Biagio Civale donates works to fight Cystic Fibrosis

(posted as received)
Internationally Renowned Artist Believes He Can Make A Difference In The Fight Against Cystic Fibrosis

NEW YORK, New York, Jan. 23, 2012 - Artist Biagio Civale generously donates 5 of his works of art for auction at the 7th Annual Christopher Ricardo Cystic Fibrosis Foundation benefit dinner to be held on Monday, March 5th in New York City. All proceeds raised from this auction of Mr. Civale's artwork will go directly to research to find a cure for cystic fibrosis.

Abracadabra
30x22, tempera, photos
copyright 2010, Biagio Civale

"The Christopher Ricardo Cystic Fibrosis Foundation continues its commitment to incorporating artists and their artwork into its fundraising efforts," said the foundation's Art Program Director, Frank Dituri. "Biagio did not hesitate to join our program 'Art For A Cure' when I asked him," continued Mr. Dituri.

The benefit dinner, hosted by foundation board member Nicola Mossa, will be held at Il Barolo Ristorante on March 5th at 7 PM and will offer guests a festive and philanthropic evening, with a chance to bid on Mr. Civale's artwork and in addition win a bevy of prizes including a 7-day cruise getaway, Apple iPad 2, and much more. "Mr. Civale is clearly a talented artist, but more importantly is an incredible individual by making his generous gift to help those with CF," said Nicola Mossa.

About The Christopher Ricardo Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
The Christopher Ricardo Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is a nonprofit 501 (c) (3) organization comprised of family, friends and business leaders dedicated to raising financial support for research aimed at finding a cure for cystic fibrosis (CF). CF is a genetic and fatal disease that primarily affects the respiratory and digestive system of 30,000 Americans.

Organized in late 2004, the Christopher Ricardo Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has raised nearly 1 million dollars which in turn has been donated both to the National Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the "Fondazione per la ricerca sulla fibrosi cistica-onlus" (the CF research foundation in Italy). These two foundations are committed to developing the latest research by raising the median age of people with CF and improving their quality of life. For more information visit www.breatheandbelieve.org

About Biagio Civale
Born in Rome, Italy in 1935. Studied in Italy, France and USA. Trained in a myriad of techniques and
experimented in multiple media. Produced artworks in a number of styles. Constantly searching the form that coincides with the content. Regularly excited by the expressivity and profundity of the black and white images. Considers himself a modern artist that works and expresses his inner world, an artist that expresses energy, motion and other inner forces. The resulting kind of personal expressionism is like an alternate view versus the mechanical means of representing objects via cameras and photos and realism in general. Has produced woodcuts, drawings, serigraphs, etchings, intaglios, collagraphs, posters, oils, temperas, watercolors, mixed media and bronze sculpture.
For more information visit www.civale.org.

If you'd like more information about the artist, or to schedule an interview with Biagio Civale, please call 914-965- 5703 or e-mail gcivale@datastoragecorp.com

If you would like more information about the Christopher Ricardo Cystic Fibrosis Foundation or the benefit dinner, please call Nicola Mossa, 917-325-4819 or email nicolamossa@aol.com

Help Save The Arts in Westchester!

Once again, budgetary woes rear their ugly heads, and the Westchester Arts Organizations that receive money from the county itself are in danger of losing their funding, and probably going out of business.



If you are reading this, you probably are a fan of the arts in Westchester, and you probably should write a letter to your county executives.  But inertia is difficult to overcome...

Arts Westchester makes it easy to do so.

Go here https://www.artswestchester.org/get-involved/save-the-arts/county-legislature/ and write a letter to your county executives.  They even suggest something to say!

Three For The Show

Lu Gmoser has been putting on Musical shows in the area for longer than I know.  She is a font of knowledge about all things show tunes and older songs.  If this is your cup of tea and you've never been, you'll be in for a treat.  The audiences for these things are on the older side, so if you are younger than 60, check it out.  


