Artists raise money with mirrors at ‘Reflections of a Garden'

Warwick — The third annual artists’ silent auction, “Reflections of a Garden,” will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, June 11, at Applewood Winery at 82 Four Corners Road in Warwick. Visitors will be able to witness the results of a collaboration between artists and gardeners, as they raise money with mirrors for the upcoming Summer Arts Festival in July, and Warwick in Bloom. Last year, artists fashioned birdhouses or mini-Adirondack chairs for the program, and Jonathan Talbot’s firecracker birdhouse, entitled “Bye-Bye-Birdie,” fetched a $300 winning bid. This year, they will be literally doing it with mirrors, some of which will be displayed in the window of The Bookstore on Main St. in Warwick. “We are blessed with a number of creative artists,” according to event co-chair, Heidi Hamilton, “who know how to express unique concepts with ordinary objects.” Liz Reese, Community 2000 board member and Summer Arts Festival organizer, agreed. “This event is a critical one to the Summer Arts Festival, because it highlights how the arts affect our entire community.” Warwick in Bloom co-chair and artist contributor, Amy Sliter of Corwins Florist, added, “The auction helps to build awareness of how important it is to volunteer your time to get things done that you believe are important.” In past years, the event has been sponsored by area businesses which the Warwick in Bloom committee of volunteers has relied upon for continued involvement in the community, such as the Leyland Alliance of Tuxedo and Warwick Grove; Jenna & Co., antiques; Mima’s of Warwick; Prudential Rand Realty; Warwick Valley Farmers Market; Shop Rite of Warwick; and Wadeson Home Center. The silent auction helps to expand the efforts to maintain and enhance beautification projects throughout the Village of Warwick, all done through private contributions of time, talent, and money. During the spring, Warwick in Bloom plants large containers and hanging baskets on bridges and pedestrian friendly areas throughout the village, and continues to replant in the autumn and winter. Each year, Warwick in Bloom plants a vintage 50’s truck at the Warwick Valley farmers market. This year, they will help The Shade Tree Commission to plant more trees. Each year, they plant the Sanford Memorial at Kings Highway and Main Street. There are now 87 giant planters adorning village streets that are seasonally re-planted and maintained with the help of the Warwick Valley Gardeners. Decorative antique parking meter sleeves are now in use on Railroad Ave. and lower Main St., and other projects are in the works. Warwick in Bloom volunteers beautify the community, and educate area residents about improving the quality of life. They share gardening ideas and information with people throughout the region. To attend the auction, become a member of the group, or learn more about gardening issues in the Warwick Valley area, visit www.warwickinfo.net/wib.