Rockland’s Creative Minds Unite: Inaugural Event Set for May 18th-19th

The Hudson Valley Makers Faire, taking place this weekend from May 18-19th, will showcase The Garner Incubator Space among many other talented artists. Curated by Marie Medjine Antoine and in collaboration with visual artist Rusty Haynes, the event promises to bring to life a vibrant celebration of local Rockland County artists.

Before the establishment of the Incubator Space, Medjine and Rusty shared a common goal: to cultivate spaces for artists to express their creativity. Their shared vision aims to empower local artists, nurture their skills and foster growth in their artistic endeavors. Through the Incubator Space initiative, they aspire to provide opportunities for artists in Rockland County to build sustainable and fulfilling careers.

 The evolution of the Garner Incubator space stemmed from an initial outreach by Antoine to the Garner Arts Center for a Halloween event. Although the event didn’t come to fruition immediately, it paved the way for new opportunities to support their artistic endeavors. In late February of 2024, both Rusty and Medjine secured their space at the Garner Arts Center as part of their Artists Creative Development program. Reflecting on their journey, Medjine expressed gratitude towards Garner Arts, stating, ‘Garner Arts has been very helpful. They’re an established artist organization within Rockland County, and they decided to take us under the wing and help us develop our art careers.’

Haynes and Antoine saw the COVID outbreak as a planning opportunity for their art. ‘I really used COVID as a planning time,’ said Medjine. Rusty added, ‘Transitioning from working with myself and isolating to developing relationships with other artists.’ Both express the value of a community-based environment. ‘Being always around other artists, it really made me focus on art more,’ said Haynes.

Drawing from her background and degree in Sociology and Black studies, from the City College of New York, Medjine is dedicated to enhancing art education in underserved communities. During her time at CCNY she used Spring Valley, NY/Rockland County as her case study to uncover what artist needs were and how to go about building communal environments. 

Amidst the aftermath of the Covid outbreak, Maestro emerged as a beacon of creative innovation. Founded by Maestro, the collective of creators, the brand embodies the mantra of ‘Mastering Your Craft’, inspiring individuals to strive for mastery in their respective fields. Rusty, the visionary behind Maestro, emphasizes the pursuit of excellence across diverse creativity, echoing the sentiment of dedication shared by fellow artists. Inspired by his friend Quaz Degraft, Rusty credits him for the inception of Maestro, acknowledging him as a true virtuoso. As Maestro flourishes, so does its collective of artists, comprising individuals like Damian, Brandon, Jesse (aka Serious Blvck), and Joey(wolfepark3r), each contributing their unique talents to the brand’s evolution.

Antoine and Haynes aren’t the only participants of the Incubator. These key artists also include Tajheev Crawford, woodmaker; Max Garcia, historian; and James Nortfleet, visual artist. Who can be seen on the flier.

On Saturday, May 18th, starting at 12:00pm join these dynamic Artists for live artist talks, an art gallery, film fashion show, dance performances and more!  The fashion show will begin at 5:00pm, followed by  live performances from local Rockland County talent at 6:00 pm. Can’t make it Saturday? Join the Incubator Space on Sunday for more Artist performances and intimate conversations about Rockland Black History and the state of Rockland Art Culture.  More than anything this space is a celebration of creativity,  where people can feel safe in their artistic expression.

Garner Incubator Space will take place at the Hudson Valley Makers Faire, located at the Garner Arts Center, 55 West Railroad Avenue, Building 5.

  artist events, event, events in rockland, garnerartscenter