ArtsFest Returns: September 22nd and 23rd

ArtsFest returns on September 22nd and 23rd, and it sure to be another great celebration of New Rochelle’s rich cultural and artistic offerings. Throughout the weekend, you can enjoy countless events and performances, including an antique car show, a behind the scenes tour of world-renowned pop artist Charles Fazzino’s studio, free performances at the PAC House Theatre, a celebration of African dance and drums at Lincoln Park, pop-up circus performers all around downtown, and much more. A free trolley will provide “hop-on, hop-off” service to all the venues.

New to Artsfest this year will be a Gallery Preview Night on Thursday, September 20th, with an evening trolley connecting downtown galleries from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Be sure to get the sneak peak!

For a complete schedule of venues and events please visit newrochellearts.org or see this schedule and map.

City’s 325th Anniversary Gets a Bold New Logo

Next year’s 325th anniversary of the founding of New Rochelle will offer many opportunities to look back on and celebrate our rich history and diverse culture. But the unifying image on anniversary publications — and on banners that will line our streets — will be a forward-looking, contemporary, bold logo designed by New Rochelle resident and artist Deborah Haley.

Deborah’s logo won a design competition sponsored by the New Rochelle Council on the Arts and adjudicated by several prominent local artists. She says she was inspired by the city’s diversity, commitment to the arts, economic growth, and Huguenot history.

For more information, bookmark newrochelleny.com/325 on the City’s website, which will be updated throughout the next year as plans for the anniversary celebration develop.

Celebrate Bastille Day & Look Ahead to Next Year’s Birthday Bash

Anticipating next year’s celebration of our city’s 325th birthday, the New Rochelle Council on the Arts has sponsored a nationwide “Call for a 325th Anniversary Logo” with an independent panel of judges selecting a winner and two runners-up from the submissions.

This Friday, July 13th at 10:00 am, the winning design will be officially unveiled at our annual Bastille Day ceremony on the steps of City Hall. This event, sponsored by New Rochelle’s Sister City Committee in tribute to our enduring connection with La Rochelle, France, will feature the traditional raising of the French flag and light refreshments. Members of the 325th Anniversary Steering Committee and the Volunteer Center will be on hand to talk about volunteer opportunities associated with next year’s festivities.

This is a public event and all are welcome. So if you are interested in getting involved in the 325th anniversary events, or just curious about the logo, please drop by.

The Summer Scene at Hudson Park

Hudson Park is rapidly becoming a vital summer destination, with a lively art-inspired scene drawing guests from all over the region.

The beach, of course, draws crowds all summer long; the park and playground offer shaded recreation; and the new “Tiki Bar” (introduced last summer) keeps the crowds coming long after the sun has gone down.

But it’s the growing arts scene along the waterfront that makes Hudson Park so exciting. The Emil Paolucci Summer Sounds Concert Series brings an eclectic menu of musical styles to the refurbished band shell every Wednesday night at 7:30 pm beginning July 11. The “Fabulous Sixties Rock Show” will kick off the summer concert season with a tribute to the “swingin’ Sixties”; other featured groups include the Latin sounds of 3D Ritmo De Vida, jazz from the Andrew Swift Five, music from the Big Band era by Virgil Scott, and a special concert by New Rochelle Opera. For a complete schedule visit the New Rochelle Council on the Arts website at newrochellearts.org or download this flyer.

Nearby — just before entering Hudson Park — Wildcliff Manor will be the site of a sculpture garden open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am to 4 pm. Eric Woodlin’s Incoming Tide Entertainment will also present a full season of arts, music, family events, and workshops at the Wildcliff site, starting with a Fine Arts and Crafts Festival on June 16 (rain date June 17) from 10 am to 4 pm. Artists and craftsmen will be exhibiting and selling their work — jewelry, ceramics, metal work, wood, and eclectic gift items — throughout the day, accompanied by live music, including a performance by the Westchester Harp Ensemble. There will also be yoga demonstrations, pop-up pastel workshops, and, at 2:30, a chance to meet the sculptors whose work is on exhibit. Two more Arts and Crafts Fairs will be held July 14 and August 11.

For a full listing of summer events at Wildcliff go to incomingtideentertainment.com. For information as to how to participate as a vendor contact crafts@incomingtideentertainment.com or call 914-740-5437.

New Rochelle To Celebrate 325th Anniversary

Next year brings us the opportunity to celebrate the 325th anniversary of the founding of New Rochelle. From 1688 until today, from a small settlement of French Huguenots escaping religious persecution to our dynamic, diverse city — we will have plenty to celebrate.

Former City Council Member Marianne Sussman is leading the volunteer effort to fill 2013 with events that commemorate New Rochelle’s history and culture. Several other prominent members of the community have already signed up for the 325th anniversary committee, but much more help is needed. If you are interested in joining the committee, or if you are a member of a local organization that would like to take part in next year’s festivities, please attend the committee’s kick-off meeting on Wednesday, May 16 at 7:30pm in the Council Chambers at City Hall.

For more information, bookmark newrochelleny.com/325. This page on the City’s website will be updated throughout the next year as plans for the anniversary celebration develop.

Also visit the New Rochelle Council on the Arts for details about their competition to design a logo for the anniversary.