Ziegfeld tribute was today, but you've got Rodgers, Hammerstein, & Hart, Patriotic songs, and Love songs to choose from.

Elli Fordyce Quartet at the Garage Restaurant Nov 12 (No Cover!

The Elli Fordyce Quartet, (who I have profiled earlier on this blog) is returning to the Garage Restaurant (see below for details) for a series of no cover/no minimum Jazz Performances. Their next date is a brunch on Saturday, November 12th from 12 to 4pm (followed by, at 6-10pm, Thursday, December 1st). 

The band features some very accomplished area musicians, including  Ray Gallon on piano, Ratzo Harris on bass , Phil Stewart on drums , and Yonkers based  Elli Fordyce as the vocalist

Reservations are highly recommended.

You can follow Elli online at http://twitter.com/ellifordyce2 for updates and additional information.  She's a very active tweeter!

The Elli Fordyce Quartet

When:Saturday, Nov. 12th, 12-4pm
Where:Garage Restaurant & Cafe

99 7th Ave. South, New York, NY,

(http://www.garagerest.com, 212- 645-0600)

Riverdale Arts Festival October 23 (256th & Mosholu, Riverdale)

I'll be performing artistic antics on the street at a new arts festival in Riverdale
(just over the Yonkers border) on Sunday October 23.

It promises to be a lot of fun. Check it out if you can.


Riverdale Festival of the Arts
Sunday October 23, 2011 from 11 am-4 pm

West 256th Street (between Delafield and Mosholu) and
on the grounds of Riverdale Neighborhood House

Live music performances - all day - from Jazz to Rock to Classical.

Internationally-acclaimed Tenor Saxophonist, Eric Alexander

Jazz performers Alma and Rale Micic

NYC Rock band, Sweet Fix

Classical Wind Ensemble from the Bronx Arts Ensemble



Entertainment by local theatre groups and street performers:

Riverdale Repertory Company
Riverdale Children’s Theatre
The Acme Clown Company

Original artwork from artists around the world from Elisa Contemporary Art and the Derfner Judaica Museum + Art Collection.

Local artists including:

• Barbara Laube
• Anna Purves
• Adam Shultz
• Ginny Howsam Friedman
• Isabelle Eng
• Arnie Adler
• Matthew Turov
• Nu Ryu
• Joanne Cooper
• Riverdale Art Association
• and more

Children’s activities, art projects led by the Riverdale Y and Scribble Art Workshops. We'll have facepainters & more!

Exhibits from local merchants

Food provided by Sqweez Catering

It promises to be an exciting event
for our community with
something for everyone and for every age

PS 81’s Fall Funday with plenty of great children’s activities will be held at the same time for a whole block of fun!

For further information and the schedule of events, visit:
www.RiverdaleFestivaloftheArts.com

Recent Works by Luis Perelman at the Upstream Oct 13-Nov 6

Luis Perelman, who is one of the main movers and shakers behind the Blue Door Art Gallery, is having an exhibition of recent work at the Upstream Gallery in Dobbs Ferry.

Metal Weaves

Thursday, Oct 13 to Sunday, Nov 6.
Opening reception – Sunday, October 16, from 2 to 5pm.

at the Upstream Gallery
26B Main Street, Dobbs Ferry, NY
914 674 8548
www.upstreamgallery.com

More information about Luis at   http://www.luisperelman.com 

Connecticut Ballet tonight at Saunders High School (moved from Untermeyer)

The Untermyer Performing Arts Council's "WorldFest"

concert for tonight, the Connecticut Ballet - has been moved to Saunders High School, located at 183 Palmer Road. The performance will begin at 7:30 PM.

This event is made possible with funding from Empire City at Yonkers Raceway,

Arts Westchester with funds from Westchester County Government and private donors.

The event is done in cooperation with the Yonkers Dept. of Parks, Recreation & Conservation.

