Beverly Shipko, Artist
  • Paintings
    • Bakery Displays
    • Cakes, Pies & Tarts
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    • Cookies, Cupcakes & Ice Cream
    • Additional Desserts
    • Egg-centric
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    • January 2015
    • September 2015
    • January 2017
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Year: 2025

It’s important: Subscribe to The Rivertowns Dispatch!

December 25, 2025 by Beverly

Local community newspapers provide vital functions

When the local newspaper, The Rivertowns Enterprise, folded in January, 2024, I was a lost soul. The paper that supported the RiverArts Studio Tour, and my art through the years, was gone.

I depended on that paper for local news and weekly events listings summarizing happenings in all the Rivertowns – Hastings, Dobbs Ferry, Ardsley and Irvington, NY.

Suddenly, I missed my connection to the community. Unexpectedly, I didn’t know what was going on. From art exhibits, concerts, farmers markets, local elections, to road closures – and even thefts! Plus I disconnected from the schools and sports events.

Fortunately, this was temporary.

Thank you for resurrecting the paper!

Luckily, in May 2024 The Rivertowns Dispatch replaced the Rivertowns Enterprise, suspending operations after 49 years in business. The still-defunct sister paper The Scarsdale Enquirer, which operated for 123 years, was not so lucky.

As a community, we are grateful to have our paper back. A special thank you to the Publisher, Alison Schulte, and Editor, Tim LaMorte for stepping up to fill the gap with The Rivertowns Dispatch, and for bringing other staff members back, like Listings Editor, Jennifer Gold.

As we move into 2026, The Dispatch needs our help building a solid subscriber base to stay in business long term!

Did you hear about a 280,000 sq. ft. warehouse on 9A?

Recently, I read the following Letter to the Editor in The Dispatch (Dec. 17. 2025). The subject is an “alarming” 280,000 square foot warehouse under serious consideration by the Town of Greenburgh. At a quarter mile long, it is way out of scale for the area and a narrow, fragile two lane 9A road. Plus the location is right across the street from my apartment!

What a nightmare this is in its current form – with all the truck traffic! Not just for me, but for anyone trying to use 9A to access the I-87 entrance and exit, the village of Ardsley, Rivertowns Square in Dobbs Ferry, and even Home Depot or Stew Leonards.

No one has heard about the warehouse since they are not subscribers to The Dispatch.

My next blog will provide more information on how our voices can be heard.

In the meantime, you can start the new year by subscribing to The Dispatch, and be informed consumers (a la Crazy Eddy. Remember him? I can hear him yelling: Informed consumers are our best customers!)

From The Rivertowns Dispatch on How To Subscribe

The Rivertowns Dispatch is your new local news source covering Ardsley, Dobbs Ferry, Hastings-on-Hudson and Irvington. We report on local politics, environment, arts, high school sports and community voices through our weekly print paper, website, email updates, podcast and social media. We also have a special for-kids-by-kids section, The Little Dispatch.

Subscribers receive the print edition delivered to their doorstep each week, along with access to our full archive online.

If you’d like to subscribe, visit https://www.rivertownsdispatch.com/membership/

And if you’re not sure if you’re already subscribed, just email us at hello@rivertownsdispatch.com, and we’ll check for you!

______________________________________

Stay informed!

Calling all residents of Hastings, Dobbs Ferry, Ardsley and Irvington: Show your support by subscribing to The Rivertowns Dispatch.

Information is power.

In summary, give yourself a present that will pay dividends. The Dispatch is vital to preserve the quality of life in our community. Additionally, it gives us choices to fully experience the rich variety of Rivertowns activities available. Finally, please forward this subscriber information to your families, friends and neighbors.

Happy Holidays!

Posted in: News, Uncategorized Tagged: #bevsbites #Rivertowns #Dispatch #RiertownsDispatch #RivertownsSquare #warehouseproposal #9A #hastings #dobbsferry #ardsley #irvington #280000

Come to Beverly’s Exciting Open Studio 2025: Food, Flowers & Fun!

October 25, 2025 by Beverly

The annual RiverArts® Studio Tour is almost here — and I’m thrilled to be part of it once again!

About the November 8th/9th Exhibition

Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 8 (11am–5pm) and Sunday, November 9 (11am–3pm), and join me in Ardsley for a weekend of food, flowers, and fun.

In partnership with RiverArts® 2025 Artists Studio Tour
📍 The Lofts at 423 Saw Mill River Road, Building A, 3rd Floor Club Lounge, Ardsley, NY

Come take a bite out of life (and yes, an Oreo — gluten-free too!)

