New Rochelle Council on the Arts Welcomes New Board Members

The New Rochelle Council on the Arts (NRCA) is pleased to welcome two new Board members: Andrea Alexander and Delano Allen have been elected to NRCA’s Board of Directors.

“The NRCA is an all-volunteer organization, so we are always on the lookout for talented, hardworking people whose passion is the arts, and both Andrea and Delano fit that profile,” says Theresa Kump Leghorn, President of NRCA. “Both Delano and Andrea jumped right in as volunteers, wowing us with their creativity, and we know each of them will bring unique skills and talents to the Board.”

Andrea Alexander, known artistically as Alex Diamond, is a multidisciplinary artist, composer, and entrepreneur based in New Rochelle. She is the founder of Phoenix Village, a nonprofit creative ecosystem that supports artists, youth, and small businesses through programs that merge art, education, and community engagement. Andrea is also the creator of two artisan ventures: Simply Local Pantry, a community marketplace celebrating local makers and small-batch goods, and Aroma Alchemy, a sensory spice brand that fuses flavor, mood, and culture.

As a composer and storyteller, Andrea’s work bridges music, writing, and visual art — exploring themes of ancestry, resilience, and transformation. Her current project, The Epic of Kiarra Gold, unites mythology, science, and social commentary into an epic speculative saga. She says her mission is to build spaces where creativity and community thrive side by side — where art isn’t just seen, but felt.

Delano Allen is a graduate of New Rochelle High School; he received an Associates Degree in Science and Digital Filmmaking from Westchester Community College, transferring to NYU Tisch where he is currently studying Film and TV. Delano’s creative projects include writing and directing “Apologetically Black,” which won awards for Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography and Best Performance (Maiya Diarrisso) at the first ArtsFest Film Festival in 2024. He also wrote and produced “Dream School,” for which he received the Grand Jury Award from the Westchester Community College Digital Film Festival 2023 and the Audience Choice Award from The Yonkers Film Festival (YoFi Fest) 2023.

Most recently Delano chaired the ArtsFest Film Festival, inspired by the opportunity to connect local and international filmmakers to lower Westchester audiences. “I don't believe you should have to leave your hometown to experience the arts. This is more than a film festival, it's an opportunity to build community."

The New Rochelle Council on the Arts is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year: Created by the New Rochelle City Council in 1975 to stimulate and encourage the study and presentation of the performing and fine arts, NRCA has worked to fulfill that mission by sponsoring art exhibitions, theatrical productions, dance recitals, film screenings, lectures, and concert series. In addition, NRCA has sponsored public art -- like the popular NRNY Murals -- and created annual events like the Summer Sounds Concert Series at Hudson Park and ArtsFest, while helping to build relationships between the arts, the business community and city government. Find out more at the NRCA website www.newrochellearts.org .

NRCA's current officers include Theresa Kump Leghorn, President; Lynn Moloshok Green, Vice President; Karen Keller Selman, Treasurer; Margaret Chadwick, Recording Secretary; and Maddali Paci Atallah, Corresponding Secretary.

In addition to the Executive committee, NRCA's Board of Directors includes Marisa Boan, Nick Carter, Barbara Davis, Leslie Demus, Monica Deane, Selena Evans, Dave Fabris, Charles Fazzino, Zahra Jlayer, Janine Jones, Anthony Paolercio, Christine Ramage and Catherine White, and Youth Advisory Board members Isaac Evans and Harmony Hopwood. NRCA's Board of Advisors includes Terry Prettyman Bowles, Angela Derecas Taylor, Linda Kelly Fauci, Dianne Flagello, Lynne Honeysett, Jesse Sanchez, Leah Sills, Eric Woodlin and Ex Officio Member Vin Parise, Commissioner of New Rochelle’s Department of Parks & Recreation.

NRCA's programs are made possible, in part, by the City of New Rochelle and grants from ArtsWestchester (with funds from Westchester County Government) as well as private foundations; additional support comes from event sponsorships and individual donations. For more information visit NRCA on the web at www.newrochellearts.org.