By Victoria Thiessen

May 20, 2026: The Friends of the Bronxville Public Library (The Friends) celebrated local art and artists — including the Library’s own permanent collection — at their annual spring fundraiser cocktail party on Friday, May 1. Transforming the Library into a vibrant celebration of art, community, and creativity, this year’s theme, Art Among the Stacks, came to life through an auction of works by current Bronxville artists, alongside the Library’s collection and the imaginative interpretations of guests themselves.

The evening began on the patio, where guests were greeted by striking modern and graffiti-inspired works that set a lively, gallery-like tone for the night.  As guests entered the building, they were greeted by the sounds of the harp played by Bronxville High School junior, Charlotte Dorr, who played a selection of music at the start of the evening. Throughout the library, art moved beyond the walls and into the crowd as attendees arrived dressed in looks inspired by iconic artists and masterpieces. Impressionist florals, vivid palettes, and Yayoi Kusama-inspired polka dots mingled with playful references to Gustav Klimt’s The Woman in Gold, René Magritte’s The Son of Man, Maurizio Cattelan’s Comedian, and Banksy’s Girl With Balloon.

As guests enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres from Scarborough Fair, still-life-inspired charcuterie displays from Dobbs & Bishop, and Pollock-esque cookies by Bakeville Treats, they also had the opportunity to browse and bid on a thoughtfully curated collection of artwork by local artists Robyn Berland, Diana Delgado, Rachael Dorr, David Fenner, Hershell George, Stephen Hawkey, Rachael Jones, Angelo Merluccio, Olivia O’Keefe, Emily Tull Pollakowski, Lyndal Vermette, and one artist who wished to remain anonymous.

Additional auction experiences included a private pottery class at Gather Paper & Clay, soon to open in Tuckahoe, and a custom home portrait by Rachael Jones. Friends Vice President and head of the Party Committee, Emily Pollakowski said “we are so grateful to the local artists who donated their incredible work and for the dedication of the Bronxville food purveyors who showed their artistry in enthusiastically creating beautiful displays for the event.” The evening was made possible in part through the support of Houlihan Lawrence, Iona University, Bronxville Adult School, and J. Mackey Gallery.

The celebration of art extended beyond the cocktail party itself. Earlier in the week, on April 28, The Friends of the Bronxville Public Library partnered with The Bronxville Historical Conservancy to present a lecture on Bronxville’s Artistic Legacy. Art historian and curator Jayne Warman explored the Village’s rich artistic heritage and the founding of the Library’s remarkable art collection, including works on loan from the Conservancy. “Both events were a smashing success. The Friends were thrilled to shine a spotlight on Bronxville artists both past and present by continuing our community's long tradition of celebrating art and artists,” remarked Dennise Mulvihill, President of the Friends.

Proceeds from Art Among the Stacks directly benefit The Bronxville Public Library programs, including author talks, musical performances, poetry readings, film series, and free museum passes for the community.

See photos below.