News Briefs: August/September 2025

“News Briefs” articles report on recent local arts and culture news stories in bite-sized pieces to keep readers informed of new local arts developments.

First Wednesdays at the Neuberger Museum of Art: Free & Open Late

The Neuberger Museum of Art, situated on the Purchase College campus, has announced a new tradition: First Wednesdays. From now on, the first Wednesday of each month will signal free admission, with doors open until 8pm. This monthly evening will be open to all and will include ever-changing activities from 5-8pm, such as films, crafts, lectures and more. The only upcoming exception will be October, since the first Wednesday overlaps with Yom Kippur. Here’s a look at First Wednesdays at the Neu through the end of the year:

• October 8: Engage Your Senses: a guided sound bath meditation surrounded by Stephen Antonakos’s Proscenium, followed by a special screening of a soon-to-be-announced documentary film. This event takes place on the second Wednesday due to the first being Yom Kippur.
• November 5: Common Threads / Shared Voices: This evening encourages guests to take time to reflect on the ties that connect friends, students and family by gathering for an evening “of making, listening and celebrating community” with a campus-wide open mic.
• December 3: Quiet Moments: Keeping in mind that its students will be in the midst of finals, this evening is designed to be a respite from the chaos – a time to relax and participate in some quiet drawing, listen to calm music and recharge before winter break.

Open House: Dance and Music

As the school year kicks off at local school districts, two local arts schools also welcome people in the community to consider becoming new students. Steffi Nossen School of Dance and Hoff Barthelson School of Music each offer an upcoming window into their respective programs:

• Fall Open House (September 6): Hoff Barthelson School of Music will open its doors to the public by inviting students of all ages, from preschool through adulthood, to explore its instrument and vocal lessons. Participants can sample private mini lessons, observe or join group classes and meet the school’s faculty. For those who can’t attend or wish to attend both, an online orientation will introduce the school’s director and programs on September 25 via Zoom.
• Free Week of Dance (October 4-10): Steffi Nossen School of Dance & Center for Movement will allow the community to observe classes for students as young as 18 months to explore with their caregiver through high school. Prospective students can participate in classes from modern and jazz to tap and ballet. Adaptive dance classes are also available and free to try during the “Week of Dance.”

New Theater Company Presents Original Works in Armonk

State of Play Productions, a self-described “theater incubator” aims to bring new works to the stages in Westchester. Though the company is based in the county, it operated in New York City for a decade before now presenting its first production in Westchester this month – at Whippoorwill Hall, located at the North Castle Library in Armonk.

“We are excited to bring this process closer to home here in the Hudson Valley,” says State of Play Artistic Director Michelle Concha, an Ossining resident.

The company supports the development and production of original full-length plays, beginning with Susan Jennifer Polese’s Two Junes & No July, which will run from September 5-7 with a preview on September 4 and an opening reception on September 5. The play follows a newlywed couple from the Bronx during the Korean War. Frank and Angie are relocated to an army base in Georgia, where Frank has been assigned for training.

Recently Appointed Directors

New CEO Gillian Fox Took the Helm During Organization’s 80^th Season

Caramoor welcomed a new President and CEO, Gillian Fox, at the start of Caramoor’s 80^th summer season. Fox previously served as Executive Director of Newport Classical, where she was responsible for executing the artistic and strategic vision of the organization.

According to Caramoor’s board chairman, James A. Attwood, Jr., Fox’s “deep experience in development, organizational management, and community engagement makes her ideally equipped to guide [Caramoor] forward.”

President & CEO Gillian Fox comments: “My vision builds on the legacy of the Rosens [the former owners of the estate who founded the organization], particularly Lucie’s aspiration to make Caramoor more accessible to the public – a place where audiences can find connection and cultural engagement… I look forward to…supporting the next generation of artists.” 

Prior to joining Newport Classical, Fox served as Director of SOLUNA Festival & Contemporary Programs at the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. Atwood adds: “[Fox] brings a rare combination of strategic insight, artistic sensibility and a proven track record in arts leadership.”

Says Fox: “As we celebrate Caramoor’s 80th anniversary this year, I am touched by the legacy of innovation and generosity that has brought us to this milestone. Together, we have an extraordinary opportunity to honor that legacy while imagining a bold and vibrant future for Caramoor—one where music continues to inspire, connect, and transform lives.”

Rehabilitation Through the Arts Appoints Jermaine Archer as Executive Director

Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) announced Jermaine Archer as its new Executive Director earlier this year. Archer brings his personal experience to this new role, as he is an alum of the organization’s program that brings arts into prisons to provide critical life skills to incarcerated individuals. The program has a high success rate, with less than three percent of RTA members returning to prison within three years, compared to the national recidivism rate of over 60%.

While incarcerated at Sing Sing Correctional Facility, Archer was a leader in RTA’s arts programs at the facility. He calls this role “a full circle with a full heart moment”: after his release in 2020, he joined RTA’s Board of Directors and has now become the second Executive Director in RTA’s 29-year history.He explains:“RTA changed my life. It’s more than an organization to me; it’s family, and it feels good to be coming home.”

Most recently, Archer was Program Associate at Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies Criminal Justice Grantmaking, which oversees a budget of $40 million dollars and implemented grants to more than 80 organizations.Archer explains that he has “experience on both sides of the wall,” and aims “to play a lead role… reaching as many people as possible with these essential programs and transforming our criminal legal system into one based on dignity, respect, creativity and possibility.”

The organization’s work gained worldwide attention with the release of the Sing Sing, an Oscar-nominated feature film inspired by RTA’s program and starring several of its alumni.

RTA Board Chair Annette Nash Govan remarks that “with Jermaine at the helm…[they] will strengthen [their] organization’s foundation, expand [their] programming beyond New York, implement pathways to build the field through strategic partnerships and collaboration and continue to evaluate and improve [their] efforts.”

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• Armonk Has Heart (and New Public Art)
• White Plains Performing Art Center Kicks Off New Season