ArtsFest Preview: Open Artists’ Studios

ArtsFest 2022 kicks off Thursday, October 20^th  and runs through Sunday, October 23^rd  with some different 40 venues presenting the work of more than 200 artists (visual artists, performers, artisans). Get a sneak peek here — then visit the NRCA website at www.newrochellearts.org for the complete ArtsFest calendar.

 Open artists’ studios are at the heart of ArtsFest, which was created to shine a light on the artists living in our community — creating exciting work right here at home. What makes visiting an artist’s studio during ArtsFest different from seeing their work on exhibit in a gallery is the chance to meet the artist face-to-face and learn about their process.

“It’s an excellent opportunity to talk first-hand to the artists and to view their work in the environment in which it was created,” says artist Scott Seaboldt of Highbrook Studio. “Though not all the work is always for sale, open studios are a chance to buy directly from the artist.”

This year a QR code in the ArtsFest brochure (easily scanned with your phone) will provide access to an up-to-the-minute list of local artists who will be opening their doors to the public. The site offers contacts as well as an interactive maps of studio locations. Here’s a sampling of what you can expect to find during ArtsFest weekend.

Charles Fazzino Art Studio at Museum Editions

(32 Relyea Pl., NR; 914-654-9370; www.fazzino.com )

Sometimes it seems like Charles Fazzino  — the world famous pop artist known as the “master of 3-D art” — is everywhere, from his permanent installation at the American Airlines terminal at JFK to his posters for this year’s Super Bowl and Major League Baseball’s All Start Game.  But Fazzino’s studio is right here in New Rochelle, and once a year he opens his studio door to the public for ArtsFest. Tour the studio, enjoy an exhibit of art created by both Charles and his daughter Heather Fazzino, meet Heather Fazzino, and experience an interactive art workshop. Fun for all ages. Friday, 6 to 9 pm; Saturday 11 am to 6 pm; Sunday, 11 am to 5 pm.

Highbrook Studios

(220 Highbrook Ave N, Pelham; highbrookstudios@gmail.com )

The group of artists who share space at this home n Pelham will open their studios for self-guided tours, exhibition and sales. Visit the work spaces of artists Scott Seabolt, Banshee Maria, Stacy Miller, Rebecca Mills, Dylan Torres and Victoria Rolett. Saturday 1 pm to 4 pm; Sunday, 12 Noon to 4 pm.

Marie Hines Cowan

(55 Webster Ave., Studio 306, NR; 914-720-5933; www.mariehinescowan.com )

Visit the private studio of figurative oil painter Marie Hines Cowan, whose large-scale paintings will be on display. Cowan’s work marries mythology with colloquial culture: Her big canvases are bold, colorful and painterly. Appropriate for all ages. Saturday and Sunday, 11 am to 5 pm.

Open Studio and Artists Market: Acupuncture Unlimited/Amelia E. Jones

(38 Lakeside Dr., NR; 914-356-2327)

Visit the studio of Amelia E. Jones for an Artists Market with creators from Got Art?, Inc.: Visit the studio, and enjoy a spoken word stage/open mic with stories and music from the African Diaspora by Therese Folkes Plair, internationally acclaimed musician, storyteller, arts educator and children’s rights advocate. Saturday 12 Noon to 6 pm, Sunday, 12 Noon to 5 pm.

Fran Sisco Studio

(30 Mill Rd., NR — adjacent to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 914-589-1013; www.TransFranSisco.com)

Artist Fran Sisco ‘s work focuses on issues of authenticity, honesty, fairness, kindness, diversity, equity and inclusion. View sculptures and paintings by Sisco and others on exhibit; live music and hands-on creative happenings (especially suitable for children). Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 11 am to 4 pm.

 Barry L. Mason at Lifestorage Building

(320 Washington St., Mt. Vernon; www.barrymasonart.com )

Artist Barry Mason is known for shaping, stretching and sculpting his canvasses and wood frames so that the finished work appears to float in the air as opposed to being positioned on the wall. His studio will be open to the public to tour the artist space and view artworks. All ages welcome. Saturday 11 am to 6 pm, Sunday 11 am to 5 pm.

Emlyn Taveras at Life Storage Building

(320 Washington St., Mt. Vernon; www.emlyntaveras.com )

Meet artist and educator Emlyn Taveras. Her artworks will be exhibited and she will be present for discussion of mixed-media collage and her process. Artworks for sale. Appropriate for all ages. Saturday 10 am to 6 pm, Sunday 10 am to 6 pm.

In addition, the studios of artists Michael Cammer  (9 Vaughan Ave.; email mcammer+art@gmail.com), Erika Hibbert (30 Clinton Pl.; email erikahibbert@gmail.com) and Selena Lozano (pictured at right, email selenalozano@gmail.com) can be visited by appointment.

About ArtsFest

Organized by the non-profit New Rochelle Council on the Arts (NRCA) ArtsFest spotlights the diversity of arts and artists in our community, with open studios, live music and dance, film screenings, pop-up art exhibits, a classic car show focused on design, a spoken word event with the acclaimed READ650, and interactive activities for all ages. This year ArtsFest will feature 40 participating venues, representing the work of hundreds of artists. For a complete calendar of events visit www.newrochellearts.org. ArtsFest sponsors include ArtsWestchester, Gwendolen Appleyard Trust, New Rochelle IDA, Charles Fazzino, Mill Creek Residential, Alvin & Friends Restaurant, Cappelli, L+M Wilder Balter, New Rochelle Downtown Business Improvement District, RXR, The Standard, Town House and in-kind sponsors AJ’s Burgers and New Rochelle Public Library. The New Rochelle Council on the Arts is proud to be a grantee of ArtsWestchester with funding made possible by Westchester County government with the support of County Executive George Latimer.