Westchester/Fairfield Museum Alliance

Eight museums in Westchester and Fairfield counties have formed an alliance which will benefit arts enthusiasts throughout the region. The Fairfield/Westchester Museum Alliance offers free admission and a 10% gift shop discount to members of all participating museums – and for non-member visitors, a same-day free pass to all museums, when paying admission at any one of the eight museums.

Participating organizations include:

• The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum (Ridgefield, CT)
• The Barnum Museum (Bridgeport, CT)
• Bruce Museum (Greenwich, CT)
• Hudson River Museum (Yonkers, NY)
• Hudson Valley Center for Contemporary Art (Peekskill, NY)
• Katonah Museum of Art (Katohah, NY)
• Neuberger Museum of Art (Purchase, NY)
• Wave Hill

FOR MEMBERS
This program comes at no additional cost to members, simply present your membership card from one of the above museums to receive free admission.

This enthusiastic partnership is pleased to provide value added to your existing memberships offering convenience and expanded opportunity for arts enjoyment.

FOR ALL VISITORS
For those without a membership at one of the above museums, simply print a copy of the same-day pass which will be validated when you present it and pay for admission at the admissions desk at any one of the participating museums. The pass will entitle you to free admission at any one of the eight museums for the entire day. Simply present the validated pass to receive free admission.

To find out more about exhibitions and programs at participating locations, please visit each organization’s website by clicking on the links.

In terms of membership, all of the museums listed have a family membership that costs between $60-$125.  They offer different levels and perks for members, so look over their membership offerings before deciding.  To gain admission alone, you only need to be a member of one museum.  But if you like, you can join all 8, or donate to to them separately!

The Hudson River Museum also offers reciprocal privileges with museums around the nation (and I'm sure some of the other museums do too!)

The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum
258 Main Street, Ridgefield, CT, 203-438-4519, www.aldrichart.org

The Barnum Museum
820 Main Street Bridgeport, CT 06604, 203.331.1104, www.barnum-museum.org

Bruce Museum
1 Museum Drive, Greenwich, CT, 203.869.6786, www.brucemuseum.org

Hudson River Museum
511 Warburton Avenue, Yonkers, NY, 914.963.4550 www.hrm.org

Hudson Valley Center for Contemporary Art
1701 Main Street, Peekskill, NY, 914.788.0100 www.hvcca.org

Katonah Museum of Art
134 Jay Street - Route 22, Katonah, NY, 914.232.9555, www.katonahmuseum.org

Neuberger Museum of Art
Purchase College, SUNY, 735 Anderson Hill Road, Purchase, NY 914.251.6100, www.neuberger.org

Wave Hill
West 249th St. and Independence Avenue, Bronx NY 10471, 718.549.3200, www.wavehill.org

Flea Circus Today! Hudson River Museum 3pm

Featured on cover of July 15 weekend section.

I've been neglectful of promoting myself here (so unlike me, I know!)

 My show, The Acme Miniature Flea Circus, which features Midge and Madge, trained fleas, performing "spectacular circus stunts as seen before (and on top of) The Crowned Heads of Europe" will perform one show only at the Hudson River Museum TODAY AT 3 PM.

The show is part of an afternoon of Victorian games and pastimes, and is suitable for all ages.

This is one of the only public shows this year, so if you haven't seen the show, drop whatever you are doing and come on out!

And in case you missed it, we were the cover story of the weekend section of the Journal News!  (I've attached a photo of that cover to the left)

Here's a link to the article (may expire after a week or so)

WEAR YOUR GLASSES TO THIS CIRCUS

When:July 17, 3pm 
Where:Hudson River Museum
511 Warburton Ave
Yonkers, NY

The museum is easily accessible by car and train (Metro North to Glenwood Station on the Hudson River Line)

How Much: $5 for adults, $3 for children (Museum members are free!)

