Westchester Parks Foundation Celebrates Creativity at “Happy Art for Westchester Parks” Showcase
Westchester Parks Foundation (WPF), in collaboration with Marla Beth Designs, hosted a vibrant evening of creativity and community at the Happy Art for Westchester Parks showcase on Tuesday, August 12 at Garcia’s at The Capitol Theatre.
The event featured 10 local artists whose work was selected from over 40 submissions through a community-wide social media campaign. Each piece was inspired by one of Westchester County’s 50+ parks, and many were accompanied by touching personal stories, reflecting the deep bond between residents and their public green spaces.
Top Three Winners Include:
· Quyen Nguyen from Dobbs Ferry, Work features the Tarrytown Lighthouse
· Derek Oscarson from Ossining, Work features George’s Island
· Eileen Stodut from New Rochelle, Work features Glen Island
All three winning artworks will be featured at the WPF’s Parks Are Essential Gala on September 17 and in a special exhibit at a TBD Westchester County Park this fall. In celebration of their work, exclusive notecard sets featuring all three pieces will be gifted to gala attendees.
“I started Marla Beth Designs with the intention of bringing my beloved Westchester community together through the joy of “happy art,” said Marla Beth, founder of Marla Beth Designs. “The outpouring of support, talent, and heartwarming stories that The WPF and I have received, has been incredible! Each art submission came with a beautiful narrative of what a Westchester County Park means to that person or their family. The time and talent spent on creating a visual masterpiece, illustrating that story, ranged from ages 6 years old and up. This contest has my biggest personal inspiration yet, as an artist!”
In addition to celebrating the artists, the evening also previewed WPF’s upcoming gala, which will honor U.S. Congressman George Latimer, Osaka Gas USA, and The Capitol Theatre for their dedication to preserving and supporting Westchester County’s Park system.
Westchester Parks Foundation Executive Director Joe Stout added: “This event reflects everything we love about our parks — they bring people together, spark creativity, and offer a space for everyone. Parks are always here for you — and we know parks need you, too. By supporting events like our Parks Are Essential Gala, you’re helping ensure these special places continue to thrive for all who enjoy them.”
For more information about the Parks Are Essential Gala or to support the Westchester Parks Foundation, visit thewpf.org