Betty Little Arts Park Opening Event
To mark the completion of the Betty Little Arts Park, the City of Plattsburgh is holding an official grand opening on Saturday September 11th from 9AM to 1PM. The event will celebrate the new community gathering space named after former US State Senator, Betty Little, an avid supporter of the arts in our region.
Event attendees can stop by at 9AM in the park and participate in various interactive art displays. At 10AM, the formal ceremony and ribbon cutting will begin with speeches from the Mayor, Senator Betty Little and community members. After the ceremony concludes, artists whose work is featured in the park, joined by mural artists from around downtown Plattsburgh will host a Meet and Greet for the community to learn more about their pieces. Local artist Joe Ferris, operator of downtown outdoor event space, 100 Margaret Street, will be creating caricatures for the attendees. Musical performances will follow including a performance by local indie rock band Ursa and the Major Key at 11AM followed by a family-friendly hip-hop set by Antwon Levee & Dust from 12PM-1PM. In addition to the events at the Arts Park, Outside Art: Plattsburgh Mural Project will be dedicating the Smiling Sun Mural, by Jimmy Golovach at The Strand at 11AM.
This event is free, open to the public and no registration is required.
Background Information on the Park
The Betty Little Arts Park is a project made possible by funding provided through the NYS Downtown Revitalization and the support of the Governor’s office. It spans the open green space between Margaret and Durkee Streets formally known as the Westelcom Park. It features outdoor seating, sculptures, new landscaping and lighting, a more accessible walkway, a splash pad and the city’s second drinking fountain (the first being located at the farmer’s market). The artist’s whose sculptures are featured in the park are Walter Early, Andrew McGill, Corky Corrado, Peter Allen, Andrew Light and the Reach for the Stars: Michael Anderson mural was created by Brendon Palmer-Angell.
This event is being held over the same weekend as the Battle of Plattsburgh Commemoration, coordinated by 1814 Inc, as well as The Strand’s monthly Artisan Market and Plattsburgh’s Farmer’s Market. The City invites all members of the North Country to join us downtown for a weekend full of vibrant events that celebrate our region’s history, connect us to our growing art scene and showcase the community working together.
