Arts Council of Rockland Announces Participation in St. Thomas Aquinas College Educational Partnership Program

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY - The Arts Council of Rockland is proud to announce its participation in the St. Thomas Aquinas College Educational Partnership Program (EPP), creating new educational opportunities and valuable membership benefits for the Rockland County creative community.

Through this partnership, ACOR members are eligible to receive a 20% tuition discount on undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs at St. Thomas Aquinas College. The program supports ACOR’s ongoing commitment to professional development, lifelong learning, and expanding opportunities for artists, creatives, and arts professionals throughout the region.

Known for its student-centered approach and commitment to accessible, career-focused education, St. Thomas Aquinas College offers more than 100 undergraduate programs across the Schools of Arts & Social Sciences, Business, Education, and STEM, as well as flexible graduate programs in Business, Education, Exercise Science, and Public Administration. STAC’s investment in programs like the Educational Partnership Program demonstrates the College’s strong commitment to supporting the local community and making higher education more accessible and attainable for individuals seeking personal and professional growth.

“St. Thomas Aquinas College is proud to partner with the Arts Council of Rockland in support of the region’s vibrant creative community,” said Ken Daly, President of St. Thomas Aquinas College. “As a College rooted in the liberal arts, we know firsthand the essential role the arts play in shaping education, strengthening communities, and inspiring innovation. Through our Education Partnership Program, we are excited to help make higher education more accessible for ACOR members as they pursue personal growth, professional advancement, and new opportunities to expand their impact throughout Rockland County and beyond.”

“We are thrilled to participate in this program and partner with St. Thomas Aquinas College,” said Dorothy Atzl, Executive Director, Arts Council of Rockland. “This partnership reflects ACOR’s dedication to supporting the growth and success of our members by connecting them with meaningful educational opportunities that can help advance their careers, creative practices, and futures. We are especially grateful to work with an institution like STAC that values community engagement and actively invests in creating opportunities that benefit the people of Rockland County.”

The Educational Partnership Program adds to the growing list of benefits available to ACOR members while strengthening connections between the arts, education, and the broader Rockland County community.

For more information about ACOR membership and STAC degree programs please visit Arts Council of Rockland or St. Thomas Aquinas College.

ACOR 2026 Arts Awards: Building Bridges Through the Arts in Rockland County

Rockland County, NY — The Arts Council of Rockland (ACOR) invites the public to an inspiring evening celebrating the artists who shape and connect the community at the 2026 ACOR Arts Awards: Building Bridges Through the Arts. The event will take place on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, from 6:30 to 9:30 PM at The Calico at the GARNER Historic District in Garnerville, NY.

ACOR gratefully recognizes the GARNER Historic District | GARNER Arts Center as the exclusive sponsor of the 2026 ACOR Arts Awards.

This biennial celebration honors outstanding artists whose work fosters connection, sparks dialogue and enriches the cultural life of Rockland County.

ACOR proudly announces the 2026 Arts Awards recipients:

• Arts Leadership Award: Susan Wilmink

• Charlotte Mouquin Rising Star Award: Marie Medjine Antoine

• Literary Artist Award: Juan Pablo Mobili

• Music Artist Award: Jody Redhage Ferber

• Performing Artist Award: Brady Amoonclark

• Visual Artist Award: Janet Pirozzi Riolo

Guests will enjoy a dynamic evening featuring award presentations, live performances, artist-led experiences, and a collaborative community art installation that invites attendees to participate in building bridges through shared creativity. The celebration also includes live music, hors d’oeuvres, a dessert buffet, and a cash bar.

“The ACOR Arts Awards are about more than celebrating individual achievement - they are about building bridges between artists, audiences, and communities,” said Dorothy Atzl, Executive Director of ACOR. “Through the arts, we create shared experiences that foster understanding, inspire collaboration, and strengthen the fabric of Rockland County.”

Event and Raffle Tickets are now available:

Tickets: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/2026-acor-arts-awards

Raffle: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/2026-arts-award-raffle

The Winter Holiday Music Festival

The Winter Holiday Music Festival presented by Music For Life Creative Arts Therapy, in partnership with ACOR, took place yesterday at the Palisades Center. Holiday songs were belted out as smiles, cheers, and applause filled the air! What an awesome way to start the holiday season!

A HEARTFELT GOODBYE...

