BPCPC Cuban Family Dance with Pepito Gomez

As the new chapter in Cuba-US relations unfolds, BPCPC celebrates the cultural impact that Cuban music and dance has had on New York. The Cuban Family Dance with Jose “Pepito” Gómez is timed to coincide with other Cuban related cultural events such as “Cuba Libre” at the Bronx Museum of the Arts.

“Pepito” Gómez performs music that encompasses the history of his native Cuba, from the son and rumba of the Buena Vista Social Club era to the contemporary sounds of timba, a danceable, post-salsa fusion music. Gómez currently tours with a powerhouse ensemble of the best conservatory trained Cuban musicians. He recently launched a new show: a journey through Cuban music at Joe’s Pub in NY, which sold out and received standing ovations.

Fuákata Cuban Salsa NY will both perform for, and instruct, attendees so there should be no worries about knowing the steps. They will perform salsa and Rueda de Casino, a visually spectacular dance combination which involves the constant movement of partners. After their performance everyone will be invited to get up and dance!

The Battery Park City Parks Conservancy presents energetic, joyful community dances, with live music and instructors, for people of all ages along the Hudson River. Family dances are held on select Fridays and Saturdays, May through August, each celebrating a different culture’s traditional dances and folk music. Move, shake and get into the rhythm with these free all-ages community dances. No partners or experience necessary.

BPCPC 2015 The Real World Art Tour and Workshop

Join Battery Park City Parks Conservancy’s Contemporary Art Historian and an artist/educator for an interactive conversation and exploration of Tom Otterness’ first major public installation, The Real World. Both kids and adults will get to create their own clay figure inspired by their favorite pieces from The Real World.

The Real World is located on a terrace in Rockefeller Park and includes groupings of sculptures that in turn make up a bustling society populated by animals and people, bankers and robbers, laborers and pilgrims, plus predator and prey.  It is imaginative, fun and full of things to touch. Yet, kids as well as adults quickly discern what Otterness calls “the park’s second edge”- the social satire that lurks with devilish geniality in each of the mini-dramas created by the sculptor.

The afternoon will be facilitated by Dorothea Basile, Battery Park City Parks Conservancy’s Contemporary Art Historian. The sculpture making will be led by artist/educator Sara Wolfe.

BPCPC 2015 Stories for All Ages with Laura Simms

Storytelling – humankind’s oldest art form – teaches as well as entertains both young and old. Tucked away in the nooks of magical Teardrop Park, this event will excite your imagination and encourage an interplay between the stories being told and the unique features of the park.  Sitting on the park’s green grass, listeners embark on a wonderful journey as Laura Simms weaves adventure-filled stories showing how people and animals share the natural world around us.

Described by the New York Times as “Irresistible!  A major force in the revival of storytelling in America,” Laura Simms returns to Battery Park City Parks Conservancy on May 9^th. Laura has a cutting-edge performance style that bridges ancient oral tradition and performance art. Her storytelling is meaningful and uncannily entertaining at the same time. With a dynamic voice and range of characterizations- along with warmth and humor, Laura’s technique will surely delight both children and adults!

Laura Simms is an award winning performer, writer, and educator advocating storytelling as compassionate action for personal and community transformation. She is a Senior Research Fellow for the International Peace Institute at Rutgers University Newark under the auspices of UNESCO. She performs worldwide for adult and young audiences. For more information visit: http://www.laurasimms.com/

Battery Parks City Parks Conservancy is proud to kick off the first of four Go Fish! events in 2015 with a day of fishing and more, highlighted by a performance by Rani Arbo & daisy mayhem. Go Fish! are daytime events centered around the Hudson River with catch-and-release fishing, art projects, a bird walk, live music and more.

CATCH-AND-RELEASE FISHING & ART: Join BPCPC’s Master Anglers and drop a line for some of the 30-plus species of fish that live in New York Bay (the Hudson River’s estuary).  During Go Fish!, barbless hooks minimize injuries to both fish and participants.  Fish are placed in saltwater tanks for observation and identification before being released back into the Hudson. Live demonstrations and displays teach fish anatomy and heighten awareness of the ecology, flourishing marine life and current state of good health of the Hudson River and its estuary.  Drop in on fish-related art projects.  Rods, reels and bait are provided for those who don’t bring their own.

BIRD WATCH: Search with an experienced birder for species that live in or migrate through BPC Parks. Binoculars available to borrow.  There are lot of migratory birds to see in May.

