ArtsWestchester Salutes Local Arts Heroes
Back row (left to right) Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins; County Legislator David Imamura; County Board of Legislators Chairman Vedat Gashi; Bjorn Olsson, Executive Director, Tarrytown Music Hall; Carole Alexis, Founder & Director, Ballet des Ameriques; Photographer Kwame Anyane-Yeboa; David Lyons, Founder and Board Member, Bethany Arts Community, and Photographer Anna Sirota
(Photo by Susan Nagib)
BCW-member ArtsWestchester’s Annual Arts Awards on Wednesday celebrated local organizations, artists and art patrons who power the county’s vibrant cultural scene.
The Sonesta White Plains buzzed with energy as over 300 attendees gathered for the event that celebrated ArtsWestchester’s 60th anniversary and artists who champion inclusivity and artistic excellence.
“I don’t need to tell you that this is a challenging moment for the arts. The Executive Orders. The cuts. The cancelled grants,” said ArtsWestchester CEO Kathleen Reckling. “We represent a diverse sector, working to ensure our spaces and programs are inclusive and that access to creative experiences is equitable. We are a community that fosters belonging, that reflects and responds to the community around us and continues to make strides to serve our missions better.”
The Advancing Equity Awards were the heart of the celebration, with Ballet des Amériques receiving $25,000 for their dedication to accessible ballet. Founded by Carole Alexis, the multicultural dance company’s diverse choreography draws inspiration from African and African Diaspora dance.
Flor Bromley, a Latin GRAMMY® Award-nominated singer/songwriter, received $5,000 for her bilingual music celebrating Latin culture and environmental justice. Her “Pachamama” project weaves global citizenship and ecological awareness into vibrant melodies. Bromley’s passion for using music as a bridge to educate and empower children was evident.
The event also honored other luminaries: Barbara and Paul Elliot received the Patron Award, Paul Adler the Impact Award, and John Patitucci the Artist Award. Bethany Arts Community was awarded the Sophia Abeles Arts Education Award, while Caramoor and Tarrytown Music Hall received Milestone Awards. Kwame Anyane-Yeboa and Anna Sirota were recognized with the Larry Salley Photography Awards.
The luncheon was a testament to the vibrant arts scene in Westchester, a celebration of vision, commitment, and the power of art to unite and transform communities. The awards underscored ArtsWestchester’s ongoing dedication to ensuring that the arts reflect the county’s rich diversity.
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