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JANUARY 31 – FEBRUARY 6, 2024 • ANTON MEDIA GROUP
HEARTS PW 2024 Red Party
Honoring Jane and Joel Ronis, Kevin Scully and Leyalanny Mata
H
EARTS PW is pleased to present the 2024 Red Party, an annual fundraising event to support the organization’s mission and honor community members who have made significant contributions to the enrichment of the arts in Port Washington. This year’s event takes place on Friday, Feb. 9, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. at the Polish American Hall in Port Washington. To celebrate HEARTS PW turning 13 in 2024, this year’s event is a throwback theme to “13.” The event features a live DJ, open bar, dinner, and great raffles from community businesses and organizations. HEARTS is thrilled to recognize four community members, for their past and continued efforts in supporting and enriching the arts across Port Washington. This year’s main honorees are Jane and Joel Ronis, both long-time residents of Port Washington, proud supporters of the arts, and former
Board Members of HEARTS PW. Their collective leadership and contributions helped launch HEARTS PW, establishing and supporting programs that have enriched the lives of thousands of Port Washington residents through the arts. Jane was a founding Board member of HEARTS, and Joel later served as HEARTS Board President. They are both still active in several arts initiatives in the community, including the Community Synagogue Theater Company, and Landmark Radio Theater, among others. Kevin Scully will receive this year’s Arts Education Leadership Award. Kevin is a champion of the arts in the public school, serving as Director of Creative Arts for the (Contributed graphic) Port Washington School District, in addition to being an educator, trumpet player, and Education (NYSCAME). conductor. He also serves as president of This year’s Founder’s Award—given the Nassau County chapter of the New York to dedicated HEARTS PW volunteers—is State Council of Administrators of Music Leyalanny Mata. Her passion for the
performing arts was borne out of her daughter’s own passion for musical theater. Over the years, Leyalanny has volunteered with many local groups, including HEARTS PW and PortFest, HarborFest, Curtains Up, and currently serves a board member for one of the great summertime community traditions, the Port Summer Show. The annual Red Party is a HEARTS tradition that helps raise money for our mission to enhance, support, and promote the arts and arts experiences in our public schools and the Port Washington community. If you’re not able to join us in-person, please make a donation to support our organization and further our work in the community. Tickets are available for $125/ticket ($75/ ticket for educators), along with sponsorship packages and digital journal ads. Visit heartspw.org for additional information. —Submitted by Hearts PW
The Nicholas Center Showcases Neurodiverse Artists At The Art Guild
Local organizations partner to showcase artistic talents of neurodiverse artists The Nicholas Center held a special Reception at The Art Guild on Sunday, Jan. 21. The show, entitled “Expressions—Our Perspective in Art, Photography and Words,” is the first Nicholas Center collection to be shown. The Nicholas Center has partnered with The Art Guild—meeting monthly to study and create together. Students have been introduced to a variety of artistic styles and mediums in process-oriented art, where the act of creating is as important as the final piece. An impressive array of artwork created both at The
Nicholas Center and at The Art Guild will be shown through the end of January. “The variety of artistic talent on display is quite amazing. The Nicholas Center is thrilled to partner with The Art Guild to offer autistic adults the opportunity to learn, explore and create! Thank you to teachers Tracy Lefkowitz and MaryKate Carroll for their vision," said Lee Anne Vetrone, director of development for the The Nicholas Center. The Nicholas Center has revolutionized the way autistic adults learn, live and work by offering vocational training,
supported employment, meaningful community-based projects and vital peer connections. Visit tncnewyork.org for more information. The Art Guild of Port Washington, Inc., is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization providing encouragement, education and a forum for the appreciation of the visual arts. The Guild seeks to offer residents from local and neighboring communities an avenue to broaden their creative pursuits. Visit theartguild.org for more information. —Submitted by the Nicholas Center
“Expressions—Our Perspective in Art, Photography and Words” by The Nicholas Center
Admiring the artwork on display at The Art Guild.
The community gathered to support the new exhibit. (Contributed photos)