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Written by Isabella Aranda

Design by Justin Negard

1. Once Upon a Time in America

About a half-hour away lie 45 masterworks of America’s greatest artists. The Bruce Museum in Greenwich brings a unique perspective to how artists have shaped the understanding of America through four themes: identity, belonging, belief and making. Together, these themes offer a fresh perspective on familiar American stories in a new light. See works by Georgia O’Keeffe, Edward Hopper, John Singer Sargent and more in American Stories from Sargent to O’Keeffe: A Partnership with the Newark Museum of Art, on view through October 20, 2027.

2. Contemporary Native Art Comes to Katonah

Katonah’s art scene is about to get a little bigger when Branchline opens on Parkway this Nov. 6. Courtesy of the Gochman Family Collection, a private collection centered around contemporary Native art and a broad range of artists and artistic practices, Branchline will feature an evolving schedule of exhibitions and programs. The opening show, Line Break, showcases 18 artists whose paintings, textiles, sculptures and drawings explore how lines “convey ideas and emotions as well as chart time, document history, and share stories.” This is just the beginning. The Collection will open two more spaces in 2027, so stay tuned.

3. The Nicest Name on Your List

Your list is long, but there’s room for one more name on it: your community. Check out our annual Giving Tuesday page to learn about some of the amazing nonprofits (many of them local) you can support. Simply scroll through our list to learn about each one then pick the organization that speaks to you. Donation links are provided. Extra points if you decide to get involved in the organization; many of them love volunteers. Consider it the easiest item on your to-do list. Start here.

4. Westchester Has a Festival for That

Holidays are for festivals, and Westchester has them all. For lights, Katonah’s tree lighting is Nov. 29 at 5 p.m.; their new menorah will be lit Dec. 4. Or if “skates before lights” is your motto, Pleasantville’s Dec. 6 Community Lighting Ceremony starts with the ice rink opening at 2 p.m. and the lighting at 6 p.m. Next, shop and stroll the window displays at Mt. Kisco Holiday Fest & Holiday Windows on Dec. 12. Frosty fans can catch him at Armonk’s Frosty Day parade on Dec. 6 at 4 p.m. And no holiday is complete without the 1.2-mile Winter Wonderland drive-through light show at Kensico Dam Plaza, starting Nov. 27.

You Asked. We Delivered. (You’re Welcome.)

You’ve probably spotted Scoop, our lovable mascot, hiding in our pages. Now he can tag along wherever you go. He’ll wave a sleepy good morning from your coffee mug, hold your groceries in a reusable tote and even pop up on stickers you can tuck around the house for friends to find (or adorn your water bottle, laptop, etc.). Think of it as a game of hide-and-seek that never ends. He’s also a great gift or stocking stuffer for the holidays. Browse the Scoop goodies on our merch page.

Superwoman in Training | + posts

Isabella Aranda is a designer, writer and social media specialist with an M.A. in emerging media from the New Media Institute at the Grady College of Journalism & Mass Communication. Driven by curiosity and inspired by timeless modern design, she blends creativity and strategy to craft compelling narratives that engage diverse audiences.

Her expertise spans digital marketing, content creation and UX design, with notable achievements such as co-creating the Georgia On Your Mind podcast and leading digital campaigns that significantly boosted engagement. A Venezuelan immigrant, Isabella brings a multicultural perspective to her work, enhancing her ability to connect with and inspire others.

Creative Director at Connect to Northern Westchester | + posts

Justin is an award-winning designer and photographer. He was the owner and creative director at Future Boy Design, producing work for clients such as National Parks Service, Vintage Cinemas, The Tarrytown Music Hall, and others. His work has appeared in Bloomberg TV, South by Southwest (SXSW), Edible Magazine, Westchester Magazine, Refinery 29, the Art Directors Club, AIGA and more.

Justin is a two-time winner of the International Design Awards, American Photography and Latin America Fotografia. Vice News has called Justin Negard as “one of the best artists working today.”

He is the author of two books, On Design, which discusses principles and the business of design, and Bogotà which is a photographic journey through the Colombian capital.

Additionally, Justin has served as Creative Director at CityMouse Inc., an NYC-based design firm which provides accessible design for people with disabilities, and has been awarded by the City of New York, MIT Media Lab and South By Southwest.

He lives in Katonah with his wonderfully patient wife, son and daughter.