When ArtsWestchester holds its annual gala Nov. 22, the White Plains-based arts organization will be looking back to “When It All Began.”
This year”™s edition of its major fundraiser is drawing inspiration from the 1960s, a nod to the organization”™s 1965 launch and upcoming 50th anniversary.
The evening will be held in an untraditional party space ”” 900 King St. in Rye Brook, a George Comfort & Sons property ”” with the space reimagined to reflect the best of the era, from The Beatles to bell bottoms to Woodstock.
There will be cocktails, followed by dinner and dancing to live music presented in recognition of “all the creativity that took place in the ”™60s,” said Janet Langsam, CEO of ArtsWeschester.
The evening will also recognize two honorees, each for their contributions to the arts in Westchester.
“Basically we”™ve got two different honorees working at two different ends of the spectrum,” Langsam said, though the two share a commitment to bringing the arts to those who might not otherwise have access.
“Sure, it”™s great to go to an art show or a concert, but what if you can”™t?” Langsam said.
Individual honoree Robert Wiener, chairman of Maxx Properties in Harrison, is particularly passionate about providing access to the arts for Westchester children, according to ArtsWestchester. Corporate recognition will be given to Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla, noted for long advocating for a place for the arts in patient health and well-being.
Wiener is a driving force on ArtsWestchester”™s board of trustees.
“He”™s a grandfather of 16 but that aside, he has just been an exemplary arts leader,” Langsam said.
She added that Wiener is “very supportive of at-risk kids and the arts,” and his work reinforces “the idea that the arts are a formative springboard for success.”
Programs for these children, Langsam said, give them an experience that has a broader impact.
They are, she said, “making something and succeeding and understanding the feeling of success,” something that can remain with them as they mature.
Westchester Medical Center is being recognized for the work of its Healing Arts Program, which uses integrative arts therapies and complementary healing practices to enhance the health and well-being of its patients as well as their family members, visitors and caregivers. Elements of the program range from art and music therapy to visual and performing arts to yoga and aromatherapy.
“It”™s basically a very forward-thinking kind of approach that the medical center is taking in terms of including the arts into the whole healing environment and making it central to what we call well-being,” Langsam said. “And I think that”™s right on.”
Proceeds from the gala will benefit ArtsWestchester”™s programs and services. A silent auction is underway with bidding continuing through the night of the gala at biddingforgood.com/artswauction. Table sponsorships, tickets (from $600) and journal ads are available through artswestchester.org/gala or by contacting Ann Fabrizio at afabrizio@artswestchester.org.
