Editor’s note: This press release was provided by the the Pelham Art Center.

Pelham Art Center presents “Pelham Art Center: 50 Years” (January 24-April 4, 2020), a historical gallery exhibition covering the fifty-year legacy of the organization as a grassroots non-profit and local arts institution. The exhibition is organized as a visual timeline encompassing the origins of the Art Center, its major milestones, and art highlights from gallery shows over the years. Viewers of all ages can explore five decades of archival materials, photographs, and art from private collections of individuals instrumental to the founding, success, and development of the Pelham Art Center. The timeline culminates in a reflection on the present-day Pelham Art Center, which now serves over 16,000 area residents.

In 1970, hundreds of people–artists, musicians, and Pelham area residents of all ages–participated in a town-wide arts festival inside the Pelham Memorial High School gymnasium. The “Art Happening,” co-chaired by Clue Noble and Peggy Nicholson, took place as part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s 100th anniversary outreach initiative “Project in Education.” The two-day celebration of art and music was a great success. In 1975, the Art Happening transformed into Pelham Art Center, a 501c3 non-profit. A devoted team of volunteers donated tremendous amounts of time, money, creativity, and “elbow grease” to turn a former bicycle shop and real estate office on Fifth Avenue, Pelham into a year-round community art center. In 1985, Pelham Art Center acquired a former Cities Service gas station and built the multi-arts space that stands today. The organization now continues its fifty-year history of providing public access to see, study and experience the arts.

“Pelham Art Center: 50 Years” presents an overview of the programs and exhibits that represent the heart of the organization and its mission to engage all people in meaningful, high-quality art experiences in an inclusive environment. The exhibition includes pieces in a range of media from the private collections of Barbara Bratone, Annette Candido, Titia Hulst, Carleen Murdock, Susan Nathenson, Peggy Nicholson, Clue Noble, Candace Taubner, Nancy Warner, and more. Artist highlights include: Eric Brown, JC English, Charles Fazzino, Tom Fruin, Cynthia Greig, Frank Guida, Kumi Korf, Kerry Law, Eleanor Miller, Abelardo Morell, Susan Nathenson, Nancy Nikkal, Sui Park, Lina Puerta, Anthony Rebholtz, Donna Rose Ross, Alexander Rutsch, Alexi Rutsch, David Terry, and Paula Wolfson.

Pelham Art Center will hold an Opening Reception Friday, January 24th, 6:00-8:00PM that is free and open to the public. Attendees can interact with the exhibition by sharing their own written reflections and mementos in the Pelham Art Center Legacy Book.

Pelham Art Center Executive Director Charlotte Mouquin states: “It is inspiring to witness the growth of the Pelham Art Center, from its grassroots beginnings in the “Art Happening,” to the completion of our physical space, and the expansion of our programs. 50 years is a major milestone and a profound achievement. This exhibition is an expression of gratitude to the individuals who made Pelham Art Center possible, and a testament to the vast potential of the organization today. We invite treasured community members and new friends to come discover the past, present, and future of Pelham Art Center. Join us at the Opening Reception on January 24th, at our public programs, and celebrate with us at special events throughout the year!”

Pelham Art Center will host the following programs during its 50th anniversary historical exhibition:

Wednesday, February 12, 2020 – An Evening of Wine & Art (6:30-9:00PM)

This event is presented in collaboration with InSight Artspace and takes place in the Pelham Art Center gallery. Tickets are $50 and include a wine tasting courtesy by Laurent Drouhin from Maison J. Drouhin, Beaune, France, light refreshments, and an exhibition by artist Beatrice J. Drouhin which will include some of her private collection of “Beaujolais Nouveau” labels as well as her recent paintings part of the last series “Women and Wine” Part II. For more information and tickets, visit pelhamartcenter.org/event/wine-and-art

Wednesday, February 26, 2020 – Alexander Rutsch Film Screening (7:00-8:30PM)

Learn about the life and art of Alexander Rutsch at a gallery screening of “The Inner Eye of Alexander Rutsch,” produced by IBM and directed by Roger Seiler. Members of the Rutsch family will be present to discuss the film and the Alexander Rutsch Award Program, the bi-annual open, juried competition and exhibition at Pelham Art Center.

Saturday, February 29 & Sunday, March 1, 2020 – Public Sewing with Amanda Browder (11:00AM-4:00PM)

Participate in ArtsWestchester’s public art project – Free and Open to All. Come create a masterful piece of public art with artist Amanda Browder, whose 2015 public art project at Pelham Art Center will be featured in “Pelham Art Center: 50 Years.” Register by calling Pelham Art Center at 914-738-2525. All are welcome to participate regardless of sewing ability.

Thursday, March 12, 2020 – Angels in the Chamber  (7:00PM)

Pelham Art Center presents a gallery concert with Angels in the Chamber, a New Rochelle-based band that weaves elements of rock, pop, classical, improvisational and atmospheric music into a highly original genre all its own.

Saturday, March 21, 2020 – 50th Anniversary Legacy Gala “Visions 2020”

Celebrate Pelham Art Center’s golden anniversary at the annual spring gala at the New York Athletic Club, Pelham. Visit Visions2020.GiveSmart.com to purchase tickets and enter the online auction. Learn more about Visions 2020, sponsorship and advertising opportunities at pelhamartcenter.org/visions2020.

For more information about Pelham Art Center, visit pelhamartcenter.org, and follow Pelham Art Center on Facebook and Instagram.