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What is going on in the arts and culture scene in and around Yonkers, NY.
Featuring resources, links, reviews, and occasionally biased commentary about the arts, artists, and events of the fourth largest city in New York State.
PLEASE NOTE: The author of this blog no longer lives in Yonkers. Infrequently updated.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Summer Movies at Riverdale Y
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
A Night at the Hudson River Museum
It's not the Museum of Natural History, it's Yonkers own Hudson River Museum. They are sponsoring a program to celebrate the 39th anniversary of Neil Armstrong landing on the moon with an overnight program they are calling One Small Step. It's an installation curated by artist Mathew Bakkom, an artist who is perhaps best known for his creation/installation of the New York Museum of Complaints. Bakkom's work typically seems to involve archival research followed by fanciful and sometimes provocative exhibitions and sculptures provoked by the research.The Museum has planned a whole night outing, and geared it for adults-- you have to be over 21 to attend. Read more below.

Saturday, July 19 - Sunday, 20
one small step: An Overnight Exploration With Artist Matt Bakkom
7:30 pm - 6 am
Celebrate the 39th anniversary of Neil Armstrong’s moon landing with conceptual artist Matt Bakkom. Discuss the space age; see site-specific art work, enjoy a “space” performance by ‘60s songwriter Brute Force and his Yonkers- based daughter, Daughter of Force. Curiosity a must, sleeping optional. Participating artists: Matt Bakkom; Mitch Miller; SMITHBEATTY (Craig Smith and Collin Beatty); Brute Force and Daughter of Force; Yonkers-based Lila Freedland.
Dinner and breakfast provided. Bring own sleeping bag. Registration required: 914.963.4550, x 351. A return call confirms your place and payment options. Pay in advance ― Nonmembers: $40, full overnight; $25, 7:30 pm - 1 am. Members: $10 discount. Pay day of ― Nonmembers: $50, full overnight; $35, 7:30 pm - 1 am. Members: $10 discount.
To find out more about the Hudson River Museum, you can visit their website: www.hrm.org
To find out more about Matt Bakkom, visit ArtFacts.net
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Westchester Money For Artists
MONEY AVAILABLE FOR SCHOOLS & ARTISTS!
Arts Partners Challenge Grant
WHAT
The Arts Partners Challenge Grant Program is a local arts-in-education funding program. This program is funded and supported by the Local Capacity Building Initiative of the Arts in Education Program at the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA), and administered in our area by the Westchester Arts Council. The Local Capacity Building Initiative is a statewide effort to provide local support for widespread participation in arts in education.
Arts Partners Challenge Grants provide matching funds for schools, cultural organizations and artists to collaborate on projects that integrate the arts into the on-arts curriculum. These grants are intended to assist schools in developing and sustaining partnerships with artists and/or cultural organizations. Projects require a direct collaboration between at least one non-arts classroom teacher and one teaching artist.
WHO CAN APPLY
Artists or cultural organizations from Westchester, Putnam, Orange or Sullivan counties are eligible to apply in partnership with schools from those counties. Schools may be public, private, parochial or charter schools. Projects can include any grade/s pre K-12.
HOW TO APPLY
Guidelines for 2009 will be available online at www.westarts.com. If you would like a copy mailed to you, or for more information please contact Alison Paul, Arts Partners Challenge Grant Manager, at apaul@westarts.com (preferred) or call 914-428-4220 x278.
Application workshops will be held at several locations during the summer and fall 2008. At the workshops, we will discuss how to put together a successful artist residency and how to find a collaborating artist or school as well as provide examples of successful applications and partnerships. We seek to help applicants, including first-time applicants, craft a strong proposal.
Application Workshops Location
Wed., June 18 at 4pm Music Conservatory of Westchester, White Plains Westchester
Tues., August 12 at 12pm Garrison Art Center, Garrison
Wed., August 13 at 1pm Catskill Art Society, Livingston Manor Sullivan
Tuesday, Sept. 16 at 4pm Pelham Art Center, Pelham
Thursday, Sept. 18 at 4pm Belle Levine Art Center, Tilly Foster Farm, Brewster Putnam
Monday, Sept. 22 at 4pm Newburgh Library, Newburgh
Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 4pm Katonah Art Museum, Katonah
Wed. Sept. 24 at 4pm The Hudson River Museum, Yonkers Westchester
Monday, Oct. 6 at 4pm Westchester Arts Council, White Plains Westchester
The application deadline for fiscal year 2009 projects is Friday, October 24, 2008.
