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Community Corner

Art and Music All for a Great Cause

Art, music, movies and a community-participation art project are all part of a unique fundraiser for Catherine O'Malley.

A “reely” terrific fundraising event is happening this Sunday, May 8, at the Clearview Cinemas in Babylon. Starting at 6 p.m., the “Reel Art Reel People” community event will feature local artists, musicians, a community-participation art project and a free movie.

The event is being held to raise funds to help in the rehabilitation of Babylon High School student Catherine O’Malley, who suffered a cardiac arrest in March, 2010.

Two former employees of the movie theater, Ashley Zottola and Shannon Rigney, are the fundraiser’s leaders.

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“We were sitting at the Babylon Bean looking at all the art hanging on the walls, and thought it would be great to sponsor a local art show, and to do it for a good cause," explained Zottola, adding, "I’m friends with Meghan O’Malley [Catherine’s older sister], and so I instantly thought of Catherine.”

Zottola said the concept quickly expanded from just art to also include musical performances, a free movie, refreshments, and, interestingly, a community-participation art project.

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“Joe Matus, the manager of the Clearview Cinema, is building a large frame to enclose a giant canvas. We’re going to have it on display with all sorts of paint and brushes available. People who come to the fundraiser can paint whatever they want on the canvas as part of a group art project. It’s so exciting to see what will happen with it," said Zottola.

The event will take place in the movie theater’s lobby as well as in each of the three theaters.

In one theater, a free movie will be shown.

In another, artwork will be on display, with some selected pieces for purchase.

“There’ll be all kinds of art,” said Zottola. “We have contributions from fine artists, printmakers, photographers, and even filmmakers. The filmmakers will display their works on a flat screen in the lobby.”

Live music performances will be happening in the third theater.

“We’re having lots of terrific music, including electronic dance music,” said Rigney. The artists include Glen and the Boys; AfroDJMac; mJ j jr; boatz; and La Payasa.

"It’s going to be so much fun, and for such a great cause.”

Noting that the event is scheduled on the evening of Mother’s Day, both Zottola and Rigney were quick to point out that there couldn’t be a better way to cap off a day celebrating with family than to attend the fun event and help a village resident.

“It starts at 6,” said Rigney, “so after brunch or dinner with mom, the whole family has something fun and interesting to do," she said.

Residents are encouraged to view fantastic art, listen to good music, watch a free movie and enjoy the refreshments.

"And pick up a paintbrush and add your mark to the community canvas. What a fabulous way to end your holiday and also help someone special," said Rigney.

The cost is $10 and all proceeds will be donated toward the rehabilitation of Catherine O’Malley.

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