(PHOTO: The Rye Arts Center’s annual benefit Studio 51 on May 15, 2025, raised a record $320,000. Winners of the evening's best costumes. Contributed. Credit: Leslye Smith.)
(PHOTO: The Rye Arts Center’s annual benefit Studio 51 on May 15, 2025, raised a record $320,000. Winners of the evening’s best costumes. Contributed. Credit: Leslye Smith.)

The Rye Arts Center’s annual benefit, Studio 51, last Thursday, May 15, 2025, drew over 300 guests and raised a record $320,000, according to officials. All net proceeds will support The Rye Arts Center’s mission to provide accessible, high-quality arts education and programming.

“The arts are not optional; they are essential. Essential to our very core. Throughout communities, the arts uplift, energize and heal,” said Rye Arts Center Executive Director Adam Levi, one of the night’s honorees for this 25 years of service. “There is a full-on assault currently happening to the arts landscape across our country. Funding for museums, galleries, and arts centers like ours is rapidly disappearing, leaving an uncertain future for so many. This is why the support of our community is so critical in this moment.”

(PHOTO: The Rye Arts Center’s annual benefit Studio 51 on May 15, 2025, raised a record $320,000. Contributed. Credit: Leslye Smith.)
(PHOTO: The Rye Arts Center’s annual benefit Studio 51 on May 15, 2025, raised a record $320,000. Contributed. Credit: Leslye Smith.)
(PHOTO: The Rye Arts Center’s annual benefit Studio 51 on May 15, 2025, raised a record $320,000. Guests enjoy the show. Contributed. Credit: Leslye Smith.)
(PHOTO: The Rye Arts Center’s annual benefit Studio 51 on May 15, 2025, raised a record $320,000. Guests enjoy the show. Contributed. Credit: Leslye Smith.)

Held at the Capitol Theatre, the fundraiser was inspired by the glamour of Studio 54. Lounge areas and a packed dance floor powered by ’80s tribute band Rubix Kube were complimented by a curated gallery showcasing original works by local artists connected to The Rye Arts Center. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Kyle Brandt conducted the event’s live auction. Executive Director Levi was recognized alongside longtime supporters Laurie & Rob Platek and Rob & Nicole Weber. Painter Jill Parry received the Visionary Artist Award—only the second artist ever to be honored.

“It’s wonderful to see how deeply the Rye Arts Center connects with our community, spanning generations and diverse interests. The fundraiser brought everyone together to support our shared passion for the arts,” said Event Co-Chairs Whitney Whipple and Leah Rapoport.

“Studio 51 wasn’t just a fundraiser; it was an expression of tremendous community support for our beloved Arts Center – for what it is today and what it will be in the future”, said Board President Tom Stokes in a nod to the group’s future expansion plans.

