From the CEO: Artistic Rye Playland
When I was a kid growing up in the Rockaways, Playland was the place to go on a summer date. As I recall, it was about the only way a couple of teenagers could cuddle, even if it was only on a roller coaster. Rockaway Playland was built in 1902 and sadly closed in 1987, so it was an easy thing to transfer my affection to Rye Playland when I moved to Westchester. Built in 1928 with its art deco architecture, Rye Playland was a unique destination of historic buildings and colonnades. Recently, I visited Playland, which is now operated by Westchester County in partnership with Standard Amusements, and it was nice to see the place come alive with new coats of paint and manicured gardens. I particularly loved the art deco promenade and the side of the mall that was lined with columns, inspired by art deco design. Our ArtsWestchester team was recently invited to scout out some locations for public art – what a nice idea to add some contemporary sculptures to the already artistic Rye Playland.
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 create an equitable, inclusive, vibrant and sustainable Westchester County in which the arts are integral to and integrated into every facet of life. 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. artsw.org