Tickets available at the door

More Information: About the museum: hrm.org
About the flea circus: trainedfleas.com

Groundbreaking for HRM Amphitheatre

 I attended the groundbreaking today for a new 450 seat amphi-theatre that is being built right behind the Hudson River Museum  

It's called a groundbreaking, but actually work is already progressing (which is apparently a rarity in these types of things)  This project is not going to happen-- it is HAPPENING!

The amphitheater is expected to open spring 2012, and they are looking to program it with music, theatre, school graduations, and all kinds of great events.  I spoke to a Hudson River Museum staff member, who said that they expect that the museum will have a strong hand in programming the venue.  In addition to the theatre, there will  also be a parking garage next door, and work done to connect the dots of the River esplanade, so that one would be able to start at the Bronx/Westchester Border in Yonkers and walk/run the 51 miles to the Westchester/Putnam border.

It sounds like an exciting place.  On hand were county executive Rob Astorino, Yonkers mayor Phil Amicone, County and City Legislators,  and lots of museum staff and board members.

Can't wait to see what happens (which sounds like it will be a lot more  than  politicians throwing dirt on a pile!)

Yonkers and Westchester officials (and HRM people) shovel some ceremonial dirt.

Riverdale Israeli Independence Festival TODAY! 4-8 pm

https://www.shirfun.com/Israeli Independence Day Festival

On Tuesday afternoon, May 10, join hundreds of Riverdalians for a massive  festival for children and families, celebrating: Israel: Gifts of the Land.  Sponsored by the HIR and the Bronx Borough Presidents office, the festival will  take place next to Seton Park, on Independence Ave (between 232nd and 235th  Streets) from 4:00pm-8:00pm.

Featuring entertainment by Dafna and the Shir Fun All-Stars!
Rain Location: PS 24 on 234th St and Independence Ave.

RiverArts 2011 Studio Tour this weekend!

RiverArts 2011 Studio Tour

Sat, April 30, 11-6pm & Sun, May 1, Noon-5pm

Celebrating its 18th year, this map-guided tour offers the public an opportunity to visit Rivertowns artists in the studios where they work. The artists will be on hand where work is shown to answer questions about the process of making art; and art will be available for purchase. There will also be temporary “pop-up” shows and exhibitions in storefront galleries. Altogether over 70 artists, representing diverse styles and a wide range of media will participate.

To navigate the Tour, a comprehensive map can be downloaded here. Maps will also be included in the brochure available at the Preview Exhibitions and sponsoring businesses throughout the Rivertowns.

The brochure features thumbnail images of artwork along with artists’ names, locations and contact information to help you plan your visits. 

For more information, please email info@riverarts.org  914.412.5120 or visit their website at http://www.riverarts.org 

You can also see some samples of the artists being presented at this year's studio tour.

Admission to the Tour is free and open to the public

A video link for news coverage.

Chuck Lesnick announces candidacy for Mayor of Yonkers

Chuck Lesnick, has been a Democratic leader on City Council during at least the last two terms of Republican Phil Amicone‘s mayorships. 

Today he has announced that he will be running for Mayor.  This doesn’t come as a surprise to nearly anyone.

Chuck is a good guy (I’ve met him a couple of times and am friends with him on facebook)  I think he’d make a good mayor, although I admittedly don’t know anything about his opponents as of yet.

I only met Amicone once, and on the subject of the arts as an economic tool he is/was dead wrong. (I asked a question at a "meet the mayor" meeting, and he said that he felt that if the economics came back, then the arts would prosper.  The studies and the literature show the opposite.  If the arts prospers, the economics come back.  I haven't queried Chuck directly on this issue, but  I’m sure Chuck will do better than Amicone.  I know that Chuck is an arts supporter in general.

Unfortunately, like my former city Providence RI, there’s a fair amount of corruption and expectation of doing things the “old way”  in Yonkers — ie, by knowing somebody who knows how it all works and getting them to exert their knowledge of the system on your behalf.  Reform is not easy under these conditions, but its also necessary if Yonkers is going to prosper.

Hopefully Chuck will make it happen.

