Celebrate Our History Through Famous Rochestarians from the Past!
It’s a two-part River “reveal” that will celebrate Rochester’s incredible history through an art project exploring history’s Heros of Rochester. Many of them are well-known – but many of them have also been mostly forgotten to history and time. This project intends to educate, illuminate, delight Rochester’s citizens. So come along with us on our journey of discovery as we explore “Reflections on the River”…
(page-width hero image goes here to promote the Famous Rochestarians Art Project.)
What is this project all about?
In 2019, the City closed the Visitor Center in High Falls and auctioned everything. Greentopia purchased the exhibit of 33 pressboard silhouettes of “Famous Rochesterians.” This project seeks to engage local area artists in reimagining, interpreting, and putting into visual context the natural and cultural heritage surrounding Rochester history.
Greentopia has reached out to area artists to help kickstart a conversation about how our natural and cultural heritage will lead to building a park that is meaningful, accessible, and relevant and inspires citizen belonging.
What are the core goals of this project?
Through this project, Greentopia hopes to:
- Preserve history through art and storytelling.
- Celebrate Rochester’s rich natural and cultural heritage.
- Engage local artists to ‘reimagine’ 33 famous Rochesterians.
- Showcase local artists’ renderings of “Famous Rochesterians” that will be displayed in City libraries in July.
- Encourage community participation through a scavenger hunt and a 2-month public exhibit.
We also plan to publish a book highlighting the artists and the artwork and delving into the history and stories surrounding impactful Rochesterians.
Artists are compensated for their time and creativity. Greentopia will auction the figures at its major fundraiser on August 1st, held at the downtown Public Library.
All proceeds go directly to support the Green Visions Workforce Development Program and further our efforts to promote the Park.
Our Signature Gala Fundraising Event!
Thursday, August 1st, 2024 | 6–10pm
The Downtown Central Library and Hacker Hall
115 South Avenue, Rochester, NY
Join us for cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and meaningful conversation about how our natural and cultural heritage will lead to building a park that is meaningful, accessible and inspires citizen belonging.
Local artist’s artwork that delves into the history and stories surrounding impactful Rochesterians will be displayed and auctioned.
High Falls State Park and Greentopia…
Greentopia has advocated for public access to the incredible natural assets in High Falls for over 13 years and championed the Green Visions Workforce Development Program that hires, pays, and trains neighborhood youth to install and care for cut flower gardens on acres of formerly vacant lots in downtown Rochester. In 2022, Governor Hochul announced that we are getting an Urban State Park on 20 acres at the bottom of the gorge at High Falls. We are leading the charge to engage the public in the development and design of the Park.
Rochester River History…on Parade!
In 2019, the City auctioned off the High Falls Visitor Center exhibits. Greentopia purchased the exhibit of 33 pressboard silhouettes of “Famous Rochesterians.” This project seeks to engage local area artists to reimagine, interpret, and put into visual context the natural and cultural heritage surrounding Rochester’s history. We plan to publish a book highlighting the artist and the artwork and delving into the history and stories surrounding impactful Rochestarians.
The artwork will be displayed to the public from July to August 2024. Artists will be compensated for their time and creativity. Greentopia will auction the figures at its major fundraiser on August 1st at the downtown Public Library. All proceeds will directly support the Green Visions Workforce Development Program and further our efforts to promote the Park.
All attendees will enjoy cocktails on the newly renovated Library North Terrace overlooking the mighty Genesee, delicious hors d’oeuvres and finger food by Root Catering, live music, and a live and silent auction.
Sponsorship Opportunities Still Available!
Your sponsorship will kickstart a conversation about how our natural and cultural heritage will lead to building a Park that is meaningful, accessible, relevant, and inspiring for citizens now and in the future.
Help plant the seeds to grow greener futures. Learn more and become a sponsor at greentopia.org or contact Lisa Baron at 585-721-0444 or lisa@greentopia.org