Events

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When pictures taken over long periods are compiled into a single project, they become much more powerful than viewed one at a time. Preserving cultures using visual arts captures the emotions of the times in ways words alone cannot measure. 

This event allowed you to feel the power of growth.  Plants played music for the creative mind to come out and play.  Working with the soil reconnected our souls to the Earth.

Dances for all occasions and cultures were combined with wine to create a unique presentation that made a wide audience feel good.  

Taking our emotions and turning them into art is precisely what was on display at this exhibit.  The workshop shared the workings behind the journey from emotions to art in a fun and interactive way.

The lights of Hollywood shine brighter when all voices are told.  This event showcased the talent and perseverance of the many talented misrepresented people of color.

Take a well-deserved break from the stress in your life with some history of comic relief provided by people who themselves faced obstacles and barriers to make people laugh.

Learn about the rich history and heritage of our community through this educational program offered by The Finkelstein Memorial Library and The Gordon Center for Black Culture and Arts.

Words can not begin to capture the magnitude of the contributions of Drs Susan and Edmund Gordon.  The lives touched, changed, shaped, enriched, and influenced by their work are vast and the lessons they taught are everlasting.  The Finkelstein Memorial Library and CEJJES Institute provided a wonderful opportunity  to pay tribute to lives well lived.

We were a sponsor at the MLK Unity Day Celebration.  The Gordon Center had a table at the event and placed an Ad in the Journal.  Enjoyed being in the community and Celebrating the 60th anniversary of the “I Have a Dream” Speech. The theme was “Yesterday's Dream Deferred Today’s Dream Come True”.  Barbara S. Williams and Great Grandson Masai Williams teamed up to encourage membership. 

Michele Paraison stopped by to show her face and let us know she still supports the Gordon Center.

Say Hello to and smile at five strangers

Compliment the first three people you see today

Make sure people feel seen and heard

Leave a kind server the largest tip you can afford

List things you love about a family member or friend

Send a thank you note to your local firefighter

Take flowers or baked goods to nurses

Donate blood

Spread some encouragement online

The screening of moving storytelling by people defending Mother nature on the front lines  who experience the trauma first-hand was followed by a lively discussion with  Ramapo Lenape Water Protector Aaron Davis 

It was heartwarming to witness so many young people in attendance and asking thoughtful questions.

 Celebrating the opening of the Charles White: Influences exhibition at the Rockland Center for the Arts. Daly Flanagan, director was presented an award recognizing 75 years of service in the County of Rockland by Senator Elijah Reichlin-Melnick. Sharing this honor with her are Barbara Williams, Gordon BCA, Judah Fournier ,photographer, Barbara Galazzo, curator, Newton Paul, artist and other staff members who contributed to making this event awesome. 

Collette V. Fournier's spoke about her photographic work and hosted a virtual lecture sharing the adventures she  had while searching for her roots.  With camera in tow she captured interesting events, people and places in her travels around the globe.

Dr. Edmond Gordon, Dr.  Halima Taha, Alonzo Adams and Dionis Ortiz were panelist who provided a stimulating conversation around the influence of Charles White's work. 

Gale Fulton Ross cites Charles White as one of many influencers on her work.  Her work  "Mother Crucifix", she writes "I painted this as a tribute to all struggling Black Mothers...we grow old and tired bending like trees in the wind.  We don't break." 

Artist  of all levels enjoyed a day with their family.  Kanitra Perrault lead workshops for families to find their artistic flow.  Light refreshments and transportation were provided to remove some barriers that may take away from the artistic creativity we are all born with.

People from all walks of life came to see how artist express themselves.  And perhaps be inspired by the works of art.

A diverse group of people came together under one roof to share a common interest.  Refreshing!

A great way to bond without saying a word.  Just get lost in the art.

From the institutions and organizations who loaned the Charles White:  Influences Exhibition material, to the organizations who provided the funding to make the events possible, to the Artists who shared their talent, to the staff at the Rockland Center for the Arts, and to the folks who came to see the exhibitions and participate in the events we deeply appreciate your time and interest.  And lastly, a special thank you to all those not mentioned above but who played a part in making the Charles White:  Influences Exhibition a success.