The Enchanted Garden: Colors in Motion - Sculptures by Dorothy Gillespie
2023-04-29 09:00 - 20:00, 2023-04-30 09:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Rockland Center for the Arts,27 South Greenbush Road, West Nyack, NY 10994, USA
The Enchanted Garden: Colors in Motion
Sculptures by Dorothy M. Gillespie
The Catherine Konner Sculpture Park
Oct. 15, 2021 – Oct. 2023
Free to the Public, Dawn to Dusk
RoCA is proud to present the The Enchanted Garden: Colors in Motion exhibit as a part of a tribute to the 20th Century artist and feminist, Dorothy Gillespie. The exhibit will open October 15th in The Catherine Konner Sculpture Park at RoCA.
Dorothy Gillespie’s joyful and brilliantly colored starbursts glimmer hanging from the trees as well as lining the pathway. The pieces create an enchanted garden of colors in motion. Though stationary they seem to possess a kinetic quality. Two larger pieces can be seen at the entry to RoCA. The exhibit was partially installed this summer and will be completed for exhibit October 15th. The exhibit will remain on display through October 2023.
Gillespie (1920-2012) was born in Roanoke, VA and lived in Nyack during the later years of her life. She pioneered joyful, new directions of metal sculpture and is best known for large-scale, colorfully painted arrangements of cut aluminum strips curling, radiating, or undulating in giant arrangements of ribbons, enchanted towers, or bursting fireworks. She was well known as a painter, sculptor and installation artist whose work incorporated many significant 20th-century trends in art.
During Dorothy Gillespie’s youth … “girls did not attend art school, at least not ‘nice’ girls,” said Gillespie in 2010. Nevertheless, she was determined to be an artist and attended the Maryland Institute College in Baltimore. She was more fortunate than women sculptors in the 19th Century who were mostly hired as studio assistants by established male sculptors with few exhibitions. Harriet Hosmer, Emma Stebbins, Edmonia Lewis, Frances Grimes and Helen Mears were some of the few who made names in the arts as women during that time. They did not pursue monumental work as frequently as men did and mostly produced works in bronze and consistent middle-class demand for small-scale sculpture to decorate the home and garden. Today many more women are now entering traditional male dominated sculpture roles in metal, wood and stone, thanks to the pioneering activism of women like Dorothy Gillespie in the 20th century.
An influential force in the women’s movement, Gillespie encouraged more women’s art in museums and art in public spaces. In 1970, Gillespie joined Women in the Arts and created picket signs protesting at the Whitney Museum demanding that the curators choose more women artists for their “Annual exhibition. The demonstration worked, and more women artists were chosen for the show. Although the increase was very slow, over time it increased from 8 percent to 40 percent. Gillespie was the Founder of the Women Artists Historical Archives of the Women’s Interart Center in NY, NY, filming and taping interviews of some of the most important women artists of the 20th century as well as presenting her own radio show. Gillespie along with Joyce Weinstein founded a group called the NY Professional Women Artists. The 14 members lectures at Universities and wrote articles to encourage other women artists.
Gillespie also coordinated a course to educate and enlighten women in the visual arts, after being invited to teach at The New School in NYC. The intent was to prepare women for a new, more aggressive role to function in the art world. Due to her already busy schedule, she asked artist Alice Barber to share the task of revealing to the young students the ‘system’ that drove the NY art world and how to succeed. In 1974 she organized an innovative outdoor exhibition, Walk Through Art, mounted in Central Park, Battery Park, and Rockefeller Center, then travelling to fifty colleges, universities and street fairs. Compelled to involve viewers in her work, she created large 7 ft high triangles of art for people to walk through the sculptures. Gillespie has held positions of designing programs as a Professor of Art, being a Board of Trustees for more than one college or art center, as a visiting artist in residency and as the Chairperson of the Fine Arts Committee for the International Women’s Art Festival.
Dorothy Gillespie’s career spanned seven decades, always at the forefront of the American Art movement. She studied at the Maryland Institute College in Baltimore before moving to New York City, where she studied at the Art Students League. Her works grace many institutions, museums, colleges, universities and public spaces, including the permanent collection of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and the United States Mission to the United Nations. She was one of the first artists to offer her art to the world through displays in the lobbies of public institutions and governmental centers such as the Mayo Clinic, Epcot Center, Warren Wilson College, Fort Lauderdale Airport-Delta Terminal, Fort Lauderdale Museum of Art, the Miami Public Library, United States Mission to the United Nations, and the Court House Square – Roanoke, VA and Universities across the country.
