Past Events

The Death of King Shotaway: The Origin of the African Grove Theater

A play by Samuel Harps

Saturday, June 8 at 8:00pm (Doors open at 7:30pm)

Tickets: Suggested donation. Reservations required.

In partnership with Shades Repertory Theater and the Gordon Center for Black Culture and Arts. 

The Two Act Drama tells the true story of The African Grove Theater, which is the first known all-black theater company established in Lower Manhattan in 1821 by playwright William Brown. 

The play will be performed by members of Shades Repertory Theater.

Saturday, May 4, 2024
10am–3pm

*Rain Date: Sunday, May 5, 2024*

Wine from Mud: A Dance Performance

by Emotions Physical Theatre

Tickets: $25

Experience a tale of the creative impulse stagnating and exploding, mediated by wine.
Two performances: Fri., June 14 & Sat., June 15 at 7pm.

https://youtu.be/CuI3MvXlChA

Emotions Physical Theatre serves as a bridge between art and entertainment. Using an organic blend of contemporary dance with hip-hop, ballet, gymnastics, and breakdance, we are committed to making dance theater that is fun, accessible, and innovative. We break down walls between stage performance and spectators to create an experience for audience members that goes way beyond a typical dance show by including audience participation and by creating in unique spaces. We believe that dance theater should be transparent and easy to understand while inspiring thought and communicating ideas in a clear and aesthetically pleasing way.

We create dance art with the goal of fostering personal growth. We incorporate research from psychology and sociology into our productions so an audience member walks away . . . with a thought-provoking tidbit of practical information.

We provide outstanding education programs in K-12 schools. Our Read and Write Program helps students learn the parts of speech by equating them to elements of choreography. . . . Artistic Director, Shawn Rawls grew up in an urban arts school and knows firsthand how a high-quality dance program can change a student's life.

We are actively creating a positive arts community by offering low-cost workshops for dancers, providing opportunities for emerging choreographers to show their work, and offering paid contracts to dancers, teachers, and choreographers. We hire and collaborate with artists from all backgrounds, ethnicities, and genders because we believe this creates resilience, understanding, and cooperation with our fellow artists and helps us all develop empathy and a wider understanding of the world we share. . . . 

Art in Public Places In Conversation
with Artist, Jean-Marc Superville Sovak

Upcoming Cropsey Farm Art Installation, Blauvelt Blues, Explores 
the History of Afro-Dutch Pioneers

Thursday, April 25 at 7:00pm

Blauvelt Blues is a groundbreaking exploration of cultural identity, diversity, and community.

Sovak has created intricately cut, colorful steel panels which combines numerous ‘Jersey Dutch’ proverbs with historic imagery of emancipated slaves borrowed from 19th century Abolitionist and Anti-Slavery literature. Cropsey Farm in Rockland County, known for its rich, cultural and historical tapestry, will serve as the backdrop for this permanent sculptural installation.

Jean-Marc Superville Sovak, a respected figure in the art world, is known for his ability to deeply connect with his subjects and tell their stories through his artwork. Blauvelt Blues is no exception, as he skillfully captures the essence and complexities of the Afro-Dutch identity.

Sovak states, “I see each panel of Blauvelt Blues as a spark in a series of potent, teachable moments; seeds in a fertile ground where engagements with history and language can become as palpable as the fruit of sustainable agriculture. “Blauvelt Blues” seeks to acknowledge the voices of those Black souls whose genius and unpaid labor nourished the success of farms like the ones once owned by Blauvelts.”

Guests can expect to be moved by the powerful imagery and narratives presented. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with the artist and learn more about the thought-provoking stories behind each piece.

# # #

About Jean-Marc Superville Sovak

Jean-Marc Superville Sovak is a renowned artist, educator, and advocate for artistic diversity and inclusion. Through his art, Sovak aims to amplify underrepresented voices and shed light on cultural narratives that often go unnoticed. With his brilliant works focused on storytelling and community-building, Sovak's artwork has been exhibited in galleries and museums worldwide. He received his MFA from Bard College and currently serves as a museum educator at Dia:Beacon.  

About AIPP

For over 30 years, Rockland County Art in Public Places has integrated art with architecture and the local environment to enhance public spaces. The committee is supported by the Percent for Art Law which provides that funds from certain county construction projects be allocated for the acquisition of unique works of art in public sites throughout Rockland County. Introduced in 1986 by legislators Harriet Cornell and Bruce Levine, the law (the only program of its kind in New York State outside of New York City) seeks to make art accessible to all Rockland County residents and visitors and to foster a sense of community connection and pride. www.aipprockland.org.

For more information on Jean-Marc Superville Sovak and his activities follow this link: https://www.boredpanda.com/jean-marc-superville-sovak/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=top&utm_campaign=user

Artists’ Talk & Walk Through
Taking Form: Contemporary Sculpture
Thursday, May 16 at 7:00pm

A survey of Hudson Valley artists exploring new ideas through traditional materials. Taking Form exemplifies the array of processes, styles, and media used in creating three-dimensional art forms.

Exhibit on view through May 24, 2024

Music Sessions @ RoCA

THIS PERFORMANCE IS SOLD OUT! If you have any questions, please contact RoCA: 845-358-0877. Thank you.

* * * *