Find out more about his candidacy at http://www.chuck-lesnick.com/

See a video of his announcement:

TODAY: GROUPON FOR HUDSON RIVER MUSEUM MEMBERSHIP!

Special deal for the Hudson River Museum on Groupon today:  Join using Groupon and you can save 50% on membership!  This is only valid for new members, but if you aren't one, now is your opportunity.   $20 for an individual membership, $30 for a Family membership. 

And if you join using this link:  http://www.groupon.com/r/uu201175

The Yonkers Arts Blog will get a small stipend!  Win/Win for everybody!

This deal expires tonight, so if you want to become a member, hop on it!

The HRM is a combination arts museum, historic house, science museum, and planetarium.

And I'll be performing my flea circus there in July, so you'll get the added bonus of seeing my show for free!

For more info about the Hudson River Museum, visit http://www.hrm.org

See Stars during the School Vacation

At the Hudson River Museum , they'll be running a number of creative activities and shows during the Yonkers school break. April 18-22.  If you are looking for arts/science stuff to do with your kids, this would be a great start!


SCHOOL'S OUT, STARS ARE IN
Creative activities and planetarium shows for students on school break.

FREE with Museum admission. Students must be accompanied by a caregiver.

Museum Hours: 12-5pm
Activities: 1-4:30pm


Activities:
From Peekskill to New York Harbor
Image via WikipediaLearn about the Lower Hudson's densely populated and industrially developed world and the dangers they pose to the river's southernmost banks. Encounter the eagles, sea horses, and falcons that live here.

Dirty Water Lab Cart
Do water testing with the Museum's own Junior Docents in Hudson Riverama.

Art Workshop
Sea-horse inspired art making projects.

Star Shows
River Through Time, 2 pm
Ocean of Air, Ocean of Space, 3:30 pm

Blue Door Gallery Publication Opportunities

Blue Door Gallery Publications

Poets And Writers' Opportunities

For more info about these opportunities, visit http://www.bluedoorart.org or email info@bluedoorart.org 
 

Blue Door Gallery is preparing it's next publication about the current FIBER PLUS exhibition which will include writings and ekphrastic poetry inspired by the adventurous mixed media artworks on the walls.   Open Mic poets, Artspeak Workshop participants, and other interested poets and writers are invited  to visit the gallery this weekend to begin to form their poetic ideas, and/ or  join BDG's Poet-in-Residence Golda Soloman on  SATURDAY, APRIL 16th FROM 1 TO 3 PM for an Ekphrastic poetry walk- about and writing session. Golda will be available for guidance and editing to prepare submissions for our publication.  Deadline for written submissions is April 30th. Suggested donation: $5-$10. As with Blue Door Gallery's earlier book, OUT OF AFRICA, the included Artists and Poets are entitled to purchase their own copy at cost (TBD) and extra copies for an additional $5 each.

Generations: A Call For Artists July 9 through August 28, 2011

Artists working in all media are invited to submit work influenced by the theme of "generations". Artwork should illustrate an expression of cultural, historical, social, or geographical characteristics connecting young and old such as: ancestry, heritage, family or community bonds, social dynamics, collaboration, guidance and growth. Please share with us your own interpretations of "generations". This eight-week exhibition will be held in conjunction with free community programming dedicated to fostering the bonds and creativity of young people and their significant adults.  The workshop expressions will be in the forms of performance art and poetry, dance, puppetry, drawing, painting, clay and fabric crafts, podcasting, and more TBA. To honor all generations  we will exhibit artwork created by the youth of Yonkers in conjuction with the works of professional artists whose art addresses  the exhibition theme.  CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT ONLINE

Out of Africa Books Now Available at Blue Door Gallery

Your ordered or reserved copies have arrived and will be available during gallery hours starting April 8th. 

