The Roosevelt Island Visual Art Association’s (RIVAA) annual Vernissage 23 – season opening – welcomes visitors for the first time today. Everyone is graciously welcomed. A free meet the artists opening reception will take place next Saturday, February 24th, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
The Roosevelt Island Daily News
A note from RIVAA…
“It’s 2024, and RIVAA is celebrating its 23rd year as a Roosevelt Island nonprofit arts organization. We are looking forward to another year filled with exciting exhibitions and programs. We make these programs for you, the Roosevelt Island Community, our friends and neighbors.
“Please come and celebrate with us at RIVAA Gallery. The exhibition opens on February 16, and the opening reception is on Saturday, February 24 from 6-9 PM. It’s free, and remember: ART IS FOR EVERYONE!”
About Gallery RIVAA
A Brief History of the Roosevelt Island Visual Art Association (RIVAA)
Founded in by Arline Jacoby, the Roosevelt Island Visual Art Association has become a central hub for the Island’s thriving arts scene. Here’s a glimpse into their journey:
Early Years (2001-2010):
- Started by passionate local artists, RIVAA initially aimed to establish a dedicated art center on Roosevelt Island.
- Local artists organized informal gatherings and exhibitions, like Art Frenzy, fostering a creative community spirit.
Growth and Establishment (2010-2020):
- 2010: RIVAA formalized as a non-profit organization, expanding its reach and programming.
- 2012: A partnership with the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) provided a permanent gallery space at 527 Main Street, the current “Gallery RIVAA.”
- Exhibitions gained popularity, attracting diverse artists and a growing audience.
- Educational programs, workshops, and community events cemented RIVAA as a cultural beacon on the island.
Recent Developments (2020-Present):
- Despite challenges presented by the pandemic, RIVAA continued its mission through exhibitions and online engagement.
- Ongoing dedication to showcasing local artists, celebrating artistic diversity, and fostering community connections remains at the core of their activities.
Key Facts:
- Mission: To provide a platform for artistic expression, promote visual arts awareness, and enrich the cultural life of Roosevelt Island.
- Impact: Contributed significantly to the island’s cultural identity, attracting artists, tourists, and fostering a vibrant creative community.
- Events: Regular exhibitions, Vernissage opening receptions, artist talks, workshops, and community events.
- Future: Continued collaboration with artists, residents, and stakeholders to further amplify the arts scene on Roosevelt Island.
Further Exploration:
- Website: https://www.rivaagallery.org/
- Upcoming Exhibitions: https://www.rivaagallery.org/upcoming-exhibitions
This brief overview provides a starting point for understanding RIVAA’s journey. Further exploration through their website, historical resources, and local connections can offer deeper insights into their impact and ongoing contributions to the cultural landscape of Roosevelt Island.
AVAC Is Working. The Model Is What’s Aging.
Roosevelt Island’s AVAC system is often discussed as if it were either a miracle or a menace. In truth, it is neither. It is functioning infrastructure that has reached a point in its lifecycle where how it is maintained matters as much as whether it exists at all.
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