Wildcliff Artist Showcase- Scintillating Sounds

I cannot think of a better way to spend your Sunday (7/15) afternoon than to pack a picnic and come out to Wildcliff and listen to the sounds of the first showcase by The Nursery. Admission is FREE and the view is priceless.  One of the featured artists is New Rochelle native Nicole Marie (see video below). She has an angelic voice that I would compare to the ethereal Esperanza Spalding, but with a dash of funk. The showcase starts at 12:30 and the jamming will continue till half past 4. Other musical acts include: I&I, The Blanks, J-EA, Jake Backer, The Rochamnros, Ladybird Johnson and Sam Friend's Jazz Trio. If your musical tastes include folk, jazz, Latin and hip hop, this is the show for you. Eric Woodlin, founder of Incoming Tide, gave birth to the idea of an outdoor concert series at Wildcliff in 2009 and he continues to bring us musicians from the 914 with talent galore.

44 Wildcliff Road, New Rochelle, NY

Nicole Marie

Sam Friend 

The Blanks

The Rochambros 

                                 

                                                               

New Logo For our 325th Anniversary

Bright, colorful, unforgettable: That describes the striking design created by Deborah Haley, whose work has been selected as the official logo for the City of New Rochelle’s upcoming 325^th anniversary celebration. The new logo was unveiled Friday morning at the annual Bastille Day celebration at City Hall. As the winning designer Ms. Haley received $325; two runners-up, Jesse Sanchez and Andrew Morejon, each received $100.

The logo competition was a collaboration between the City of New Rochelle and the New Rochelle Council on the Arts, with the selection made by a jury of professionals.

The call for entries asked artists and graphic designers to submit a design that would combine  “strong visual appeal with a well thought-out concept.” The function of the logo is to provide both the residents of and visitors to the City of New Rochelle with a visual symbol representing 325 years of growth and development.

Graphic designer Deborah Haley, a graduate of Clark University and Parsons School of Design who also designs and sells her own line of jewelry, says her winning design was inspired by “the manifest diversity of New Rochelle’s populace and the development and cultivation of the Arts as the driving force for cohesion within the City.” She explained that the logo’s “colorful, undulating squares represent New Rochelle’s growth and economic development along the Sound,” while the orange fleur-de-lys, front and center, reflects the City’s rich Huguenot history and its demographic vibrancy today.

One second prize went to Jesse Sanchez, an art director and graphic designer who is also President of the New Rochelle Art Association. He says his design “played with shapes and colors with a non-representational, non-specific intention. I wanted to capture the spirit of New Rochelle, rather than the concrete, historical, or functional qualities the city possesses.”

Andrew Morejon, a 2009 graduate of New Rochelle High School currently studying at Lehman College, took another second prize for his design, which integrates the city’s fleur-de-lys logo with representations of New Rochelle’s many facets. “I wanted all the figures to originate from the New Rochelle education system, which is symbolized by the silhouette of New Rochelle High School,” explains Morejon. “ I emphasized the fact that our community is two miles from the waterfront by placing sailboats on the inferior portion of the logo.  The top portion consists of the urban setting including the “Space Shot” landmark.  The lateral portions of the logo simply express the vast amount of activities and culture of New Rochelle.  Lastly, the distal ends of the wings are secured with a fire truck and police car to convey a safe and secure community as well. “

NRCA was created by the New Rochelle City Council in 1975 to stimulate and encourage the study and presenttion of the performing and fine arts and the public’s interest and participation therein. NRCA has worked to fulfill that mission by sponsoring art exhibitions, theatrical productions, dance recitals, film screenings, lectures, and concert series as well as city-wide events like ArtsFest and the Sound Shore Shakespeare Festival. This season NRCA programs are made possible, in part, by ArtsWestchester with funds from Westchester County Government, the City of New Rochelle, and the support and participation of NRCA’s  membership. For more information on how to become a member visit NRCA on the web atwww.newrochellearts.org.

         

2 Division Street- Artist Studio Cohesive

David Humphrey 

 Something vivid comes to 2 Division street. After a full renovation, this incredibly desirable location is now home to The New Rochelle Gallery Artist Studios. With two floors of wonderfully laid out personal artist studios, you can now live out your dream to become the next Vincent VanGogh without having to sell your ear to pay the rent.  The spacious studios range from $700-$1000 per month and this includes heat and electricity. All spaces have keyless entry and video intercom systems. A few rooms also have enviable natural light that filters in though a sloped skylight. Painter David Humphrey and fine artist Maryana Oliynyk selected room 207 as their chromatic workshop. If you are interested in one of the spaces, contact  Ralph DiBart @ralphdibart@rcn.com. Do not delay, the spaces are going even before the paint dries.

                                

                                            Maryana Oliynyk

Bastille Day in New Rochelle - Logo Awards

Every year, France celebrates Bastille Day on the 14th of July. Bastille Day symbolizes the overthrow of the monarchy and the beginning of a new French Republic. On July 14, 1789, the common people of France stormed Bastille, a military prison, to show their opposition to the tyrannical rule of the french aristocrats.

Next year New Rochelle will celebrate its 325th Anniversary. As the sister city to La Rochelle in France, New Rochelle was settled by the Huguenots as they fled France to avoid religious persecution.
The New Rochelle Council on the Arts is sponsoring a nationwide "Call for a 325th Anniversary Logo". The winner will be announced this Friday July 13th @ 10am on the steps of City Hall.  The Volunteer Center will be available to chat with you or your organization if you wish to participate in  next year's celebrations.

Hudson Park Concert Series - Sensational Sixties

                                                         
Pull theThunderbird out of the garage and dust off your saddle shoes for trip down memory lane. The New Rochelle Council of the Arts presents the Emil Paolucci sounds of the summer series. Starting Wednesday July 11th  at 7:30pm, the Sumer Series swings into town with the sounds of the fabulous sixties rock show and returns every Wednesday thru August 29th @ the Hudson Park Bandshell.

Twin Donut - Confectionary Circumference

Over the past few months, the space at 471 Main street @ the corner of North Avenue, has been a buzz with construction workers doing facade improvements and renovations. Then it seemed to happen overnight- the unveiling of a shiny Twin Donut sign. Yes, Twin Donut! If you thought that perhaps there was a Twin Donut at this location previously, you would be correct. Previously occupied by a Twin Donut & Blimpie Sandwich Shop, the restaurant now has a core focus: spherical, sugary, satisfaction for your salivation.  I have not ben yet, but can't wait to grab a beignet.

Fourth Of July - Spectacular Sonnet

Independence Day has a special meaning in New Rochelle this year. Thanks to the independent contribution from the Poet's Corner and their S.E.L.F foundation (Sane Enlightned Life Force)

the New Rochelle fireworks were not extinguished before the fuse was lit. The Poet's Corner founder, Guru Madeline provided the city with a check for $50K to provide the spark that the community needs.

Spark of the Sound Independence Day fireworks will begin at 9:30 on Wednesday July 4th. The Grucci family's extravagant explosives can be seen from all of New Rochelle's waterfront parks.  So pack a picnic & grab a seat in the park to experience the poetic pyrotechnics.