News Flash Home
The original item was published from 6/26/2019 12:14:30 PM to 6/27/2020 12:00:02 AM.

News Flash

City News

Posted on: June 26, 2019

[ARCHIVED] New Rochelle Names Finalists in Artist Contest for One-year Free Rent

The City of New Rochelle has named three lucky artists finalists in the contest for one-year rent-free luxury living in the City’s burgeoning Downtown. Starting today via an online vote, the public will now have the opportunity to choose the grand prize winner.


The contest, which is a partnership of the City of New Rochelle and RXR Realty, will award one artist 12 months free-rent in a studio apartment in RXR’s 360 Huguenot, a 28-story, 280-unit mixed-use building slated for occupancy in July 2019.


The three finalists are:

  • Kyra Johnson – Performing artistAn established and award-winning educator, performing artist, and businesswoman, New Rochelle native Kyra Johnson is successfully utilizing her academic, business, and artistic backgrounds for the betterment of the Westchester, New York City, and national and international communities. In addition to teaching mathematics and performance for youths, performing domestically and overseas and creating workshops for community members, Ms. “J” mentors high-school and university students in the arts. View her work here.
  • Brendan Guzman – Music producer and performer  Brendan Guzman is a goal-oriented and driven music producer and performer from Burlington, New Jersey. Guzman has been performing for over 11 years in various musical and theatrical capacities, with primary focuses in songwriting, studio engineering and acting. He’s looking to take the next step in his career path in New Rochelle, helping to further reignite the creative culture and entrepreneurial spirit in the City. Guzman aims to put artists on the world stage so they can live and create on their own terms. Listen to Guzman’s work here.
  • Daniel Martinez – PhotographerA Bronx native and photographer, Daniel Martinez has pursued a career in photography since the age of fifteen. He is a full-time video editor and studio manager at Juice Pharma Worldwide, a healthcare advertising agency. He also runs his own wedding photography business and has been chosen to work with Zola, one of the largest wedding registries in the country. During his free time, Martinez works on personal photography projects and looks for different ways to involve himself in his community, such as teaching summer photography classes. View Martinez’s work here.


“The sheer volume of submissions – and the variety displayed within them – is a testament to the transformation underway in New Rochelle’s Downtown,” said New Rochelle’s Commissioner of Development Luiz Aragon. “When we created the contest as a unique initiative to highlight the creative community as a key demographic of the City’s makeup, we did not remotely anticipate the response that has resulted. Prior to the winner being identified, the contest has already confirmed that New Rochelle is making its mark as a municipality that is highly conducive to creative, entrepreneurial-spirited residents.”


“RXR Realty has a longstanding history of supporting arts and culture. Given this and 360 Huguenot’s location in the heart of New Rochelle’s historic arts district, it made perfect sense for us to use this project to partner with the City and help support the local artist community in a unique way. The submissions that have been received included some incredibly talented individuals. We are eagerly looking forward to the public’s participation in helping to name the winning artist,” said Seth Pinsky, executive vice president of RXR Realty.


Following an open call for contest entries in March, more than 100 artists submitted videos detailing why New Rochelle is the ideal creative place to live. The City received entries from a wide array of artists across the country, including musicians, actors, chefs, make-up artists, sculptors, dancers, martial artists, ceramicists, rappers and even an opera singer.


Qualifying submissions were first judged by a selection committee that identified 10 artists as semifinalists in early June. An evaluation committee then further narrowed down contestants to just three finalists, one of whom will be announced as the winner on July 10th and moved into the 360 Huguenot unit by early September.

People can learn more about the three finalists and cast their vote by visiting: https://www.ideallynewrochelle.com/contest/finalists/


Voting will begin at noon today and close on July 10th.

In addition to the contest, The City of New Rochelle continues to cultivate the artist community through a robust public arts program. Earlier this year, the City announced the completion of the Overpass Illuminated Art Project, “Radiant Passage,” a multidimensional art installation located at the overpass of North Ave. & Memorial Highway.

Oshi Rabin, the leading artist of the Public & Urban Art team at New Rochelle’s Mahlstedt Gallery, designed the overpass’s LED interactive mural and led the project’s installation in collaboration with muralist Misha Tyutyunik. 

In September, the City celebrated the addition of 15 custom NRNY sculptures designed as part of the “Stacked!” series, which began in July with the unveiling of two pieces by Charles and Heather Fazzino.

Additional Info...
Facebook Twitter Email

Other News in City News

350961181_753967959858852_7831778920979516492_n

Mobile City Hall

Posted on: June 8, 2023
City Newsflash Update

Air Quality Health Advisory

Posted on: June 7, 2023
Juneteenth snip

Juneteenth Events!

Posted on: June 1, 2023
City Update

Upcoming events and activities

Posted on: May 25, 2023
IMG_8907

Seacord Park Playground Upgraded

Posted on: May 25, 2023
Paving Updates

2023 Paving Begins

Posted on: May 19, 2023

Memorial Day Ceremonies

Posted on: May 18, 2023
NRPD Officer of the Year

NRPD Memorial and Awards Ceremony

Posted on: May 16, 2023
IMG_9663

Successful Kite Day at Davenport Park

Posted on: April 26, 2023
City Update_graphic

April events and opportunities

Posted on: April 14, 2023

Additional Tax Exemptions Approved

Posted on: March 30, 2023

Yard Waste Collection Begins April 3

Posted on: March 30, 2023

March news in brief

Posted on: March 31, 2023

Upcoming March events

Posted on: March 3, 2023
Before and After Thomas Paine

Thomas Paine Monument Restoration

Posted on: February 10, 2023
2023 Collection Days

Paper Collection Reminder

Posted on: January 25, 2023
City Newsflash Update

North Ave Bridge - UPDATE

Posted on: January 23, 2023

DPW Recycling Calendar Change for 2023

Posted on: January 4, 2023
IMG_7442

NRPD Promotions Ceremony

Posted on: January 4, 2023
Island-Kioks-Print-poster-41_875x46_875-December-banner-2022-v1

Upcoming Holiday Events

Posted on: December 1, 2022
Selfie With Santa- English

Santa Claus is Coming to City Hall!

Posted on: November 30, 2022
Give A Gift - English

Annual Give A Gift Event

Posted on: November 16, 2022

2023 Proposed Budget Released

Posted on: November 4, 2022
Falloween - Eng

FALL-O-WEEN

Posted on: October 20, 2022
Ryan Sinkfield

Ryan Sinkfield Park Dedication

Posted on: October 13, 2022
Fall Leaf Collection 2022 - English

Fall Leaf Collection Begins

Posted on: October 11, 2022

Ida Case Management Program Opens

Posted on: October 7, 2022

Fall events robocall

Posted on: October 7, 2022
NRPD Press Release

Speed Awareness Week Begins August 14

Posted on: August 14, 2022

Job Fair at City Hall- July 28

Posted on: July 26, 2022
Parks and  Recreation month

July is Parks and Recreation Month

Posted on: July 6, 2022
IMG_1944

Pinebrook Tennis Center Reopens

Posted on: June 29, 2022