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.