🍰 First Paintings – The Main Event

My paintings celebrate joyful memories of desserts and everyday delights — cakes, cookies, pies, berries — often half-eaten to capture the sweet nostalgia they bring. With vibrant color and playful realism, each piece invites you to linger and smile.

Additionally, I’ll show a few early “pre-dessert” works to answer one of the most-asked questions: “What did you paint before desserts?”

Kid-friendly show → Bring your children and grandchildren!

🥂 Then Food and Gifts

Again, thanks to Ginsberg Development Corporation (GDC) and The Lofts, we’ll have the spacious 3rd-floor lounge — with shelves, light, and room to show more art than ever. And yes, there will be food!

  • Saturday (2–4): Cheese, charcuterie, wine + non-alcoholic drinks
  • Sunday (12–2): Bagels, cream cheese, Danish, mimosas + more

Plus, Oreos for snacking — maybe your bite will appear in a future painting.

Holiday gift shopping? I’ll have note cards (including Riviera’s slanted birthday cake), small drawings, prints, and panel paintings available.

🌸 In Addition, Flowers

Now in my 6th year of ikebana, I’ve begun weaving its harmony and balance into my painting practice.

  • A video will feature some of my favorite Sogetsu Ikebana arrangements from weekly classes.
  • I’ll display at least one live arrangement — For me, ikebana is like painting with flowers.
  • Small floral paintings (Lotus, Orchid) and floral note cards will also be on view.

🤝 Finally, Fun & Community

Equally important, you’ll find like-minded people here.

Also expect the unexpected. I’ll be sharing some of my experiments with AI in art — and I’d love to hear what apps and tools you’ve tried too.

🗺️ Specifically: Tour Maps & Logistics

Over 80 artists across the Rivertowns (Hastings, Ardsley, Dobbs Ferry, Irvington, Tarrytown, Sleepy Hollow) are opening their doors.

📍 I’m #19 on the map (Ardsley section)… currently in the middle of Saw Mill River Road. Oops! My neighbor, talented still life painter Linda Friedlander, will also be showing in Building C (#18) — just a short walk 2 buildings away (at the most southern building at The Lofts). A two-for-one stop!

Go to RiverArts.org for the Interactive and printable map. One of my favorite pages shows a thumbnail artwork from each artist to help plan your day.

Directions and Entry

The Lofts complex sits right on the border of Ardsley/Hastings. Use 423 Saw Mill River Road or 5 Mill River Lane in your GPS to get to the red-trimmed building at the northern end of the complex. Parking is available in front, or at the southern end in the rather hidden lot next to the maintenance shack.

The Lofts is located about 30 minutes north of Manhattan by car. The complex is located on the west side of Saw Mill River Road, one mile south of the Lawrence Street exit (#16) off the Saw Mill River Parkway.

Hopefully the building door will be open. If not, type Beverly into the directory to reach me so I can buzz you in. Take the elevator to the 3rd floor.

Taking the train? Catch the MetroNorth Hudson Line from Grand Central Terminal to Hastings-on-Hudson → then taxi/Lyft to The Lofts.

🎉 Why Come?

In summary, this is always a joyful, party-like event with art, food, conversation, and connection. Whether you’re a foodie, flower lover, or curious about art, please stop by the weekend of November 8th and 9th, and share in life’s sweetest surprises.

Bring your friends, family, and curiosity. Please feel free to share this event on social media. See you soon!

Finally, if you have any questions, 📧 contact: beverlyshipko@mac.com
📸 Instagram: @beverlyshipko,
Facebook: Beverly Shipko, Artist

P.S. In addition to the main Tour weekend, there are two Preview Shows. 

Sunday, October 26 from 3-5pm at Hastings Village Hall Gallery, 7 Maple Avenue (for artists from Hastings, Dobbs Ferry and Ardsley). I will have a vending painting in this show.

Sunday, November 2 from 3-5pm at Shames JCC, 371 S. Broadway (for artists from Irvington, Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow)

Posted in: Exhibits of My Work, Food, Ikebana, Oreo Cookies, Paintings, Studio Tour, Uncategorized Tagged: #bevsbites #art #oilpainting #prints #RiverArts #StudioTour #OpenStudio #RiverArtsStudioTour #Oreo #Hostess #Rivertowns, #Halloween #ikebana #Sogetsu #tradition #flowers #finearts #november

Watch My Talk: Discover A Magnificent Menagerie in Art

October 24, 2025 by Beverly

Did you miss my October 7th art history talk at the Scarsdale Library? If so, you can now watch the full recording below, A Magnificent Menagerie: Animals in Art.

