It may not be the Louvre, but the Town Hall in Mahopac recently became a pop-up art gallery, and the young artists who displayed their works there are better off because of it.
The show was part of an art therapy program sponsored by the Putnam County Youth Bureau, and at the Carmel Town Board’s July 2 meeting, the kids were honored with certificates of appreciation.
"We administer state-funded programs that help at-risk kids and prevent them from entering the juvenile justice system or human services system,” explained Janine Cunningham, director of the Youth Bureau. “We just wanted to thank the Town Board members for letting our young artists display their art. It’s been great and we’ve gotten a lot of feedback. It’s nice to continue this partnership and keep their art going throughout the community.”
The Youth Bureau also collaborates with the Putnam Arts Council (PAC) and PAC has held several exhibits at its A. Eric Arctander Gallery on Kennicut Hill Road in Mahopac.
“The art program is not only a display of [the students’] emotions but also has art history where they learn about different artists,” said Naomi Bowen, an art teacher with the Putnam County Youth Bureau. “I want to say congratulations to all these artists. I know they worked very hard and they should be proud of themselves and I hope they will continue to pursue art in their futures.”
“Their artwork is incredible,” said Councilwoman Suzy McDonough during the certificate presentation ceremony.
“My wife and I went to their show and their artwork is 100 percent better than anything I could dream of,” added Councilman Rob Kearns. “It’s ridiculous.”
Deputy Supervisor Frank Lombardi said it was great to see young people pursuing art and the town wanted to recognize the artists.
At the July 2 meeting, the Town Board also approved a utility agreement with the county for its roundabout project at the intersection of Drewville Road and Stoneleigh Avenue in Carmel Hamlet.
The county began the project several years ago to provide capacity and safety improvements to the intersection that leads to Putnam Hospital Center. It will replace the signalized intersection with a roundabout with drainage, signage and striping improvements. Additionally, other public utilities will be relocated because of the proposed roadway configuration. All work will be done within county-owned right-of-way.
The county, through eminent domain, took over a piece of property that contains a town-owned pump station.
According to Supervisor Mike Cazzari, under the new intersection configuration, there is no access to the pump station and a new driveway will have to be built.
“[The county] couldn’t go out to bid the way it is, so we had to sign an agreement letting them build a driveway so we can get to it," the supervisor said.
Cazzari said the county is using ARPA funds (federal COVID relief money) for the project and needs to have it completed by December 2026.
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