ArtsFest 2011 a Chance to Be a Part of the Art

ArtsFest 2011 isn’t just about being an observer of art. It’s about learning to be a part of it.

According organizers of the event, the New Rochelle Council on the Arts planned activities  designed to “give both visitors and residents alike a window into the city’s rich cultural and artistic diversity.”

“The arts are essential to healthy communities,” says Judith Weber, president of NRCA. “The arts bring people together and spark dialogue, which generates community spirit. ArtsFest is all about community.”

The NRCA said events include ’s antique car show and a “Glee” workshop intended to help aspiring vocalists. In the spirit of being a part of the art, visitors will also be able to create sand art at the and contribute to a collaborative art project at the studio of internationally acclaimed pop artist Charles Fazzino.

Dance Theatre of Harlem returns to New Rochelle as a part of ArtsFest after their collaboration with the Museum of Arts and Culture last fall, the NRCA said in a news release. The DTH is a long-standing dance organization out of Harlem that aims to give children a chance to learn about dance and the allied arts.

In 2010, the DTH, as a part of their collaboration with the Museum of Arts and Culture, created an original exhibit entitled Harlem? Harlem! Dance Theatre of Harlem 1969-2010. For two months, the DTH went weekly to New Rochelle High School to help involve dance students in a professional dance institution.

According to the NRCA, the DTH will perform a free “behind the scenes” look at how dances are choreographed from 2 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. Saturday in the high school’s Linda Kelly Theater. The DTH is also hosting open rehearsals from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. that afternoon, and all are welcome to join for free.

To all those with children, ArtsFest is also a chance to escape to a world of plastic blocks and primary colors. According to the NRCA, as part of ArtsFest, the Partnership for the Hugenot Children’s Library will host “Lego Day,” a chance for children to dream up a world that can last from 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. The Partnership is welcoming Brick Builders, an organization that hosts brick-building fun parties in the name of physical, emotional, and social development of children. Brick Builders will be bringing tons of Lego parts, pieces and figures to liven up the day.

The NRCA also plans to give back to the community through hosting the event “Empty Bowls for Hope” at on Saturday from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Guests may purchase a bowl created by local artists and fill them with soup donated by local restaurants. All proceeds are then used to benefit HOPE Community Services.

There are also a slew of events—taking place in studios, art galleries and other venues throughout New Rochelle—on Sunday, including an acting workshop at Westchester Yoga Arts Children's Acting Academy from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., drum circles with A.L.I.R.A.M. Drum Circles' Damon Jackson, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Hugh A. Doyle Senior Center and an automobile-inspired photo exhibit at AJ's Burgers from noon to 5:30 p.m.

For more information and a complete schedule of events for the weekend, please visit http://www.newrochellearts.org/

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