It’s as if nature sensed the tensions swirling through the community for the last few years. The weather was far from perfect. But if the forecasts are right, Fall for Arts 24 will bask in summer sun. Highs in the low 80s will warm over 30 muralists on the Rivercross Lawn. Live Jazz will float through the event.
by David Stone
The Roosevelt Island Daily News
Fall for Arts 2024
“Fall for Arts is one of those uniquely great Roosevelt Island events that brings the whole community together to celebrate our ‘Island of Art,’ said RIOC Community Relations Director, Bryant Daniels.
“This year, we’ll be welcoming 31 muralists to the island to bring their artistic visions to life on our very own Meditation Lawn, focusing on two specific themes: ‘Hidden Places’ and ‘Waves of Change.””
“We’re so fortunate to have a thriving art scene on Roosevelt Island, much of which can be attributed to the outstanding work of the Roosevelt Island Visual Arts Association, with whom we are always proud to partner to make this a great event.
“This year, we’re also expanding our artistic offerings with two jazz concerts in the Roosevelt Island Library Plaza, brought to us by musician and island resident Susheel Kurien. We’ll also have performances by MSTDA, a kids’ art station hosted by Island Kids, food vendors, music, and more. The forecast is looking great for Saturday, so we hope to see everyone there.”
These include some big steps after limping through the last several years.
What RIVAA Brings
The Roosevelt Island Visual Art Association (RIVAA) has always been a primary participant in Fall for Arts events. They help select the artists and the themes, but they also contribute murals.
“Nice,” was RIVAA President Catherine Kim’s single word assessment of the weather. “It’s a pleasure to work with Bryant, Amanda, Iris, and the rest of the RIOC team.
But RIVAA is also kicking things up a notch.
The Wanderer Fantasy, which kicks off the program, is a testament to Schubert’s compositional mastery and his ability to create music that is both technically demanding and emotionally resonant. It remains a popular choice for advanced pianists and is considered a cornerstone of the piano repertoire.
Make your Fall for Arts 2024 day complete with a blissful hour of music at the gallery, 527 Main Street.
A Final, Not So Positive Thought
The downside of this story is that RIVAA’s work in organizing the festival again goes unrewarded by RIOC. The artists cooperative takes on tasks that RIOC used to handle with paid staff. The $42 million per year state agency can’t come up with a few thousand in compensation.
It’s an unpleasant echo of their poor treatment of the Wildlife Freedom Foundation. RIOC calls on them for help but refuses to pay. It’s not the neighborly thing to do. If RIOC wants to be part of the community, then share the wealth, not just the work.
Before I Find the Eggs
Trader Joe’s has its own choreography.
