Saturday night was all glitter and gold as Rye residents took to the dance floor and partied for a good cause. 

The Rye Arts Center hosted its sold-out fundraiser, Party with a Purpose, at the Capitol Theatre, welcoming 300 guests to support the many programs and planned initiatives for our local arts non-profit. The event was a big success, with dancing the night away in 70s-inspired costumes. 

“Our goal for this event was to capture the self-expression and inclusivity that Studio 54 represented in its iconic space in the 70’s,” said Alli West, director of development at the Rye Arts Center. “As an arts center, we wanted to stay true to our mission of creating a welcoming and safe space for every individual to create and explore in all forms of expression. The outrageous costumes that our guests wore and the free spirits that were celebrated on the dance floor and in joyous conversation were exactly what we had hoped for.” 

In addition to supporting the Rye Arts Center, attendees were there to honor this year’s honorees, Kate and Paul Conn, Aida and Julian Koski, and Meera Agarwal. 

Agarwal received the new Visionary Artists Award, which is to be given annually to an artist whose work has had an impact on the community, who has been a notable source of inspiration to others, and who is a catalyst for keeping the local art scene vibrant. 

While not on the dance floor, guests enjoyed a jazz club in the Mezzanine level and live art by Lynn Mara and Rye Arts Center instructors, including “a conversation between Warhol and Basquiat.” The silent auction featured creative experiences as well as music and SNL tickets. 

The funds raised at the event are integral to the Rye Arts Center’s programming. They support scholarship and outreach programs including HeadStart, Dance for Parkinson’s, and Senior Arts Immersion.