Adam Levi: Sculpting the Way Art is Viewed in Rye

After leaving college, Adam Levi began looking for jobs in the arts. He was unsure what he’d be doing, but he knew one thing: he loved the idea that many random paths could be taken. When he stumbled upon an opening at Rye Arts Center (RAC), he formed an immediate connection.

“The Arts Center felt like it was all-encompassing in different kinds of art,” said Levi.

It was then that Levi started as an administrative assistant, building RAC’s first website. Now he’s the center’s director, celebrating 25 years with the organization and being honored at its annual fundraiser.

With the website up and running, Levi dabbled in fundraising and development, which piqued his interest in expanding RAC’s programming, helping to bring in newer forms of art, such as digital animation. He even wrote a grant for a digital development lab, which ultimately moved him towards his eventual role of Digital Arts Coordinator.

Levi persevered to continue expanding RAC as he thought there was much more the organization could offer. By moving to the Arts School Director position, he introduced new types of programs and concentrated on building new technology and spaces, including a focus on S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math), with the inclusion of classes such as 3D printing.

Soon after, Levi became Senior Director, during which helped with a mix of programming and operations that helped keep the Center moving upwards.

Then, five years ago, he took on the role of Executive Director.

“The Arts Center was a special place before I got here. I only recognized it and wanted to make it even more special and more important to the community and to those who need it,” says Levi.

Creating Artistic Spaces

“We’re not just providing art classes. [Creating art] is tremendously therapeutic. My goal has always been to amplify that, and to support artists who want to make a living with a craft. It’s important to have spaces.”

Levi, an artist and musician himself, looks at these artistic hobbies as a creative outlet.

“Art and music making have been therapeutic for me even before I knew what it was,” says Levi. “Drawing, painting, experimenting; I’m too interested and excited about too many things to focus on just one.”

For instance, with music, Levi would find instruments and start playing. And while enjoying writing and recording songs, he is focused on the creation process. Likewise, RAC is dedicated to supporting that process as well, displaying the hard work that artists put into their work.

Big Plans for RAC

Levi has even bigger plans to make RAC an even more welcoming place for Rye residents and beyond.

“We’re looking towards expansion and more opportunities,” says Levi.

An expansion would create room for growth, as every single corner in the current building is being used. Expansion ideas include studios with adequate storage, and hopes for outdoor immersion.

Levi imagines what could be: “A vision for a new arts center, one that includes two acres of greenspace for outdoor arts and a sculpture garden… a new building structure that would allow expansion to different types of arts offerings. A better experience for everybody.”

Levi sees his local community as being the reason for RAC’s long life. As such, his goal is to “create a cultural experience” by engaging that community through a destination space that celebrates the arts in the natural environment.

“Any success we have is because we connected with the community and brought the community in,” he proclaims. This is a sentiment he intends to embrace and expand upon in the center’s future.