RIVAA Vernissage XIX, rising now after a six-month pandemic stall, is a fresh sign of life for Roosevelt Island. Because you probably missed it, here’s a look at opening night, photos courtesy of Tad Sudol and RIVAA.
By David Stone
When COVID-19 restrictions shut down Vernissage XIX on the eve of its opening, who knew when if ever we’d see the show? Vernissage is RIVAA’s most important annual event, the season inaugural when the artists pull back the curtain on new works.
But the show, all hung and ready to go, waited in the darkened gallery for six months, and its opening, on Saturday, showed it was worth the wait.
RIVAA Vernissage XIX Rises To The Occasion
Vibrant colors in every corner.
Seen from the big windows on Main Street, Vernissage called welcome to passersby.
There are times when the best entertainment in New York City is people watching. That’s lessened, but still there, and visitors in art galleries are often the best.
Lost in the art, they take characters not shown elsewhere.
Restrictions forced a thinner crowd, but the art still mesmerized. Featured in black and white, a large triptych by Tad Sudol.
Pastelist Georgette Sinclair, masked, shares her wall of work with art lovers.
No words. Art blends with people, and people absorb art’s offerings.
Yes, sometimes art will ask you to bring your own language in making it real.
Stack Work Advances While Answers Do Not
On June 17 and 18, HPD told the first meeting of the Roosevelt Island Steam Plant Demolition Community Advisory Group that smokestack demolition had no projected start date. Residents and the CAG would receive at least five business days’ advance notice once a date was set. Scaffolding around the stacks could not proceed until soil removal and backfill were complete and the area stabilized.
The exhibit seems wonderful. It is great to see dialogue amongst the people and artwork! It certainly heals during such a difficult time.
Walk in love and beauty
Carolee
Nice to have this touch of grace returning to Main Street.
Thanks.