Farmers' Market can’t sustain the arts

WARWICK — There will be no Integrated arts and farmers' market in the Village of Warwick this summer, as was the hope of the people behind Warwick Art On The Green.

The Village of Warwick board voted down the motion at its regular meeting, which was rescheduled from March 18 to March 21 due to a snowstorm.

Trustee Eileen Patterson abstained from further discussion and voting on the motion.

The board had discussed the integrated market concept at its first regular meeting in January.

“Sales are down when artists are present,” said Cheryl Rogowski, chairwoman of the Warwick Valley Farmers’ Market, during privilege of the floor.

Rogowski said she opposed artists and farmers sharing the same days and hours because more people walk through the market without buying what the farmers are there to sell.

Warwick Valley Farmers’ Market celebrates its 20-year anniversary in 2014, which Rogowski called a “huge accomplishment.”

Although Warwick is home to a large number of artists, the Farmers’ Market is special in its mission and execution, Rogowski said.

It uses the GrowNYC Greenmarket model, has bylaws, a steering committee and crop schedules. Its non-profit mission is to sell food, which happens rain or shine.

The Farmers’ Market takes place on Sundays from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. beginning May 12 through Nov. 17 in the municipal parking lot on South Street.

Warwick Art On The Green Inc. is a not-for-profit company responsible for hosting and promoting art events in Warwick. These events are located at the Railroad Green downtown and held throughout the summer fall months. According to the group’s Web site, these “events are meant to bring the local community together as well as be a highlight for visitors to Warwick. Within walking distance are many shops, galleries, restaurants, bars, and farmers market (on select Sundays).”

In other news
The board approved payment of bills totaling $341,384.14

The next regular meeting of the board is scheduled for Monday, April 1, at 7:30 p.m. in Warwick Village Hall, 77 Main St.

- Birgit Bogler