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Mostly Cloudy Rockville Centre mannequins on the move
Youth Council exhibit ends, but message will spread through the village
The RVC Youth Council’s “What could have been…?” exhibit, which featured artistic representations of celebrities who died of substance abuse, came to a close on July 11 during a reception at The Art Studio on North Long Beach Road.
The exhibit opened on June 15 and featured 46 mannequins designed by local residents. Almost a month later, the show ended, with thanks all around to the members of the council for the progress they made in spreading awareness about substance abuse.
Mayor Francis Murray, who attended the event, praised the art and explained how it serves as a reminder of one’s obligation to avoid substances.
“Art expression is far more powerful than mere words,” he said. “This is a remarkable exhibit.”
Murray selected two mannequins that depicted celebrities who would be recognizable to younger villagers for display in Village Hall. He chose one of Heath Ledger and another of Whitney Houston.
The mannequins will be deployed at other locations throughout the village. Local businesses that have decided to display the artwork include Art Flowers and Gift Shoppe, The Art Studio, The Bagelry, Bellissima, Blossom Nails, Capelli Capelli, Century 21 Sherlock Homes, Chase Bank, Coach Realtors, Community National Bank, Concord Jewelers, Dolphin Fitness Club, Elite Dancecentre, Five Pennies Creamery, Front Street Pizzeria and Café, Garden Gate Revisited, Get Baked, Giftology, Greek Town, Guilty Indulgences, International Delight Café, Joan Stadt Interiors Ltd., Leggz Ltd. Dance, Lucky Finds, Masters and Company Florist, Mercy Medical Center, Mormile Florist, Mr. Micelli Pizzeria, Radiant Skin Care, Ralph’s Italian Ices, Revolution Yoga, Roman Nails, RVC Gourmet, RVC Lanes, RVC Surf Shop, Salon Nikko, Sky Athletic Club, South Side Middle School: ACE program and TD Bank.
Trustee Ed Oppenheimer, Parks and Recreation Superintendent Anthony Brunetta, Assemblyman Brian Curran, Terrance Wagner, a legislative aid representing Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos and RVC Youth Council Chairwoman Beth Hammerman were all at the final reception. They expressed hope that the project will spread to surrounding towns and school districts to continue to raise awareness about youth safety and the dangers of substance abuse.
