This week’s post is by guest blogger Elena Martinez, Guest Curator for ArtsWestchester’s Folk Arts program. Graffiti is only one component of what has come to be called hip hop. Most people agree that the graffiti writer is one of four main “elements” of hip hop’s aesthetic expression. There is also the MC, who “raps” […]
I am writing to thank you for opening my eyes to vistas unknown to me prior to visiting your glorious gardens in Bedford. NEVER. BEFORE have I seen so many luscious peonies. I happen to be semi-literate on the subject of peonies and yours were in the vernacular “to die for.” I know you make […]
In today’s technology-driven world, making music can be done from anywhere. That’s in part why Crain’s New York Business is reporting that 20% of the New York City’s recording studios have disappeared over the past decade, and 25% of live-music clubs have shut down since 2000. The culprit appears to be rising rents and changing entertainment habits. That may […]
The year 1965 was a mixed bag. “The Sound of Music” played to crowds. The Beatles released “Help.” Music legend Jerry Garcia came on the scene. More troops were sent to Vietnam. Women hiked up their hemlines to don the mini skirt. The civil rights march from Selma to Montgomery rocked the country. […]
Hard to believe that tonight is the 18th year ArtsWestchester is hosting its popular ArtsBash. But, it’s worth remembering that in 1998, we had just purchased a nine story old bank in “as is” condition. For the uninitiated, “as is” means everything is on its last legs in a building that has been vacant for […]
It was The New York Drama Critics’ Circles best play of 1959. In 1961, it became a film starring Westchester’s Ruby Dee and Sidney Portier. Then it became a Broadway musical in 1973 and ever since, it has been revisited, revived and acclaimed. This weekend (Friday and Saturday at 7pm and Sunday at […]
Not much was working between the city and the community when John Lindsay became mayor of New York in 1965. He wanted the city to be known as “fun city.” Yet, it was a tough lift at the time, even for the popular Lindsay. Working for the Mayor in the early 70s, I […]
When I think of Romare Bearden, I can actually reproduce in my mind colorful depictions of African American factory workers going about their laborious routines. I am less familiar with the artist’s abstract works, which are at the root of his vision. Now, in part through a $45,000 grant from National Endowment for the Arts […]
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