New Executive Director Joins RiverArts
Ecka Blaire Faulds takes the helm at the local arts organization, known for their open studio tours, music events, and more
by Lilly Sayenga
Hastings-on-Hudson – From Hastings-on-Hudson to Sleepy Hollow and beyond, RiverArts is known for hosting multidisciplinary arts events, inspiring local residents to come together through the arts. Now, the longtime local arts organization is ushering in a new era as Ecka Blaire Faulds steps in as its new Executive Director. Faulds succeeds RiverArts’ previous Executive Director, Josh Suniewick. Suniewick will continue to serve RiverArts as a member of the Board of Directors.
Faulds has been a resident of Hastings-on-Hudson for 12 years and has a background in arts administration for museums, galleries, and non-profit organizations. As Executive Director, she will be overseeing the organization's events and fundraising activities. Faulds told the Rivertowns Current that she’s excited to collaborate with “very dedicated individuals” and to work on a wide variety of arts programs.
With RiverArts in its 60th year of operation, Faulds hopes to forge even deeper connections with the multifaceted community the organization serves — placing an emphasis on accessible programming that aims to overcome both physical and financial barriers. In continuing to offer signature RiverArts' programs through low-cost and free tickets, Faulds hopes that even more people will be able to participate in RiverArts events. Faulds explains that RiverArts wants programs with modest price points to still be “deeply enriching,” with opportunities for participants to connect with artists. Such events also allow attendees to “mix and mingle with other neighbors, peers, and community members.”
RiverArts is widely known for signature events like the free annual Music Tour, taking place on the first Saturday each June, and the free Studio Tour, taking place on November 2 and 3rd this fall. RiverArts also offers plenty of programs geared toward children — like “SummerArts,” a four-week-long summer camp for kids in grades 3-9.
Faulds’ vision for the future of RiverArts centers on connection and expression. RiverArts programming focuses on bridging the gap between art, artist, and community members. The organization wants to foster moments where people can “slow down and see that art in all forms is a living, breathing, daily experience. It's not just contained within the walls of a museum or a gallery space,” said Faulds.
Faulds also has a background as a visual artist herself, specializing in pastels and acrylics and creating works on paper that explore the individual’s relationship to the natural world.
Faulds notes that part of her duty in her new position is to uplift the voices of other artists in the community and that she derives great inspiration from her local surroundings. The organization’s emphasis on geographical location is just as important as its role in acknowledging local history.
“Channels,” a series of concerts inspired by the Hudson River, brings in musicians to bond with Rivertowns residents over a shared reverence of the river. Other highlights of RiverArts’ programming include the chamber orchestra, with a show held every November at the historic Newington Cropsey Foundation; and dance performances — this year with the Paul Taylor Dance Company, taking place on September 28th at Tarrytown Music Hall. One of Faulds’ favorite elements of RiverArts’ programming is the “Artist Conversations” series, where local artists lead lectures in their neighborhood about their creative processes. She explains that these sessions leave attendees with a newfound ability to “walk into museums and other cultural spaces with a greater understanding of how art is made.”
As Ecka Blaire Faulds takes on her role as Executive Director, she underscores her appreciation for the unique respect that the Rivertowns area holds for the arts. She hopes that under her direction, RiverArts can continue in its mission to engage creatively with its community.
To get involved or attend local RiverArts events, visit the RiverArts website at https://riverarts.org.
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