New Rochelle/Pelham ArtsFest- Various Locations
*The event has already taken place on this date: Sun, 10/22/2023
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ArtsFest 2023 will kick off on Thursday, October 19th with a visit from The Moth , which will be bringing one of its acclaimed StorySLAMS to New Rochelle for the first time. The Moth will alight at Trinity St. Paul Parish Hall (311 Huguenot Street) for a live, community-focused open-mic storytelling competition in which anyone can share a five-minute story on the night’s theme, “Traditions.” Tickets cost $15 and seating is limited: For details go to https://themoth.org/events/traditions-new-rochelle
The art of storytelling is at the heart of this year’s ArtsFest which will include a celebration of the long-awaited installation of the statue of E.L.Doctorow, the internationally acclaimed author (and New Rochelle resident) who wrote his bestseller Ragtime about New Rochelle. Events being planned include a guided trolley tour on Sunday, October 22nd featuring City Historian Barbara Davis talking about sites associated with Mr. Doctorow and his book Ragtime, followed by a free public dedication. There will also be a fundraiser Ragtime Jazz Brunch at Wykagyl Country Club from 12:30 to 3 pm with entertainment by renowned pianist Adam Kent and “The Dance Couple” Paolo & Laurentina performing dances of the era. (Tickets cost $125 from https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ragtime-jazz-brunch-tickets-700430796367?aff=oddtdtcreator))
Storytelling will also be the thread that runs through other ArtsFest events, like Musing, Metamorphosis and Medea, an exciting cross disciplinary event at New Rochelle High School that will explore familiar classic myths from a new perspective through a month-long exhibition of painting, relief sculptures and graphics by artist Marie Hines Cowan at the Museum of Arts & Culture; a production of the play Medea, Love and Death and Artistic Tragedy in 3 Acts by Valentina Motta; and a symposium with scholar Claire E. Scott.
And the New Rochelle Public Library Foundation will bring author Emily Franklin to New Rochelle for Artsfest to talk about her latest book, The Lioness of Boston, a deeply evocative novel of the life of Isabella Stewart Gardner, the daring visionary who created an inimitable legacy in American art and transformed the city of Boston itself. (Tickets cost $35; to reserve go to https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E248603&id=76 Foundatio
As always, ArtsFest weekend will include open artists’ studios, art exhibits, an outdoor ArtsFest Music Festival featuring five local bands, and the ArtsFest Dance Festival showcasing free performances by both professional and amateur companies (including Ajkun Ballet Theatre, Hudson Ballet Theatre, Accent Dance and MorDance). This year’s ArtsFest Artisan Market will feature live music and 40 vendors on the grounds of Thomas Paine Cottage, including a visit by ArtsWestchester’s ArtsMobile.
Also on the menu are art exhibits at the NRCA Rotunda Gallery and the New Rochelle Public Library, plus “Art in the Gardens,” a collaboration between the New Rochelle Art Association and Heathy Yards New Rochelle that will bring pop-up exhibits to local gardens, including Lincoln Park Conservancy’s Community Garden -- which will be hosting the Westchester Land Trust’s Pollinator Pop Up. There will also be a Classic Car Show, spoken word performances and live theater, a German film festival at The Picture House in Pelham, plus assorted activities for all ages on Saturday and Sunday – including the debut this year of the Hudson Park Children’s Greenhouse Haunted Greenhouse and Mansion attraction, which will be up and running for ArtsFest on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.
*Times, dates, and prices of any activity posted to our calendars are subject to change. Please be sure to click through directly to the organization’s website to verify.