Pelham Art Centers says farewell to Lisa Robb

Yesterday was Lisa Robb Day in Pelham.  I know this because I heard it proclaimed last night at a farewell party for Lisa who has left the Pelham Art Center after 11 years as the Director. The Pelham Art Center is a family affair. Our hosts, Paul Francis, former treasurer of the board (last century) and his wife, Titia Hulst, co-chair of the center’s gallery committee (this century), know a thing or two about the visual arts, having collected art for more than 25 years.

Mr. Francis hailed Lisa’s tenure as bringing the art center to a new professional and artistic level.  Town Supervisor Joe Solimine  talked about Lisa’s determination.  Her usual M.O., he said, is to phone him and say “Gotta a minute?” which becomes a prelude to a 20 minute conversation on an exciting art project.  We know this to be true at ArtsWestchester, but that’s how she gets the job done in her own charming and inimitable way.  Supervisor Joe thanked her for spreading the arts to Mt. Vernon and for extending the outreach of the center to include those in need of inspiration and enrichment.  State Legislator Amy Paulin, Heather Hitchens and Ann Van Ingen from the New York State Council for the Arts, staff, artists, and board members, and many others who have worked closely with Lisa for the last decade were there to cheer her on.  Last month, her colleagues missed her presence on the annual trek to Albany, but we’ll all keep in touch through earobb@gmail.com. Thanks Lisa for all you do for the arts in Westchester!