The Westchester Fine Craft Show has been bringing creative and talented artists from around the country to Westchester County for nearly two decades.
This year the show organizer, Crafts America LLC, will host a special “Meet the Artists Show Preview” at 8:30 a.m. Oct. 12 to benefit the Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Program at Maria Fareri Children's Hospital at Westchester Medical Center.
The event is expected to draw individuals from Westchester, Fairfield, Rockland and Manhattan who will meet the artists and see the featured pieces before the show at the Westchester County Center actually opens on Friday morning. Refreshments will be available and everyone attending will be eligible to win fabulous door prizes.
"Creating art, expressing feelings, thoughts and emotions through drawing, painting and sculpting is therapeutic for anyone, so we know how important the Art Therapy Program at Maria Fareri Children's Hospital is to both children and their families and we are proud to support the Westchester community in this way," said Elizabeth Kubie, show coordinator for Crafts America.
Tickets are $40 and all proceeds will go directly to benefit the Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Program.
“Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital at Westchester Medical Center cares for the most seriously ill and injured children from the region,” explained Tricia Hiller, Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy, Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital at Westchester Medical Center. “Hospitalization can be frightening for a child so art and other expressive mediums are an integral part of our hospital’s care program. We are pleased the Westchester Fine Art Craft Show recognizes the importance of Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital’s Art Therapy Program and the positive impact it can have on children as they battle significant medical challenges. Support provided through this event will enhance an already successful program and make it even more impactful.”
The Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy program received the 2012 ArtsWestchester Community Award in April of this year for demonstrating ‘extraordinary vision and leadership in using the arts to enhance community life, to increase access to cultural experiences, and to enrich the county’s cultural heritage.’
The event sponsors are the Kurth and Santangelo families; Carol Kurth is the owner of Carol Kurth Architecture, pc, and Peter Kurth is the owner of Peter C. Kurth Architecture & Planning.
“In 1996, our daughter Rachel was hit by a car while leaving middle school. She was transported by medi-vac helicopter to the Westchester Medical Center where she eventually emerged from a coma. She underwent surgery and spent two weeks at the hospital recovering from her injuries. Rachel is now a healthy and thriving 28-year-old attorney. We are eternally grateful to the incredible teams at the Westchester Medical Center for the outstanding care they provided to our daughter during that difficult time. We are also grateful to the Bedford Fire Department for the role they played on that day. The Westchester Fine Craft Show will mark the ‘sweet 16’ anniversary of her recovery and we are proud to support this event." said Carol Kurth.
Rachel married her husband David Santangelo last summer, and they are proud to be co-sponsoring this event with her parents.
"I am very thankful for the expert medical treatment that I received at the Westchester Medical Center after my accident," Rachel Santangelo said. "Without the doctors, nurses, and other health care providers who treated me at the time, I might not be here today. I hope that the hospital continues to provide that high level of care to other patients in need, and fundraisers like this can help it to do so."
The event is also sponsored by Patch.com, The WAG, StacyKnows.com and NYMetroParents and door prizes have been donated by Eileen Fisher, Seth Kaller, Inc., Morton’s The Steakhouse, Women of the Vine, Tasteful Treats & Treasures, CitiBank, Rebecca Taylor Boutique, Bounce! Trampoline Sports and many others.
Tickets are available at www.craftsamericashows.com.
The Westchester Fine Craft Show will take place at the Westchester County Center Oct. 12-14 and the show will be open to the public from 10 am until 6 pm each day.
More than 100 of the nation’s most talented artisans will display their work and all pieces at the show are available for purchase. Two of the artists in the show have had their work featured at The White House and many have had their work commissioned by museums and corporations.
