LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Rye
Arts Center on February 20, 2010

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions and individuals that are devoted to the welfare of the community
and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, It is also the sense of this Legislative Body that the quali-
ty of life of the citizens of the State of New York is greatly enriched
by its exceptional cultural, educational and recreational institutions;
these institutions give positive definition to the profile and disposi-
tion of the communities of the State of New York and profoundly
strengthen our society with their commitment; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 50th Anniversary of the Rye Arts Center; this auspicious occa-
sion will be celebrated on Saturday, February 27, 2010; and
WHEREAS, The Rye Arts Center is a community-based, not-for-profit,
volunteer organization whose mission is to inspire interest and maximum
participation in the arts in Westchester County and the surrounding
region; and
WHEREAS, Founded in 1960 by five local Rye families and 400 odd
dollars, the Rye Art Center was originally housed in an unused barn; in
the 1960s, it outgrew the barn and moved to the Rye Presbyterian Church,
and then to the Chrysler Building on Theodore Fremd Avenue; later it
moved again to Purchase Street, above the Woolworth building; and
WHEREAS, In 1972, the Rye Art Center moved to 51 Milton Road where it
offered classes in the visual arts and held exhibitions of works by
local adult artists; at this time, the Rye Community Theater was also
moved to the Center from its residence at Rye High School; and
WHEREAS, After the Rye Art Center building was vacated for safety
reasons, it operated from 1984 until 1987, as a "center without walls,"
while loyal and generous supporters organized the "51 Milton Campaign"
-- a $1.2 million campaign to restore and expand the Art Center's home;
and
WHEREAS, The Rye Art Center re-opened in 1987 with a facility doubled
to 13,250 square feet; today, the Center is climate-controlled, with a
Gallery, performance and lecture space, a professional dance studio, a
specially equipped art, clay, and a multi-use studio, a B/W photography
darkroom, a media lab, music classrooms, offices, a kitchen, and
contains a security system, and storage areas; it is entirely wheelchair
accessible; and
WHEREAS, In addition, upon its re-opening and expansion in 1987, the
Rye Art Center merged with the Rye Performing Arts Council, inspiring a
new dedication to performing arts, symbolized in the change of its offi-
cial name from the Rye Art Center to the Rye Arts Center; and
WHEREAS, Currently, under the able leadership of its Executive Direc-
tor, Peggy L. Hill, the Rye Arts Center is truly a center for the arts;
it maintains a multi-disciplinary program with a wide range of classes
in the visual, performing, media and literary arts; it is committed to
offering programs that are characterized by artistic tradition, educa-
tional value, and a spirit of innovation; and
WHEREAS, The Rye Arts Center's diverse programming consists of various
art and cultural movements, plus arts-in-education and public outreach
services; it serves approximately 17,000 residents annually in approxi-

mately 30 towns and villages, and covers a diverse region in Westchester
and the lower Fairfield counties; and
WHEREAS, The Rye Arts Center also publishes a course catalog and news-
letter three times a year, maintains an interactive website and Facebook
page, offers online registration to its students, and produces bi-month-
ly e-mail blasts to keep its members and the community informed; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when an organ-
ization of such noble aims and accomplishments is brought to our atten-
tion, it should be recognized and applauded by all the citizens of this
great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the the 50th Anniversary of the Rye Arts Center; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Peggy L. Hill, Executive Director, Rye Arts Center, 51 Milton
Road, Rye, New York 10580.