BRAC - August 2025 Newsletter

 

BRONX RIVER ART CENTER 

Celebrating 37 Years of Bringing Arts & Cultural Programs to the Bronx

August 2025 at BRAC

Art Education

Paper-making Workshop

MSCreate Workshop with Michele Brody

August 15 from 2:30 pm - 5pm

During this discussion and hands-on workshop, BRAC studio Artist Michele Brody will give a guided tour to MS Create students and their families of her current exhibition “Arboreal Ethereal" in BRAC’s gallery. Participants will be invited to ask any questions they might have about the show since opening on July 10th.

The group will then be invited to learn more about Michele’s art practice with an introductory paper-making workshop, where each member will be able to go home with a piece of their own handmade paper.

Register for Art Workshop

Kite Making

with Tammy Wofsey

August 22 from 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Join us for a fun and creative workshop where participants will learn how to design, build, and fly their own kite!

We'll start by drawing, painting, and printmaking on diamond-shaped paper to create colorful kite designs. Then, using pre-cut sticks, we’ll assemble the frame and attach our decorated paper, string, and tails to complete each kite.

If the weather and time allow, we’ll head outside to see our handmade kites take flight! This workshop is open to all skill levels—come ready to create and play.

Workshop Pricing:

• Adult – $25
• Adult + 1 Child – $34
• Adult + 2 Children – $45
• Teen Only (Ages 16–19) – $20

Register for Kite Making Workshop

Gallery

Arboreal Ethereal

Capturing the Entropy of Nature

On view from July 10 - August 16

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Artist Talk: August 6 from 6:30 - 8pm

Closing Reception: August 16 from 2 - 5pm

The Bronx River Art Center is proud to showcase Arboreal Ethereal: Capturing the Entropy of Nature, a solo exhibition by Michele Brody, on view this summer as part of the BRAC Artist Studio Program Spotlight Series. Through an immersive installation of paper-based sculptures and community-centered programming, Brody confronts the urgent themes of environmental degradation, memory, and migration in The Bronx and beyond. The exhibition is produced with curatorial support from Fulbright scholar Alena Alekseeva and remains on view until August 16, 2025. An artist talk and discussion with independent curator Jennifer McGregor, is scheduled for Wednesday, August 6 from 6:30-8pm. A closing reception will be held on Saturday, August 16 from 2-5pm.

Michele Brody’s practice merges environmental activism with material poetics. Trained in fibers and material studies, she is known for creating mixed-media installations and public works of art that interweave local flora and community stories to deepen an understanding of the surrounding ecology and history. At its core, her focus is on crafting sustainable site-generated environmental installations that illuminate the subtle beauty of the everyday while grappling with the challenges of globalization, over-development, and more extreme weather events. Her exhibition at BRAC will feature new and recent works from her series Nature in Absentia and relevant past and ongoing projects.



The exhibition is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council and the Bronx Council on the Arts.

RSVP for Artist Talk and Closing Reception

Events

JJGrant "I See Me" Show

August 11 from 4:30pm - 5:30pm

Come celebrate the creativity and talent of our JJGrant participants as they present the artwork they have created over the course of the program, and give insight into the journeys of self-reflection and discovery that informed their work in an exhibition including the creations of MSCreate participants and Teen Project Studio artists. Family, friends, and neighbors are all invited to experience the vibrant talents of our young artists.

BRAC Opportunities

Call for Open Studios

Deadline August 15th, 2025

The Bronx River Art Center's Artist Studios Program (ASP) is currently accepting applications for our professional artist studios for a 1-year term contract, with a 2nd year option to reapply. Our studios are well-lit, 150 to 400 square-foot open-plan, non-living spaces with access Monday to Friday, 10am to 10pm, and on weekends from 10am to 6pm. They are at below-market-value rates from $425 to $650 per month.

BRAC's ASP aims to provide a creative environment where professional artists of all backgrounds can interact with one another and work with our community of students and families while pursuing their studio practice.

Artists will be selected based on their portfolio of work, statement of intent, and an expressed interest in working within the Bronx community. Applicants will be reviewed by a diverse independent selection panel composed of artists, curators, and arts professionals. The program is seeking artists with a developed studio practice, and who are not enrolled in a college or university degree-granting program. BRAC does not discriminate against anyone on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, or sexual orientation.

Please contact opencall@bronxriverart.org or visit our website for more information.

Apply Here!

Call for Volunteers

Join Us as a BRAC Volunteer!

