A family activity  called “It Takes A Village,” where kids will create a clay house to be a part of a miniature village, will take place today at St. Matthew’s Church as part of the annual art show. 

It was moved from Saturday because of the snow. Click here for details.

The event is integrated into the show, perfect for parents who want to introduce their kids to art and participate in a hands-on activity.

The annual art show held at St. Matthew's is a wildly successful community tradition.

Local artists find a market for their work, residents find pieces to hang in their homes and proceeds from the last 39 years total hundreds of thousands of dollars—all going toward local nonprofits.

Over the years the formula has been tweaked—what used to stretch over a week is now condensed to two days, due to lifestyle changes and an increase in time demands of today's busy families. The location has also changed a few times prior to finding its way back to St. Matthews' Fellowship Hall.

But what hasn't changed is the traditional style of artwork selected each year for the show—until now.

"We looked for originality," said Susan Grissom, co-curator of the show and director of the Lionheart Gallery in Pound Ridge, which will re-open later this winter with a contemporary focus. "We have amazing talent and pieces, from photographs to ceramics and mixed media. Today people may be moved more by a fresh expression of art, moreso than traditional paintings."

Leslie Henshaw, who co-curated the show with Grissom, said they wanted to broaden the show's audience.

"We have a core group of supporters—many of whom have purchased traditional artwork over the years and may have enough artwork on their walls. There may be new young families who are just starting their art collection and we wanted to bring in a more diverse style of art," said Henshaw, a Waccabuc resident.

She and Grissom curated the show with an eye toward artwork that people want to "live with, buy, and have in their homes to enjoy," Henshaw added.