Among her many honors, Gillespie received the Alice Baber Art Fund, Inc. Grant Award: a Doctor of Pedagogy from Niagara University in Niagara Falls, A Doctor of Fine Arts (Honoris Causa) from Caldwell College in Caldwell, NY, an Allied Professions Award from the Virginia Society, the American Institute of Architects in Richmond, VA., the Distinguished Alumni Award from Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore, the Outstanding Services Award from University of Arkansas at Little Rock, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Women’s Caucus for Art, and the Gala 8 “Distinguished Woman” Award at Birmingham Southern College.
The Catherine Konner Sculpture Park is open from dawn to dusk, free to the public. Brochures can be picked up at the registration desk. For more information visit: www.rocklandartcenter.org or call 845-358-0877.
This exhibition was made possible thanks to the generous support of The Dorothy M. Gillespie Foundation and Gary Israel.
RoCA’s programs are made possible, in part, with funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature. Funding is also made possible by the County of Rockland.
RoCA gratefully acknowledges support for its programs from The Richard Pousette-Dart Foundation, M&T Bank, The M&T Charitable Foundation, The Dorothy Gillespie Foundation, Peter & Rebecca Lang, Kantrowitz, Goldhamer & Graifman P.C., Luxury Kitchen and Bath, Golden Artist Colors, Inc., QuietEvents, the Estate of Joan Konner, Lighting Services Inc., Sarah and Stephen Thomas, the Mark and Jessie Milano Foundation, Zaklin Family Charitable Fund, The County of Rockland, Simona and Jerome Chazen, Art Services Group, RoCA members, donors and business members.

Encore Encounter: Recycled Art of Poramit Thantapalit
2023-04-29 11:00 - 16:00 | Rockland Center for the Arts, 27 South Greenbush Road, West Nyack, 10994
Encore Encounter in Gallery Two
Recycled Works by Poramit Thantapalit
April 15 – June 10, 2023
Opening Reception: Saturday, April 15, 2pm – 5pm
Free to the Public
Please join Rockland Center for the Arts for the opening Encore Encounter: Recycled works by Poramit Thantapalit in Gallery Two.
Encore Encounter features the works of Poramit Thantapalit. Poramit’s work is inspired by the relationship and connection between humans, nature and the surroundings such as trees, flowers, the ocean, people and animals. The artist focuses on using both recycled and non-recycled materials to create his artwork. Discarded shopping bags, cereal boxes, and plastic bottles that were once considered “trash” are altered into unexpected visions of beauty such as coral clouds hanging from the ceiling and bluetanica gardens growing on the wall . Poramit’s artwork is created from small parts and are uniquely assembled like puzzles. Each piece can stand alone as an individual object or together to create a large installation. Cyanotype prints are often made of the recycled objects of art. Beautifully created sculptures, installations, mixed media and drawings exemplify just how much waste we generate. It also His work inspires viewers to protect our environment.
A native of Thailand, Poramit Thantapalit has a degree in journalism and a master’s in computer graphics from New York Institute of Technology. He has over 15 years experience as a graphic designer, artist and photographer with global marketing organizations. His installations and artworks have been exhibited at the Arcadia Earth Museum, National Academy Museum, the James Rose Center, IPCNY Print Fest at Robert Miller Gallery, the Jersey City Theater, and the Sodertalje Arts Gallery in Sweden. His installation “Masked Arts” that he created during the pandemic was featured in the New York Times Sunday edition in May 2021. Poramit now lives in New Jersey.
Please also join Rockland Center for the exhibit opening with an artist reception on Saturday, April 15th, 2:00pm – 5:00pm. The exhibit will be on view through June 10th, open Mondays – Saturdays 11am – 4pm, (closed Sundays). Free to the Public. For more information call (845) 358-0877 or visit www.rocklandartcenter.org.
RoCA gratefully acknowledges support for its programs from The Rea Charitable Trust, ArtsWestchester, Sarah and Stephen Thomas, The Richard Pousette-Dart Foundation, M&T Bank, The M&T Charitable Foundation, The Dorothy Gillespie Foundation, Walter Cain & Paulo Ribeiro, Kantrowitz, Goldhamer & Graifman P.C., QuietEvents, the Estate of Joan Konner, Lighting Services Inc.,, the Mark and Jessie Milano Foundation, Zaklin Family Charitable Fund, The County of Rockland, Art Services Group, RoCA members, donors and business members.