The Board of the Arts Council of Rockland would like to thank Cheryl Baun for her hard work, enthusiasm and accomplishments as the executive director for the past four years. Cheryl played a dynamic role in our organization. She began the Artist’s Support Fund that provides financial resources to artists in need, saw the opening of the Hidden Treasures Gallery at the Palisades mall, spearheaded the Winterfest at the Palisades mall and secured multiple grants and sponsorships for Arts Council of Rockland. She did this through a pandemic. On behalf of the board, I would like to give Cheryl a round of applause and wish her the best of luck in her new role. You will be missed but certainly not forgotten.

Jane Cowles, President Arts Council of Rockland

Moving Forward..

Dear ACOR Supporters and Friends:

Today is my last day as the executive director of ACOR. I want to take this opportunity to say thank you to this amazing arts community, especially the individuals who welcomed me, guided me, and even challenged me.

Your support has allowed ACOR to thrive over these past four years. Together, we have accomplished so much, including:

*Establishing the Artist's Support Fund, which provides funds to help artists advance their practice

*Opening a new Hidden Treasures Gallery at the largest tourist destination in Rockland, the Palisades Center, allowing for increased exposure for our Member Artists

*Reviviing our annual Arts Awards event, enabling us to recognize and honor the very best in our community

*Piloting the ACOR Mentorship Program, which provides resources, tools, and mentorship for Emerging Artists

*Supporting the professional development of artists and creatives through our monthly United We Create programming

*Building the Rockland Arts Coalition, to ensure that the arts always have a voice and a seat at the table

It has been an honor to serve this organization. While I'm sad to go, I'm also excited about the future of ACOR. I feel confident that the organization is in good hands, under the continued leadership of our dedicated board of directors, my very organized colleague Kelly Ruby, ACOR's Program Coordinator, and now with my colleague Dorothy Atzl, taking on the role of Interim Executive Director.

Dorothy has had extensive experience in the nonprofit sphere, including expertise in fundraising, community outreach, and volunteer management, for organizations like United Way of Rockland County, Rockland 21C, and the Clarkstown Family Resource Center Partnership. She has also been a very active volunteer with ACOR over the past year, helping to develop the quality professional development programming we have offered.

Please help me welcome Dorothy Atzl to this special arts community! I know you'll be hearing from Dorothy soon, once she settles into her role, but if you need to reach her, you can email her at dorothy@artscouncilofrockland.org.

I look forward to continuing to support ACOR and ensuring that Rockland remains a place where the arts thrive!

Sincerely,
Cheryl Baun

P.S. If you feel as hopeful as I do about the future of ACOR, please consider making a donation in any amount today!

"Sultry Sushi Session" with Shirley Crabbe on November 13!

Join us for an evening of jazz and sushi with the amazing Shirley Crabbe!

Sunday, November 13, 2022 @ 6pm
Kobe Sushi Lounge, 195 South Main Street, New City, NY

$75 per person, includes one sushi roll and one martini
(Additional food and beverages also available for purchase)

Native New Yorker and 2019 New York Bistro Award winner, Shirley Crabbe has been hailed as possessing a voice that “must surely appeal to all who love good jazz singing.” Her “almost Ella Fitzgerald–like vibe glows…” says Downbeat Magazine's John Ephland on her 2011 debut recording HOME featuring the legendary saxophonist Houston Person. Her 2018 Top 50 album BRIDGES (2018) has received rave reviews and spotlights her collaborations with renowned pianists Donald Vega, and David Budway. Shirley has been a guest on syndicated radio programs such as “Jazz Inspired” hosted by Judy Carmichael, and Steve Cuden's "StoryBeat" to name a few, and currently performs at jazz clubs, festivals and concert series in the US. She is the recipient of the 2009 Rockland County Executive Performing Artist Award, 2008 Stanton Bronze Medalist at the American Traditions Vocal Competition. In 2010, she was a top 5 finalist at Jazzmobile’s “Best of the Best” Jazz Vocalist Competition held in New York City. Shirley holds music degrees from Manhattan School of Music and Northwestern University.

Tickets and Sponsorships now available for purchase HERE!

Rockland Arts Community Gathers for 2022 Arts Awards Celebration!

Thunderstorms could not dampen the spirits of members of the arts community in Rockland County as we gathered at the Hilton Pearl River on Wednesday, June 1, for the 2022 Arts Awards.

The evening started off with a special treat for our Honorees, Award Finalists, and other VIP Ticket Holders, “Tom Chapin in Conversation with Elliott Forrest.” Through song, storytelling, and humor, Tom Chapin elicited a range of emotions from the audience, with expert navigation by Elliott Forrest. Highlights included Chapin’s rendition of his brother Harry’s hit, “Cat’s in the Cradle,” and the moment when he was joined by Michael and Mary Mark on stage.

