In Support of The Rye Arts Center’s Proposed Zoning Change

I have been a Rye resident for 12 years and am a current supporter and board member of The Rye Arts Center (“RAC”). I support the RAC’s proposed zoning amendment at 25 Milton Road. I believe that the new RAC will be of great benefit to all of our community - through improved Arts educational facilities, enhanced cultural offerings (art gallery, music and performing arts spaces), an after-school space for teens, an upgraded maker space and a wonderful outdoor green space (sculpture garden and plein air painting space).

I have two teenage daughters who have grown up in Rye - they have benefitted from the pre-school arts program that complemented their experience at Rye Presbyterian Nursery School (the arts center offers this to a large number of pre-schoolers each year) and have since enjoyed first-rate arts education on Saturday mornings through the fundamentals of art program. As a result of this positive experience, I chose to regularly support the Arts Center and joined the Board several years ago.

The Arts Center is a treasure for our community. Adam and his amazing team offer arts education for all... students currently range from ages 2 to 97. The gallery exhibitions and musical performances are top notch... as anyone who has seen the current photography exhibition will attest. However, the current RAC facilities really limit the organization's ability to meet our high expectations... it has outgrown its space and the new facility will allow it to significantly upgrade its offerings. A noble and worthwhile project for the whole community.

We will continue to engage with the Rye Planning Commission and Rye City Council, as well as the broader community to ensure that the new Rye Arts Center delivers for everyone in the community. There will be plenty of opportunity for continued local engagement post the zoning amendment.

Tom Stokes