To make payment or place a new order, you may respond to this email with your address and either pay online:

CLICK HERE TO PAY SECURELY ONLINE 

or mail a check or money order to:  

Blue Door Gallery

5 Hudson Street

Yonkers NY 10701

Pricing:

1st copy purchased by a featured artist or poet is $38.06 after tax. Additional copies are $43.35. Available to the public. To have your book shipped, please add $5. 

BEST IDEA:

Plan to pick up your book on Tuesday, April 12th at the next BLUE DOOR OPEN MEETING at 6:30 PM at Blue Door Gallery (13 Riverdale Avenue, between Main Street and Hudson Street)

For more info about these opportunities, visit http://www.bluedoorart.org or email info@bluedoorart.org 

YoHo Expands

An article in the Westchester Business Journal talks about YoHo and the expanding community of artists in the former mill building. Quite informative, and worth reading. And if you are looking for a studio in Yonkers, they have some great space available. Article also available below:

http://westfaironline.com/2011/12101-artists'-space-grows-in-yonkers/

ARTISTS' SPACE GROWS IN YONKERS

George Huang, property manager at YoHo Artist Studios.

“We found a gem in the rough when we took over this space five years ago,” said George Huang, co-owner and property manager of The Heights Real Estate Co. in Manhattan. He stood against a backdrop of sculptures, paintings and mixed-media art displayed along a long white-walled, pine-columned corridor illumined by track lights in Yonkers.
Working artists have replaced the factory workers that occupied that space a century ago on gritty Nepperhan Avenue. Huang and his brother and investment partner, Tony Huang, paid $12 million in 2005 for 540 and 578 Nepperhan Ave., connected five-story brick buildings that total 150,000 square feet of warehouse and distribution, light manufacturing and studio space.
Today that space, excluding a recently built-out area, is about 90 percent occupied, Huang said. It includes nearly 60 working artists among its tenants.
The Huang brothers took over a piece of the city’s proud and vital industrial past in the 40-building sprawl that is the former Alexander Smith Carpet Mills beside the Saw Mill River in Yonkers. The two buildings, which Huang said were built in 1900 and 1901, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. They also took over and have expanded an adaptive reuse of factory floors started by former owner Allen Eisenkraft, who about 20 years ago welcomed the first artists to the well-preserved industrial relic.
Eisenkraft branded it YoHo, an affordable alternative in artist lofts to the likes of Manhattan’s high-rent SoHo. The new owners have continued the phased conversion to studio space with 16-foot-high ceilings and tall factory windows that yield abundant natural light.
Huang said his company is about to begin marketing and securing preleases for the latest addition to YoHo, 25 white-walled artist studios in about 10,000 square feet of fourth-floor space at 578 Nepperhan Ave. He expects to receive a certificate of occupancy in about one month.
Rents range from $300 for entry-level space to $600 and up at the high end, said Huang.
Most artists who rent at the YoHo show up in evening hours, said Huang. Outside their studios, they share what Huang called “user-friendly” communal spaces in which they mingle and freely display their works.
“When we first came here, these were more artist-tenants,” he said. “Now these are more members of an arts community. It’s a very tightly woven arts community that we have here.
“Before these were just artists’ studios. They have now taken on the ambiance of a gallery. Art, like a community, needs to be shared. And it needs a proper home to be displayed.”
Huang noted the new addition will increase the number of studios and potential tenants by nearly 50 percent. “That’s when a community with a small ‘c’ becomes a community with a capital ‘C’ – critical mass,” he said.



Yoho Artists Studios is planning to hold its annual open studio weekend on May 14-15.
As part of a grand-opening promotion of the newly converted fourth floor, the property manager, George Huang, said artists who sign leases in May will receive 25 percent off their rent for the first three months.
The Yonkers center’s website is www.yohoartists.com

Yonkers Philharmonic March 27th at 3 pm (FREE!)

The Yonkers Philharmonic, and Conductor James Sadewhite
Presents Free Concerts at Saunders Trade and Technical High School
183 Palmer Road Yonkers, N.Y.

