Bethany Arts Community is behind a wealth of engaging cultural acts, workshops, after-school programs, camps, courses, scholarships, and school visits.
Westchester boasts plenty of dedicated arts organizations, but the Bethany Arts Community (BAC) is undoubtedly one of the newest. Founded in 2015 by Executive Director David Lyons, the not-for-profit is run from a 1925 mansion in the hills of Ossining. According to Lyons, the council’s birth was inspired by a similar organization up north.
Executive Director David Lyons kicks back at Ossining’s Bethany Arts Community.
“Upon my visit to Salem Art Works about six years ago, I was moved to create a resource that would provide similar opportunities for artists and residents in our region,” explains Lyons, who began his search for the right spot three years ago. As for why he felt the need to establish the organization in the first place, the answer is simple: to serve his community.
“There’s no such thing as too much art,” says Lyons, “but the reality is that many neighbors get only minimal exposure. We want to make sure that every child has access to arts enrichment, regardless of family means.”
Performance at Bethany Arts Community
The BAC is achieving this through a wealth of engaging cultural acts, workshops, after-school programs, camps, courses, scholarships, and school visits. The group also engages in several forms of community outreach and offers artists studios and facilities for rental.
“Bethany’s programming up to this point has developed very organically and will continue to expand that way. Our goal is to fill the gaps in local resources and opportunities,” notes Lyons. “At peak operation, we’ll have a robust mix of performances, gallery exhibitions, children’s and adult classes, studio rentals, and artist-residency program. How that looks will depend on what the community wants and the available partners.”
Earlier this summer, the community held a camp for kids interested in the magical themes of books like Harry Potter that was hosted by Theatre O, and this month the BAC is hosting an art-focused summer camp.
“With continued gallery exhibitions, performances, and residencies, my vision is for Bethany to become a supportive place for all artists to come and create,” says Lyons, “A place where members of the community can become engaged, challenged, and comforted by art.”
In the fall of 2015, David Lyons had a vision – a mission – to create an environment where various forms of art could be learned, produced, shared and celebrated. His goal came to fruition in January 2018 when the Bethany Arts Community (BAC) made its debut. “Because we only recently opened our doors, the people and artists who find us—it has been a very organic process,” said Lyons, a Sleepy Hollow resident and BAC’s founder, and chairman of the board.
“Because we only recently opened our doors, the people and artists who find us—it has been a very organic process,” said Lyons, a Sleepy Hollow resident and BAC’s founder, chairman of the board and executive director.
Lyons, who wears many hats—from running the coat check to washing dishes—noted that artists of all ages and levels of experience are “welcome to explore and create art that the community can experience and be engaged in.” BAC, he added, was designed “to inspire sharing, connection and collaboration” that benefits the local community and beyond.
BAC TO THE FUTURE
Situated on 25 acres in Ossining, the not-for-profit BAC’s campus consists of one building that encompasses 44,000 square feet. Originally owned by the Maryknoll Foreign Mission Sisters of St. Dominic, who built the original convent structure (Bethany Rest House) in 1925, a three-story dormitory, dining wing and chapel were added in 1951.
“Maryknoll had two campuses in Ossining, and this was the much smaller of the two—not the more famous one with the Asian architecture,” said Lyons, who noted that the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers took over the property in 1958. By 1979, the building was designated for the lay missionary program.
The former chapel now serves as a 99-seat performance space. BAC has 27 individual art studios and can accommodate up to 27 people overnight. Along with teaching spaces, workshops and galleries, there is a commercial kitchen and cafeteria as well as a 1,560-square-foot rehearsal and performance space with a sprung floor. Additionally, the grounds, which include a fruit orchard and expansive lawns, are home to a growing sculpture garden.
“Bethany is a special place and a very much needed asset to the community as a whole. We have the ability to provide so much to artists of all levels and in all disciplines,” said Tarrytown resident Laurie Birrittella, a financial executive who is on BAC’s board and serves as its treasurer.
“Bethany has the feel of a real retreat, a place to get away from the normal day-to-day bustle of life and experience a peaceful setting, which helps inspire those who come to learn and create art,” added Birrittella.
Programs in June and July include a performance of The Sting”and the Summer Solstice Concert will be performed by the Cassatt String Quartet that will delight the audience with renditions of Borodin String Quartet No. 2 in D major and Haydn String Quartet Op 76 No 4 Sunrise.
“I am excited about everything we are doing, but very much looking forward to the very first of our summer camp programs and seeing the space filled with the youngest of artists,” said Birrittella.
BAC, she explained, will feature two summer camp programs: Theater O’s Camp of Witchcraft and Wizardry that will run three one-week sessions in July for ages eight and older and Scribble Art Workshop out of Dobbs Ferry, which will run three one-week sessions in August for ages kindergarten to fifth grade.
“Bethany arriving in Ossining is a game-changer for an already artistic community. Not only will Bethany serve as inspiration, but also as an art making home to so many artists at so many points in their artistic lives,” noted Theater O’s Artistic Director Jessica Irons. “I can’t wait to see the conversations, collaborations and artistic growth that Bethany will be home to.”
