Freezing a Moment

(photo credit: David Rocco)

There’s something to be said for freezing a moment.  That’s what photographers do. One Westchester photographer I know has been freezing many moments as the construction of the new Mario M. Cuomo bridge has been underway. David Rocco, a retired civil service carpenter, is happy when he is photographing construction projects. For the past few years, he has been tracking with his camera the progress of the building of the new bridge and the demolition of the old bridge. At the Arts Award Luncheon on April 11th, Rocco will receive the Lawrence Salley Photography Award in recognition of his significant body of work of outstanding artistic merit. This award is in memory of “Larry” Salley, a former Westchester County Commissioner who has served on the boards of ArtsWestchester and the African American Men of Westchester. Salley was a modern-day “Jazz Man,” whose passion was taking photographs, particularly of jazz artists.

(photo credit: David Rocco)

David Rocco has a different passion. He loves construction projects.  So it is no surprise that the breadth of Rocco’s work documents construction projects such as the Walkway Over the Hudson, the Mount Beacon Restoration project and now the construction of the new Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge and the demolition of the old Tappan Zee Bridge. An exhibit of Rocco’s relentless efforts to capture the new bridge’s construction is available to the public at the White Plains Library, on display in their gallery on the 2nd floor until March 22nd. The Arts Award Luncheon is one of my favorite events. Not only does it mark the true arrival of spring, but it’s also an event dedicated to celebrating you — the individuals and organizations committed to the cultural life in Westchester County. This year’s Arts Award winners are: John Shearer, of Katonah; Victoria “Vickie” Morris of Katonah; PJS Jazz Society, of Mount Vernon; Pace University Professor Maria Luskay, of Holliston, MA; and community groups Pro Bono Partnership, based in White Plains; and Rehabilitation Through The Arts, based in Purchase. To learn more about this year’s winners, click here.