Last evening, when Vernissage 21 opened at Gallery RIVAA, a community eager for art after two years of restrictions packed the space. Roosevelt Island shook off the pandemic and embraced visual art. But the blessings mixed with loss.
by David Stone
The Roosevelt Island Daily News
At Vernissage 21
For many, it was a chance to renew friendships blunted by the pandemic and its many, overlapping restrictions. For others, it was art appreciation, fresh and local. Fitting for the changing times, some were masked, but some were not.
And it felt like a reopening at last after two years, relishing communal life in the unique community of Roosevelt Island.
The art set a warm theme.
Popular veteran artist, like Laura Hussey and Ioan Popoiu, again occupied wall space with original paintings while newcomers and guest artists joined in. But in tone, it was bittersweet because recent losses reminded everyone that art is forever, artists are not.
Around 7:00 p.m., RIVAA president Tad Sudol called time out for welcoming visitors and for Esther Piaskowski’s tribute to founder Arline Jacoby.
But there was joy in that too as Jacoby’s lively, creative spirit settled over the gathering.
We will have more, including photographs of the art, but do yourself a favor. Stop by 527 Main Street. Enjoy it in person.
More from the Roosevelt Island Daily News
- Astoria E-Scooter Rider Dies After Northern Boulevard Crash in Long Island CityA 22-year-old Astoria e-scooter rider died after a Northern Boulevard crash in Long Island City. Details remain under investigation, highlighting micromobility risks on busy city streets.
- Hate Crime Charges Filed After Vandalism at Fresh Meadows Kosher Bagel ShopHate crime charges have been filed after vandalism at a kosher bagel shop in Fresh Meadows, with prosecutors alleging bias-motivated acts. Hearings are set in New York’s legal process.
- Midtown Subway Shooting Leaves 26-Year-Old Dead; Queens Incidents SeparateA shooting inside a Manhattan subway station left a 26-year-old dead. Police investigate the Midtown incident and separate shootings in Queens as commuters seek safety.
- College Point Community Responds After Senior Dog Taken From Front LawnA College Point senior dog was taken from her front lawn, sparking a neighborhood response and NYPD investigation. Learn how the community is working together after a senior dog was taken from front lawn.
- Queens Child Death Investigation: Family and Community React as NYPD Probes TragedyGet the latest on the Queens child death investigation. NYPD continues to probe after a 5-year-old was found unresponsive in Richmond Hill, as the family and community grapple with the tragic event.
Unequal Bargains
On June 18, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation’s Real Estate Development Advisory Committee gathered to discuss ground leases, the master retail lease, and the ten additional years being offered under the Island’s master lease. Howard L. Polivy, the committee’s chair, opened the meeting as a longtime host shows guests through a familiar house, pointing out the furniture as if it had never moved an inch.
2 COMMENTS