Creative Cuisine Tastings by Top Chefs, Open Artist Studios, NEW! ArtsWestchester Triennial Exhibit Featuring Contemporary Artists of the Hudson Valley, Plus Kids Arts Activities All Offered as Part of Celebration
WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. (March 27, 2018) – ArtsWestchester has announced a special event to celebrate 20 years in its historic building in downtown White Plains. The county’s leading arts advocacy nonprofit organization has put a new spin on its annual ArtsBash spring fundraiser this year by calling it Arts “Birthday” Bash. The event, which will feature food, fun and contemporary art, is scheduled for Thursday, May 17 from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., followed by a Family ArtsBash celebration on Saturday, May 19.
At this year’s party, ArtsWestchester will be celebrating the transformation of the former People’s National Bank & Trust Building into a cultural hub of activity for artists and creative businesses. Since the organization acquired 31 Mamaroneck Avenue in 1998, it has been hard at work restoring and creatively adapting the use of the nine-story cultural treasure into an arts incubator and multi-use arts center, while preserving the landmark building. For 20 years, ArtsWestchester has transformed one of the county’s first “skyscrapers” into a cultural destination filled with creative energy and arts programs serving the greater Westchester market area.
In celebration of the Arts Birthday Bash this May, ArtsWestchester has just added new signage to its building and is working to roll out new street art in front of its building as part of the 20th building birthday celebration.
This year’s Arts Birthday Bash on May 17th will feature delicious cuisine and cocktails from more than 30 prestigious restaurants, as well as the opportunity for guests to meet well-known artists in their open studios throughout the historic building. Petrone explains, “Food is art — the culinary arts. So, it only makes sense for the two to come together on this great night. Art comes in so many styles and forms, and ArtsWestchester recognizes this. It’s why their work is so vital to the community.”
Leslie Lampert of Café of Love, John Crabtree of Crabtree’s Kittle House and JR and Angela Morales of Sofrito have stepped up as Arts Birthday Bash Cuisine Chairs and will give lead direction on the food offerings.
In addition, ArtsWestchester’s newest gallery exhibit, the “ArtsWestchester Triennial,” will provide the backdrop of the event, featuring artwork by contemporary artists of the Hudson Valley nominated by top museum directors and gallerists.
“The transformation of our downtown home from a vacant bank building to a vibrant arts center and incubator is an occasion that has stirred the creativity of top chefs who are preparing tastings for ArtsBash guests,” said Janet Langsam, CEO of ArtsWestchester.
Some of the dining destinations participating in this year’s Thursday evening Arts Birthday Bash include:
Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza
Baked by Susan
Blockheads
Brother Jimmy’s BBQ
Café of Love
Cambria Hotel & Suites
Chocolations
Coffee Labs Roasters
Coopers Mill @ Westchester Marriott
Crabtree’s Kittle House
Dan Rooney’s at Empire City Casino
Falafel-Taco
La Bocca
License2Grill
Lola’s Mexican Kitchen
Mediterraneo
Meritage
Nonno’s Trattoria at Empire City Casino
Penny Lick Ice Cream Company
Sofrito
Texas de Brazil
The Briarcliff Manor
The Horse and Hound Inn
Tre Angelina
Also at the May 17th Arts Birthday Bash, ArtsWestchester will honor key supporters who were instrumental in the acquisition and renovation of its current headquarters. They include: John Barnes of Reckson; State Assemblyman David Buchwald; Cesar Chekijian, formerly of J.P. Morgan Chase; Kenneth J. Gould, Esq.; Arts Patrons Emily & Eugene Grant; the late Bill McNamee; State Assemblywoman Amy Paulin; George Ross of J.P. Morgan Chase and Architect John Sullivan.
The Saturday after the party, families and children of all ages are encouraged to participate in a day of fun at Family ArtsBash on Saturday, May 19, from 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Kids can partake in a variety of hands-on art activities and artist-led workshops. Family ArtsBash also features an opportunity for families to explore the artwork featured in ArtsWestchester’s Triennial exhibition.
The 2018 Arts Birthday Bash is a fundraiser to support the programs and services of ArtsWestchester and will take place on Thursday, May 17 from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at ArtsWestchester located at 31 Mamaroneck Avenue in White Plains. This year’s Family ArtsBash will take place on Saturday, May 19 from 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.Tickets to the Thursday evening reception are $75 and are available online at artsw.org/artsbash or at the door Thursday evening. For Family ArtsBash, there is a suggested family donation of $10 at the door. For more information, visit artswestchester.org.
About ArtsWestchester
For more than 50 years ArtsWestchester has been the community’s connection to the arts. Founded in 1965 it is the largest private not-for-profit arts council in New York State. Its mission is to provide leadership vision and support to ensure the availability accessibility and diversity of the arts. ArtsWestchester provides programs and services that enrich the lives of everyone in Westchester County. ArtsWestchester helps fund concerts exhibitions and plays through grants; brings artists into schools and community centers; advocates for the arts; and builds audiences through diverse marketing initiatives. In 1998 ArtsWestchester purchased the nine-story neo-classical bank building at 31 Mamaroneck Avenue which has since been transformed into a multi-use resource for artists, cultural organizations and the community. A two-story gallery is located on the first floor of ArtsWestchester’s historic building on Mamaroneck Avenue.
This press release was provided to IntoxiKate. Photos by ArtsWestchester.