MUSIC PERFORMANCE: Rani Arbo and daisy mayhem. Harmony, rhythm, indelible songs – these are the hallmarks of Rani Arbo & daisy mayhem, the New England based folk quartet now in its 15th year. From bluegrass barnstormers to sultry swing, old-time gospel to bluesy folk-rock, they consistently turn in lush arrangements with “stylish, unexpected choices.”  Upbeat and inspirational, Rani Arbo & daisy mayhem make music that charms the entire family. For more information go to www.raniarbo.com

***SAVE THE DATES*** Upcoming Go Fish! events:  Sept. 19, Oct. 3, & Oct. 17

The Battery Park City Parks Conservancy is excited to announce our 2015 calendar of events! Enjoy music, theater, dancing, storytelling, art, fishing, nature talks and other sports and play activities from May 1st through October 31st! There’s something for everyone!

BPCPC 2015 Daily Programs

With full information for the following class and programs:

• American Red Cross Lifeguard Training
• Tennis Lessons for Kids
• ZUMBA Fitness
• Yoga
• Swimming
• Badminton
• Gym & Dance Studio Rentals

Roses are red…
Valentine Making Workshop

DATE: Saturday, February 7th, 2015. 11am to 1pm.

PLACE: 6 River Terrace (South end of River Terrace, north of the Irish Hunger Memorial, Battery Park City, Lower Manhattan)

SUBWAY: 1,2,3, A, C to Chambers Street, R to City Hall, 4,5,6 to Brooklyn Bridge.

COST: Free!

Recommended for 4 years old through adult. All materials are provided.

Many varieties roses grow in the gardens in Battery Park City Parks. Among the varieties of white, pinks and reds are the Henry Hudson white roses, a very fragrant variety of beach rose near Rector Gate. Red roses are closely identified with love, but each color specified a type of love to the Victorians who documented the language of flowers. Pink roses signify graceful love, white means purity or a heart unacquainted with love, and purple roses symbolize enchantment.

Create something special for your valentine. Make your own valentines with dried flowers, lace and ribbon, and an assortment of papers. If you wish, bring a photograph or some other memento to personalize your valentine.

Pre-registration is required. Please email.

Annual Art Exhibition
Art Inspired by Battery Park City and the Hudson River

OPENING RECEPTION: Sunday, January 25, 2014 from 1 to 3 pm

EXHIBITION DATES/HOURS: Weekdays from 2 to 4 pm Monday, January 26 - Friday, March 6, 2015

PLACE: Sunday, January 25, 2014 from 1 to 3 pm

SUBWAY: 4 or 5 to Wall Street, R or 1 to Rector Street

Inspired by the colorful gardens and parks of Battery Park City, dramatic views of the Hudson River, historical architecture of Lower Manhattan and whimsical and inventive uses of recycled materials—BPCPC’s ANNUAL ART EXHIBITION features work created by the public of all ages in BPCPC programs. The opening reception is on Sunday, January 26 from 1 to 3 pm. The work remains on view through Friday, March 7, and can be visited weekdays from 2 to 4 pm.

Battery Park City Parks Conservancy (BPCPC) offers free weekly art classes for adults, children and preschoolers from May 1 through October 31. Open to novice and experienced artist alike, BPCPC’s drop-in art programs and classes use media including watercolor paints, charcoal and pen drawing, collage, wood, clay and mixed media. Art supplies are provided by BPCPC. While adults work individually (though engaging in group critiques), children often collaborate on large-scale group projects. With the guidance of BPCPC staff and art specialists, and frequently using recycled materials and supplies, children transform pounds of clay and giant cardboard boxes into fanciful cities, animal menageries, puppet theaters, vehicles, and other creative projects.

“Making art together builds imagination, observation skills and relationships in special ways,” explains Abby Ehrlich, Director of Parks Programming. “For adults and teens it can provides an informal community of art lovers and opportunities for dialogue and insight into visual solutions styles different from one’s own. For children and families making art with others in a public space can generate unexpected collaborations and opportunities to enjoy each other’s company in new and creative ways”. Art plays a vital role in BPCPC’s programming and is integrated into afterschool programs and special events including Children’s Gardening, Chess for Children, Explorers Club, Go Fish! catch and release festivals and Stories for All Ages. BPCPC’s art instructors Larry Dobens, Elise Engler and Sara Wolfe will also have their art on view.

With full information for the following class and programs:

• American Red Cross Lifeguard Training
• Tennis Lessons for Kids
• Boot Camp Fitness Class
• Yoga
• Tai Chi
• Swimming
• Badminton
• Gym & Dance Studio Rentals

With full information for the following class and programs:

• Block Play
• Stories & Songs
• Chess for Children
• Parent & Baby Yoga
• American Red Cross Lifeguard Training
• Swimming at the CCSHS