"Art Lives Here" Raises $70K for New Rochelle Council on the Arts

The New Rochelle Council on the Arts celebrated its 50th anniversary with a far-out fabulous fiftieth bash “Art Lives Here” on Saturday, May 10th at the Forbes Auditorium at Temple Israel. Guests were invited to “come as they were (or as you would have been)” for a 1970s inspired party and they did not disappoint! Hippies, disco queens and high school heroes shared the dance floor and helped raise money to support the arts.

The event highlighted the positive role NRCA has played in promoting the arts in New Rochelle over the past 50 years -- and the impact the arts have had on the vibrancy of New Rochelle -- by honoring a diverse group of New Rochelle residents who have brought the arts home to their community : Acclaimed artist Charles Fazzino; artist and arts educator Alexandra Rutsch Brock; psychotherapist and youth advocate Camille Banks Lee; award-winning Director and Producer of film and TV Malcolm Lee; and Parks Commissioner Vin Parise and the Department of Parks & Recreation. The evening was hosted by Christopher John Farley, TV executive (Senior Director, Arts Programming & Development at PBS) and author whose new novel “Who Knows You By Heart,” is due out this fall.

Art Lives Here began with a “red carpet” photo opportunity featuring a vintage car. Inside, an exciting silent auction included 17 birdhouses, each decorated by a different artist, that served as centerpieces on the tables (and echoed the theme of art right here in our own backyards!). During cocktail hour guests enjoyed signature cocktails (remember the Harvey Wallbanger?) and live music by Loungezotica 3000, followed by a dinner buffet (catered by Modern Restaurant) featuring 1970s era favorites.

After dinner a dance performance by Elisa Toro Franky (featured artist with Accent Dance) that honored salsa legend Hector Lavoe got the party started; then guests took to the dance floor with a DJ spinning all the greatest hits of the 70s. The event netted $70,000 for NRCA.

The Art Lives Here Gala Committee was co- chaired by NRCA Vice President Lynn Green and Board member Janine Jones, with a steering committee that included Maddali Paci Atallah, Marisa Boan, Margaret Chadwick, Barbara Davis, Monica Deane, Leslie Demus, Selena Evans, Dave Fabris, Linda Kelly Fauci, Ximena Francella, Liz Garland, Theresa Kump Leghorn, Christine Ramage, Karen Keller Selman, Andi Stix and Mercy Tullis-Bukhari.

Art Lives Here sponsors included:
Golden Grand Sponsor : Cappelli Organization and LRC Construction
Art Lives Here Sponsor: New Rochelle CLD
Making Art Happen Sponsors: BRP, Fazzino, Friends of New Rochelle Parks, Westchester Parks Foundation
Back to the 70s Sponsors: M&T Bank, SKY Advertising, Lynn and Steve Green, Theresa and Tom Leghorn, Ellen and Steven Sonet
Good Vibes Sponsors: Cafetero Coffee Company, Monroe University, Montefiore New Rochelle, Town House Kitchen + Drinks, Magic Spells for Teachers, Michael Anthony Holdings Inc., Leah Sills
Creative Inspiration Sponsors: 18th Ward Brewing, Breanetta Productions