An era not to be forgotten!

The New Rochelle Council on the Arts celebrated its 50th anniversary with a far-out fabulous 70s bash “Art Lives Here” on Saturday, May 10th 2025 at the Forbes Auditorium at Temple Israel. Guests were invited to “come as they were (or as you would have been)” for a 1970s- inspired party that included a cocktail hour with live music, a dinner buffet of 70s-inspired dishes (Twinkie Tiramisou, anyone?) and a DJ spinning dance floor favorites of the era, plus a silent auction.

The NRCA celebrated the positive role it has played in promoting the arts in New Rochelle over the past 50 years —  and the impact the arts have had on the vibrancy of New Rochelle — by honoring a diverse group of New Rochelle residents who have brought the arts home to their community:

• Visual Arts: Charles Fazzino, world-celebrated artist known for his 3-D Pop Art
• Arts Education: Alexandra Rutsch Brock, artist, curator and NRHS art teacher
• Film and Community: Malcolm Lee, award-winning film and TV Director and Producer, and Camille Banks Lee, psychotherapist and life coach 
• Community Partner: Vin Parise and the Department of Parks & Recreation

The evening was hosted by Christopher John Farley, TV executive (Senior Director, Arts Programming & Development at PBS) and author whose new novel “Who Knows You By Heart” is due out Fall 2025.