ARTS HORIZONS HOLDS ANNUAL GALA

 The Organization That Brings Arts Programming To Young People throughout the New York Tristate Area Celebrates 35^th Anniversary

 Englewood, NJ – October 22, 2012 – Arts Horizons, one of the largest non-profit arts-in-education organizations bringing quality arts programming to New York City and New Jersey public schools, hospital pediatric wings, and community centers,  celebrated its 35^th Anniversary with a Gala on Monday, October 22nd at the Essex House, 160 Central Park South in New York.

This year’s Gala celebrated the distinguished lives of Celeste Holm and LeRoy Neiman. Ms. Holm served as the Chairman of Arts Horizons from 1995 to 2011, when she became Chairman Emeritus. Through a generous gift and ongoing support from the LeRoy Neiman Foundation, Inc., Arts Horizons established the LeRoy Neiman Art Center which opened its doors to the public in June, 2008, and continues to serve over 200 young people and families in the Central Harlem community.

“Celeste Holm and LeRoy Neiman were outstanding ambassadors for our organization and our cause, and believed so deeply in the importance of exposing children to the arts,” said Elizabeth Halverstam, Executive Director of Arts Horizons.  “We celebrate their lives and the levels of excellence they achieved, and will continue sharing their passion for the arts with young people for years to come.”

Some of the outstanding programming that Arts Horizons offers students throughout the tri-state area includes “The Election Show” which uses improvisation to teach about the election process, Percussion with Found Objects, 3-D Animation, Mosaic Murals, Poetry Slam/Spoken Word! and Anti-bullying/character education programs.

At this year’s Gala, Arts Horizons was fortunate to work with another strong supporter of children and the arts. This year’s Master of Ceremonies was Joe Piscopo.  An entertainer and comedian who got his start on Saturday Night Live, Mr. Piscopo is the proud father of four children, and the founder of The Positive Impact Foundation, an organization that creates positive media for at-risk youth. Honored by several children’s organizations including The Boys & Girls Club in NJ, Mr. Piscopo was also named “Father of the Year” by the National Father’s Day Council, and by the New Jersey Council of Children’s Rights.

Entertainment at the Gala

At this year’s event, Joseph P. Benincasa, Executive Director of The Actors Fund, spoke about the late Celeste Holm after a brief video tribute was presented

to guests. Steven Bond, President of the LeRoy Neiman Foundation, spoke about Mr. Neiman following a video tribute to the world-renowned artist. Additional entertainment for the evening included a Drum performance by Arts Horizons students from PS 46 in the Bronx, and a special musical tribute to Celeste Holm performed by her husband, Frank Basile and singer KT Sullivan. Joe Piscopo sang “Fly Me to the Moon” from the Frank Sinatra songbook, accompanied by legendary guitarists Bucky Pizzarelli and Ed Laub.

About Arts Horizons

Arts Horizons, based in Englewood, NJ, is a premier arts-in-education, non-profit organization that reaches more than 250,000 children, teachers and parents a year throughout New Jersey and the New York/Metropolitan area, with vibrant school and community-based programs where children gain appreciation for the arts. Founded in 1978, Arts Horizons is funded in part by the National Endowment for the Arts, the New York and New Jersey State Councils on the Arts as well as numerous foundations, corporations and generous individuals. To learn more about Arts Horizons, or to schedule a program, please visit: www.artshorizons.org or call 201- 567-1766 Ext.106.

###

Contact:  Karen Sperling/Rhea Basroon

                 Sperlingreene PR and Marketing

                (201) 543-7421/(347) 645-0638

               ksperling@sperlingreene.com

Student-created African Tribal Masks at 2011 Annual Gala

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Featured on the tables as centerpieces at our 2011 Annual Gala were African-inspired masks.  The unique masks not only added something special to the event space but they were a great opportunity to showcase student work.

The masks were inspired by a variety of  authentic African tribal masks such as San, Yohure, Senufo, Baule and Ligbi.  Under the direction of teaching artist Donovan Nelson, the students and staff at the LeRoy Neiman Arts Center in turn created their own masks using the different patterns, styles and colors.

The masks became a conversation piece around the room and souvenirs for the guest at the end of the night.  We even have two in our NJ office, reminding us of the successful event and the beautiful work created. The centerpieces the students completed was a big hit this year, so we are all excited to see what our young artist come up with next.

Everyone’s Getting Excited!

On September 12, 2011,  Arts Horizons hosted a Benefit Committee Reception at the home of Chairman Emeritus and 2011 honoree Celeste Holm. The evening was filled with good food, good wine and great company.  In attendance were Co-Chairs of this year’s Gala Barbara Sellinger and Jo Standish along with Chairman of the Board Peter Culver, Trustees Donna Esteves, Rozanne Gold, Patricia Palermo, Jan Prokop and Founder, John Devol.

This annual event is hosted by Chairman Emeritus Celeste Holm, as an opportunity to get everyone excited about the Gala.  In true class, Ms. Holm took pictures with her star struck guest in her beautiful Manhattan apartment. Guests included awarded winning cookbook author Arthur Schwartz, Grammy Award nominee violinist Phillippe Quint and Jewelry Designer/Benefit Committee member  Norma Wellington.

As guest mingled, they became more familiar with each other and Arts Horizons.  This year Arts Horizons was excited to announce the launch of their new gala website, www.artshorizonsgala.org produced by E-Journal.  The venture was inspired by society’s effort to go green.  Realizing that there was a more eco-friendly and efficient way to serve not only their organization but their environment was the next step in continuing their success. The website is up and running and the organization hopes to increase their exposure for financial support.

The Benefit Committee which is made up of NY and NJ professionals volunteer their time to work with the organization in ensure that the Gala is a success. Members include E. Jean Ward, David Grossman, Kay J. Wright and Liz Roditi. They research sponsors, request donations and organize auctions; the list is endless but the reward is great.  Every sponsorship, journal ad, auction item helps Arts Horizons to continue their work to transform lives.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

To view more from the evening, click here for photos taken by photographer Donald Hamburg.

To learn more about opportunities to support Arts Horizons, please visit www.artshorizonsgala.org or call 888-522-ARTS.