each category.

The 3rd Place student winner announced was Gianna Marone for her “Armonk Square Collage.” Olivia Savitsky received 2nd Place honors for her “Peace of Armonk” entry. And Lilly Alonzo was awarded 1st Place for her brass and copper wall hanging titled, “I Said What I Said.” A special Community Spirit Award certificate was presented to 8 year old Eve Sinkman who entered a “terrific painting.” The young artist was present and was very excited “seeing her artwork on the wall,” Hamilton shared.

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In the “Beyond Students” category, Hamilton announced the winners: Steve Hillebrand received 3rd Place Honors for his two amusing posters “Miller House” and “Major Andre Captured.” Jason Wong took 2nd Place honor for his mixed medium relief, “Turn Left at the Eagle.”

The award for 1st Place went to Bedo Magardichian for his painting, “The Miller House At 8:26 AM, October 29, 1776.” The artist who goes by “Bedo” had heard about the contest from announcements and discussions with neighbors. In fact, inspired by Ed Woodyard’s own ancestor’s connection to then General George Washington, Bedo embarked upon minute research of times and dates that led to him painting the award winning oil on canvas. Longtime Armonk resident Diane Brown came to support her neighbor, Bedo. She was amazed by all the artwork across various mediums, the fun and whimsical, to the fascinating detail Bedo added to the scene of General George Washington at Miller House. A separate article to come will feature Bedo’s fascinating research as well as Woodyard’s grandfather’s grandfather’s grandfather, Benjamin Lemaster.

With her “Armonk Square Collage” entered, Maria Scharf, NC Deputy Town Clerk, said “participating in the Art Exhibit with such talented artists was a honor.” Through her work in the Clerk’s office, Scharf shared, “I have come to appreciate the history of the Town – getting to study the historical records up close.” Scharf has also taken the opportunity to explore the Armonk hamlet during walks at lunchtime, taking beautiful photographs along the way. “The hardest part in putting together this collage was selecting only 16 photos!”

Be sure to look to see where Scharf’s photos were taken while admiring the award winners and all the wonderful entries. The Exhibit will be up until July 31 2026 and makes for memorable outing for North Castlinians of all ages.

Please visit www.northcastle250th.com to see upcoming events as we move closer to to July 4th. Donations continue to be welcomed, too, as all funds received enable these festivities and events celebrating our Nation’s 250th and our Revolutionary Town’s historic role in the quest for independence. https://www.northcastle250th.com/support.