Orange County NY Arts Council is thrilled to announce the 2023 OC Art Awards to be presented at the Art Affair, with this year’s whimsical theme, “Wonderland.” The event will take place on Saturday, November 18 from 6 - 10 p.m., at Villa Venezia, 2257 Goshen Tpke, Middletown, NY 10941. 

The 2023 Art Affair Wonderland Honorees will be celebrated for their achievements and contributions to Orange County’s diverse artistic community. This year’s honorees are renowned visionaries: Ted Doering & Jean Lara, Ralph M’Vore, and Wickham Works with special recognition to Melissa Shaw-Smith. 

• Ted Doering & Jean Lara are visionaries in the world of business and community enrichment with decades-long record of supporting art and cultural initiatives throughout our region. Ted Doering founded Umbra of Newburgh in 2011, becoming the first turnkey soundstage production facility in the Hudson Valley and founded V-Twin Manufacturing, Ted Cycle Shed, The Motorcyclepedia Museum and the Velocipede Museum, all located in Newburgh. Ted and Lara have been long-time advocates for Newburgh, having aided City Hall’s revitalization efforts and making opportunities to bring added jobs and revenue to the city in thanks for its embracing of the motorcycle community. Ted and Jean will be honored for their continuous contribution to the progress and sustainability of arts and creative practice in Orange County. ⁠

• Ralph M’Vore is a lifelong resident, multi-talented entrepreneur, and social creative powerhouse in the City of Newburgh. For over two decades, Ralph has been beloved by his community and known for his talent, positive attitude, and willingness to educate and serve. Artistically, Ralph is a Recording Artist, Songwriter, Music Producer, Choreographer, Composer, Director, and Producer. His leadership includes being the Founder/Artistic⁠ Director of MVORE INC. ⁠Ralph is Safe Harbors of the Hudson’s first performing Artist-in-Residence for 2023 and curated a week-long series of arts, education, and community enrichment programming focused on the needs of the City of Newburgh’s artist community. MVORE INC has performed as a previous featured artist at the OC Arts Council’s Art Affair, the Black Renaissance Festival, Soul Under The Stars, and Newburgh Illuminated Fashion Show Stage on Safe Harbors Green.

• Wickham Works was founded in 2016 to connect and develop the nascent Warwick arts scene. Over the years, the organization has led the community by producing workshops, maker markets, festivals, and parades, designed to support artists and makers in and around Orange County. Wickham Works focuses their efforts on providing human connection through art to the community, while bolstering the arts economy in Orange County. At the heart of Wickham Works serves Melissa Shaw-Smith, who has nurtured the vision of an inclusive, vibrant, and creative community. Starting from a simple workshop, it has grown into the leading arts organization responsible for organizing and supporting hundreds of events reaching thousands of people in the Warwick Community. Melissa and all the artists, volunteers, and organizers at Wickham Works will be honored for their critical role in bringing together the arts in our county.

All proceeds from The Art Affair: Wonderland directly support programs and cultural events such as Hudson Valley Creative Impact, The Student Arts Showcase, Arts Outreach initiatives, and Community Arts Grants. The OCNY Arts Council is only able to provide these programs and cultural events with your generosity.

This event SOLD OUT last year. Tickets are now on sale for The Art Affair: Wonderland. Individual tickets start at $205, and a group 4-pack is available for $800. In addition, there is a Sponsor An Artist ticket which will allow an artist from the community to attend the event free of charge. Orange County NY Arts Council members will receive a ten percent discount. Email info@ocartscouncil for member discount code. Tickets are available at Eventbrite and on the website here >

Sponsorship packages and volunteering opportunities are also available. Please email info@ocartscouncil.org for more information or visit www.ocartscouncil.org for more information. 

About the Orange County Arts Council (OCAC):

The Orange County Arts Council is a private, 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to meeting the growing need for local arts advocacy and serving as a county-wide arts resource. A diverse Board of Directors made up of community leaders, business leaders, arts enthusiasts, and professional artists oversees the Orange County Arts Council. Many of OCAC programs are designed and implemented by volunteers serving on various committees.

Orange County Arts Council supports and empowers artists, fosters diverse forms of expression and promotes access to the arts through educational programs, cultural events, public projects and participation that is integral to the economic development and collective well-being of our community. To learn more, visit: https://ocartscouncil.org/ or call 845-202-0140.