ArtsFest 2021 Set for October 15th through 17th

OCTOBER 2, 2021 - New Rochelle and Pelham will come alive with creative works of all kinds Oct. 15th through 17th, when ArtsFest 2021 fills the communities with gallery shows, live music, films, dance performances and so much more.

Highlights will include the free ArtsFest Music Festival and ArtsFest Dance Festival and artists’ open studios, plus activities at dozens of public and private venues from Wykagyl to downtown New Rochelle to the Pelham Picture House Regional Theater.

After having to cancel ArtsFest last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, NRCA organizers say the popular celebration of art is more important than ever now.

“ArtsFest is back!” said Theresa Kump Leghorn, President of the New Rochelle Council on the Arts. “This year’s festival will offer everyone a feast for the eyes and ears, with popular activities and exhibitions from previous years and some treats added this year that are sure to become new favorites.”

Now in its twelfth year, ArtsFest was created by NRCA to shine a spotlight on the wide range of arts — and arts venues — in the communities. In 2019, hundreds of people visited the 43 venues to marvel at the free exhibitions and performances presenting more than 120 artists’ works.

ArtsFest offers a spectacular variety of treats for the eye, ears and tastebuds. Classic cars, a coffee tasting and live music to help celebrate a brand-new beer garden are all part of the celebration. It kicks off Friday, Oct. 15 and continues with a calendar stuffed with events and activities. Some highlights:

• Artists’ studios will welcome visitors for behind-the-scenes tours, including world renowned 3-D artist Charles Fazzino’s Museum Editions studio. All weekend, various locations.
• Classic Car and Vintage Harley Davidson Show. Oct. 16, noon-5 p.m., Hamilton Avenue parking lot next to City Hall. Live music by Fat Bois Brass Band 12 to 2pm.
• Ajkun Ballet’s Swan Lake. Oct. 16, 3 p.m., New Rochelle Public Library, 1 Library Plaza.
• READ650 features stories told live in five minutes on the theme “Haunted.” Oct. 17, 3 p.m., New Rochelle Public Library, 1 Library Plaza.
• The ArtsFest Dance Festival featuring performances by eight companies. Oct. 16 & 17, 3 p.m.-5p.m., VAEA New Rochelle Arts, 595 Main Street.
• The ArtsFest Music Festival featuring an eclectic group of local musicians including Downstate Darlings, Ben Clark, One Accord Gospel, John Cobert, Fall Fling, Avalanche at Dawn, Monica Uhm and Trio of Awesuhm and Bombay Rickey among others. Oct, 16 & 17, 11 am to 5 pm at the new NewRo Parc, 455 Main Street.
• The Pelham Arts Center will present interactive activities all weekend, including a Singer Songwriter Showcase from 5 to 8 pm on Friday, Oct. 15. 155 Fifth Avenue, Pelham
• Art Exhibit and Coffee Tasting, featuring works by international and local emerging artists. Oct. 15, 16 and 17 at R Café & Tea Boutique, 302 Huguenot Street, (Coffee tasting 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m.)

Visitors will be able to purchase unique jewelry items and crafts from local vendors at the ArtsFest Artisans’ Crafts Market on the grounds of Thomas Paine Cottage on Saturday, Oct. 16. Also on the menu are art exhibits at the Rotunda Gallery in City Hall and the New Rochelle Public Library.

Be prepared to wear facemasks and show proof of COVID-19 vaccination if required by individual venue(s).

An official ArtsFest calendar with complete details is being mailed to city residents and will be available at venues as well as NRCA’s website www.newrochellearts.org. “Designing, printing and mailing the calendar, plus the cost of renting the trollies and other equipment really adds up, so we’re very grateful to the generous sponsors who make ArtsFest possible,” added Leghorn. ArtsFest sponsors so far include ArtsWestchester, Gwendolen Appleyard Trust, New Rochelle IDA, Charles Fazzino, L & M, Mill Creek Residential, Wilder Balter Partners, Alvin & Friends Restaurant, New Rochelle Downtown Business Improvement District, Twining Properties, RXR, and in-kind sponsors AJ’s Burgers and Empire Harley Davidson.

About the New Rochelle Council on the Arts

Founded in 1975, the mission of NRCA is to encourage the study and presentation of the performing and fine arts. Over the years NRCA has sponsored art exhibitions, theatrical productions, dance recitals, film screenings, lectures, spoken word events, concert series and public art. Find out more at www.newrochellearts.org.

NRCA is proud to be a grantee of ArtsWestchester with funding made possible by Westchester County Government with the support of County Executive George Latimer.