ArtsFest After Dark

Sure, there's a lot going on every day during ArtsFest 2022 (Thursday, October 20 through Sunday, October 23) with 40 venues presenting the work of more than 200 artists (visual artists, performers, artisans). But what about night life? There's plenty of fun happening after dark: Get a sneak peek here -- then visit the New Rochelle Council on the Arts (NRCA) website at www.newrochellearts.org for the complete ArtsFest calendar.

THURSDAY, October 20th

ArtsFest starts on Thursday, and two of the galleries are open all day and into the evening: You can view an exhibit from the National Association of Women Artists called "Big Action in Small Spaces” at the Lord & Andra Gallery (242 North Avenue, ; 914-365 2608; newrochelleartgallery.com) until 6 pm, or touch base with your spiritual side at the multi-artist exhibit “Ultralight Beam” at the Pelham Art Center (155 Fifth Ave., Pelham; 914-576-7747, x115; www.pelhamartcenter.org ) until 7 pm.

At 7 pm a free concert at the New Rochelle Public Library (1 Library Plaza, 914-632-7878; www.nrpl.org) by Westchester’s renowned “house band” -- the internationally-acclaimed Music from Copland House ensemble -- formally kicks off ArtsFest with the World Premiere of a new work by award-winning composer Steven Snowden that celebrates the unique culture and history of “the Queen City on the Sound.” While generations of composers have often evoked the sounds of cities, country sides, churches, and cabarets, this may be the first time that the electronic controls of a traffic signal have inspired a musical composition! Snowden’s brilliant piece “musicalizes" the mathematical algorithms and sequences of the traffic lights at Centre and Huguenot Avenues in downtown New Rochelle. This dazzling salute to New Rochelle’s rich musical legacy will also feature works by native or transplanted composers such as Grammy-winner Joan Tower and Derek Bermel, as well as beloved songwriters George M. Cohan, Alan Mencken, and George Gershwin. The hour-long program is free to the public. To register in advance go to bit.ly/ArtsFest_Copland

FRIDAY, October 21st

On Friday evening world famous pop artist Charles Fazzino will open his studio from 6 pm to 9 pm (32 Relyea Pl., NR; 914-654-9370; www.fazzino.com ). Known as the master of 3-D art, Fazzino’s studio is open to the public once a year during ArtsFest, providing a glimpse into his fascinating process. Tour the studio, enjoy an exhibit of works by Charles and his daughter Heather Fazzino, and experience an interactive art workshop.

Other evening art exhibits include Rick Freeman’s fireworks photography from 6 pm to 9:30 pm at Accel 7 gallery (New Rochelle train station, 1 Railroad Plaza, 2nd floor – entrance near track 3) and Miguel Braceli’s “Bury the Flag” project, on view at the Museum of Arts & Culture (North Avenue at Braemar Rd; entrance near the high school’s tennis courts) from 7 pm to 8:30 pm. Yes, New Rochelle High School has a state-accredited museum (along with a top notch art department) and Braceli will be on hand to talk about his latest project, created in collaboration with NRHS students. The event will begin in the Linda Kelly Theater with a short film and Q-and-A with the artist, then move to the MAC gallery to view the exhibit.

Across the street from the high school’s new wing the Thomas Paine Cottage Museum has something completely different on offer: From 6 pm to 9 pm they’re hosting a Colonial Pirate Tavern (230 Sicard Avenue; NR 914-633-1776; www.thomaspainecottage.org ). Apparently Thomas Paine was a privateer (Jeopardy alert) so the TPC crew is hosting a tavern night complete with early 18th century music, food, drink, fire pits and pirates (including the notorious Anne Bonny and Mary Read, and “gentleman pirate” Steve Bonnet.) This event for 21 and over only, minors must be accompanied by adults. In addition to live music by Eliza Vincz-Lichack & Erik Lichack there will be Tarot card readings (by advanced reservation only at thomaspainecottage.org). Free entry with a suggested donation of $10. Pirate costumes encouraged!

At 7 pm New Rochelle’s Bridge Records, called “the grandaddy of American independent classical labels by The New York Times, celebrates its history with a concert and art exhibit at the New Rochelle Public Library’s Ossie Davis Theater (1 Library Plaza; 914-632-7878; www.nrpl.org). The evening will feature Bridge recording artist Steven Beck playing music by prominent American composer George Walker (the first African American to win the Pulitzer Prize) and William Bland (aka C. Damon Carter), alongside an exhibition of six newly completed Carter canvases. Label President Becky Starobin and A & R Director David Starobin will also speak about the music and artwork on display. Free; seating available on first come, first served basis.

Across the street at Alvin & Friends (14 Memorial Highway. NR; 914-654-6549; www.alvinandfriendsrestaurant.com ) jazz pianist Dinah Vero sits down at the Baldwin baby grand in the Main Dining Room from 7 pm to 10:30 pm to play jazz, r & b, and classics from the American Songbook.

