By Lyn Dobrin
Three days of performances and activities launched the June 11 opening of the new building for Westbury Arts.
Rocco Lanzilotta, founding president and current board member, said the new building will enable Westbury Arts to bring diverse and interesting programming to the community.
“Looking at the throngs of people milling about and engaging with each other, I saw that our dream of having our own space had become a reality,” he said. “Now, more than ever, we can connect, educate, and inspire giving Westbury and our surrounding communities direct access to enjoying a diversity of arts programming throughout the year.”
The weekend opened with a gala during which guests could enjoy the work of Franciso Poblet, the last living apprentice of surrealist Salvador Dalí. Poblet was present the next day for a “Meet the Artist” event followed by an original theater production of The Values of Gold, Silver & Bronze: A Comedy in One Act by Meagan J. Meehan, a published author, poet, cartoonist, produced playwright and Westbury Arts board member. The evening also featured solo performances by Devin Eichel and Antonio Urrutia from Carle Place High School.
June 13 was family day, filled with fun, educational activities and featuring bilingual storytime, arts and crafts, painting workshop, family workout, mindfulness exercise, dance party, and live music with guest Julian Soler from Soleart Corp. The event was hosted by educator, author, and Westbury Arts board member, Adriana Devers.
“The Westbury Arts ‘Family Fun Day’ is the epitome of our vision, where art and culture is valued and instills a sense of belonging and pride … the cherry on top of a mesmerizing grand opening weekend,” Devers said.
Added Julie Lyon, president of Westbury Arts, “We are poised to expand our organization in ways that we have yet to imagine.”
Upcoming Events at Westbury Arts
Kids’ Fiesta – Featuring bilingual storytime, arts and crafts, painting, dance party, mindfulness, and more. (Cuento bilingüe, manualidades, taller de pintura, atención plena, y más!) Westbury Arts, 255 Schenck Ave. 1-4 p.m. July 11.
– Stay tuned for more to come on the complete schedule. The Piazza at Post and Maple Avenues. 7-9 p.m. Thursdays, July 8 to Aug. 26.
Creative Teens Art Program – Free art classes are offered to teens (13 to 17) who reside in the Town of North Hempstead. Westbury Arts, 255 Schenck Ave. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays July 10 to Aug. 14.
- Creative Teen Mural Art, 9-11 a.m.
- Teen as Entrepreneur (Jewelry Making), 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Staged Reading Theater, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Asbury Short Film Concert – This is an evening of award-winning short films and a musical opening act with the Vince Scuderi Quintet. Sponsored by Rowan Realty. The Piazza at Post and Maple Avenues. Sept. 10 (Raindate Sept. 11)
Hispanic Heritage Month Art Exhibit – This exhibit seeks to celebrate the wide variety of artistic expression and cultural contributions of Hispanic artists on Long Island. Westbury Arts, 255 Schenck Ave. Sept. 15 to Oct. 15.
Arts On Schenck – A mini arts festival on Schenck Avenue that includes artist exhibits/booths, live painting, and art making, in coordination with the Westbury BID Street Fair. Westbury Arts, 255 Schenck Ave. Sept. 25.
Workshops – Registration details will be posted on our website. Westbury Recreation, 348 Post Ave.
- Paint A Flowerpot, 3-5 p.m. Aug. 7.
- Decorate A Birdhouse, 3-5 p.m. Sept. 18.
- Decorate A Pet Bowl, TBD in November.
- Wreath Making, 7-9 p.m. Dec. 3.
For more information, visit westburyarts.org.
For more scene & seen event photos visit longislandpress.com/category/scene-seen.
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