RoCA’s programs are made possible, in part, with funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature. Funding is also made possible by the County of Rockland.

Lisa Quin
2023-04-29 12:00 - 17:00 | Valley Cottage Library,110 NY-303, Valley Cottage, NY 10989, USA
April 29 – May 30
Lisa Quinn
Art Reception – Saturday, May 6 – 1:00-3:00pm
My name is Lisa Quinn. I am a self-taught wood artist. In 2018 I was looking for art for my home, and when I couldn’t find what I was looking for, I decided to create it myself. After that first piece, the artful creations just kept coming.
The colors I use come from my surroundings, whether they be from nature or otherwise. Each piece is meant to evoke emotion and inspire imagination. I enjoy working with clients to create custom commissions inspired by their own experiences and decor. Each piece is cut, sanded and painted by hand.

Eric David Laxman Open Studio and Open House for International Sculpture Day
2023-04-29 14:00 - 17:00 | 478 Mountainview Avenue Valley Cottage NY 10989
Eric David Laxman Open Studio and Open House for International Sculpture
Day. Public will be able to visit sculpture studio both indoor and outdoor
work spaces and enjoy all of Laxman’s found objects and sculptures in
progress. His house is home to many of his own artworks and many local
artists as well. Visitors can also see his custom furniture throughout his
living space.

She Is: A Celebration of Women and Survivors
2023-04-29 18:00 | Nyack, NY, United States
A Celebration of Women and Survivors
Join us for a night celebrating, uplifting, and affirming voices of women
and survivors.
Through poetry, music, dance, story telling and more women from different
backgrounds, ethnicities, and generations, will share truth, grit, honesty,
and emotion.
Featuring:
Anita Kopacz | Cecilia Gentili
Syntyché | Seren Divine
Marla Pasquale | Diana Wilkins
Shar Adrias with the Fabulous Waack Dancers
Saturday, April 29, 2023 | Doors at 6pm | Show at 6:30pm
Cash/Credit Bar and Complimentary Light Fare
X House, 48 S. Franklin, Nyack
Co-Sponsored by:
LoverGirl NYC and Cynthia Russ

Deni Bonet returns to RoCA
2023-04-29 19:30 | Rockland Center for the Arts,27 S Greenbush Rd, West Nyack, NY 10994, USA, 2 S Greenbush Rd, United States
Deni Bonet returns to RoCA for a musical concert with Chris Flynn
Saturday, April 29, 7:30pm
Tickets: $25 (seniors & students $20)
Deni Bonet is a pop/rock singer/songwriter & classically trained violinist
who has recorded & performed with R.E.M., Sarah McLachlan, Cyndi Lauper,
Scissor Sisters, & Warren Zevon among many others. She was an original
member of the cast of the NPR show “Mountain Stage”. She has performed at
Carnegie Hall, the United Nations, Lilith Fair & the White House for
President Obama, the First Lady & VP Biden. Rockland Center for the Arts is
located at 27 S. Greenbush Rd., West Nyack, NY 10994. For more information
go to www.rocklandartcenter.org
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or call 845-358-0877.
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Deni Bonet in Concert with Chris Flynn
2023-04-29 19:30 - 21:30 | Rockland Center for the Arts,27 South Greenbush Road, West Nyack, NY 10994, USA
Deni Bonet with Chris Flynn
Music Sessions in the Gallery
Saturday, April 29, 7:30pm,
Tickets: $25 ($20 seniors/students)
In an intimate concert setting Rockland Center for the Arts will host a
concert with Deni Bonet and Chris Flynn. Deni Bonet is a pop/rock
singer/songwriter & classically trained violinist who has recorded &
performed with R.E.M., Sarah McLachlan, Cyndi Lauper, Scissor Sisters, &
Warren Zevon among many others. Her previous appearances include four
sold-out concerts at Carnegie Hall, NPR’s Mountain Stage, The Great Wall of
China, the United nations, and the White House for President Obama.
It’s no secret that Deni Bonet can rock a violin like nobody’s business. Or
that she writes memorable songs that make you want to listen again and
again and again. Deni Bonet is, simply, a musical total package. Her music
has been featured on HBO, NBC, American Airlines, and several films. She
was recently honored to be awarded a grant through the Arts Envoy Program
of the US Government to spend a month on a residency in Africa teaching
violin, songwriting, and rock n’ roll at a music college in Zanzibar.
