Artists Create One-of-a-Kind Birdhouse Centerpieces for NRCA Event

On Saturday night guests at the New Rochelle Council on the Arts fundraiser "Art Lives Here" will be seated at tables where the centerpieces are birdhouses – but not just any birdhouses: Each of them has been individually decorated by one of 20 local artists.

The New Rochelle Council on the Arts is celebrating its 50th anniversary at “Art Lives Here” on Saturday, May 10th and the committee has been working on the décor since January, when NRCA Board member Marisa Boan proposed using birdhouses for centerpieces to underscore NRCA’s tagline, “supporting the arts right here at home.” (“What better way to communicate the idea of home?” she asked.)

NRCA purchased unfinished birdhouses and reached out to local artists to use them to create original works of art that will be auctioned off to support the organization’s programs and events. Participating artists include Theresa Beyer, Marisa Boan, Alexi Brock, Cristina Cerone, Marie Hines Cowan, Steph Gonzalez, Naomi Grossman, Lynn Honeysett, Zahra Jlayer, Hannah Jupiter, Barry Mason, Stacey Miller, Christie Morejon, David O’Neil, Vicky Rolett, Scott Seaboldt, Emlyn Tavares, Mitchell Visocky, Jane Wals.

The birdhouses are part of the evening’s Silent Auction of one-of-a-kind art, collectibles and experiences which include a Charles Fazzino print, a vacation stay in Antigua, and song lyrics signed by such artists as Peter Yarrow, Tom Paxton and David Mallet. The bidding is open now at

https://www.32auctions.com/NRCA50thGala

and closes at 10 pm on the night of the Gala.

Art Lives Here will be held at the Forbes Auditorium at Temple Israel. Guests are invited to “come as they were (or as you would have been)” for a 1970s inspired party that will include a cocktail hour with live music by Loungezotica, a dinner buffet of 70s-inspired dishes (creatively catered by Modern Restaurant) and a DJ spinning dance floor favorites of the era, plus more surprises (including a dance tribute to Salsa master Hector Lavoe).

Tickets are available at

https://newrochellearts.app.neoncrm.com/event.jsp?event=5&

In addition the evening will honor a diverse group of New Rochelle residents who have brought the arts home to their community :

• Visual Arts: Charles Fazzino, world-celebrated artist known for his 3-D Pop Art
• Arts Education: Alexandra Rutsch Brock, artist, curator, educator
• Film and Community: Malcolm Lee, award-winning Director and Producer of film and TV
• Camille Banks Lee psychotherapist and youth advocate
• Community Partner: Vin Parise and the Department of Parks & Recreation

Sponsors for Art Lives Here include Golden Grand Sponsor The Cappelli Organization and LRC Construction; other sponsors include the Art Lives Here Sponsor New Rochelle CLD; Making Art Happen Sponsors BRP, Charles Fazzino, New Rochelle Department of Parks & Recreation, and Westchester Parks Foundation; Back to the 70s Sponsors M&T Bank, Sky Advertising, Lynn and Steve Green, Theresa and Tom Leghorn, and Ellen and Steve Sonet; Good Vibes Sponsors Alborada Florists, Terri and Alvin Bowles, Cafetero Coffee Co., Monroe University, Montefiore New Rochelle, Town House Kitchen + Drinks, Magic Spells for Teachers, Michael Anthony Holdings, Inc., and Leah Sills; and Creative Inspiration Sponsors 18th Ward Tap Room and Breanetta Productions.