For more information on the Bethany Arts Community and upcoming programs and events, visit www.bethanyarts.org/calendar
First published by BWW News Desk via Broadway Worldon May. 10, 2018
Bethany Arts Community (BAC), a new space and environment located at 40 Somerstown Road, Ossining, NY, where the many forms of art can be learned, produced and flourish, is pleased to announce a four week residency, this May, with Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company, a world-class dance-theater company.
“The Bethany Arts Community has launched its first season with an eclectic mix of performances, exhibitions and classes aimed at showing that art, in its various forms, can be created, appreciated and enjoyed by everyone.” Michael McKinney, The Journal News – see The Journal News article here
“We couldn’t be more thrilled to launch our artist residency program with the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane company,” states David Lyons, Founding Executive Director. “From the beginning, we wanted to provide a space that attracts and nurtures this caliber of international talent while also making these artists and their work accessible to our regional community.”
The entire Westchester Community is about to be blessed with access to these incredible artists, such as Dana Levenberg, Ossining Town Supervisor who, “couldn’t be more delighted to have Bethany Arts Community open its doors in Ossining. They have hit the ground running with exciting events, classes, fine art, music, large scale sculptures, poetry and performances. Next we look forward to welcoming world class talent, such as this month’s residency with Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company. They are responsive to our community, and inspirational. We can’t wait to see what is next. They are true partners in our cultural engagement.” Victoria Gearity
Mayor, Village of Ossining adds, “Ossining is thrilled that the Bethany Arts Community is now open and contributing so much. They are inspiring creative expression in artists of all ages, while enriching our cultural calendars with exhibits and performances to please a diverse and delighted community.”
From May 7 until June 1, 2018, Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company will be creating a new work and expanding existing work, in residence at BAC. They will use the opportunity to immerse themselves in the creative process, spending valuable time together and with the BAC community through open rehearsals, community dialogues and public events. The nature of a residency outside of the city, even if just a few short train stops away, allows the artists to truly leave mundane activities that can sometimes get in the way of process and focus on engaging in the art form and their colleagues.
Bill T Jones/Arnie Zane Company is beginning a new work, currently titled The Deep Blue Sea, which they will continue to work on at BAC. Drawing inspiration from Melville’s evocative description of Pip, the young black “cabin boy”, floating alone in the sea, The Deep Blue Sea explores the relationship of solidarity as it pertains to, or contrasts to group identity. The work will begin with a solo figure that will be performed by Mr. Jones or a company member, evolving over time into an ensemble of ten (the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company), that further expands into a community of one hundred people. The Deep Blue Sea will be a meditation on the nature of community building in a confusing era.
Additional programming for the community will be offered during the residency, such as a rare opportunity for young dancers, a FREE 8-week dance Master class (Saturdays 10:00am-11:30m from April 7-May 26) with Bill T. Jones / Arnie Zane Company. Additional opportunities including being able to observe the entire Company in action during their month-long residency at Bethany and even participate in a developing new work.
There are many exciting activities happening at BAC, including an afterschool program which is currently in progress, a second large sculpture to be installed in the garden, readings from Westchester Collaborative Theatre, a summer camp from Theatre O called The Camp of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and many upcoming residencies to be announced in the near future.
BAC is pleased to announce a four week residency, in May, with Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company, a world-class dance-theater company.
OSSINING, NY: Bethany Arts Community is a new space and environment based at 40 Somerstown Road whose founders hope the many forms of art can be learned, produced and flourish.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled to launch our artist residency program with the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane company,” David Lyons, founding executive director, said in a press release. “From the beginning, we wanted to provide a space that attracts and nurtures this caliber of international talent while also making these artists and their work accessible to our regional community.”
Until June 1, Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company will be creating a new work and expanding existing work, in residence at BAC. They will use the opportunity to immerse themselves in the creative process, spending valuable time together and with the BAC community through open rehearsals, community dialogues and public events. The nature of a residency outside of the city, even if just a few short train stops away, allows the artists to truly leave mundane activities that can sometimes get in the way of process and focus on engaging in the art form and their colleagues.
Bill T Jones/Arnie Zane Company is beginning a new work, currently titled The Deep Blue Sea, which they will continue to work on at BAC. Drawing inspiration from Melville’s evocative description of Pip, the young black “cabin boy”, floating alone in the sea, The Deep Blue Sea explores the relationship of solidarity as it pertains to, or contrasts to group identity. The work will begin with a solo figure that will be performed by Mr. Jones or a company member, evolving over time into an ensemble of ten (the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company), that further expands into a community of one hundred people. The Deep Blue Sea will be a meditation on the nature of community building in a confusing era.
Additional programming for the community will be offered during the residency, including being able to observe the entire Company in action during their month-long residency at Bethany and even participate in a developing new work.
There are many exciting activities happening at BAC, including an afterschool program which is currently in progress, a second large sculpture to be installed in the garden, readings from Westchester Collaborative Theatre, a summer camp from Theatre O called The Camp of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and many upcoming residencies to be announced in the near future, BAC officials promised.