Deni Bonet’s talent, combined with her boundless energy, does not have a
limit. Watch her perform and you’ll quickly understand why; she’s a
whirling dervish; a streak of aural and visual lightning wielding a violin
bow. Dynamic and personable, she makes a concert hall become intimate and
cozy. At the same time, don’t expect to sit back on your laurels and just
watch – a Deni Bonet show is a total experience in which you’d better be
ready to have fun.
For years, Deni Bonet, classically trained, has been honing her craft as a
virtuoso violinist, singer, songwriter and performer. And anyone who’s
heard her last few albums, especially the fiery, funny and fabulous Last
Girl on Earth, and 2013’s It’s All Good, knows that Ms. Bonet brought
something extra special to the table. On It’s All Good, Bonet was joined by
an array of high-profile collaborators including R.E.M.’s Peter Buck, Fred
Schneider of the B-52s, Pete Kennedy, John Wesley Harding, Wings drummer
Steve Holley, Young Fresh Fellow/R.E.M. associate Scott McCaughey, and even
Broadway star Mary Testa. She turned to another well-known name, former
Bongo frontman and baroque pop savant Richard Barone, to produce the album.
One listen to Deni’s newest album, Bright Shiny Objects, and you’ll know
this particular record takes on a completely different life and direction.
Recorded in NYC with the cream of New York musicians, including Liberty
DeVitto (Billy Joel’s drummer of 30 years), Graham Maby (Joe Jackson),
Shawn Pelton (SNL, Rod Stewart), Will Lee (Letterman, MIck Jagger), Steve
Holley (Paul McCartney), Ben Butler (Chris Botti) and Matt Beck (Matchbox
20), this is her first all-instrumental album and shows off Deni’s skills
as a virtuoso violin player, composer and arranger.
It’s difficult to try and describe – or unnecessarily, classify Deni’s
music – her tastes and styles range from pop to roots-rock to traditional
folk to high voltage rock and roll.
Carnegie Hall virtuosity intertwined with a rock-club vibe and intimacy.
That doesn’t ring your bell? Try Yitzak Perlman playing lead for Nirvana.
That should give you some notion that this artist has, indeed, brought
something special to the table. Even without the vocals, you can hear the
passion and emotion in Deni’s performances.
Chris Flynn is a guitarist and singer who has accompanied Rock and Roll
Hall of Famers Ronnie Spector and Dennis Dunaway (Alice Cooper) along with
Simon Kirke (Free, Bad Company), Chris Collingwood (Fountains of Wayne),
Garland Jeffreys, Willie Nile, and many others. He has performed at
Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center and served for many years as the musical
director of the All Star Irish Rock Revue in New York City featuring Irish
luminaries such as Cait O’Riordan (The Pogues), Joanie Madden (Cherish The
Ladies), and raconteurs Alphie and Malachy McCourt. He has been performing
and touring with Deni Bonet for the past four years.
This concert is Saturday, April 29th, 2023 at 7:30 pm. You may purchase
tickets in advance for $25 (seniors & students $20) at
http://www.rocklandartcenter.org/events
http://www.rocklandartcenter.org/events www.rocklandartcenter.org/events,
call 845-358-0877 to reserve tickets. Rockland Center for the Arts is
located at 27 S. Greenbush Rd., West Nyack, NY. Regular hours are: Mon-Sat
11-4; closed Sundays. For more information visit
http://www.rocklandartcenter.org or call 845-358-0877.
RoCA gratefully acknowledges support for its programs from The Rea
Charitable Trust, ArtsWestchester, Sarah and Stephen Thomas, The Richard
Pousette-Dart Foundation, M&T Bank, The M&T Charitable Foundation, The
Dorothy Gillespie Foundation, Walter Cain & Paulo Ribeiro, Kantrowitz,
Goldhamer & Graifman P.C., QuietEvents, the Estate of Joan Konner, Lighting
Services Inc.,, the Mark and Jessie Milano Foundation, Zaklin Family
Charitable Fund, The County of Rockland, Art Services Group, RoCA members,
donors and business members.
RoCA’s programs are made possible, in part, with funds from the New York
State Council on the Arts, with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and
the New York State Legislature. Funding is also made possible by the County
of Rockland.