(PHOTO: The Rye Arts Center’s annual benefit Studio 51 on May 15, 2025, raised a record $320,000. Visionary Artist Award Recipient Jill Parry and Rye Arts Center Board President Tom Stokes. Contributed. Credit: Leslye Smith.)
(PHOTO: The Rye Arts Center’s annual benefit Studio 51 on May 15, 2025, raised a record $320,000. Visionary Artist Award Recipient Jill Parry and Rye Arts Center Board President Tom Stokes. Contributed. Credit: Leslye Smith.)
(PHOTO: The Rye Arts Center’s annual benefit Studio 51 on May 15, 2025, raised a record $320,000. Honorees Rob & Laurie Platek. Contributed. Credit: Leslye Smith.)
(PHOTO: The Rye Arts Center’s annual benefit Studio 51 on May 15, 2025, raised a record $320,000. Honorees Rob & Laurie Platek. Contributed. Credit: Leslye Smith.)
(PHOTO: The Rye Arts Center’s annual benefit Studio 51 on May 15, 2025, raised a record $320,000. Honorees, Rob & Nicole Weber in their track suits. Contributed. Credit: Leslye Smith.)
(PHOTO: The Rye Arts Center’s annual benefit Studio 51 on May 15, 2025, raised a record $320,000. Honorees, Rob & Nicole Weber in their track suits. Contributed. Credit: Leslye Smith.)
(PHOTO: The Rye Arts Center’s annual benefit Studio 51 on May 15, 2025, raised a record $320,000. RAC Executive Director Adam Levi accepting his award alongside honorees Nicole and Rob Weber. Contributed. Credit: Leslye Smith.)
(PHOTO: The Rye Arts Center’s annual benefit Studio 51 on May 15, 2025, raised a record $320,000. RAC Executive Director Adam Levi accepting his award alongside honorees Nicole and Rob Weber. Contributed. Credit: Leslye Smith.)
(PHOTO: The Rye Arts Center’s annual benefit Studio 51 on May 15, 2025, raised a record $320,000. Rubix Kube 80's Tribute Band with special guest, Constantine Maroulis. Contributed. Credit: Leslye Smith.)
(PHOTO: The Rye Arts Center’s annual benefit Studio 51 on May 15, 2025, raised a record $320,000. Rubix Kube 80’s Tribute Band with special guest, Constantine Maroulis. Contributed. Credit: Leslye Smith.)
Rubix Kube 80’s Tribute Band with special guest, Constantine Maroulis
(PHOTO: The Rye Arts Center’s annual benefit Studio 51 on May 15, 2025, raised a record $320,000. The Rubix Kube 80's Tribute Band. Contributed. Credit: Leslye Smith.)
(PHOTO: The Rye Arts Center’s annual benefit Studio 51 on May 15, 2025, raised a record $320,000. The Rubix Kube 80’s Tribute Band. Contributed. Credit: Leslye Smith.)
(PHOTO: The Rye Arts Center’s annual benefit Studio 51 on May 15, 2025, raised a record $320,000. Event Co-Chair and Board Member Whitney Whipple and Board Member Kicki Storm. Contributed. Credit: Leslye Smith.)
(PHOTO: The Rye Arts Center’s annual benefit Studio 51 on May 15, 2025, raised a record $320,000. Event Co-Chair and Board Member Whitney Whipple and Board Member Kicki Storm. Contributed. Credit: Leslye Smith.)
(PHOTO: The Rye Arts Center’s annual benefit Studio 51 on May 15, 2025, raised a record $320,000. David Walker and Westchester County Legislator, Catherine Parker. Contributed. Credit: Leslye Smith.)
(PHOTO: The Rye Arts Center’s annual benefit Studio 51 on May 15, 2025, raised a record $320,000. David Walker and Westchester County Legislator, Catherine Parker. Contributed. Credit: Leslye Smith.)
(PHOTO: The Rye Arts Center’s annual benefit Studio 51 on May 15, 2025, raised a record $320,000. Jean Vendice, Kim Berns, Petra Pasquina. Contributed. Credit: Leslye Smith.)
(PHOTO: The Rye Arts Center’s annual benefit Studio 51 on May 15, 2025, raised a record $320,000. Jean Vendice, Kim Berns, Petra Pasquina. Contributed. Credit: Leslye Smith.)
(PHOTO: The Rye Arts Center’s annual benefit Studio 51 on May 15, 2025, raised a record $320,000. Adele Centani and Louis Singer. Contributed. Credit: Leslye Smith.)
(PHOTO: The Rye Arts Center’s annual benefit Studio 51 on May 15, 2025, raised a record $320,000. Adele Centani and Louis Singer. Contributed. Credit: Leslye Smith.)
(PHOTO: The Rye Arts Center’s annual benefit Studio 51 on May 15, 2025, raised a record $320,000. Event Co-Chair Whitney Whipple, RAC Director of Development Alli West, Event Co-Chair Leah Rapoport. Contributed. Credit: Leslye Smith.)
(PHOTO: The Rye Arts Center’s annual benefit Studio 51 on May 15, 2025, raised a record $320,000. Event Co-Chair Whitney Whipple, RAC Director of Development Alli West, Event Co-Chair Leah Rapoport. Contributed. Credit: Leslye Smith.)
