In the last few weeks, The Rye Arts Center has held two memorable exhibits — “Painters on Location” and “Howard Bratches: A Retrospective” — and elected four new board members, who bring a wealth of talent and expertise.

In the last few weeks, The Rye Arts Center has held two memorable exhibits — “Painters on Location” and “Howard Bratches: A Retrospective” — and elected four new board members, who bring a wealth of talent and expertise.
All of the freshly painted en plein works and paintings donated by 45 noted artists sold in a matter of minutes at an auction held the evening of September 28. Guests had the opportunity to mingle with the artists before the auction and commission conversations ensued.

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The Rye Arts Center began planning a retrospective of Howard Bratches’ Rye landscapes while he was still alive. Sadly, the longtime Rye resident passed away in May. On October 6, his family, friends, and fans filled the Arts Center for the opening reception. Executive Director Helen Gates remarked, “The Gallery has never had as many works by an individual artist as we have hanging here now.”

If you’re not acquainted with Howard Bratches’ watercolors, make sure to plan a visit by October 26. There isn’t a better way to take in and appreciate the joy and splendor of the local landscape.
At their annual dinner September 24, the Rye Arts Center elected four new board members.

Steve Cadenhead, a Market Risk Manager with Deutsche Bank, brings an eclectic portfolio of interests. He has been a member and past organizer of the Westchester Acoustic Guitar Society, chorister with the NY Chamber Symphony Chorus and the Juilliard Evening Division chorus. He is interested in expanding RAC music programming, from a “boomer” perspective.  

Athena Dratelis, an executive at MasterCard International, brings a background in corporate development with a focus on strategic equity investment and acquisition. She has a keen interest in photography.
Jennifer Sandling, an active community volunteer, has a deep interest in music and the performing arts. Over the past decade, both she and her husband and their four children have taken music lessons or performed in theater workshops at the Arts Center. She cites The Rye Arts Center as a major factor in her move to Rye.

Dr. Jeffrey Taylor is an Assistant Professor of Arts Management at Purchase College as well as an art advisor and appraiser. Fluent in Hungarian and an expert tour guide, he is interested in fine art public programming. He will chair The RAC’s Gallery Committee in the upcoming year.

— Photos by Danni Nanni and Robin Jovanovich