Inaugural Waterfront Art Walk a success

In an effort to raise awareness about the many talented students and local artists in town, the East Rockaway Cultural Arts Council hosted the inaugural Waterfront Art Walk on Dock Street on Oct. 19.

It was an unseasonably warm October night on the water as many talented performers and artists displayed their skills. Eight singers from East Rockaway Junior-Senior High School took to the stage, while 19 local artists and seven student artists set up shop to show their creations on the waterfront.

“I’m really glad they put this together,” said Joana Acanpora, an 11th grader at the high school. “I’m trying to go to college for art, so it’s good to have my work on display and have other people look at it. I hope they continue it.”

Acanpora said her goal is to attend the Fashion Institute of Technology after she graduates. She sold two pieces of her art at the event and even had people bidding on another item that wasn’t for sale because it’s part of her portfolio.

Art teachers Kelly Cabasso and Kristie Hirten watched on proudly as their students displayed their work. Seanna Silver, the choral director at the school, said she was excited for her students to come out of their comfort zone and sing in front of a different audience. “They’re totally inspiring to me,” Silver said. “I think this takes so much courage and it gives them a chance to showcase their own work in the community.”

One highlight of the night was twin sisters Abigail and Katharine Calabrese, both seniors at the school, who belted out original and cover songs.

“I really like how they’re pushing the arts more,” Abigail Calabrese said, “because I believe the arts aren’t showcased as often as they should be.”

Added Katharine Calabrese: “I think it’s great. It’s a great turnout for such a small community and really puts everyone together. I love it.”

The ERCAC was recently formed as a way to help provide an outlet for student artists to show what they’re capable of. The council consists of teachers, administrators and Mayor Bruno Romero. Tom Scholen, chairperson of fine arts at the high school, is a council member and said the value of the event was giving students a platform to showcase their work outside of school.

Deputy Village Clerk Cindy Lark, another member, said there are plans in place to have an even bigger outdoor event for artists in May and to make it a regular occurrence next summer. “I’m very happy with the amount of vendors that reached out and showed interest,” Lark said. “What the school has done here has been amazing. They put a lot of time and effort in, so I’m really grateful and appreciative. I think it’s a good sign.”

After a successful debut, the ERCAC is looking forward to more events in the future.

“We have a lot of hidden talent in East Rockaway and it’s all coming out,” Romero said. “You have great artists, great musicians and these young adults have so much talent.”