Arts & Entertainment

RiverArts Wins Award During 50th Anniversary

The non-profit arts organization won ArtWestchester's Arts Organization Award in the 2013 Arts Awards.

RiverArts is on a roll! In addition to celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2013, the non-profit arts organization—which serves Ardsley, Dobbs Ferry, Hastings-on-Hudson and Irvington—was recently awarded with a 2013 Arts Award from ArtsWestchester, a countywide arts organization.

“We are so happy that we live and work in a county that values the arts enough to have an organization like ArtsWestchester, a public/private partnership that is committed to supporting the arts,” said Dobbs Ferry resident Ellen Crane, co-president of RiverArts. “The money we receive from ArtsWestchester, whose funds come from Westchester County and state governments as well as corporations and individuals, is critical to our survival.” 

RiverArts was one of nine award recipients, and received the Arts Organization Award for “promoting arts and culture in the river communities.”

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This category is given to a “Westchester County non-profit arts organization that has made an important contribution to the growth of Westchester’s cultural life over a significant period of time, and has had an impact beyond its immediate community.” 

Click here for more on the 2013 Art Awards and its winners.

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“They’re one of the stellar organizations that supports the arts in their own community,” said Janet Langsam, CEO of ArtsWestchester. 

The award ceremony was held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in White Plains on April 4 to honor organizations and individuals who are committed to enhancing their communities through art.

“It was a sell out event over 400 people there, it’s our little Academy Awards moment,” said Langsam. “I think one of the accomplishments of the event itself is that it really puts the spotlight on the arts in Westchester and how meaningful and important it is to the quality of life here on a macro level countywide, but also on a community basis. We like to know we can go to the Caramoor and hear the finest music, but we also like to know we can go down the street and participate with our neighbors and participate with quality programs as well.”

RiverArts was started as a grassroots organization called the Hastings Creative Arts Council about 50 years ago and was incorporated on March 20, 1963. The named was changed to the Rivertowns Arts Council, then RiverArts.

Their two major events are the Studio Tour, which occurs at the end of April, and a contemporary dance performance. The organization also holds after school music programs, that serve hundreds of families in the villages, arts workshops and an arts summer camp. RiverArts also produces smaller events like conversations with artists, film screenings and co-produces the Jazz Forum Arts Free Music Concerts in Dobbs Ferry.

Community outreach efforts include architecture and music programs at St. Christopher’s School in Dobbs Ferry, and providing scholarships for its music and summer programs

Though RiverArts does have a few paid part time and stipend positions, it mostly functions through the efforts of volunteers. 

“Everyone who’s involved with RiverArts has really contributed to making the organization what it is today,” said Crane, a retired dancer and photographer. “It’s really a team effort. It was really wonderful to know we were able to get this award in RiverArts’ 50th anniversary.”

Visit riverarts.org to join, sponsor or learn more about RiverArts.

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