events + gatherings
ArtsWestchester Honored Arts Awards Recipients at Annual Ceremony At its April 4 Arts Award 2012 ceremony, ArtsWestchester honored organizations and individuals who significantly contribute to the arts in Westchester.
Westport Arts Center’s First Annual Art Affair, The Warhol Ball, a Smashing Success Top: Artist Martha Bloom creating a live collage at The Warhol Ball (Westport)
A
rtsWestchester was in the presence of greatness on April 4 during its Arts Award ceremony at the Crowne Plaza in White Plains. With the help of title sponsor, First Niagara Bank–along with co-hosts Fox 5 News anchor Ernie Anastos and News 12 Westchester anchor Matt Sampson–ArtsWestchester honored 7 organizations and individuals who significantly contribute to the arts in Westchester. An enthusiastic 300 guests, including local and state government officials and business leaders, came to honor this year’s well-deserved recipients: Dennis Bell, Jerry Pinkney, Steffi Nossen School of Dance, Yonkers Philharmonic Orchestra, Castle Gallery at the College of New Rochelle, Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital at Westchester Medical Center and Westchester Community Foundation.
Arts Award 2012 Winners ArtsWestchester board member Jacqueline Walker, Matthew G. McCrosson (Westchester Community Foundation), Catherine Marsh (Westchester Community Foundation), artist Jerry Pinkney, Tricia Hiller (Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital at Westchester Medical Center), artist Dennis Bell, Dan Montez (Taconic Opera), ArtsWestchester board member Deborah Simon, Katrina Rhein (Castle Gallery at the College of New Rochelle), Annette Volino (Yonkers Philharmonic Orchestra), Marcia Klein (Yonkers Philharmonic Orchestra), Judy Ross (Steffi Nossen School of Dance), Jeannie Aplin (Steffi Nossen School of Dance).
Left: WAC Board President Nancy Gault (Westport), WAC Board Member and Warhol Ball Honoree Gary Cosgrave (Westport), and WAC Board Member Chrissey Hunt. photos: Helen Kilsser During
O
ver 400 guests attended Westport Arts Center’s (WAC) first annual Art Affair, “The Warhol Ball – A Night at The Factory,” on Saturday, April 28, at 8 p.m., at the Steel Shed, South Norwalk. The sold-out fundraising event recreated the avant-garde, pop art atmosphere of Andy Warhol’s legendary Manhattan studio, The Factory, with intervals of film, art, new media, music and dance. The evening’s honoree was Westport resident Gary Cosgrave, who, as a two-time WAC past president and current board member, has championed the arts in the local community and contributed significantly to WAC’s growth and direction. “My co-chair Deirdre Price and I, and our Superstar Committee were fortunate to have selected such a colorful artist to draw upon in planning the first annual Art Affair. Using Warhol’s Factory as a springboard allowed us to showcase all the wonderful and unique aspects of the Westport Arts Center and the talented people associated with it. From WAC’s gallery to its education, film and music programs, the Ball represented and celebrated all in one fabulous party, at an awesome venue,” said Deanna Foster, WAC board member and co-chair of the Art Affair. Marni Smith Katz, WAC development director, said “the Art Affair was a great success and we were delighted to exceed our financial goal. Proceeds from the fundraiser will support WAC’s diverse, high-quality visual and performing arts programs. Thanks to generous community support, WAC programs reach more than 11,000 people annually, including 4,000 school-aged children.” The not-for-profit Westport Arts Center is a visual and performing arts organization dedicated to creating arts experiences that enrich the lives of area residents and the entire community. The WAC gallery is open free of charge, seven days a week, Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., at 51 Riverside Avenue, Westport, CT www.westportartscenter.org Bridge Academy Senior and Westport Youth Film Festival Youth Board Member, Karianna Montalvo, participates in a silkscreening project at The Warhol Ball (Bridgeport)
NYS Assemblyman Robert Castelli, ArtsWestchester CEO Janet Langsam, Fox 5 News Anchor Ernie Anastos, White Plains Mayor Tom Roach 38
CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE
photo: Kathleen O'rourke