---

*FREE* Concert Sunday, March 27, 2011 3:00PM Midsummer night’s Dream Overture Felix Mendelssohn – Bartholdy Concerto for Clarinet, K.622 in A Maj. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart James Sadewhite – Soloist Symphony #8, Opus 93, in F Ludwig van Beethoven Find out more about the Yonkers Phiharmonic on their website http://www.yonkersphilharmonic.org

Really Terrible Orchestra- April 3 in White Plains

The Really Terrible Orchestra of Westchester is holding its “Spring Tune-Up” concert from 3 to 5:30 p.m. April 3 at Grace Church of White Plains, 33 Church St.

There is a suggested $7 donation that includes refreshments.
Under the direction of conductor Benjamin Niemczyk, the amateur orchestra will, in the words of its musical director, Barbara Rosenthal, “attack works by Bach, Brahms, Bizet, Mussorgsky and other composers unable to respond with legal action.”

The orchestra’s “Really Terrible Dixieland Jazz Band” also will play a medley of popular standards.

The RTO was created in 2009  modeled on the Really Terrible Orchestra founded in Edinburgh, Scotland, by author Alexander McCall Smith. It is an ensemble of amateur musicians “who do not let rusty skills or fear of success get in the way of philharmonic fun,” Rosenthal stated.

Find out more at http://www.rtowestchester.org/

Hudson River Museum: Seniors Cultural Events (open to everybody)

The Hudson River Museum has been doing once a month cultural events for seniors.  Although designed and marketed  for seniors, they are open to all ages, so if you are un-employed, under-employed, or want to take a day off to play hooky, you are invited too.  More info at http://www.hrm.org

			Wednesday, March 16 Sweet Plantain                        1:30 – 3 pm Nobody bridges the gap between generations or musical genres like Sweet Plantain, a refreshingly new string quartet. Artfully fusing the western classical traditions in which they were trained with the hip-hop, jazz improv, and Latin rhythms on which they were raised, their original writing and live shows educate and entertain. Separately hailing from the South Bronx, New Jersey and Venezuela, together these musicians give voice to a sound that is contemporary, multicultural and very New York.
			Wednesday, April 13 Bartholomew Bland on Chemistry of Color 1:30 – 3 pm Hudson River Museum Curator of Exhibitions, Bartholomew Bland, gives an illustrated lecture on Chemistry of Color: The Sorgenti Collection of Contemporary African–American Art. On loan from the Philadelphia Academy of the Fine Arts, Chemistry of Colortraces developments in African American art throughout the 20th century, beginning with masterworks by Romare Bearden and Jacob Lawrence, including paintings, sculptures, works on paper and mixed-media objects that are vibrant, bold, optimistic and spectacularly colorful.
			Wednesday, May 4 Dr. Jo-Ann Graham: Abstract Expressionism and the African American Artist 1:30 – 3 pm This program, which is free and open to the public, is made possible through the support of the New York Council for the Humanities’ Speakers in the Humanities program. In this illustrated talk Dr. Graham explores the role of the African American artist in the historic and contemporary world of abstract painting. The program will impart a greater awareness of the breadth of paintings that have been created by African American artists. Too often, the common expectation is that Black artists' paintings are limited to representational works. This perception is often void of an informed awareness of the powerful and critically acclaimed work of Black artists who are abstractionists. Jo-Ann Graham earned a Ph.D. from New York University. She was a professor at The City University of New York, where she was a department chairperson and head of humanities. Dr. Graham has been on The Board of The Hammond Museum. She has also been with the Cinque Art Gallery, founded by Romare Bearden, Ernest Crichlow and Norman Lewis. The founding mission of the Cinque Gallery was to establish a not-for-profit institution that would be dedicated to enhancing growth opportunities for Black artists, to provide an exhibition space for the fine arts created by African American artists, and to establish an educational venue for the public. Dr. Graham extends that mission to providing educational presentations on aspects of the fine visual arts that are created by Black artists.