Monday, June 9, 2008
New blog by Anne Bobroff-Hajal
It's a young blog (only a few posts so far) but so far, very interesting. She writes insightfully and well about her work, and even about what makes a good portrait a good portrait, and whether art can come from a snapshot.
You can view her blog by visiting http://blog.annebobroffhajal.com/.
You can find out more about her work at http://www.annebobroffhajal.com
Friday, June 6, 2008
Yonkers Pops Band June 15 & 22
Both concerts start at 2:00 p.m. at Untermyer Park, located at 945 North Broadway.
Sunday, June 15 - "Yonkers Pops Favorites"
Sunday, June 22 - "Something Old, Something New"
*Concert-goers must bring their own chairs or blankets.
*Free parking is available on North Broadway and nearby streets.
In the event of rain, both concerts will move indoors to the Charles Cola Community Center, located immediately inside the entrance to Untermyer Park.
These programs are presented by the Yonkers Department of Parks and Recreation and are co- sponsored by Local 38-398, American Federation of Musicians. For additional information, call the Yonkers Department of Parks and Recreation at 377-6440, or visit them online: http://www.cityofyonkers.com/Index.aspx?page=202
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Yonkers Philharmonic Sunday June 8
The Yonkers Philharmonic will be performing before a full audience this Sunday June 8, 2008, at 3:00pm, at Saunders Trade and Technical High School. The performance will feature two piano concertos, one composed by Frederick Chopin, another composed by Franz Liszt; two violin concertos, one composed by Felix Mendelssohn, and one by Ludwig van Beethoven; and a xylophone performance composed by Alan Hovhaness. Admission is free and will be held at Saunders Trade and Technical High School, 183 Palmer Road, Yonkers, NY.Thanks to the Yonkers Tribune for the information!
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Kharem/Chandler Exhibit at Philipse Manor Hall


Ervin Vincent Chandler & Omar Kharem will be exhibiting their works (paintings and photography respectively) at the Community Gallery of Philipse Manor Hall in Yonkers from June 24-July 31.
Gallery Hours are Tues-Friday 12-5 pm and Sat. & Sun from 11-5pm.
There will be a reception on June 29 from 3-5 pm. All are invited.
Ervin Chandler is a Caribbean born artist that has been featured often on these pages.
Omar Kharem is a photographer and musician-composer. A native New Yorker, he attended Bays High School in Brooklyn N,Y, and entered the Air Force in 1946. Around that time, he began studying the clarinet, while stationed on the island of Guam. Upon his discharge in 1949, he attended Hartnett National Music School in NY From 1950 through 1953.
In the late 1950's, Omar became interested in photography. After a course of intensive self study, and in 1965, became a freelance photographer. His first one man show was in 1968. Since then he has exhibited in numerous museums and galleries, in New York and throughout the states.
Since 1991 he has been primarily working as a photographer and musician.
To find out more about the artists and venue, visit the websites listed below:
Ervin Vincent Chandler: http://dennyjoeart.com/
Omar Kharem: http://www.biggervision.net/omar_kharem/omar_entr.html
Philipse Manor Hall: http://www.philipsemanorfriends.org/
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Westchester Arts Council June Opportunities
To: Westchester Artists
From: Anthony Pellegrino, Programs Associate for Cultural Services
Date: June 1, 2008
Re: Artist Opportunities
Good morning artists! This month there is a great selection of Artist Opportunities that I hope you can all take advantage of.
As always, should you have a specific inquiry about any of the below opportunities, please contact the source of the call directly. Remember, more information can be found within this email detailed below, and can also be found on our website along with on-going artist opportunities.
