23Arts INITIATIVE
The 23Arts Initiative is a program of the Friends of Tannersville Organization dedicated to bringing world-class performing arts to the community of Tannersville, NY by developing artist residencies, community outreach, and education opportunities with internationally recognized artists.
The organization's inaugural year brought events for all ages ranging from high-energy performances to educational workshops to street festivals in July through November of 2014. 23Arts facilitated over twenty-five performances featuring world-class talents including but not limited to Cole Porter Fellows Aaron Diehl and Dan Tepfer, South African quintet super group Uhadi, the Connecticut Ballet, and the Helena Baillie String Trio. Events included the Catskill Jazz Factory's third annual weeklong summer residency featuring over twenty musicians led by legendary pianist, Marcus Roberts.
23Arts was conceived by Piers Playfair who alongside his wife Lucy Playfair founded the Orchard Project theatre residency and the Catskill Jazz Factory, one of the Hudson Valley’s fastest growing and dynamic jazz programs.
Artist-in-residence Tanya Gabrielian visits Hunter-Tannersville Central Elementary's general music class (November, 2014)
“Our goal is to expose audiences of all ages and tastes to all sorts of different art forms and creative outlets - community impact, inclusivity, and partnerships with high-quality professional artists are key in what we are doing this summer. We want to create the unique energy which comes when community, young professional artists and outstanding talent are brought together.”
23Arts has hosted events at diverse mountaintop venues including the Deer Mountain Inn, Twin Peaks Coffee & Donuts, Doctorow Center for the Arts, the Orpheum, Last Chance Tavern, Hathaway House, Onteora Club Theater, Mountain Top Library & Learning Center, All Souls Church, Villa Vosilla Resort, and the Hunter-Tannersville Central Elementary School.
Chris Pattishall and Charenee Wade perform at the Bard Spiegeltent during the third annual Catskill Jazz Factory artist residency (August, 2014). Photo (c) Eberhardt Smith LLC, 2014.
“We’re looking forward to taking advantage of the different venues this area has to offer and opening up our arts events to an even broader audience.”
The Helena Baillie String Trio performs Bach's Goldberg Variations at All Souls Church (August, 2014)
“Our village has a long history of music, arts and entertainment. It is essential for the local pillars of our arts community, venues such as the Orpheum and the Mountain Top Library & Learning Center, to work together under a common initiative to continue the rebirth of our artistic values. This is a campaign for the community.”