Tom Chapin in Conversation with Elliott Forrest, Photo by Johanna Esmay

Throughout the event, attendees were treated to musical performances by guitarist and ACOR board member, Paul Speziale; faculty and students of Bridgemusik, led by Tanya and Krystof Witek; and Pearl River High School freshman and Rockland Conservatory of Music student Brendan McGillick.

This year’s Honorees were Jeffrey Friedberg (introduced by Elliott Forrest), Diana Green (introduced by Erin DeWard), and Bert Hughes (introduced by Bill Hughes). Our Ars Longa Honoree was the late Grace Knowlton (introduced by Lisa Levart), and the award was presented to Eliza Oursler, one of Knowlton’s daughters.

In addition to the celebration of these honorees, the finalists in 5 categories of Arts Awards were invited to attend. The ultimate recipients of these awards were revealed at the event:
Strawtown Studio (Arts Educator), ArtsRock (Arts Leadership/Organization), Jack Dunnigan (Literary Artist), Igor Sharapanyuk (Performing Artist), and Lynn Stein (Visual Artist).

2022 Honorees and Award Recipients, Photo by Johanna Esmay

Jack Dunnigan was unable to attend the event, but was presented with his Literary Artist Award at his iconic shop, Pickwick Bookshop, which was established in 1945 (!) in Nyack, NY.

It was a beautiful evening in a beautiful setting. William Maloney, General Manager of Hilton Pearl River, and 2021 Honoree, gave art tours of work from Hudson Valley and other New York State artists, which they acquired during a recent renovation of the property.

The evening concluded with a presentation of a special plaque, featuring original artwork by Alice Mizrachi, to outgoing Board President, John Wagner.

Alice Mizrachi presents plaque to John Wagner, Photo by Johanna Esmay

To view photos from the event, as well as the details in the event journal, visit www.artscouncilofrockland.org

Special thanks to Arts Awards Co-Chairs, John Wagner and Carole Perry, and the entire event committee for a job well done!

And, of course, ACOR is grateful to our sponsors and donors, whose commitment to the arts, made this beautiful celebration possible.

Grace Knowlton announced as 2022 Ars Longa Honoree

The Arts Council of Rockland is pleased to announce that Grace Knowlton, who passed away on December 4, 2020, will be recognized as the 2022 Ars Longa Honoree at this year’s Arts Awards event. Accepting the honor on her behalf will be her daughter, Eliza Oursler.

 Grace Knowlton, March 15, 1932 - December 4, 2020
Grace Knowlton was born in Buffalo, New York in 1932.  She was married in 1960 to Winthrop Knowlton and the two moved to Snedens Landing in 1967, where they raised five children together before divorcing in 1980. Over the years, Ms. Knowlton created an artistic community on her property, a space where potters, painters, and sculptors worked and shared their visions over tea or a meal. Ms. Knowlton was known for her creativity and generosity. She mentored many young artists drawn to her creative perspective and her thoughtful encouragement.

 Ms. Knowlton was a successful painter, sculptor, photographer, and mixed media artist. She began her career as a painter, then moved on to create three dimensional spheres she called “paintings in the round.” Working in a variety of media, including clay, concrete, sheet metal and wicker, Ms. Knowlton focused on both interior and exterior space. She also delved into photography. Her fascination with white corners led her to explore the subtle tones and textures of whites. Ms. Knowlton’s mixed medium pieces gradually combined elements of drawing, painting, photography, printmaking, and layered computer imagery. She focused on “breaking conventional boundaries to create dialogues in line and form.”

 Ms. Knowlton held a BA degree from Smith College and a Master of Arts from Columbia University Teachers College. She had numerous solo exhibits throughout the country. Her work is in the permanent collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Brooklyn Museum of Art, and Storm King Art Center. 

Tom Chapin in Conversation with Elliott Forrest Announced for 2022 Arts Awards VIP Reception!

The Arts Council of Rockland is pleased to present “Tom Chapin in Conversation with Elliott Forrest,” for VIP Ticket Holders at the 2022 Arts Awards on June 1, 2022, at the Hilton Pearl River. Guests will be treated to an intimate conversation between Grammy Award-winning contemporary folk artist, Tom Chapin, and Peabody Award-winning WQXR radio host, Elliott Forrest.

TOM CHAPIN

“One of the great personalities in contemporary folk music.”

