ArtsFest Preview: Open Artists’ Studios

ArtsFest 2023 kicks off Thursday, October 19th and runs through Sunday, October 22nd with some different 40 venues presenting the work of more than 200 artists (visual artists, performers, artisans). Get a sneak peek here -- then visit the NRCA website at www.newrochellearts.org for the complete ArtsFest calendar.

Open artists’ studios are at the heart of ArtsFest, which was created to shine a light on the artists living in our community -- creating exciting work right here at home. What makes visiting an artist's studio during ArtsFest different from seeing their work on exhibit in a gallery is the chance to meet the artist in their work space, see how they work and learn about their process.

Scan the QR code in the ArtsFest calendar with your phone to access an up-to-the-minute list of local artists who will be opening their doors to the public this weekend. The site offers contacts as well as an interactive maps of studio locations. Then read on for a sampling of what you can expect to find during ArtsFest.

OPEN STUDIOS

Charles Fazzino Art Studio at Museum Editions (32 Relyea Pl., NR; 914-654-9370; www.fazzino.com )

Sometimes it seems like Charles Fazzino -- the world famous pop artist known as the “master of 3-D art” -- is everywhere, from his permanent installation at the American Airlines terminal at JFK to his posters for the Super Bowl and Major League Baseball’s All Start Game. But Fazzino’s studio is right here in New Rochelle, and once a year he opens his studio door to the public for ArtsFest. Tour the studio, enjoy an exhibit of art created by both Charles and his daughter Heather Fazzino, meet Heather Fazzino, and experience an interactive art workshop. Fun for all ages. Friday, 6 to 9 pm; Saturday 11 am to 6 pm; Sunday, 11 am to 5 pm.

Highbrook Studios (220 Highbrook Ave N, Pelham; highbrookstudios@gmail.com )

Artist studios will be open for self-guided tours, exhibition and sales. Visit eight artists’ studios on four floors (Banshee Maria, Stacy Miller, Fatima Navarro, Victoria Rolett, Scott Seaboldt, Dylan Torres, Erika Hibbert, and Avery Syrig) plus a sculpture garden and street sale featuring art and merchandise for sale. Saturday and Sunday 11 am to 4 pm.

Acupuncture Unlimited/ Amelia E. Jones (38 Lakeside Dr., NR; 914-356-2327)

Artist Market, Literary Pavilion with guest authors, Spoken Word/ Open Mic "Reimagining Our History", Obeah Apothecary, Open Studio, Zen painting. Crafts, stories & music from the African diaspora. Families welcome. Saturday 12 Noon to 6 pm, Sunday, 12 Noon to 5 pm.

Fran Sisco Studio (30 Mill Rd., NR -- adjacent to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 914-589-1013; www.TransFranSisco.com)

Sculptures and paintings by artist Fran Sisco and others on exhibit; each day at 2 pm and 4 pm enjoy a theatrical presentation about Fran's experience as a transgender woman including art and songs. Friday through Sunday, 1 pm to 5 pm.

Barry L. Mason at Lifestorage Building (320 Washington St., Mount Vernon; 914-649-2399; www.barrymasonart.com )

Artist Barry Mason is known for shaping, stretching and sculpting his canvasses and wood frames so that the finished work appears to float in the air as opposed to being positioned on the wall. Art studio will be open to the public to stop by, tour the artist space and view artworks. All ages welcome. Parking available in front office parking lot, entrance on Hartford Avenue.

Emlyn Taveras at Lifestorage Building (320 Washington Avenue, Mount Vernon; parking available by front office parking lot entrance on Hartford Ave.; 347-228-6509, www.emlyntaveras.com)

This open studio with artist and educator Emlyn Taveras will feature an exhibit of artworks and the artist will be present for discussion of mixed-media collage and process. Appropriate for all ages.

Hannah Jupiter (25 Leroy Pl., #510 , NR; 917-796-5519; www.hannahjupiter.com)

Botanical mixed media collages. Open studio hours Friday 4 to 7 pm for a Disco Party and Cocktails, Saturday and Sunday 11 am to 5:30 pm. Parking available in the Prospect Parking Lot.

