The Westchester Parks Foundation (WPF), in collaboration with Marla Beth Designs, hosted the second annual Happy Art for Westchester Parks showcase last month at North Street Tavern at Maple Moor in White Plains. The evening was emceed by Richard Giacovas, FOX 5 NY anchor, and sponsored by 914 Collective Media and Hudson River Music Festival. The event featured local artists whose work was selected through a community-wide campaign this past spring celebrating the beauty and importance of Westchester County Parks and the importance of preserving and supporting these shared public spaces.

Five winning artists were recognized during the reception, with each piece inspired by one of the County’s 50-plus parks and accompanied by personal stories reflecting meaningful connections to the region’s treasured green spaces. Featured winners included:

• Sandra Schustack of West Harrison — Muscoot Farm

• Jessica Maricevic of Rye — Playland

• Steve Rossi of Yonkers — Rye Marshlands

• Karen Martinez of Yonkers — Cranberry Lake

• Soma Vajpayee of Scarsdale — Bronx River Parkway

“Happy Art for Westchester Parks continues to showcase the deep personal connection so many residents have with our parks,” said Joe Stout, Executive Director of Westchester Parks Foundation. “The artwork was stunning.  This contest highlights how parks inspire creativity, bring communities together, and create lasting memories for people of all ages.”

Winning artworks will be featured at Westchester Parks Foundation’s Parks Are Essential Gala on September 16. In celebration of the artists’ work, exclusive notecard sets featuring select pieces will also be created for gala attendees.

For more information on Westchester Parks Foundation, visit thewpf.org.