Art Gallery Events
Artwork: "A Warriors Mantle" by Troy Parker
The Riverfront Art Gallery is a 1,450 square foot space located on the 4th floor of the Riverfront Library, the main branch of the Yonkers Public Library (YPL) (3D model of gallery).
Riverfront Art Gallery's mission is to encourage all Yonkers residents to explore, experience and appreciate the arts, and to celebrate the city's vibrant art scene and history. It does so through exhibiting contemporary and acclaimed works from established and emerging artists, with a special emphasis on local artists and those that reflect the city's diverse communities. It also facilitates art workshops and lectures for the general public and professional development opportunities for artists. Consistent with the values of the public library that houses it, everybody is welcome to visit the gallery and attend its programs, free of charge.
Haifa Bint-Kadi curates the gallery exhibits which are generally scheduled one year in advance. To contact the gallery, email: thegallery@ypl.org or call us at (914)-308-7072
Acknowledgments
YPL's programs at Riverfront Art Gallery are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
Upcoming Exhibition: Windows and Doors
Artwork: "A Warriors Mantle" by Troy Parker
This exhibit is about Windows and Doors. In all of our lives we have windows that can be opened, and doors that we may pass through. Making art can provide opportunities to open windows onto new vistas, and walk out of those doors that keep us held inside.
The concept of this exhibition has a unique meaning because it features artwork from incarcerated individuals in the Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) visual arts program. Participants of the visual arts workshops may have an artistic practice in place or start with no experience or exposure to the arts. RTA workshops are safe spaces not often found in prison to explore creativity freely, receive and give positive feedback, and build camaraderie so an individual can develop finished works of art that speak to a variety of ideas. RTA promotes the concept that the arts are for everyone, and that creativity lives inside us all.
About Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA):
Founded at Sing Sing in 1996, RTA is a world leader in arts-in-prison programming teaching communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and other critical life skills through a unique mix of art forms. RTA works with professional teaching artists to lead year-round workshops in theater, dance, music, creative writing and visual arts.
RTA has demonstrated tangible, measurable success in transforming lives through the power of the arts and breaking the cycle of incarceration. Less than 3% of RTA members return to prison, within three years, compared to the national recidivism rate of over 60%.
Learn more: rta-arts.org
Opening Reception: December 8, 2024 from 1pm-4pm
Artist Talk with Darrian Bennett: Thursday, December 19, 2024 from 6pm-8pm
Exhibition Dates: December 2, 2024 - January 3, 2025
Call for Works: EMPOWERED
Artwork: "Me and My Grandmother" by AIKI
Art guides us to imagine new realities. It gives voice to the disappeared, the marginalized, and the unseen. In this exhibit we seek art that guides us to imagine new realities and that allows us to be transported to worlds unknown and known. We are looking for work that calls out the many instances of injustice and leads the way to a more just and empowering future— one where we find community and see each other reflected in our world. Curated by Haifa Bint-Kadi.
Submission Deadline: Friday December 20, 2024 by 5pm
Acceptance Notifications: Monday, December 23, 2025 by 5pm
Artwork Drop-Off: Saturday January 4, 2025 from 10am-4pm
Exhibition Dates: January 11, 2025 - March 28, 2025
Opening Reception: Saturday January 11, 2025 from 2-5pm
Artwork Pick-Up: Saturday March 29 from 10am-4pm