Eric Weber Woodcraft (522 Stellar Ave., Pelham; 914-560-6907; www.ericweberwoodcraft.com)

Explore Eric Weber’s wood turning studio: Seeking to balance form and functionality, he likes to create work that can be used –- whether a bowl for serving, a hollow-form that can be complimented by dried flowers, or a vase that incorporates a glass vessel to accommodate live flowers. Open Friday and Sunday, 11 am to 5:30 pm; Saturday he will be at the ArtsFest Artisan Festival.

Susan Manspeizer (1 Greenridge Ave., White Plains; 914-428-7393; susanmanspeizer.com )

Visit the Studio of ManspeizerArt; all ages welcome. Friday 10 am to 3 pm; Saturday and Sunday 11 am to 4 pm.

Duca di Camastra Ceramica (446A Fifth Ave., Pelham; 914-381-6382; www.ducadicamastra.it ;

A viewing of ceramic art influenced by the traditions and colors of Sicily and education for ages 16 and up.

Michael Cammer (9 Vaughan Ave.; email mcammer+art@gmail.com)

Michael Cammer is a research scientist and artist: He will be showing a mini retrospective including mostly static drawings, paintings, and scientific images.

White Sky Gallery/Irrix Screen (One Wolf's Lane, Suite 307, Pelham; irrix@me.com)

Unique signature paintings. Salon viewings by appointment only.

GALLERIES AND EXHIBITS

“New Beginnings” at the Vanda Gallery (379 Huguenot Street, NR

Visit the new Vanda Gallery to see its first exhibition, “New Beginnings,” featuring works by six artists including Tom Acevedo, Shahaan Azeem, B.A. D’Alessandro, Wendy Isaacson, Valeri Larko and Andi Stix. Founded by artist and owner Zahra Jlayer, Vanda Gallery's mission is to raise awareness about consciousness evolution. Friday through Sunday, 11 am to 9 pm; Opening Reception Friday, 5 to 7 pm.

"Night Blooms" at R Cafe &Tea Boutique (302 Huguenot Street, NR; 914-358-1841, @rcafeandteaboutique)

"Night Blooms," an exhibit of fireworks photography by Rick Freeman; appropriate for all ages. R Café & Tea offers exquisite coffee, hand-blended teas, the finest pastries, and works by local artists. Exhibit can be viewed Thursday through Saturday, 7 am to 6 pm, Sunday 7 am to 5 pm. R Cafe will host an opening reception on Friday from 6 to 8 pm.

William Papaleo at the NRCA Rotunda Gallery (NR City Hall, 515 North Ave., NR, www.newrochellearts.org)

"Southern Italy: An Expression of Light and Color," features oils, watercolors and pastels by Willam Papaleo, co-founder of the Key to the Castle Workshops. Exhibit can be viewed Monday through Friday, 9 am to 4:30 pm, and Saturday Oct. 21 from 9:30 am to 4 pm. Runs through Nov. 15th.

NRAA 108th Annual Juried Show at New Rochelle Public Library (1 Library Plaza, NR, 914-632-7878, www.nrpl.org )

The New Rochelle Art Association’s 108th juried open show consists of artwork in 9 categories: Acrylic/Oils, Graphics, Fine Crafts, Sculpture, Photography, Watercolor, Mixed Media, Digital Art and Pastels. Exhibit runs through November 6th. Thursday 9 am to 8 pm, Friday and Saturday 9 am to 5 pm.

Artists' Club Exhibit at Pelham Art Center (155 Fifth Ave., Pelham; 914-576-7747, x115; www.pelhamartcenter.org )

Artists’ Club Exhibition featuring works in oil and acrylic, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, and photography from artists working in the tri-state area. Thursday 9 am to 7 pm, Friday 9 am to 5 pm, Saturday and Sunday 10 am to 4 pm.

"Off the Wall "at Palmer Art (1947 Larchmont Ave., Larchmont; (914) 834-3627; palmerartny.com)

"Off the Wall: A Collection of Multi-Dimensional Art" exhibit featuring mixed media art in non-traditional format. Appropriate for adults and families. Thursday through Saturday, 11 am to 5 pm.

Gallery C. Damon Carter (556 North Avenue, 2nd floor, NR; 646-642- 8110; www.cdamoncarter.com )

An exhibit of 60 recent paintings by C. Damon Carter. Born in West Virginia in 1947, Carter's work as a painter, poet and composer has only recently come to broader public attention. Appropriate for all ages. Open Sunday only, 11 am to 4 pm.