Join me for a delightful journey through art history’s most memorable creatures. You may never look at animals in art the same way again!

Featuring Animals in Art Through the Ages

From prehistoric cave bulls to Tang Dynasty ceramics, animals have always inspired artists. Later, in the Middle Ages, they appeared in illuminated bestiaries. Moving forward, we see them in Degas’ racehorses and Jamie Wyeth’s pig. Today, they even show up as beloved stars of Instagram feeds.

Across time, animals have been featured not only in paintings but also in sculpture, architecture, children’s books, advertising, movies and more. Often, they serve as symbols, companions, and sources of joy.

Special thanks to David for suggesting this meaty topic, and to Claudette who encouraged my first talk on A Bite-Size View of Food in Art at the Scarsdale Library. I appreciate your support and inspiration.

Finally, thank you to the Scarsdale Library for hosting this event and supporting the arts in our community. It was a joy to share this talk in such a welcoming space. Plus the library features a large format screen so we can see details. In addition, the large screen allows for multiple images, stimulating a visual dialog.

You can also view my talk from the library website.

I hope you’ll join me in celebrating the fascinating role animals play in art across cultures and centuries by watching today.

Posted in: Art Talks, Inspiration, Uncategorized Tagged: #besbites #art #arttalk #animals #animalsinart #bestiary #gargoyle #sphinx #anthropolmorphicanimals #spokescharacters #unicorn @lascaux @picasso

Explore Exciting Animals in Art: Join My Upcoming Talk

October 4, 2025 by Beverly

Calling all animal and art lovers!

You are invited to my upcoming hybrid art talk on “A Magnificent Menagerie: Animals in Art” at the Scarsdale Public Library on

Tuesday, October 7, 2025 – coming up fast!

4:30pm – 5:30 pm.

Light refreshments following

This is my third art talk to the Scarsdale Library community. Previously I spoke on Food in Art and Flowers in Art. While my personal focus has been on painting food, and more recently making Ikebana flower creations, I have returned to many other subjects, including animals, periodically. And I am thrilled to be revisiting to my art history roots once again with this exciting journey through a magnificent menagerie of animals in art – both fantasy and real!

Registration Requested

Click here to register to come In-Person or attend Online. It’s especially important to register in advance if you’re attending virtually to receive the zoom link an hour before the presentation begins. And it will begin on time. Registration closes 3:00pm on Tuesday, October 7.

Bring a bit of an appetite since Bonnie, my younger daughter, is serving light refreshments. A rough head count will help her plan quantities of “bites” and drinks.

And how could we not serve food? It’s a long standing tradition at any Shipko event.

Bring Your Family and Friends!

The more, the merrier. Please feel free to invite your friends and family – especially animal lovers both kids and adults – by forwarding this email with the link. This is a public event.

Hope to see you this Tuesday, October 7th at 4:30!

Transportation

The Scarsdale Public Library is located at 54 Olmsted Road, in Scarsdale, NY right off Boston Post Road in Southern Westchester Country. For those who plan to drive, parking is plentiful in the library lot and on the nearby side streets. Because of the positive response to this talk, and other simultaneous library events, parking could be more challenging than usual. Please allow extra time to park.

For non-drivers from NYC, the Scarsdale train station is on the Metro-North Railroad’s Harlem Line from Grand Central Station. The station is fairly close (1.6 miles or 5 minutes) and easily accessible by taxi, Lyft or Uber.

Questions?

Finally, for additional information, please go to the website at scarsdalelibrary.org or call (914) 722-1302. You can always contact me directly at beverlyshipko@mac.com or 914-954-7779.

Now the question for me is how is to organize and condense a massive amount of material on this epic topic. We’ll be covering a lot of ground, from prehistoric times to the present. I hope you’ll let me know how I did afterwards…

As always, I am looking forward to seeing you on October 7, and ushering in the fascinating world of animals!

Posted in: Art Talks, Inspiration, News, Uncategorized Tagged: #AnimalArt, #animallovers, #animalpainting, #animals, #AnimalsInArt, #Ardsley, #arthistory, #arttalk, #beastiaries, #bevsbites, #cats, #dogs, #famousanimalart #ScarsdalePublicLibrary, #fantasyanimals, #gargoyles, #GrumpyTheCat, #NoahsArk, Scarsdale

My Bundt Cake Painting Featured on Allegra Goodman’s New Book

August 17, 2025 by Beverly

🍰 A Slice of Sweet News!