And at 8 pm The Picture House in Pelham (175 Wolf’s Lane, 914-738-7337; www.thepicturehouse.org) begins its German Film Festival, sponsored by the Westchester Community Foundation. Films include All Quiet on the Western Front (Germany’s Oscar submission for Best Foreign Film 2022); Schacten; Wet Dog Friday; and The Conference. Check website for times and theater locations.

SATURDAY, October 22nd

Get an early start on the evening with Pints with Picasso at the Beechmont Tavern (750 North Ave, NR; 914 636-9533; www.beechmonttavern.com ). From 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm member artists from the New Rochelle Artists Association will help participants create a Picasso-style portrait by rolling dice and selecting different facial features to paint. Space is limited to 40: Reserve by emailing Beechmonttavern@gmail.com or joining the Facebook Page.

A number of galleries and artists studios will be open until 6 pm on Saturday, including Charles Fazzino Art Studio at Museum Editions (32 Relyea Pl., NR; 914-654-9370; www.fazzino.com ); Barry L. Mason and Emlyn Taveras at Lifestorage Building (320 Washington Street, Mount Vernon, NY; 914 649-2399; www.barrymasonart.com ); and Acupuncture Unlimited/Amelia E. Jones (38 Lakeside Dr., NR; 914-356-2327), where visitors can enjoy an Artist Market with artists from Got Art?, Inc. plus a spoken word stage/open mic with stories and music from the African Diaspora by Therese Folkes Plair.

The music scene will be lively Saturday night as well. The free ArtsFest Music Festival starts at 1 pm and continues till 6 pm at NewRo Parc (455 Main St., between North Ave. and LeCount Pl.) Bands scheduled to appear include Downstate Darlings at 1 pm, Avalanche at Dawn at 2 pm, Dave Kaine Jazz Trio at 3 pm, Third Stream Meme at 4 pm, and DeLonna Jones at 5 pm.

At 7:30 pm the live music shifts to smaller venues, with The Global Jazz Community presenting jazz at The Mirage (700 North Avenue, NR; 914-740-5755; www.themirageny.com ) and the Leslie Pintchik Trio playing at Alvin & Friends (14 Memorial Highway. NR; 914-654-6549; www.alvinandfriends.com ) The New Yorker called jazz pianist Leslie Pintchik “A crafty, lyrically minded pianist, a compelling composer, and an inventive interpreter of standards.” Her trio includes bassist Scott Hardy and drummer Michael Sarin.

SUNDAY, October 23rd

As the weekend winds down don’t miss a chance to enjoy Art in the Garden, a special exhibit that is a collaboration between the New Rochelle Art Association and New Rochelle Healthy Yards highlighting artists work inspired by -- and displayed in -- native plant gardens. Works from selected artists – all inspired by nature and/or designed to enhance a garden -- will be on display and for sale at a private garden at 30 Oakdale Ave. until 6 pm. Artists include Kat Sayegh (Mixed Media), Keith Gordon (Ceramics), and paintings by Lisette Overwheel, Lorie Gurian, and Theresa Beyer.

And from 4 pm to 7 pm enjoy art on exhibit and live music at Town House (559 Main Street, NR; 914- 278-9278; www.townhousenewro.com), one of New Rochelle’s newest restaurants.

Finally, from 6:30 pm to 8 pm there’s one last art experience on the calendar: Pizza with Picasso at Pizzeria LaRosa (12 Russell Avenue, NR; 914-633-0800; www.pizzerialarosa.com). Unwind with NRAA member artists who will help participants create a Picasso-style portrait by rolling dice and selecting different facial features to paint. Open to children and adults.

About ArtsFest

Organized by the non-profit New Rochelle Council on the Arts (NRCA) ArtsFest spotlights the diversity of arts and artists in our community, with open studios, live music and dance, film screenings, pop-up art exhibits, a classic car show focused on design, a spoken word event with the acclaimed READ650, and interactive activities for all ages. This year ArtsFest will feature 40 participating venues, representing the work of hundreds of artists. For a complete calendar of events visit www.newrochellearts.org.

ArtsFest sponsors include ArtsWestchester, Gwendolen Appleyard Trust, New Rochelle IDA, Charles Fazzino, Mill Creek Residential, Alvin & Friends Restaurant, Cappelli, L+M Wilder Balter, New Rochelle Downtown Business Improvement District, RXR, The Standard, Town House and BRP Properties plus in-kind sponsors AJ’s Burgers and New Rochelle Public Library. The New Rochelle Council on the Arts is proud to be a grantee of ArtsWestchester with funding made possible by Westchester County government with the support of County Executive George Latimer.