A Display of Creativity and Community at Paint the Dale

A community art project drew aspiring artists for all ages to Chase Park on Sunday October 26 to lend a hand in painting a large “We Love Scarsdale” mural, designed by local artist Joe Pimentel.

Dara Gruenberg, Deputy Mayor, Dena Setzer, Chair of the Arts Advisory Council, Joe Pimentel, Mural Artist, Sam Reemer, Executive Director of the SBA and Leah Dembitzer, Chair of the Advisory Council on Human RelationsIn order to get inspiration for what the mural should depict, Pimentel met with members of the Village Board, Manager’s Office, Arts and Human Relations Councils, the SBA and the Village Historians to learn what images represent Scarsdale. He took that information and drew a large mural showing the high school, the Village, the Post office, the clock, parks and local iconography. The mural was suspended on a large wood frame and locals signed up to paint.

Organized by Deputy Mayor Dara Gruenberg, the Arts Advisory Council, the Scarsdale Business Alliance and the Advisory Council on Human Relations, the project offered a chance to express creativity and build community.

Commenting on the project, Pimental said, "I’m happy to share that I finished the mural project this afternoon! It was a wonderful experience working with the community this past Sunday—everyone did an amazing job throughout the entire process. Over the past few days, I received many positive comments filled with appreciation and excitement, which made the project even more rewarding.

The design was inspired by the key elements of the Town of Scarsdale provided by Mayor Justin Arest, Deputy Mayor Dara Gruenberg, Dena Setzer from the Arts Advisory Council, and Deputy Village Manager Stephen Shallo. They were both incredibly supportive through each stage of revisions as we shaped the final mural design. I’d also like to acknowledge the Scarsdale Parks team for constructing a great structure to support and display the mural panels. I applied a protective varnish to ensure the artwork withstands all weather conditions.

The goal of this community mural was to give residents the opportunity to leave their mark, celebrate their shared legacy, and come together as a team—and it truly accomplished that. I’ve completed several outdoor community murals in the past, and this one stands out for the enthusiasm and collaboration everyone brought to it.

I continue to work with schools and districts on similar projects that allow students and teachers to take part in creating lasting, meaningful art for their spaces.

Thank you again for the opportunity to be part of such a positive and creative experience."

While the painting was in process and the Farmer’s Market was in full swing, there were many other activities taking place for both kids and adults. To create a video montage, residents were filmed answering the question, “What do you love about Scarsdale?”

Everyone was invited to paint a rock with an inspirational message. The rocks formed a garden of gratitude and positivity. There were hands on art projects and crafts that kept little hands busy.

The mural is on display in Scarsdale Village. Stop by and take a look!

Mayor Justin Arest and Deputy Mayor Dara Gruenberg