If you have any artist opportunities that you would like to share, please email them to me in a timely matter, so that I can include them.
I'm sure many of you have heard about the Orphan Works Bill but in case you have not - here's a quick explanation. This proposed bill affects all images (professional paintings, designs, even family snapshots) that appear on the internet. In order to retain copyright of your images it is proposed that you have to register every image with privately-held commercial registries. Obviously this is completely impossible & unaffordable. But if you don't register your images, they are available for use by anyone, for any purpose, without your permission or payment to you. This is a complete change to the current situation where you own your copyright, even if it is not registered, just by being the creator of the image.
You can use the link below to find pre-written letters to your Senator & Congressman registering your opposition to the Act. Just enter your zip code and follow the instructions.
http://capwiz.com/illustratorsp
Two important points - this doesn't just affect artists. It affects family photos put on the internet to show to your friends, images on facebook etc... So pass this on.
Another point - we know many artists are already wary about putting images of your work on websites. Even if this act passes, this doen't mean you should stop using the internet, it is still a great way to display your work. What it does mean is that you need to display low resolution images which can't be enlarged and printed. Or you need to add an embedded signature in the image so that the image can't be reproduced without the signature. If you would like help with this please contact me and I would be happy to walk you through this. Anthony Pellegrino 914-428-4220 x 225 or apellegrino@westarts.com.
Of course the best option is to defeat this bill. So sign up and pass it on.
Thank you and live with passion in the month of June.
“Everything you'll ever need to know is within you; the secrets of the universe are imprinted on the cells of your body.” Dan Millman
Artist Opportunities:
Artist Performance Space: Hastings-on-Hudson
Well maintained multipurpose spaces with onsite parking available for rental.
Large room seats 125, includes grand piano. Small rooms seat 12 to15.
Flexible schedules. $30/hr is negotiable.
Contact: firstuu@aol.com phone 914-478-2710
Artist Discussion: Local Growing Conditions’ Artists Discuss the Creative Process
DATE: JUNE 7
How does an artist’s natural and working environment influence their work? As part of a current exhibition of regional artists entitled ‘Local Growing Conditions,’ the Westchester Arts Council will present a special panel discussion on Saturday June 7th at 7 pm. The panel discussion will feature six artists who are exhibiting work in ‘Local Growing Conditions’; the discussion is free and geared to both artists and the general public.
For more information call 914-428-4220 x 231
DATE: JUNE 12
On Thursday, June 12th, beginning at 7:30 pm, the Westchester Arts Council will present a rousing tribute concert entitled ‘Work o’ the Weavers,’ in celebration of the early 1950’s band that ushered in a distinctive American form of socially conscious folk music that reverberated throughout the remainder of the twentieth century and influenced generations of musicians. Work o’ the Weavers performers include Martha Sandefer, Matt Murphy, David Bernz, and James Durst.
The concert will also include a Traditional Folk Open Mic for area musicians who would like to join the celebration.
The Arts Exchange is located at 31 Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains, next door to White Plains City Center. Tickets are available while supplies last and may be purchased by calling 914-428-4220 x223, or by downloading the order form at www.westarts.com.
Musicians participating in the Open Mike event may attend for free.
Call for Entries: Christiania Arts Foundation's New Classic Nude Competition
DEADLINE: JUNE 15
This competition is part of an ongoing series promoting the work of emerging artists. The winner's work will be featured on a prominent billboard in the arts district of a major city.
Prospectus available online at www.christinaked.com.
Call for Entries: Exposure Photography Contest
DEADLINE: JUNE 17
Artists Wanted is proud to announce EXPOSURE: a nationwide open call for photography! All photographers will have their own online portfolio & receive a complimentary copy of JPG Magazine. The Top Photographers will be selected by New York Times Photo Editor Patrick Witty, Supermodel and Fashion Icon Tiiu Kuik, and NYC Gallery Owner David Kesting.
The Grand Prize: The Top Photographer will have their work presented in a massive scale photo show on buildings in the top New York City Art Districts: Chelsea, Dumbo and Williamsburg. Their work will also be featured at an Opening Event at the Leo Kesting Gallery in Manhattan on August 9th and they will receive: $2,008 cash, a full-pres promotional campaign and a feature in our upcoming publication, "The Annual".
