What stimulates, motivates and propels a creative person to do just what they do?
Class of 2019
John Borst – Documentary Filmmaker
Michael Bruno – Tastemaker
Mayra Casales – Cuban Percussionist
Ethan Cohen – Jazz Drummer
K.J. Denhert – Guitarist and Vocalist
Marisol Diaz – Visual Artist
Joe D’Urso – Songwriter, Musician, Social Activist
Katie Elevitch – Storyteller; Gallery Owner
Fred Hodder – Photographer
Joseph Albert Lima – Playwright & Actor
Sarah Mondale – Film Director
John Paul Newport – Writer-Journalist
Simon Rigg – Sculptor
Judy Stadt – Playwright & Actress
Susan Strange – Collage Artist
Cortney Wall – Painter
Visit rivertownfilm.org for links to each participating artist
by Bill Batson
On Friday, May 3rd at 8p, 16 artists from various disciplines will share their inspiration on the stage of the Nyack Center for the 5th annual Inspired! event organized by Rivertown Film. The format is unforgiving. Each speaker has only has 200 seconds and ten slides to summarize their artistic journey. The images are advanced automatically, so each presenter must stand and deliver without hesitation. The results are always unexpected and extraordinary.
As public as their final presentations may ultimately be, the act of writing, composing, designing, rehearsing and painting is often cloistered. Inspired! invites the audience to peek behind the curtain of the creative process. Viewed side-by-side, one can witness the unique experiences that shape distinct creative voices, while also witnessing themes that unite all cultural workers.
“As a filmmaker myself, I have benefitted so many times from the skills, talents and support of Rockland’s diverse artists” said Rivertown Film Board Chair, Vera Aronow. “It is a pleasure to celebrate this varied group, find out a little bit about what makes them tick and chat with them afterward.”
The evening’s Mistress of Ceremonies will be Natalie Maniscaloa, a publicist, presenter and TV host, and the CEO/Founder of Retro Media NYC — a multifaceted public relations, events, and design agency, specializing in bi-lingual media and marketing with clients like Goya Foods.
Hors d’oeuvres and desserts provided by Didier Dumas, Stop & Shop, BJ’s, Lulu’s of West Nyack, Anna’s Bakery of Congers, Carousel Cakes, Chef Collective NYC – Brooklyn, Boxer Donuts. There will be a silent auction for a dinner for 6 – at the Valley Rock Inn in Sloatsburg, generously donated by Michael Bruno.
“Inspired!” begins at 8p, and the doors open at 7:30p. Tickets are $30 for general admission and $25 for Rivertown members. For information and to purchase tickets in advance online, visit RivertownFilm.org, or order by phone at 800-838-3006. A limited number of tickets will be available at the door on Friday evening. the Nyack Center is located at the corner of South Broadway and Depew
.