Rotary Club, Rye Arts Center Announce “Rye’sAbove” Art Project

The Rotary Club of Rye and The Rye Arts Center have announced a collaborative community program called “Rye’sAbove.” Inspired by a successful program in Colorado Springs, CO, “Rye’sAbove” brings together local artists, residents and the business community alike. The goal is to uplift the community through the arts while supporting educational programs in the region. Artists are being asked to transform blank, aluminum alloy sculptures (three different sizes) into original works of art. Winning design submissions will be chosen by a panel from The Rye Art Center. Once completed, these works of art will adorn the local area through the summer and fall. The program will culminate in a fall auction where the butterflies will be available for bidding and ultimately purchase.

According to Richard Flahive, Past President of the Rye Rotary, “We modeled Rye’sAbove after a similar program that has been successful in Colorado for many years. We are looking forward to bringing the program to our area as a fundraiser that will continue the Rye Rotary’s and The Rye Arts Center’s decades’ long history of underwriting art and general educational programs.”

Artists will submit proposals for butterfly designs and winners will be chosen by a special panel. A total number of 36 butterflies have been fabricated and they range in size from small (which are the size of a dinner plate) to large at 48” x 30”. Once completed the butterflies will be prominently displayed throughout Rye for the summer and fall. The program concludes at an auction where the butterflies will be sold to the highest bidders. Proceeds from “Rye’sAbove” butterfly project will be split between The Rye Rotary and the Rye Arts Center and used for each organization’s scholarship and educational programs.

“Rye’sAbove is an exciting program that gives artists the opportunity to showcase their work for public display. It also brings artistic expression to our community with these beautiful creations,” states Adam Levi, Executive Director of The Rye Arts Center.

For information about the Rye’sAbove program, please visit https://www.ryeartscenter.org/....

The program is made possible in part through the generous support of ArtsWestechster and the New York State Council on the Arts. Sponsorship opportunities are available to underwrite this event. They range from exclusive presenting sponsor at $10,000 to $250, and each offers various levels of exposure based on the level. William Raveis Real Estate, Mortgage and Insurance in Rye has already signed on as a $5,000 Monarch Level Sponsor and organizers are hoping the rest of the Rye Community will follow suit. For information about corporate or personal support, please email ryesabove@ryeartscenter.org.