A Public Art Update From ArtsWestchester
Dear Friend of the Arts:
One of the most endearing things about the arts is its power to bring people together. That’s what we had in mind when we initiated a major public art project that would be sewn by many hands in the community. Unfortunately, the social distancing that is required due to the COVID-19 virus has curtailed our sewing sessions and we need more time to complete Metropolis Sunrise, the monumental work of public art by artist Amanda Browder.
While the unveiling of the work was originally scheduled for May 2020, we now need to move the installation date forward to allow time to complete the work. Once it is safe to gather, we will resume sewing sessions. In the meantime, we are considering the feasibility of some “Zoom” sewing sessions.
Collectively, we have sewn an incredible 6,500 square-feet of fabric, which means that we are two-thirds of the way towards completing our goal of sewing 10,000 square-feet! We have rallied a staggering number of volunteers – some 400 individuals – and partners. Metropolis Sunrise is fundamentally an expression of a community working together to bring beauty and vibrancy to their shared living space. During these times, such connectivity is more important than ever. ArtsWestchester will continue to find ways of connecting around public art-making and placemaking. We ask that you stay in touch with us as we work to complete and celebrate the entirety of this project.
We thank Amanda Browder, our volunteers and our partners for their contributions to this project!
A version of this article first appeared in the May issue of ArtsNews, ArtsWestchester’s monthly publication. ArtsNews is distributed throughout Westchester County. A digital copy is also available at artsw.org/artsnews.
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About ArtsWestchester
For more than 50 years, ArtsWestchester has been the community’s connection to the arts. Founded in 1965, it is the largest, private, not-for-profit arts council in New York State. Its mission is to provide leadership, vision, and support, to ensure the availability, accessibility, and diversity of the arts. ArtsWestchester provides programs and services that enrich the lives of everyone in Westchester County. ArtsWestchester helps fund concerts, exhibitions and plays through grants; brings artists into schools and community centers; advocates for the arts; and builds audiences through diverse marketing initiatives. In 1998, ArtsWestchester purchased the nine-story neo-classical bank building at 31 Mamaroneck Avenue which has since been transformed into a multi-use resource for artists, cultural organizations, and the community. A two-story gallery is located on the first floor of ArtsWestchester’s historic building on Mamaroneck Avenue.
For more than 50 years, ArtsWestchester has been the community’s connection to the arts. Founded in 1965, it is the largest, private, not-for-profit arts council in New York State. Its mission is to provide leadership, vision, and support, to ensure the availability, accessibility, and diversity of the arts. ArtsWestchester provides programs and services that enrich the lives of everyone in Westchester County. ArtsWestchester helps fund concerts, exhibitions and plays through grants; brings artists into schools and community centers; advocates for the arts; and builds audiences through diverse marketing initiatives. In 1998, ArtsWestchester purchased the nine-story neo-classical bank building at 31 Mamaroneck Avenue which has since been transformed into a multi-use resource for artists, cultural organizations, and the community. A two-story gallery is located on the first floor of ArtsWestchester’s historic building on Mamaroneck Avenue.