Giving Rye: Meet the Rye Arts Center
Giving Rye is a feature series highlighting non-profits and community groups in and around the City of Rye. Today meet Adam Levi of The Rye Arts Center.
The group was just at City Council this week to discuss its proposed expansion to the adjacent 2+ acre property.
Your Name: Adam Levi
Organization: The Rye Arts Center
Your role: Executive Director
MyRye.com: Tell us your organization’s mission.
Levi: Our mission is to inspire lifelong enthusiasm and participation in the arts through best-in-class artistic offerings and educational programs. We strive to have a positive impact on our local communities by bringing attention to the importance of the arts, creating a destination for diverse voices, and by providing meaningful artistic opportunities.
How long have you operated in Rye?
Levi: Founded in 1960 / 65 years
What programming or work in Rye is the organization best known for?
Levi:
- The RAC offers a diverse range of art and music classes and workshops, many of which are grant-funded and free to the public.
- The RAC offers a multitude of programs for the underserved, including HeadStart arts programs for over 300 children in Port Chester on a weekly basis.
- The RAC also has a strong gallery and performing arts program, that sees 6-8 curated shows in our gallery on an annual basis, plus Gallery B, which highlights local artists on a rotating basis. The RAC is also home to performing arts events, such as the one we recently held focusing on the music of the 1960’s. This event, in particular, also included a talkback with a famed photographer whose work exemplifies the 1960’s music scene.
Looking forward to 2025, what will be your top initiatives?
Levi:
- The RAC is expanding its performing arts offerings and looking forward to bringing more concerts and events to the community in 2025.
- The RAC will be expanding its free, grant-funded programs even further in 2025, with a special focus on our senior population.
- The RAC is enhancing its Pre-K program to be even more robust, bringing in STEAM elements and more. The program will also be available five days a week, with morning and afternoon sessions available.
Tell us about the population you serve and how they can get involved with your programming and services.
Levi: The RAC serves a very diverse population, both on and off-site. Our programs are designed for ages 3 and up, starting with our Pre-K arts immersion program, available 5 days a week. We offer over 100 classes and workshops each season, covering many different mediums and interests. As mentioned earlier, we also offer grant-funded outreach programming on-site at the RAC, especially for our senior population. Through our marketing efforts, we are able to reach more people with each class.
Are you a 501(c)(3) non-profit with tax exempt status?
Levi: Yes.
How can local residents support your organization?
Levi: The best way to get involved is to become a member – that will ensure that you are looped into the RAC community and it also supports our mission to bring the arts to all.
What local Rye residents and area businesses have been the longest, steadiest supporters of your organization?
Levi: We are lucky to count many supporters of the RAC from our local Rye community, both residents and businesses – too many to mention! We appreciate all of their support and encourage those that do not to consider supporting the RAC – the arts bring many positives to the community.
Tell us about you:
How long have you been in your current role?
Levi: I’m going on my 25th year with the RAC, and this is my 4th year as Executive Director
Is the role full time or part time? Paid or volunteer?
Levi: Full time.
How would your friends and family describe you in one word?
Levi: Consistent.
Where did you grow up?
Levi: I was born in Yonkers and spent most of my time there growing up.
What is your favorite unimportant thing about you?
Levi: I love the sound of air conditioners humming.
If the next five years is a chapter in your life, what is this chapter about?
Levi: This chapter is about transition and change; there is an air of uncertainty around everything, but out of uncertainty comes creative rebirth – at least I hope it does!
What would you do if you were not afraid?
Levi: I’d go hang-gliding.
Where do you live in Rye and how many years have you lived in the City?
Levi: In Rye, I live at the RAC during the day. At night, I live in Patterson, NY.
Thanks Adam!
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