Outside the main prize we look for unique opportunities for every artist who submits work into our system. We have developed an incredible network of media/galleries/buyers and we want to put that to work for you. So far we have gotten artists international media attention, gallery shows and sales. The success of our artists has been phenomenal. We only expect it to grow exponentially from here.
Click here for more information: http://www.artistwanted.org
Auditions: Fort Hill Players “Election Day”
DATES: JUNE 19 & 20
ELECTION DAY By Josh Tobiesson Directed by Melinda O’Brien
It's Election Day, and Adam knows his over-zealous girlfriend will never forgive him if he fails to vote. But when his sex starved sister, an eco-terrorist, and a mayoral candidate willing to do anything for a vote all show up, Adam finds that making that quick trip to the polls might be harder than he thought. Election Day is a hilarious dark comedy about the price of political (and personal) campaigns.
Auditions:
AGE RANGE: An Eclectic cast
Thursday, June 19 7 pm
Friday, June 20 7 pm
Rochambeau School
228 Fisher Ave
White Plains, NY
Performances:
October 17, 18, 24, 25
For more information please contact Producer Joan Charischak at 914-946-5143
Call for Entries: Unframed Artists Gallery “Dream Time”
DEADLINE: JUNE 21
This New Paltz gallery is seeking entries of work about good dreams or bad dreams that speak back to us about our waking world without prejudice or falsehood, but with the clarity of uninhibited inner vision.
Prospectus available online at www.unframedartistsgallery.com
Call to Artists: Downtown Mural Project
DEADLINE: JUNE 24
The New Rochelle Council on the Arts and Municipal Arts Commission seek to commission one mural for “The Downtown Mural Project.” One artist (or artist team) will be selected to create a design for a mural to be installed on an exterior wall of 41 Lawton Street, New Rochelle, NY 10801. The purpose of this project is to initiate a mural project as an introductory Art in Public Spaces program in the downtown business district. The project will bring works of art to an area that is currently devoid of art.
Please click here for more information: http://www.newrochellearts.org
Call for Writers: New Works of Merit Playwriting Contest
DEADLINE: JUNE 30
New Works of Merit Playwriting Contest is now accepting scripts through June 30, 2008 for new works that:
Enhance self-realization
Support peace and social justice
Foster new understanding of minority issues that focus on racial, ethnic and gender discrimination both in the United States and abroad
Empower youth to build healthy inner foundations
Educate to gain further insight into healthy social/emotional living
Shed new light on religious, spiritual, and cultural differences and issues
Build respect for cultural expression and identity in a world that is experiencing rapid globalization
Explore the widening gap between the values this country was founded on and the values we present to the world today
For guidelines and application form: www.PlaywritingContest.cjb.net
Call for Entries: Art for Health
DEADLINE: JUNE 30
Art for Health is a juried art show/fundraiser that invites you to submit up to 10 images via email or website by June 30 to curator, Suzanne Ashley. If selected, your work will be viewed by over 700 people in October at Boscobel and may also be installed in Hudson Valley Hospital Center’s permanent collection. All media with maximum dimensions in any direction not to exceed 40” welcomed. Artist maintains 75% of sale price.
Send information to smithstudio1@comcast.net
Call to Young Artists: 11th Annual Peace Pals International Arts Exhibition
DEADLINE: JUNE 30
Youth from around the world — and particularly those in the tri-state area — are invited to submit their original artwork to the “11th Annual Peace Pals™ International Arts Exhibition and Awards,” held this year in celebration of the International Day of Peace established by the United Nations on September 21.
A panel of international judges will select the first-, second-, and third-place winners in four age groups, ranging from age 5 to 19. Winning artwork will become part of a worldwide tour.
This year’s winners will be announced at an Awards Gala and Ceremony on September 21, 2008, in Beacon, NY. All artwork submitted will be displayed in Main Street storefronts in the city during a two-week Peace Pals celebration sponsored by the Beacon Arts Community Association. Though Peace Pals™ International is based in Dutchess County, NY (Wassaic), this year will mark the first time the Awards Gala and Ceremony is held in New York state.
