Business and civic groups come together for ‘Bedford Art Crawl’

The town of Bedford, the Bedford Village Business Association, the Katonah Chamber of Commerce and destination 39.3 are teaming for their first “Bedford Art Crawl” on Saturday, Oct. 19.

As the name suggests, the crawl will feature artisans, exhibits and music threaded through Bedford Hills, Bedford Village and Katonah, the three hamlets that make up destination 39.3, a community organization begun in 2022 to help create a greater sense of engagement among the trio. (Its moniker, written lowercase, stems from the town’s square mileage.)

In calling attention to Bedford’s hamlets, organizers hope the crawl will call attention to its businesses as well as its artists.

“Inspired by Katonah’s ‘Fall Art Walk,’ where we typically attract hundreds of visitors, I am thrilled that Bedford is expanding to a town-wide event and showcasing the extensive roster of talent in our area,” said Casey Carter, president of the Katonah Chamber of Commerce and owner of Bijou Fine Jewelry there. “Inviting artisans from around the region has contributed to the success of the Katonah art walk, and we are thrilled to expand this to a town-wide event.”

Added Town Supervisor Ellen Calves: “Bedford is a magnet for creativity and talent.  With Caramoor, the Katonah Museum of Art and the Bedford Playhouse serving as cornerstones for the arts, our ability to now bring together local artists, exhibits and merchants is a perfect example of what makes Bedford unique and special.”

With more than 60 artists and artisans representing an array of genres – from painting and pottery to photography, vintage finds, leather goods, stationery, jewelry and more – the hamlets will also each offer their own unique experiences. In addition, Arts Westchester will be on hand via its Mobile Art truck, providing impromptu art classes for adults. While local visitors can walk or drive to the events, day-trippers can take the train to Katonah or Bedford Hills, where they will be transported directly to the Art Walk – no taxi or uber required.

Said Bedford business promoter Laurie Hilliard: “We can’t wait to welcome neighbors and visitors from around the region to spend the day exploring, shopping, dining and enjoying the vibrancy of Bedford’s historic hamlets.”

The “Bedford Art Crawl” will run from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.  For a full list of participants and details on music in each hamlet, visit Bedfordartcrawl.com.