Art for Purchase 2026: Downtown Rye’s Open Air Art Experience Returns

ByThe Rye Arts Center

Event Dates: September 17–October 29, 2026
Opening Event: Thursday, September 17 from 4-5:30PM
Deadline for Applications: May 13, 2026 (See Calls Below)

 

This fall, The Rye Arts Center once again transforms Purchase Street in Downtown Rye into an open-air art experience. This year’s edition runs longer than ever before, stretching from September 17th through October 29th, with a special opening reception planned for the evening of the 17th. Residents and visitors alike are invited to experience art woven seamlessly into the fabric of everyday life, all autumn long. This year’s event is thoughtfully timed to coincide with beloved local happenings—such as the annual October window painting—creating exceptionally vibrant opportunities to celebrate local creativity while amplifying visibility for both artists and local merchants.

Art for Purchase is a public art project that reimagines storefronts as intimate stages for local and regional artists, cultivating a rich dialogue between creativity, commerce, and community. As you browse shop windows or linger along the sidewalk, you’ll discover various artwork amid the hum of daily routines. These works don’t just beautify; they invite conversation, connection, and a deeper appreciation for the role art, and local artists, play in shaping cultural identity and supporting local vitality. For Tim Cacace—owner of Rafele Rye and Gordito Kitchen and Co-president of the chamber of commerce, last year’s event was a highlight. Cacace noted, “It was a wonderful occasion that brought the community together. Having the opportunity to showcase local artists is always a privilege—art is something everyone can appreciate.”

By showcasing original art in the heart of Rye’s commercial district, the initiative brings together artists, business owners, and the broader community in a shared celebration of creativity and local enterprise.

Call for Artists

We are seeking artists working in all mediums—painting, photography, mixed media, and more—to participate in this public art project. Whether you’re an emerging talent or a seasoned creator, Art for Purchase offers a unique platform to share your work with a broad and directly engaged audience.

 

PART 1: Apply here: https://buy.stripe.com/aFa28r39876L8af1NadUY04

  • Costs: $50 non member / $30 RAC Member
  • RAC Members can use promo code “ARTISTMEMBER20” 

PART 2: After payment, a link will be provided on the confirmation page. Click the link provided to finish your application and upload examples of your art!

 

Call for Businesses

We also invite local businesses on Purchase Street to serve as hosts: turning a section of their storefronts into miniature galleries. Hosting an artist transforms your storefront into a destination. Connect your brand with one of Rye’s most celebrated cultural initiatives and welcome new customers through your door.  

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The Rye Arts Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring creativity and building community through the arts. Proceeds from Art for Purchase support accessible arts education and programming for all.

About The Rye Arts Center

The Rye Art Center was founded in 1960 by five Rye families and four hundred odd dollars. The Rye Arts Center serves more than 35,000 residents annually in approximately 30 towns/villages, covering a diverse region in Westchester and lower Fairfield Counties. Its programs, which cost over $1,200,000 a year to operate, are supported by tuition, memberships, private and public grant-making agencies, corporate contributions, special events, and the generous donations of individuals in our communities. Our mission is to inspire life-long enthusiasm and participation in the arts through best-in-class artistic offerings and educational programs. We strive to positively impact our local communities by bringing attention to the importance of the arts, creating a destination for diverse voices, and providing meaningful artistic opportunities.

The Rye Art Center was founded in 1960 by five Rye families and four hundred odd dollars. The Rye Arts Center serves more than 35,000 residents annually in approximately 30 towns/villages, covering a diverse region in Westchester and lower Fairfield Counties. Its programs, which cost over $1,200,000 a year to operate, are supported by tuition, memberships, private and public grant-making agencies, corporate contributions, special events, and the generous donations of individuals in our communities. Our mission is to inspire life-long enthusiasm and participation in the arts through best-in-class artistic offerings and educational programs. We strive to positively impact our local communities by bringing attention to the importance of the arts, creating a destination for diverse voices, and providing meaningful artistic opportunities.