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"One of the most endearing things about the arts is its power to bring people together. That’s what we had in mind when we initiated a major public art project that would be be sewn by many hands in the community,'' Janet T. Langsam, CEO of  ArtsWestchester recently noted.

 

Referring to the monumental work of public art called Metropolis Sunrise being assembled at the ArtsWestchester Building in White Plains, Langsam conveyed that due to social distancing and Covid-19, more time is needed to complete the public art project by artist Amanda Browder.

 

"While the unveiling of the work was originally scheduled for May 2020, we now need to move the installation date forward to allow time to complete the work. Once it is safe to gather, we will resume sewing sessions. In the meantime, we are considering the feasibility of some “Zoom” sewing sessions," Lansam adds.

 

"Collectively, we have sewn an incredible 6,500 square-feet of fabric, which means that we are two-thirds of the way towards completing our goal of sewing 10,000 square-feet! We have rallied a staggering number of volunteers—some 400 individuals—and partners. Metropolis Sunrise is fundamentally, an expression of a community working together to bring beauty and vibrancy to their shared living space. During these times, such connectivity is more important than ever. ArtsWestchester will continue to find ways of connecting around public art-making and placemaking."

 

Last year, ArtsWestchester commissioned Brooklyn textile artist Amanda Browder to design and fabricate  a colorful, quilt like,  textile sculpture , to be draped from the top of the 9 story Arts building at 31 Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains. Hoping for a May 2020 unveiling, the project has been pushed back so that the sewing can be completed.

 

Browder is known for her large scale installations on building exteriors and public sites. "I am in love with the transformative nature of materials and how the combination of the familiar creates abstract relationships about place," she explains.

"The overarching goal is to involve individuals and groups in the mystery of creation. Volunteerism of local citizens and artists is a segue to creating familiarity in contemporary art as well as individual nature of the neighborhood itself."

 

 The project is made possible with the support of the New York  State Council on the Arts with the support of Gov. Andrew Cuomo and The New York State Legislature.