(PHOTO: The Rye Arts Center’s annual benefit Studio 51 on May 15, 2025, raised a record $320,000. Liz Woods of Ryemarkable Moms and her husband Brian. Contributed. Credit: Leslye Smith.)
(PHOTO: The Rye Arts Center’s annual benefit Studio 51 on May 15, 2025, raised a record $320,000. Liz Woods of Ryemarkable Moms and her husband Brian. Contributed. Credit: Leslye Smith.)
(PHOTO: The Rye Arts Center’s annual benefit Studio 51 on May 15, 2025, raised a record $320,000. Bill & Judith Passannante and Bob & Wonda Clyatt. Contributed. Credit: Leslye Smith.)
(PHOTO: The Rye Arts Center’s annual benefit Studio 51 on May 15, 2025, raised a record $320,000. Bill & Judith Passannante and Bob & Wonda Clyatt. Contributed. Credit: Leslye Smith.)
(PHOTO: The Rye Arts Center’s annual benefit Studio 51 on May 15, 2025, raised a record $320,000. Masters of Ceremony, Ian Rapoport and Kyle Brandt. Contributed. Credit: Leslye Smith.)
(PHOTO: The Rye Arts Center’s annual benefit Studio 51 on May 15, 2025, raised a record $320,000. Masters of Ceremony, Ian Rapoport and Kyle Brandt. Contributed. Credit: Leslye Smith.)
(PHOTO: The Rye Arts Center’s annual benefit Studio 51 on May 15, 2025, raised a record $320,000. Winners of the evening's best costumes. Contributed. Credit: Leslye Smith.)
(PHOTO: The Rye Arts Center’s annual benefit Studio 51 on May 15, 2025, raised a record $320,000. Winners of the evening’s best costumes. Contributed. Credit: Leslye Smith.)
(PHOTO: The Rye Arts Center’s annual benefit Studio 51 on May 15, 2025, raised a record $320,000. RAC Student and Supporter Bruce Zenkel, RAC Director of Development Alli West, RAC Executive Director Adam Levi. Contributed. Credit: Leslye Smith.)
(PHOTO: The Rye Arts Center’s annual benefit Studio 51 on May 15, 2025, raised a record $320,000. RAC Student and Supporter Bruce Zenkel, RAC Director of Development Alli West, RAC Executive Director Adam Levi. Contributed. Credit: Leslye Smith.)
(PHOTO: The Rye Arts Center’s annual benefit Studio 51 on May 15, 2025, raised a record $320,000. Sue Autry, Patti Neave, Robin Jovanovich, Claudia Baker. Contributed. Credit: Leslye Smith.)
(PHOTO: The Rye Arts Center’s annual benefit Studio 51 on May 15, 2025, raised a record $320,000. Sue Autry, Patti Neave, Robin Jovanovich, Claudia Baker. Contributed. Credit: Leslye Smith.)
(PHOTO: The Rye Arts Center’s annual benefit Studio 51 on May 15, 2025, raised a record $320,000. Rye Arts Center Board Judith Passannante and State Assemblyman Steve Otis Contributed. Credit: Leslye Smith.)
(PHOTO: The Rye Arts Center’s annual benefit Studio 51 on May 15, 2025, raised a record $320,000. Rye Arts Center Board Judith Passannante and State Assemblyman Steve Otis
Contributed. Credit: Leslye Smith.)
(PHOTO: The Rye Arts Center’s annual benefit Studio 51 on May 15, 2025, raised a record $320,000. Kim O'Connor and former City Councilman Benjamin Stacks. Contributed. Credit: Leslye Smith.)
(PHOTO: The Rye Arts Center’s annual benefit Studio 51 on May 15, 2025, raised a record $320,000. Kim O’Connor and former City Councilman Benjamin Stacks. Contributed. Credit: Leslye Smith.)
(PHOTO: The Rye Arts Center’s annual benefit Studio 51 on May 15, 2025, raised a record $320,000. Former Rye Record publisher and current City Council candidate Robin Jovanovich, waving her glow wand during the live auction. Contributed. Credit: Leslye Smith.)
(PHOTO: The Rye Arts Center’s annual benefit Studio 51 on May 15, 2025, raised a record $320,000. Former Rye Record publisher and current City Council candidate Robin Jovanovich, waving her glow wand during the live auction. Contributed. Credit: Leslye Smith.)
(PHOTO: The Rye Arts Center’s annual benefit Studio 51 on May 15, 2025, raised a record $320,000. Serge Nivelle and Rye Arts Center Board Member Hayley Nivelle. Contributed. Credit: Leslye Smith.)
(PHOTO: The Rye Arts Center’s annual benefit Studio 51 on May 15, 2025, raised a record $320,000. Serge Nivelle and Rye Arts Center Board Member Hayley Nivelle. Contributed. Credit: Leslye Smith.)

Jay Sears is the owner and publisher of MyRye.com. He is a 20+ year Rye resident. Contact MyRye.com: https://myrye.com/tips

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