Westfield Arts Collective To Buy Iconic Rialto Theater

WESTFIELD, NJ — A newly-formed New Jersey non-profit organization, the Westfield Arts Collective, announced that it signed an agreement to purchase the Rialto building in downtown Westfield.

The announcement comes ahead of the closing weekend of "Complements," an art exhibit being presented in the newly renovated lobby of the Rialto. The exhibit features original Charles Addams art alongside art from multimedia artist Suzanne Heilmann.

“We are excited that so many people have stopped by the Rialto to see the exhibit, with many expressing interest in the building’s future,” said Beth Cassie, President of the Westfield Arts Collective. “We are proud to announce the Center for Creativity at the Rialto, a community gathering space for creating, experiencing, and enjoying art in many forms. Our vision is to build a creative hub in downtown Westfield where makers, artists, actors, writers, and musicians of all ages and experience can connect, create, learn, and build community. Westfield is a town of artists, and preserving the iconic Rialto is the best way to ensure that the arts have a permanent place to thrive in our community.”

The initial phase of the project includes renovating the lobby and restoring one large theater. The lobby will host small gatherings, including author and poetry readings. Once restored, the main floor theater will be made available for film screenings, live performances, and other programs and presentations.

Subsequent phases will include planning for the additional five theaters and office space and will involve gathering public input.

“There is still much work to be done, but we’re thrilled to have started with the lobby, which will remain available as a rotating gallery,” said Westfield Arts Collective board member Margaret Smith. “We’ll begin rolling out our vision for a re-imagined Rialto over the next few months, and we are excited to invite the Westfield community to learn more and get involved.”