Solo Show by Brenna Rosenfeld at Mamaroneck Artists Guild Gallery (Mamaroneck Artists Guild Gallery, 1987 Palmer Avenue, Larchmont ; 914-834-1117; www.mamaroneckartistsguild.org )

Artist Brenna Rosenfeld’s solo show features works in mixed media. Thursday through Saturday, 12 noon to 5 pm; Artist Reception Saturday 3 to 5 pm.

“A Gift of Light: Works by Brother Kenneth Chapman” at Iona University (Br. Kenneth Chapman Gallery, JoAnn Mazzella Murphy ‘98H Arts Center, 655 North Ave., NR; 800-231-IONA; www.iona.edu/new-rochelle-community/br-kenneth-chapman-gallery/exhibitions)

Br. Kenneth Chapman was a teacher and artist for seven decades: In watercolor, oils, acrylics, and enamels on paper, canvas, clay, and metal, he invites the viewer on a journey that evokes new ways of seeing and believing. Thursday 12 Noon to 8 pm, Friday: 2:30 to 6:30 pm, Saturday, 12 Noon to 5 pm, Sunday by appointment only. (Please email bgiacummo@iona.edu.)

Works by Alvin Clayton (Alvin & Friends Restaurant, 14 Memorial Hwy., NR; 914-654-6549; www.alvinandfriendsrestaurant.com)

The artist and restaurateur will be on hand Sunday afternoon to talk with visitors about his artwork, which is displayed on the walls of his restaurant.

“Tri” at Town House Restaurant (559 Main Street, NR; 914- 278-9278; www.townhousenewro.com)

New Work by Alexandra Rutsch Brock, Scott Seaboldt and Moira McCaul. Thursday 5 to 9 pm, Friday and Saturday 5 to 10 pm, Sunday 11:30 am to 3 pm and 5 to 9 pm.

“Musing, Metamorphosis and Medea” at the Museum of Arts & Culture at New Rochelle High School (North Avenue at Braemer Rd., NR)

Reception for an exhibition of works by Marie Hines Cowan that portray familiar classic myths from a new perspective, narrating new myths that bring the Greek personas to modern culture from a feminine point of view. Reception Friday, 7:30 to 9 pm, Saturday 12 noon to 4 pm.

SPECIAL EVENT: ART IN THE GARDEN

From 1 to 4 pm on Sunday only view art installation outdoors in three local gardens:

Art in the Garden: Inspired by Nature (30 Oakdale Avenue, NR; https://www.facebook.com/groups/1946244722204788

Enjoy a selection of works by members of the New Rochelle Art Association and see a garden with a wide variety of plants with an emphasis on native plants and a rain garden which helps manage storm drainage. Artists will be present to discuss their work. This is a collaboration between Healthy Yards New Rochelle and the NRAA.

Art in the Acres: Create Art Inspired by Nature (Ward Acres Conservancy & Ward Acres Community Garden; 300 Broadfield Rd., NR across from Ward Elementary School)

Join the Ward Acres Community Garden and Ward Acres Conservancy for Art in the Acres: Create Art Inspired by Nature. Design your own collages, flower arrangements, watercolors and painted rocks with garden themes. Co-Op Choir will perform new works at 3 PM. Ages 5 to 95+

Paper, Clay & Canvas (Lincoln Park Conservancy Community Garden, Lincoln Ave., between Prince and Memorial Highway, across from 95 Lincoln Ave., NR) )

Enjoy a family-friendly afternoon of Art and Garden Tours including our Native Plant & Butterfly Garden. Visit with Westchester Land Trust’s Pollinator Pop-Up -- an interactive mobile exhibit for children offering hands-on activities and an opportunity to learn about bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. Meet the artists and learn about various media including mono-printing, echo- print jewelry, porcelain vessels , nature inspired digital prints and accessories and abstract fine art. A collaboration between The Lincoln Park Conservancy, Inc and New Rochelle Healthy Yards.

Organized by the non-profit New Rochelle Council on the Arts (NRCA) ArtsFest spotlights the diversity of arts and artists in our community: 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.

Sponsors for this year’s ArtsFest include ArtsWestchester, The City of New Rochelle IDA, EXRNY, The Appleyard Foundation, Charles Fazzino, BRP, Alvin & Friends, RXR, Town House Restaurant, New Rochelle Downtown BID, Francella Properties, an anonymous donor, and in-kind donors AJ’s Burgers and the 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.