Art, education and history come together in a new project in Peekskill, and the Peekskill Education Foundation will celebrate these important connections at a fundraiser on Friday, May 30.

The 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. event will take place at Peekskill’s art museum, the Hudson Valley Center for Contemporary Art at 1701 Main St.

As the PEF’s spring fundraiser, the gala will feature music, speakers and light refreshments. The cost is $35 per person.

The PEF is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to raising funds for programs and projects that enrich the educational opportunities and experiences for children within the Peekskill City School District. Mini-grants for special teacher projects, funds for library books, music equipment and money for art and technology are all part of the PEF’s
spending.

The May 30 gala will target funds to the Public Tile Project in Peekskill, which is a walkway from the Peekskill train station to the Hudson Valley Center for Contemporary Art being created from Dutch-style tiles. The tiles are being designed by Peekskill students and youngsters from other school districts.

Special guests at the PEF event include Kees Van Twist, General Director for Cultural Affairs, USA, Consulate General of the Netherlands and Director of the Groninger Museum, The Netherlands; and Robert Kloos, Director of Visual Arts and Architecture, Consulate General of the Netherlands.

The Tile Project is being coordinated by HVCCA and spearheaded by Peekskill based artists/sculptors Jo-Ann Brody and Sarah Haviland with collaboration and assistance offered by regional artists. Participating institutions include the Peekskill City School District, City of Peekskill and Peekskill Arts Council

“Since their origin over 8,000 years ago in Ancient Egypt, tiles have served not only a practical function in private and public spaces throughout the world, but they have also been one of the most enduring markers of cultural history,” notes Livia Straus, president of the HVCCA. “Tiles are both democratic and accessible. They are the essence of what public art has the potential to be — an art form that can be found anywhere in the world by anyone, no matter one’s class, race, age or gender; with a purpose and beauty transcending all differences between all people.”

The tiles will mark a two-mile path, delineating the art/historic trail through the city and ending at the HVCCA. The tiles will be embedded into concrete footings along the borders of the sidewalks of Peekskill, at intervals of 20 feet, originating from the Train Station, following Water Street, up Central Avenue, left on North Division Street, right onto Main Street and to the HVCCA. The trail will take advantage of sidewalk paths and give a view of the Franciscan Convent, Riverbend, Riverfront Green park, McGregory Brook, the Artist Lofts, rejuvenated Division Street and Doctors’ Row on Main Street. Some 250 tiles with student art works will alternate with 250 tiles embedded with delft patterned shards, acting as enduring symbols of history, cooperation, innovation and civic respect.

Educational programming will be integrated into the project around a specially-developed curriculum.

For more information on the PEF event, call 914-461-3275 or email the PEF at info@peekskilleducationfoundation.org. Or visit the PEF website at www.peekskilleducationfoundation.org. The PEF is a 501©(3) non-profit organization and donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

(Report courtesy of  Jeff Stern.)