ArtsWestchester to Honor Betty Himmel

ArtsWestchester recently announced that it will honor Betty Himmel of Purchase at its Nov. 20 gala celebrating the organization’s 50th Anniversary.

Himmel is among a group of 19 former and current presidents being honored for ensuring ArtsWestchester’s growth and success throughout its five decades in existence.

In announcing this tribute during a celebratory event in October at The Ritz-Carlton, Westchester, ArtsWestchester CEO Janet Langsam praised the work of these Westchester leaders who have each, in his and her own way, propelled the organization from a small group of volunteers in 1965 to a nationally recognized private arts council, the largest of its kind in New York State.

“Westchester County is a more vibrant place because of the hard work, dedication and leadership of these devoted individuals,” said Langsam. “The work of these board presidents has grown the cultural industry in Westchester to an economic impact of more than $156 million. They deserve this tribute.”

ArtsWestchester was founded in 1965 -- the same year as the National Endowment for the Arts -- when a small group of volunteers wanted to build a cultural center in the suburbs similar to Lincoln Center. But the early founders instead focused their energies and resources on arts programming and advocacy. A year after they organized as an Arts Council, they received their first $1,500 grant from the New York State Council on the Arts. Over the years, ArtsWestchester has invested over $35 million in arts and cultural programming; supported over 1,300 artists and 300 cultural institutions; and worked with Westchester school districts to bring the arts into the classroom.

The organization’s mission came full-circle in 1998 when it acquired and renovated a historic nine-story building in downtown White Plains that serves as ArtsWestchester’s headquarters, performance space and a gallery for artists, while remaining a cultural resource for the entire county. To this day, ArtsWestchester remains the county’s cultural lynchpin.

Himmel, who was presented with the 2001 Arts Award, is a dedicated arts advocate and passionate supporter of the cultural and educational life in Westchester County. A member of ArtsWestchester’s Board of Trustees, serving non-consecutive terms since 1982, Himmel has played a significant role in the growth of the organization, serving as its board president from 1995-1997. During her tenure, the foundation for ArtsWestchester’s nationally recognized arts-in-education program was strengthened and expanded. A strong leader known for running a “tight ship,” Himmel helped build strong relationships with the cadre of arts organizations affiliated with ArtsWestchester and structured the guidelines for the emerging gallery and performance space at the ground-level of the ArtsWestchester building.

At the Katonah Museum of Art, Himmel was instrumental in guiding and expanding the museum, first volunteering in 1968 and later becoming Board President in 1976, and again in 1991. She nurtured that museum into what has become one of our county’s cultural jewels. She is a major presence on the board of the Westchester Community College Foundation and ardently speaks for the importance of a college education for all.

Himmel graduated from Western Reserve University with a degree in Political Science and has a Master’s Degree in History from Columbia University.

“Art expands our horizons, stimulates our minds, and nourishes our souls - our lives would be barren without art - and ArtsWestchester plays a vital role in providing this stimulation and nourishment to our community,” Himmel said.

The honorees are:

• Froma Benerofe (2014 - Present)
• Jacqueline A. Walker (2012–2014)
• Joseph Oates (2010– 2012)
• Stephen K. Dishart (2009–2010)
• John Peckham (2005 – 2009)
• Jamie Shenkman (2002–2005)
• LaRuth Gray (2001-2002)
• A. Maren Hexter (1997-2000)
• Betty Himmel (1995-1997)
• Kenneth J. Gould (1992-1995)
• Francis G. Ronnenberg (1990-1992)**
• Timothy J. Curtin (1987-1990)
• Dorothy Swegel (1985-1987)**
• Daniel Idzik (1983-1985)
• Katherine Niles (1977-1983)**
• William J. Bridenbecker (1975-1976)**
• A. Corwin Frost (1974-1975)
• Polly Siwek (1969 -1973)**
• George Newlin (1966-1969)

**--Deceased

Current board president Froma Benerofe, whose tenure has been marked by a surge in arts support, had this to say: “ArtsWestchester is the hub of the arts community in Westchester - both in supporting and building a stronger cultural presence. As Board President, I have had the joy and opportunity to meet and work with an incredible group of professional and volunteer leaders who are so diverse and yet so cohesive.”

The 50th Anniversary gala will be held at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 20 at The Ritz-Carlton, Westchester in White Plains, N.Y. For tickets, journal ads or sponsorship opportunities go toartswestchester.org.