The New Rochelle Downtown Business Improvement District and Residency Unlimited’s summer artist in residency and art exhibition program is in full swing. This Saturday, its downtown New Rochelle home at 5 Anderson Street, will teem with new artwork paintings and sculptures in galleries throughout the building, even on the roof. “The BID has been working tirelessly to nurture downtown as a dynamic urban center where the arts play an increasingly important role,” said BID Executive Director Ralph DiBart. “These artworks and events will show visitors and residents what New Rochelle can be – indeed, what it is becoming – and will let everyone know that it’s all happening here.”
Mark and Robert Fonte, the developers of 5 Anderson Street, a newly renovated apartment building, are providing the BID with opportunities throughout the buidling to showcase the work of local, regional and international artists. 5 Anderson is also home to the work studios for the six regional and international artists who are participating in the RU work residency program. Livia Alexander, project director for Residency Unlimited, an art organization that works with artists internationally, has organized gallery exhibits, art installations and video presentations with works by regional and international artist who participate in their many programs.
“Working in New Rochelle for the first time represents an exciting opportunity for the many artists participating in this initiative,” says project director Alexander. “Moving away from the traditional white cube experience, our emphasis has been on collaborating with artists seeking to engage audiences in unconventional spaces like 5 Anderson, out in public, and with communities. As we move forward, we are excited by the many opportunities that have emerged for exchange and collaboration.”
