ArtsFest 2015

“ArtsFest” kicks off on Friday, September 25^th and continues on Saturday, September 26^th and Sunday, September 27^th, with a full menu of art events and activities, from behind-the-scenes tours of artists’ studios — including world renowned 3-D artist Charles Fazzino’s Museum Editions studio – to a classic car show, LEGO ® Day at the Huguenot Children’s Library, a performance by the Ajkun Ballet, and the 4^th annual Lincoln Avenue Festival (sponsored by grow! Lincoln Park) with KidzArtz activities, demos, food and music. Also on the menu are art exhibits at the Rotunda Gallery and New Rochelle Public Library, a book signing and lecture on a fascinating new book, Hitler’s Art Thief, an exhibit on the life of composer Billy Strayhorn at the Museum of Arts & Culture, and interactive activities at the Pelham Arts Center. A free hop on/hop off trolley will link the venues, running continuously both days through New Rochelle and Pelham. The weekend concludes with a free swing dance party on Library Green on Sunday afternoon featuring live music by Glenn Crytzer’s New Yorkers and dancers from the Rhythm Stompers who will offer lessons in classic couples dancing from 2:30 to 5 pm.

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 34 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.

“This is NRCA’s 40^th anniversary, so we’re really excited to offer a variety of arts experiences this year,” says Theresa Kump Leghorn, President of the New Rochelle Council on the Arts. “And since our 40^th anniversary Gala on November 5^th, Lush Life, pays tribute to the centennial of composer Billy Strayhorn , some of our ArtsFest events are tied to that as well, including a screening of the award-winning documentary Lush Life, an original exhibit based on the new book Strayhorn: An Illustrated Life, and a Swing Dance Party on Library Green Sunday afternoon.” The free dance party will feature live music by Glenn Krytzer’s New Yorkers, a vintage style swing band that has been featured at the Lincoln Center Midsummer Night’s Swing, and dance demos by the Rhythm Stompers.

Sponsors making ArtsFest possible this year are Charles Fazzino (Museum Editions Ltd.) , ArtsWestchester, an anonymous donor, Nissan of New Rochelle, Alvin & Friends Restaurant, the Cherry Family Foundation, the College of New Rochelle, Iona College, the New Rochelle Fund for Educational Excellence, Gallery Roc, and AJ’s Burgers. For a complete calendar of venues and events visit www.newrochellearts.org.