Following the events in Beacon, the exhibition begins its world tour at the United Nations on October 2 for the International Day of Non-Violence. Other stops scheduled or planned for the tour include: Scotland, Germany, Japan, Brunei Darussalam, India, Hong Kong, and California.
Submission Guidelines:
The theme for the artwork is “friendship,” and each design must include the message “May Peace Prevail On Earth.” Artwork may be drawn, sketched, or painted in any style on paper or cardboard measuring 4.75 inches by 6.75 inches (12 cm by 17 cm), horizontal or vertical. No organic elements or loose items can be used. There is no limit to the number of pieces each person can submit.
Entries should be mailed by June 30 to:
Cricket Sheppard
Peace Pals International
26 Benton Rd
Wassaic, NY 12592 USA
For full submission guidelines and additional information, visit www.wppspeacepals.org, call 845-877-6093, or email peacepals@worldpeace.org.
Call for entries: 3rd Rail Studio: Idols, Relics and Whores
DEADLINE: JULY 1
3rd Rail Studio is looking for 2D work to accompany the work of two sculptors for the exhibit “Idols, Relics and Whores” opening September 6 - 27, 2008.
Please send images of 1-3 works as well as a description and/or artist statement to the Executive Director Christine Milo at 3rdrailstudio@optonline.net.
For more information on 3rd Rail please go to: http://www.3rdrailstudio.com
Call for Entries: Introspections: A Juried Self-Portrait Exhibit
DEADLINE: JULY 1
The Smithtown Township Arts Council is now accepting entries for Introspections, A Juried Self-Portrait Exhibition to be held August 16 - September 22, 2008. Juror Amy Mackie is an assistant curator at the New Museum of Contemporary Art, New York. Artists are invited to submit work exploring various modes of representing the self. All media (drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, video, film, sound, performance, and installation) will be considered. Entry deadline is July 1 2008, and must be submitted as 300 ppi jpeg files on CD only.
STAC
660 Rte 25A
St. James, NY 11780
Please click here for more information: www.stacarts.org/exhibits/show
Call to Artists: Summer All Media Juried Online International Art Exhibition
DEADLINE: JULY 8
The Upstream People Gallery presents an exhibition with 12 month's gallery representation, from August 1, 2008 through July 31, 2009, with approximately 900,000 hits each month. Open to all artists worldwide with original artwork in all media, processes and forms.
Cash awards of excellence and special recognitions will be given at the juror's discretion; the amounts and number of which is determined by the entries and their quality. Specially recognized artists will be reviewed in the juror's statement published worldwide and sent in a press release to the artist's local newspaper(s).
Please click here for more information: www.upstreampeoplegallery.com or contact Larry Bradshaw at shows@upstreampeoplegallery.com
Call for Entries: Juried Photography Exhibit at Somers Custom Framing
DEADLINE: JULY 12
Juror of Selection & Awards: Photographer Hal Schwartz
Show Dates: Friday July 18 - Saturday July 26
Submission Dates: Friday July 11 from 3 - 6pm or Saturday July 12 from 10 - 3pm
Awards Reception: Saturday July 19 from 2 - 4pm
Entry Fee: $30 flat. Up to 3 pieces per photographer may be submitted
Entry Forms & Prospectus available on-line at www.somersframing.com
Somers Custom Framing: 253 Route 202, Somers NY 10589. 914-276-3173
Call to Film Makers: I Love NY Film Contest
DEADLINE: JULY 15
"In A New York Minute" (a :60 second film) is looking for innovative and creative interpretations of “I Love NY.” Films should highlight the distinctive places, unique characters and hidden gems that make New York State special to them. Contestants will compete for top notch prizes including professional HD video equipment, scholarships for professional film workshops, NY weekend getaways and the opportunity to screen their “short” during a prime time television broadcast (Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade).
