MOUNT KISCO, N.Y. - It was the picture of artistic and creative achievement as local shutterbugs snapped up certificates of merit for their contributions to Mount Kisco’s 8th Annual Photo Exhibition.
The packed opening reception/awards ceremony was held at the public library on Saturday, Nov. 15, and hosted by the Mount Kisco Conservation Advisory Council, Mount Kisco Historical Society, Mount Kisco Arts Council, and Mount Kisco Tree Preservation Board.
The exhibition – The Nature, Culture, and People of Mount Kisco -- will be up through Wednesday, Nov. 26.
It attracted submissions from folks of all ages and skill levels.
The show also had a special “Sesquicentennial” section that highlighted the 150th anniversary of the village’s incorporation, including photos of parades, events, historical locations, and families.
More than 85 images are on display in the library on Main Street. A link to the video of the awards presentation will be posted on the town's website and social media.
All photos submitted will be posted online at KiscoPhoto.org. They will be preserved in the historical society’s digital archives as well.
Young photographers – under age 18 – who were recognized were: Sophia Gonzalez, Ron Joseph, Ryan LaMothe, Tara McNamee, and Asher Sterling.
Receiving certificates in the adult category were: Robert W Beringer, Gerard Bianchi, Susan Carpenter, Maryann Cooney, Rebecca Glen, Nicolas Kent, Steven Kowalczyk, Jean Lachaud, Renée Lomax, Mey Marple, Raymond Moy, Janet Roider, Zachary Strauss, and Beth Vetare-Civitello.
Kent, who had multiple photos chosen for the show, was especially proud of the one he took of the village’s beloved “tea house.”
“It’s a big part of Mount Kisco,” he said, noting that the picture happened somewhat by accident.
He was driving by Leonard Park one night when he noticed how beautifully the structure was lighted and how it was reflected in Wallace Pond.
Kent had his camera with him, so he stopped to capture the scene.
“I’m very happy with this one,” he said, pointing to the framed image on display.
Rhodes
The “Sesquicentennial” generated “sort of a mini-Renaissance” in Mount Kisco, said John Rhodes, a trustee of the historical society and a member of the Tree Preservation Board. A parade and fests were held and many other events, including tributes to the village’s “outstanding women” and the African-American community.
“They seem to have generated a lot of enthusiasm and community spirit, which is a really wonderful thing, something we needed more of,” he said, adding that none of it could have happened without the efforts of local volunteers, organizations, clubs, businesses, and town staffers/officials.
Rhodes and Shonan Noronha lead the effort.
Cindrich
Mayor J. Michael Cindrich was the keynote speaker.
“To all the participants, I have to say thank you for what you’re doing. It’s perpetuating the memory of our Sesquicentennial year. I don’t know where the electronic photos are going to be in 50 years, hidden in somebody’s phone that they put away forever. But the photos that we have here today are going to last as part of the Sesquicentennial celebration maybe in the historical society’s archives,” he said.
The village is winding down its 150th anniversary celebrations, he said, referring to a December event to be sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce.
“Mount Kisco is a very special place. And it’s a special place because of the people that contributed to the well-being of this village,” Cindrich concluded.
Vigliotti
Ralph Vigliotti, historical society president, read a message from Westchester County Legislator Erika L. Pierce, who couldn’t be there in person because of a scheduling conflict but who provided county certificates for the winning photogs as well.
(Honorees also received a “Sesquicentennial” coin “as a reminder of this very special year," Vigliotti said.)
Vigliotti humorously hawked the “Sesquicentennial” journal, noting that if folks bought one, they’d get a “Sesquicentennial” pint glass as a bonus.
“I’m sorry I could not be with everyone today to celebrate Mount Kisco’s beauty in one of my favorite events of the year. My thanks to all of the photographers and all of those who take enormous amounts of time hanging the photographs for everyone’s enjoyment. It is a real labor of love. I can’t wait to see this year’s exhibit. Congratulations to everyone for their hard work," Pierce's note read.
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