Artistic expression helps define a community’s character and vitality. The arts can inspire, bring pleasure, educate, stimulate thought and discussion … and also contribute to our economy by attracting visitors and encouraging business. So we’re very fortunate in New Rochelle to benefit from the talents of many local artists and from the leadership of the New Rochelle Council on the Arts, which makes performances and exhibitions accessible to the public.
Whether you’ve already enjoyed New Rochelle’s cultural offerings or whether you are new to our arts scene, do yourself a big favor and mark your calendar for Saturday, September 24th and Sunday, September 25th, when the New Rochelle ArtsFest returns. During the weekend, there will be activities at twenty-two different venues — exhibits, celebrations, performances, gallery tours, and more.
You can view schedules for Saturday and Sunday, a map of locations, and details about events. And if you need transportation, two trolleys will run continuous loops. Just about everything is free.
Catie will be volunteering at the Huguenot Children’s Library (one of the venues), so I’ll be touring the various sites with our kids.
You are also invited to a special performance of the Dance Theatre of Harlem (DTH) at New Rochelle High School, scheduled in conjunction with ArtsFest for the evening of September 24th. This is the second time DTH has come to New Rochelle, and it’s a real treat (even for someone like me, who knows next to nothing about dance). You can purchase tickets for this performance and reserve a seat online. And please note also the free rehearsal and behind-the-scenes opportunities earlier in the day. DTH is coming to New Rochelle thanks to the great work of Lori and Michael Armstrong.
I hope to see you at ArtsFest!