Bill T. Jones/ Arnie Zane Company at Bethany Arts Community
Upcoming Events:
May 12, 19, 26 1p – 4p FREE Bill T. Jones / Arnie Zane Company Community Dance Project: Join the creative process with the BTJ/AZ Company and volunteer to participate in the company’s latest work, The Deep Blue Sea. Participants will be asked to move, think and create with the nine members of the company with Bill T Jones and Associate Artist Director Janet Wong. Sign up for any of these dates here. www.bethanyarts.org/calendar/btjcommunitydance
May 19 7p – 10p Fundraiser with Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company Performance: The evening’s festivities will include music, a selection of gourmet foods and beverages, and the latest art exhibition in the galleries – an exploration of motion and movement called (Not) Staying Still. The highlight of the evening will be a performance by the world famous Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company accompanied by some commentary from Bill himself. www.bethanyarts.org/calendar/fundraiser
May 24 7p – 9p Meet the makers: Bill T. Jones and Janet Wong: An intimate setting for an evening of conversation with choreographer, dancer, writer Bill T. Jones, the founder and artistic director of the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company and their Associate Artistic Director Janet Wong. Hear from the two of the biggest creative forces in contemporary dance and culture. www.bethanyarts.org/calendar/btjartisttalk
May 30 7p – 9p Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company Performance: At the conclusion of the dance company’s residency at Bethany, a rare opportunity in Westchester to see a performance by the world-renowned Bill T Jones/Arnie Zane Company. www.bethanyarts.org/calendar/btjperformance
May 31 7p – 9p An Evening of Works in Process Studio Showing: Many of the talented dancers within the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company, who have spent time at BAC in residence are also working on their own independent projects. Here’s another rare opportunity to see a diverse group of dance professionals sharing the pieces in various stages of development–a sampling of the different works and hear from the creative talents behind them. https://bethanyarts.org/calendar/worksinprocess/
PHOTO: Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company dancers at work./ via BAC
First published by Michael P. McKinney via LOHUDon May 9, 2018
OSSINING – The Bethany Arts Community has launched its first season with an eclectic mix of performances, exhibitions and classes aimed at showing that art, in its various forms, can be created, appreciated and enjoyed by everyone.
For the remainder of the month, the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company, a presence on New York City and global stages, will be at the center’s Somerstown Road campus.
For a dance project it’s working on, the company will have members of the public who show up Saturday afternoons participate in the project — they don’t need dance experience. There is also a free master class on Saturday mornings where experienced dancers ages 16 to 22 can work with the company.
The center has been up and running since January. The 25-acre property, formerly used by missionaries for the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, was acquired in 2015.
“From the beginning, we wanted to provide a space that attracts and nurtures this caliber of international talent, while also making these artists and their work accessible to our regional community,” said David Lyons, founder and executive director.
On a recent afternoon, as the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company was using one space, 11 girls from an Ossining elementary school were in another space learning flamenco.
“I’m willing to put in 30 years of time, energy and money to have those flamenco dancers who are down there today change the world tomorrow,” Lyons said of the group.
Meanwhile, another area was set up for children participating in the Scribble Art summer program, and in yet another, an exhibition of works from various artists was being prepared for an opening.
The vision for Bethany Arts is a place where people can come to see the world through different perspectives and perceptions and learn “how to pass on the word of art,” said Lyons, who grew up in Croton-on-Hudson and has lived in Dobbs Ferry and Sleepy Hollow.
Plans are to eventually offer studio spaces for artists, given that such space can be difficult to find and expensive in Westchester, said Zak Shusterman, the attorney for Bethany Arts.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Bethany Arts Community. WHERE: 40 Somerstown Road, Ossining. COST: Varies. For example, Cumbia for Kids and Spanish Art of Flamenco for Kids is $40 for eight weeks. Scholarships are available. There is no charge for the Saturday afternoon sessions with the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company, and no charge for the Saturday morning master classes. An exhibition of various visual artists, this Saturday starting at 6:30 p.m., is also free to the public.
First published by Westchester Magazine Arts & Entertainment feature on 04/24/2018
Bethany Arts Community will unveil the very first sculpture installed on Bethany’s front lawn. Made in Westchester by Dobbs Ferry Sultz artist Malcolm MacDougall III.
An artist’s vision need not be limited to what they can personally create with their two hands, thanks to people like Malcolm MacDougall III. His company, Sultz in Dobbs Ferry, helps artists bring their ideas into reality, by welding large steel structures, casting sculptures in bronze, or whatever large job needs doing to prepare for an installation. MacDougall, an artist himself, says his sensibility helps bring out the subtleties of the artists’ intentions. One of MacDougall’s own large works was recently installed at the Bethany Arts Community in Ossining.
Malcolm MacDougall III Sculpture at Bethany Arts Community
Bethany Arts Community will unveil the very first sculpture installed on Bethany’s front lawn. ‘Microscopic Landscape’, a 5 ton weathered steel sculpture by Artist, Malcolm MacDougall III, was nestled into it’s new home at Bethany back in February. Join us for a reception following the unveiling along with a last chance to see the exhibit by local artists currently on display in our galleries.
