This article was updated on July 14 at 10:20 a.m. to include comments from Brian Jackson, president of the Rye Chamber of Commerce.
The Rye Arts Center’s plan to paint Purchase Street has been met with huge success — more than 80 applicants are ready to paint the downtown.
Dubbed “Art for Purchase,” the novel project is looking to transform Purchase Street into an open-air art gallery by leveraging creators and local businesses to help showcase artwork by “emerging talents” and “seasoned” pros. The initiative is scheduled to run from Sept. 13 to Oct. 11.
“We’re hopeful this project will drive foot traffic to local businesses and increase visibility for artists — many of whom are small businesses themselves,” said Lauren Emerson, the marketing and digital experience coordinator of the RAC.
The deadline to apply was July 7 and Emerson told The Record on Wednesday that more than 80 applicants have signed up to take part in the inaugural event. Emerson said the number could expand as they continue to sort through the responses.
Brian Jackson, president of the Rye Chamber of Commerce, told The Record the chamber fully supports the project. He said the chamber has been discussing the plans for months and is “excited to see the results.”
Ultimately, the idea is to turn Purchase Street storefronts “into mini galleries,” according to the arts center.
The initiative will pair artists and businesses based on style, space, and interest, so not all applicants may be matched.
As part of the near month-long event, The Rye Arts Center will activate the Village Green on Sept. 13, for its opening day.
All displayed works will be available for purchase, with artists retaining 70 percent of the sold commission while 30 percent goes to the Rye Arts Center. The artists will also determine the sale price themselves.
“We believe artists know their work best, so we put the power in their hands,” Emerson said.
