ArtsFest 2017
“ArtsFest” returns to New Rochelle and Pelham, kicking off on Friday, October 6th with an Arts in Oktoberfest Gallery Hop, then continuing all weekend with a full calendar of art events and activities. Highlights include behind-the-scenes tours of working artists’studios — including world renowned 3-D artist Charles Fazzino’s Museum Editions studio, where visitors can meet the artist and dabble in interactive arts projects – as well as a Classic Car Show, Arch for Kids interactive activity at the Huguenot Children’s Library, and the 6th annual Lincoln Avenue Arts & Culture Fest (sponsored by grow! LPGC) with activities, demos, food and music. Also on the menu are art exhibits at the Rotunda Gallery, College of New Rochelle, Iona College and the New Rochelle Public Library, interactive activities at the Pelham Arts Center all weekend, and a free trolley providing transportation between four major points both days. A Sound of the Sound Music Festival on Sunday will feature live music on two stages at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore.
“Each year ArtsFest grows in different directions,” observed NRCA President Theresa Kump Leghorn. “We chose the October date this year to allow a little time between the Street Fair in September and ArtsFest. And that gave us the idea for our Arts in Oktoberfest gallery tour kickoff, with beer and cider tastings at several different galleries from 6 to 8 pm on Friday.” The ArtsFest steering committee includes Leghorn and NRCA Board members Charles Fazzino and Angela Derecas Taylor along with Julie Maner, Scott Seaboldt, Lynn Honeysett and Anki King.
Participating artists and venues as of press time include Charles Fazzino Studio, Highbrook Studio, Rotunda Gallery at City Hall, Iona College, Huguenot Children’s Library, New Rochelle Public Library, Dance Connections, Alvin & Friends, Pelham Art Center, Thomas Paine Cottage, MESH Print Studio, College of New Rochelle, Ground Floor Co Working, New Rochelle Artists Association (NRAA), Marie Hines Cowan, Patricia Sutherland, Capoeria Luanda, Media Loft, Habitat for Humanity, Hudson Park Children’;s Greenhouse and the 5th Annual Lincoln Avenue Arts & Culture Fest – grow! LPCG’s Art in the Garden.
An official ArtsFest calendar will be mailed to city residents and available at venues as well as online. “Designing, printing and mailing the calendar, plus the cost of renting the trollies and other equipment really adds up, so we’re very grateful to the generous sponsors who make ArtsFest possible,” added Leghorn. ArtsFest sponsors so far include Gwendolyn Appleyard Trust, Charles Fazzino, ArtsWestchester, Montefiore, Alvin & Friends Restaurant, Iona College, Pepe Mercedes Benz and AJ’s Burgers.
Organized by the New Rochelle Council on the Arts, ArtsFest highlights the variety of arts and arts venues in New Rochelle and Pelham, with art exhibits, programs and family-friendly activities at more than two doszen venues that give both visitors and residents alike a window into the city’s rich cultural and artistic diversity. The celebration will include live music, great food, exciting performances, and eclectic shopping. Visit the NRCA website at www.newrochellearts.org or email info@newrochellearts.org for more information.