I’m thrilled to share some delicious news — my Bundt Cake painting has been chosen for the cover of acclaimed author Allegra Goodman’s upcoming book!

Bundt Cake, Oil on canvas, 16 x 20 inches, Beverly Shipko

There’s something magical about seeing a painting take on a new life beyond the canvas, and this collaboration feels like the perfect pairing. Just as I love capturing the joy and nostalgia of desserts in paint, Goodman’s stories explore the layers of life with the Bernstein family in rich detail and depth.

You can read more about the upcoming 2026 publication from Penguin Random House here.

Stay tuned for the book’s release — and next time you see it on the shelves, you’ll also be getting a little taste of my art!

Posted in: News, Paintings, Uncategorized Tagged: #BundtCake #cakepainting #bookcover #AllegraGoodman #ThisIsNotAboutUs #penguinrandomhouse #bevsbites #dessert #comfortfood #Bernsteins

Join us for my Happy Spring “Flowers & Art” Talk!

March 4, 2025 by Beverly

Spring fever is in the air! Every year colorful blossoms slowly emerge, bringing us happiness and joy.

This year I’m excited to be welcoming spring with a talk on flowers and art. This upbeat subject will inspire and uplift us all.

You are invited!

The Scarsdale Public Library graciously invited me to return to present Creativity in Bloom: Flowers and Art on Tuesday, March 25 at 4:30pm. The event will last an hour – 45 minute talk plus questions, followed by refreshments.

The flowers topic is a bit of a change from my previous food presentation at the library called A Bite-Size Talk of Food in Art, which was well received, and included an exhibit of my food paintings. Edward Patrick Grigg will be exhibiting travel related pieces at the library during the month of March.

Registration Requested

Click here to register to come In-Person or attend Online. It’s especially important to register in advance if you’re attending virtually to receive the zoom link an hour before the presentation begins. And it will begin on time. Registration closes 3:00pm on Tuesday, March 25.

Bring a bit of an appetite since Bonnie, my younger daughter, is serving light refreshments. A rough head count will help her plan quantities of “bites” and drinks.

And how could we not serve food? It’s a long standing tradition at any Shipko event.

Transportation

The Scarsdale Public Library is located at 54 Olmsted Road, in Scarsdale, NY right off Boston Post Road in Southern Westchester Country. For those who plan to drive, parking is plentiful in the library lot and on the nearby side streets. Because of the positive response to this talk, and other simultaneous library events, parking could be more challenging than usual. Please allow extra to park.

For non-drivers from NYC, the Scarsdale train station is on the Metro-North Railroad’s Harlem Line from Grand Central Station. The station is fairly close (1.6 miles or 5 minutes) and easily accessible by taxi, Lyft or Uber.

Questions?

Finally, for additional information, please go to the website at scarsdalelibrary.org or call (914) 722-1302. You can always contact me directly at beverlyshipko@mac.com or 914-954-7779.

Now the question for me is how is to organize and condense a massive amount of material on this epic topic. I hope you’ll let me know how I did afterwards…

As always, I am looking forward to seeing you on March 25, and ushering in the delightful world of flowers!

https://www.scarsdalelibrary.org/event/hybrid-flowers-art-99705
Posted in: Art Talks, Ikebana, Inspiration, Uncategorized Tagged: #bevsbites #talk #arttalk #flowers #art #CreativityInBloom #FlowersandArt #FlowersinArtHistory #ScarsdalePublicLibrary #Scarsdale #Ardsley #flowerpaintings #flowersinarthistory #Sogetsu #Ikebana

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This is a website about art, food and life - with dash of art history.

In my blog, I focus on the process of making art in general and creating dessert paintings specifically, while sharing my ongoing quest for new bites of life.

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BLOG POSTS

  • Motherhood in Art: Join me for an Inspiring Art Talk! (Hybrid)
  • Cake Painting’s Thrilling Debut on Allegra Goodman’s “This Is Not About Us!”
  • It’s important: Subscribe to The Rivertowns Dispatch!
  • Come to Beverly’s Exciting Open Studio 2025: Food, Flowers & Fun!
  • Watch My Talk: Discover A Magnificent Menagerie in Art
  • Explore Exciting Animals in Art: Join My Upcoming Talk
  • My Bundt Cake Painting Featured on Allegra Goodman’s New Book
  • Join us for my Happy Spring “Flowers & Art” Talk!
  • Plan your unforgettable arts weekend with this RiverArts Studio Tour map!
  • You’re invited to Beverly’s Open Studio 2024
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