Gallery RIVAA Celebrates 17 Year Anniversary Of Bringing Art To The Roosevelt Island Community - Vernissage XV11 Exhibits Long Time Members, New Artists And Remembers Those No Longer With Us

Gallery RIVAA hosted an opening reception

on Saturday, March 3, for its new exhibition, Vernissage XV11, celebrating the 17th year anniversary of bringing art to the Roosevelt Island community and showcasing the talents

of many Roosevelt Island artists

over the years beginning in March 2002.

Gallery RIVAA's Tad Sudol welcomed guests to the reception and noted recent problems with water leaks and heating system that forced the Gallery to close during this past winter. Mr Sudol thanked Rivercross Management, RIOC, Hudson Related and the community for their help in re-opening Gallery RIVAA.

RIVAA's Esther Cohen remembered several members of the Gallery RIVAA community who passed away.recently - Gerald Starlight,  Christopher Amellio and Anna Nistor, wife of artist Dan Nistor.



Mr Sudol invited the community to look around at the work of over 30 artists on display



and thanked  everyone for their continued support keeping the Gallery open. Mr Sudol noted a big upcoming task to come in installing a heating/air conditioning system for the space.



RIOC approved Gallery RIVAA spending previously allocated Public Purpose Funds to fix their heating and air conditioning system although the funds allocated are not sufficient to complete the necessary work.

Gallery RIVAA welcomes new artists to exhibit. I spoke with first time Gallery RIVAA artist Thomas Heyer who recently moved to Roosevelt Island and loves living here.



The work of Christopher Amellio, who grew up on Roosevelt Island, was showcased at the Gallery RIVAA Vernissage XV11 exhibit. Take a look at Mr. Amellio's self portrait with his dog.

Mr Amellio passed away and was remembered by his brother



and family.

Roosevelt Island musician Gerald Starlight (performing here at 2016 Cherry Blossom Festival) was remembered by a friend too.



Stop by Gallery RIVVA, check out the art, buy what you like, chat with your neighbors and meet some new friends.

Gallery RIVAA is open:

Wednesdays and Fridays 6 – 9 pm
Saturdays and Sundays 11 – 5 pm

Telephone (212) 308–6630

For more information please send emails to galleryrivaa@gmail.com

The Vernissage XV11 exhibition runs thru April 15.

Also, Hidden Talents, Gallery RIVAA's annual Black History Month exhibition is showing at the Octagon Gallery (888 Main Street) thru March 25.