— New York Times

Tom Chapin

In a career that spans five decades, 26 albums and three Grammy awards, TOM CHAPIN has covered an incredible amount of creative ground. In addition to his work as a recording artist, concert performer, storyteller and activist, he’s acted on Broadway and worked extensively in television, radio and film.

Chapin maintains two long and productive parallel careers, both as a respected contemporary folk artist and as a pioneer in the field of children's music. During the height of the Covid shutdowns, Tom and his daughters The Chapin Sisters streamed 200 live concerts under the moniker “Mornings with Papa Tom.” All are archived on YouTube.

Simon and Schuster has released three children’s books based upon his songs: This Pretty Planet, Library Song (The Library Book), and The Backwards Birthday Party. A new CD is almost complete, titled “Hold Our Ground,” to be released in late Spring 2022.

In addition to his musical and media endeavors, Chapin has long been an advocate for environmental causes, issues of hunger and social justice, and a supporter of music and the arts in public schools.

ELLIOTT FORREST

Elliott Forrest

ELLIOTT FORREST is a Peabody Award winning broadcaster, director, designer, filmmaker and producer. Afternoon host on New York’s Classical Radio Station 105.9FM, WQXR, host of the national radio concerts of The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and has hosted more the 60 concerts on-stage at Carnegie Hall, where his film FACE TO FACE premiered.

Founding Executive Artistic Director of ArtsRock.org of Rockland County, NY. For 20 years he’s been bringing professional concerts, theater and conversations to his upstate community. Co-Creator and Producer of the National Tour of AN EVENING WITH ITZHAK PERLMAN and MICHAEL FEINSTEIN CELEBRATES JUDY GARLAND. Co-Director and Projection Designer of the live national tour and PBS TV Special of CONSIDERING MATTHEW SHEPARD by Craig Hella Johnson. Executive Producer of The Public Theater’s  Shakespeare in the Park on the Radio of RICHARD II. Elliott has directed several versions of A CHRISTMAS CAROL with such Scrooges as David Hyde Pierce, F. Murray Abraham, Brian Cox, Tony Roberts and Kathleen Turner.

He regularly produces, directs and designs symphony concerts: LA Philharmonic, The NY Philharmonic, Houston Symphony, Philadelphia Orchestra, Atlanta Symphony, New Haven Symphony Pasadena Pops and the Little Orchestra Society in venues including the Kennedy Center, Hollywood Bowl and Lincoln Center. Orchestra narrator: Saint-Saens’ Carnival of the Animals, Peter and the Wolf, Stravinsky’s Soldier’s Tale and Britten’s Young Person’s Guide. For 12 years, Host for A&E Television’s of Breakfast with the Arts. BA in Theater from the University of Texas, Austin.  www.ElliottForrest.com

ACOR is pleased to be joined by these enormously talented and generous individuals. Information about the 2022 Arts Awards, including ticket sales, sponsorship, and journal ad opportunities, can be found HERE.

2022 Arts Awards Finalists Announced!

We have tabulated the results from the PRELIMINARY ROUND of voting, and ACOR is pleased to announced the FINALISTS for the 2022 Arts Awards!

ACOR Members are invited to cast their votes one more time. Click HERE to vote. (NOTE: voting is open to ACOR MEMBERS ONLY. You may update your membership HERE.)

The Arts Awards recipients will be announced LIVE on June 1 at the Arts Awards event at the Hilton Pearl River. Ticket sales will be going live this week. Stay tuned for more exciting news about the event…

We invite everyone to read about our finalists (and all of our nominees) HERE.

ARTS EDUCATOR

John Bjorkman
Creative Arts Workshop
Joe Fusaro
South Orangetown Central School District Music Department
Strawtown Studio
Tanya Witek

ARTS LEADERSHIP

ArtsRock
Tjokorda Gde Arsa Artha
Joe Brancato
Bridgemusik
Ray Lagstein
Phoenix Theatre Ensemble
Matthew Seig

LITERARY ARTIST

Bethany Ball
Dawn M. Barclay writing as D.M. Barr
Jeanine Cummins
Jack Dunnigan
Hudson Valley Scribes

PERFORMING ARTIST

Steve Bernstein
Rita Harvey and Peter Danish
Old No. 7 Band
Igor Sharapanyuk
Krystof Witek

VISUAL ARTIST

Delilah Blue Flynn
Cass McVety
Christine Randolph
Lynn Stein
Michael Zansky

Congratulations, once again, to the finalists! SAVE THE DATE of June 1 for the Arts Awards! Stay tuned for more important information about the event coming soon…