Long-Time Mt. Kisco Resident Finds Hobby in Her Art

Patty Chadwick has lived in Mount Kisco since 1959. During that time she has done many things in the community, from having served on the tree preservation board, to having worked as a special education teacher at Rippowam Cisqua and in the Bedford Central School District. Yet, her passion as an artist was something that came late in life.

About a decade ago, when she was in her late 60s, Chadwick entered a cardiac rehab center. There she met Janes Ochs, who had an artistic background. After taking, Ochs signed Chadwick up for an art class at Lasdon Park in Somers, then at the Katonah Arts Center, where she has attended periodically ever since.

From those initial classes, Chadwick veered into art and drew a wide range of paintings, mostly landscapes and wildlife. Her interest in the area included a drawing of the old Mt. Kisco Seafood location on Lexington Avenue, and of a place at the Ward Pound Ridge Reservation. The art is representative of experiences that she's had.

For October, Chadwick got to be the Mount Kisco Public Library's featured artist, whose works were on display at the second-floor meeting room. She even got to sell some of them.

"I think it's well deserved," said Theresa Bates, of Chadwick's honor at the library. Bates, who knows Chadwick through the Katonah Arts Center, added, "I absolutely adore this woman and her artwork is part of her soul."

Karen Koeppl, who worked with Chadwick at Rippowam Cisqua, loves her work and the themes.

Jock MacRae, who taught classes for Chadwick at the Katonah Arts Center, said she is one of the best water color students that he has ever had.