Altered Books And Frida Kahlo: Library Celebrates ArtsFest '23

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — With the highly anticipated return of ArtsFest to New Rochelle this weekend, the New Rochelle Public Library will be hosting a wide variety of special events to celebrate.

The New Rochelle Art Association's 108th juried open show will be on display in the Lumen Winter Gallery at the main branch of the library through October 29. This exhibition, open to both members and non-members, showcases the artistic diversity of the New Rochelle community and pays homage to the association's history of supporting local artists.

SEE ALSO:

• ArtsFest Outside
• ArtsFest Preview: Open Artists' Studios
• Oct 22 | ArtsFest 2023: Children's Art Workshop: Create a Flower Crown or Boutonniere
• The Kids Guide to ArtsFest

On Friday, October 20, from 10 a.m. - noon, adults are invited to get creative in the library's Adult Art Workshop: Altered Books. Participants will be able to find a new purpose for discarded books in this workshop, using stencils, paint, and pop-up techniques to breathe new life into old volumes.

On Friday, October 20, from 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., IMPetus will perform in the Ossie Davis Theater at the main library. Combining jazz, rock, blues, classical, and world music, the trio of Maria Tegzes, Geoffrey Burleson and David "Knife" Fabris will embrace the storytelling theme of ArtsFest 2023 by "skillfully, and passionately smashing through the barriers between musical styles, presenting songs which tell a story."

On Saturday, October 21, from noon - 1:30 p.m., children of all ages will be able to join artists from the New Rochelle Art Association for NRAA Rocks!, a family-friendly rock painting activity outside on the main library's patio. Participants will be able to get creative and take their painted rock masterpiece home with them.

On Saturday, October 21, from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m., at the Huguenot Children’s Library, children ages 4+ will be able to explore their inventiveness in a hands-on workshop with ArchforKids, using cardboard, craft supplies, and art materials.

On Saturday, October 21, at 2 p.m., the library, in collaboration with Young Musicians of Westchester, will present a live performance by the Crystalline Chamber Collective. Guests will be able to experience a program with violist Laura Sacks and pianist Steven Beck playing music by great women composers, including Clara Schumann, Amy Beach, Rebecca Clarke, and Joan Tower. These accomplished musicians have performed in renowned venues and shared stages with some of the world's finest artists. Registration is requested and can be done here.

On Saturday, October 21, from 3:15 p.m. - 4:45 p.m., guests will be able to join Key to the Castle Workshop faculty, Kathy Curto and Angela Derecas Taylor at the main library, for a creative writing session designed to spark imagination and storytelling. Whether you're a seasoned writer or a novice, the library says this workshop promises to unlock your creative potential. Space is limited. Registration is requested and can be done here.

On Sunday, October 22, from 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m., children will be able to celebrate the artistic legacy of Frida Kahlo in the Children’s Room at the main library. Participants will create their own Frida-inspired flower crown or boutonniere, guided by Marisa Boan, author of the award-winning book, "Frida: A Bilingual Book in English & Spanish." Registration is requested and can be done here. Afterwards, at 3 p.m. in the Ossie Davis Theater, guests will be able to embark on a bilingual journey through the life of the iconic Mexican painter, Frida Kahlo. Teatro Sea will bring this memorable performance to life with storytelling, music, visual arts, puppets, and audience participation. Registration is requested and can be done here.