Please click here for more information: http://www.metacafe.com/iloveny
Call to Artists: Richeson 75 International Art Competitions
DEADLINE: JULY 30
The Jack Richeson Company is a leading supplier of high quality art materials. As part of our mission to support the arts community we sponsor six, international, juried art exhibitions a year.
Landscape, Seascape & Architectural: Postmark deadline: July 30, 2008 | Exhibit Sept 14 - Nov 7, 2008 | Awards Juror: Mr. Frank Federico, PSA, CPS, NEWS, PPSCC, NWS | Over $7500 in prizes including $3000 cash Best in Show.
Still Life & Floral: Postmark deadline: August 29, 2008 | Exhibit Nov 13, 2008 - Jan 5, 2009 | Awards Juror: Mr. Donald Demers, master artist and Fellow-American Society of Marine Artists | Over $7500 in prizes including $3000 cash Best in Show.
Finalists and alternates are featured in our Gallery Exhibit, on-line in our Virtual Gallery and in each exhibit's full-color, hardcover Exhibit Book.
Please click here for more information: www.richeson75.com/callforentri
Call for Entries: Creative Café Fashion Showcase
DEADLINE: AUGUST 29
Creative Café is seeking innovative apparel designs by artists of all ages and experience for "The Look" a fashion showcase on Saturday October 4, 2008 at the First Unitarian Society of Westchester in Hastings on Hudson, NY. Original entries in ladies, men's and unisex fashion, shoes, hats and accessories will be considered for presentation and sale. All designers must submit entries in the form of a high resolution bmp or tif image that clearly represents the piece (limit 3 entries per person) suitable for printing and exhibition, along with a text description, which details materials used, design concept and description and dimensions of the piece. Accepted entries will be on exhibit during the Fall 2008 (to be announced). Designers whose work is accepted for the exhibition should be prepared to present a prototype that can be worn by a live model (the designer may also wear his/her own work) in the Oct 4th fashion show.
All entries must be emailed on or before Friday, August 29. Designers whose entry is accepted will be notified by Tuesday, September 9. Entries may or may not be offered for sale, at the artist's discretion.
For more information contact creativecafe@verizon.net or call 914-779-5352
Helpful Resources
http://www.shavis.com the visual’s newnet
http://www.playbill.com - jobs in stage and theatre
http://www.creativecareercounseling.homestead.com - Creative careers
http://www.wwar.com -Arts employment
http://www.freelanceonline.com - Freelance jobs and tips
http://www.mbsolutions.com - Music Business tips and contacts
http://www.variety.com - Variety Magazine site, jobs and articles
http://www.BackStage.com - Casting and career tips for film and theater
http://www.nyc.gov/film - NYC Mayor's Office of Film, Theatre & Broadcasting
http://www.crewpro.com - Music personnel, touring, and entry positions
http://www.musicalchairs.info - Orchestral job vacancies world wide
http://www.entertainmentcareers.net - Music, Theater Arts, Film, TV, Media jobs, and internships
http://www.tcg.org (ARTSEARCH) - Theatre Communications Group's job search site (call x6370 for username/password)
http://www.voiceofdance.com - Information and Job Board
http://www.museumca.org/usa - Museums all over the US
http://www.jobbank.artsusa.org - Americans for the Arts Job Bank
http://www.creativehub.com - The center for creatives finding work
http://www.artcareer.net - Jobs in the Visual Arts
http://www.artsnwct.org - North West Connecticut Arts Council
http://www.cultureandtourism.org -Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism
http://www.idealist.org -Non-profit and arts internships and jobs
http://www.nyfa.org - NY Foundation For the Arts, jobs, grants and information
http://www.craigslist.org - Arts, Media and non-profit jobs/oppurtunities
http://www.mandy.com - International Film & TV Production Resources
http://www.mediabistro.com - Job and industry information in the media
http://www.journalismjobs.com - Journalism Jobs
http://www.workinpr.com - Careers in Public Relations
http://www.creativehotlist.com - Site for the professional creative marketplace
http://www.bookjobs.com - Jobs/internships in the publishing industry
http://www.editorandpublisher.com - Journal Covering the Newspaper Industry