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Arts Historian
The development of non-profit arts organizations reflects the evolvement of Rockland County from a rural community to a suburban/urban community. As the county became more populated and developed, the community saw a need to meet the cultural needs of its citizens locally in the visual and performing arts. One of the first arts organizations founded in Rockland County was the Rockland Center for the Arts in 1946 which sponsored the Rockland Symphony (1952) highlighted here. In the period between 1951-1975 a number of cultural organizations came into being such as the the Clarkstown Summer Theater (1972), the Rockland County Concert Band (1975) and the Rockland Council of the Arts (1973) Later the Vytlacil School of Painting (1996) was established in the former home of the prominent artist, Vaclav Vytlacil. Subsequent developments, spawned by Rockland County's growth in the late 1970's and 1980's included more specialized performing arts groups such as the Rockland Camerata (1980) and the Penguin Rep Theatre (1977) As Rockland County continues to thrive as a suburban/urban community, its citizens continue to strive to expand the range of cultural offerings available to the public at large.
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| The Vytlacil School of Painting and Sculpture was founded in
1996 and is affiliated with the Art Student's League in N.Y.C. It is
named after the prominent artist Vaclav Vytlacil who moved to Sparkill, New York in 1940,
after becoming an influential and
respected teacher at the League. In 1996 his home and studio were bequeathed
to the League by his daughter Ann Vytlacil Williams and Graham
Williams in memory of her father. It offers residents of New York City's
northern suburbs the opportunity to participate in conveniently located,
high caliber, yet affordable classes. Various instructors from the
League teach at the Vytlacil School on a changing basis. Students can sign
up for morning weekday classes on a monthly basis, choosing to
attend sessions either twice a week or five mornings a week. In addition
students may try out the school by participating in a single class
sessions on Friday mornings. Although beginners are welcome, one should be
prepared to work independently under the instructor's supervision. Many of
the students are experienced artists who have painted on a professional
level.
Click on the link above to learn more about Vaclav Vytlacil and to find out more about the school. Image courtesy of the Vytlacil School |
In celebrating their 30th Anniversary and jubilee this year the Rockland Symphony. The Rockland Symphony showcases local musicians, conductors using volunteers. It was born as the "Suburban Symphony" in 1952 under leadership of conductor Edward Simons with a group of 20 musicians at first and is affiliated with the Rockland Center for the Arts. In 1955 it had grown to 50 members and was incorporated as the Suburban Symphony Association, Inc. According to the Rockland Symphony's mission statement its goals are to: 1. To enhance the classical music life in our county. 2. To present a yearly concert season. 3. To inspire musical talent and appreciation in all people. 4. To encourage interest in music education. 5. To present the winner's of Rockland County Music Teacher's Guild as soloists in their Young People's Concerts. 6. To showcase Rockland County performers and composers.
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The Clarkstown Summer Theater is a non-profit organization
founded in 1972 at the suggestion of Luther Howard, principal of South
High School in Clarkstown. Its goal is to expose Rockland County high
school students to the art of theater production. Students participate in
a 6 week theater program that culminates in August with a week of
performances. According to Jack Rosen, the publicity chair, " The
program builds self-confidence and encourages youngsters to work as a team
while learning almost all aspects of theater. Its longevity can be
attributed to the commitment of dedicated alumni and local families,
during, as well as after their children have gone through the program.".
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