News Briefs October 2022
Milton J. Ellenbogen Fine Art Gallery Reopens with Picasso Celebration
The Milton J. Ellenbogen Fine Art Gallery in White Plains will reopen this month for the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. An opening reception on October 14 will kick off its new exhibition, Celebrating Picasso 2023. The show, which will be on view through December 30, jump-starts the Bicentennial of Pablo Picasso that will take place in 2023. On view will be photographs, lithographs, oils and works on paper by Pablo Picasso and other world renowned artists including Andre Kertesz and Toulouse Lautrec.
Poet Laureate Presents Eco-Writing Workshops
Westchester Poet Laureate B.K. Fischer is presenting an outdoor writing series called “Floodwaters Workshops,” which is designed to use poetry as a catalyst for conversation about local climate, conservation and social injustice. Upcoming workshop locations include Greenburgh Town Hall on October 8 and 29 (10am-1pm) and LOFT LGBTQ+ Community Center (TBD). A workshop on October 22 begins at Hudson Valley Writers Center and continues with a half-mile note-taking walk to the Pocantico Estuary at Devries Park, ending with an hour of writing in the landscape. Those who are interested in participating in an eco-writing workshop can email floodwatersworkshops@gmail.com.
Collaborative Concepts Display Merges Art and Nature in Brewster
Tilly Foster Farm in Brewster, NY presents new works on display by the nonprofit group Collaborative Concepts, which merges art and nature in a rural farm setting through October 30. The works of 35 artists include large-scale sculptures and installations that tackle a variety of subjects and media. Visitors are encouraged to tour the works at their leisure, an experience that includes a backdrop of autumnal leaves, hiking trails, farm animals and more.
15th Annual ArtsFest in New Rochelle and Pelham
For the 15th year, New Rochelle Council on the Arts presents ArtsFest, a celebration of the arts in New Rochelle and Pelham. The four-day festival kicks off on the evening of October 20 with the world premiere of new music from Copland House and continues throughout the weekend, featuring art exhibitions, open artist studios, live music and dance festivals, family-friendly activities and more through October 23. Highlights include a free guided trolley tour of New Rochelle’s newest public artworks and the ArtsFest Artisan Market, which displayed artisan wares from more than 30 local makers who will be selling their creations.
Local Art Expo Addresses on Environmental Themes
The Address Earth Art Expo is the Inspiration Arts Group International’s first physical post-pandemic offering. Dozens of artists at several locations presented artworks focused on common themes – celebrating the planet Earth and addressing the global issues that affect its environment. Media on display are not limited: 2D, 3D, short film and video, installation, literature, music and dance are all represented. This month, the large-scale exhibition continues in several locations: Hudson Valley Museum of Contemporary Art (through October 30), Croton Free Library (through October 28) and The Art Gallery at the Visual & Performing Arts Center of Western Connecticut University in Danbury, CT (October 13-December 4).
Grant Opportunity: Voices for Change
Voices for Change is an artist grant opportunity designed by ArtsWestchester to promote social awareness through the arts and advance the principles of inclusiveness, equity and accessibility in our community. Composer and pianist Pablo Mayor and playwright David Simpatico were each chosen by the organization’s Social Justice Committee and both recently realized their projects with productions. Mayor’s El Sapo is a fully staged musical and dance work that discusses climate change and immigration through the voice of a frog (“el sapo”). Simpatico’s Ex-Gay Bar, is a two-act comedy-drama that explores the unregulated gay conversion therapy/torture industry. The next round of the Voices for Change grant is now open for applications. Deadline: October 21.
MARSHA ON THE MOVE
Monthly Web Feature
When Business Council of Westchester President Marsha Gordon, is not advocating for businesses in the County, she can be found at the cinema or theater. Read Marsha’s October review below.
What a terrific feel-good movie with all the ingredients to be a winner. A wonderful part for Adam Sandler, who plays a long-time basketball scout with higher aspirations, and finds a gem (of a player) in the rough – in a schoolyard in Spain. The story that follows is about basketball, but also motivation, love, family, self-esteem and commitment. All of this in the face of defeat, history and self-doubt. That is as true for the player as the coach. All of this makes for a totally enjoyable and uplifting film.
Calling All Interested Interns!
Gain valuable experience in a fast-paced and creative environment through an internship with ArtsWestchester’s Grants, Arts Education, Design, Communications/Marketing, Events or Gallery departments. To learn more, contact Remy Kuhn at rkuhn@artswestchester.org.
A version of this article first appeared in the October 2022 issue of ArtsNews, ArtsWestchester’s monthly publication. ArtsNews is distributed throughout Westchester County. A digital copy is also available at artsw.org/artsnews.