Invest your time and talents in a vibrant arts community where every contribution makes a difference. Whether you love helping behind the scenes, supporting education programs, or sharing your skills in fundraising and communications, we have a place for you!

Get involved, meet creative people, and help us keep the arts alive in the Bronx.

Reach out at bracvolunteers@gmail.com to learn more. We can’t wait to welcome you!

In The Community

Community Mobile Mural

Thank you to everyone who joined artist Marta Blair over the past three months to create a beautiful mural that celebrates the Earth and cultural diversity in our community. The completed mural will be on display at BRAC all summer.

This programming was made possible by the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Immigrant Initiative, with support from Council Member Oswald Feliz and Community Board #6.

Join KRVC in welcoming Shake Shack!

 

Shake Shack is Opening in Riverdale!!!

Shake Shack is thrilled to be opening in Riverdale, and they   would love to see you at their grand opening celebration on  Thursday, August 14th. They will be cutting the ribbon and opening doors at 10:30AM. As a part of their mission to Stand for Something Good, Shake  Shack will be donating $1 from every burger, chicken sandwich,  and hot dog sold to City Harvest to help fight food insecurity  across the five boroughs. In addition, the first 500 guests to make a purchase will receive a  special $5 voucher for their next visit to Shake Shack. If you have any questions or would like to connect with the  Shack to discuss how they might partner with your organization  for marketing or fundraising, please reach out to  jkaufman@shakeshack.com

P P N A Hosts School Supply Giveaway SUNDAY Aug.17th

 

PPNA ANNUAL BACK TO SCHOOL GIVEAWAY TO THE CHILDREN OF THE COMMUNITY TILL SUPPLIES LAST ON SUNDAY AUGUST 17 STARTING AT 12 NOON.

AT URBAN LUXE EVENT CENTER LOCATED AT 2028 WHITE PLAINS ROAD.

ONE BLOCK PAST STAPLES ON WHITE PLAINS ROAD .

CHILD MUST BE PRESENT WITH PARENT OR GUARDIAN .

NYSDOS Provides Scam Prevention and Dorm Safety Tips for Students Heading to Campus

 

 Students Can Learn Important Steps to Prevent Identity Theft, Scams and Other Safety Risks as They Start the New Academic Year

Secretary Mosley: “Don’t let your college student get scammed as they head off on their own. As the academic year begins, I urge all New York students to read these simple tips to protect themselves and set the stage for a safe and successful year ahead.” 

As many students across New York State begin or return to college, vocational or graduate school programs, the New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection is sharing targeted scam prevention and safety tips that can help them start the new academic year with stride. New York State is home to nearly 300 higher education institutions– the second highest in the nation. Incoming students have many decisions to make at the start of the academic year, and while making choices independently is exciting, it can also be challenging and make students vulnerable to potential scams and other campus safety risks.

“Starting or returning to campus is an exciting time in young adulthood, but it also comes with new responsibilities to stay informed about common scams that can put your personal information at risk,” said Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley. “Don’t let your college student get scammed as they head off on their own. As the academic year begins, I urge all New York students to read these simple tips to protect themselves and set the stage for a safe and successful year ahead.” 

SCAM PREVENTION TIPS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION STUDENTS:

Common Scams Targeting Students:

• Fake Scholarships, Grants or Loans: The required paperwork to apply for financial aid is the FAFSA form and it’s completely free. Visit FAFSA’s government website directly. FAFSA does not pre-approve loans, so be wary of anyone who offers guarantees or pre-approvals for FAFSA-related loans or grants as this may be a scam.
• Unpaid Tuition Scam: Ignore calls claiming that you’ll be dropped from all classes unless you pay tuition immediately over the phone. Always call the school bursar’s office directly to verify your account status. Schools generally send an invoice to alert students of account status.
• Fake Employment or Internship Offers: Never pay an upfront fee to move forward in an interview process and be wary of providing too much personal information, such as your social security number, during the application or interview process. Scammers may offer unsolicited job opportunities in an effort to obtain personal information. Make sure you are comfortable that the employer is legitimate and that the request for your personal information is necessary, especially if the request is made before a detailed employment offer has been extended.
• Buying Books Online: Scam artists set up fake websites and offer great deals on expensive textbooks but never deliver, leaving the student out of cash and with no textbook. Before you buy, do your research and confirm it’s a reputable source. Pay attention to contact information and return policies. Legitimate sites provide a physical address and working phone number in the contact section. To learn more, check out our consumer alert on how to identify online shopping scams. 
• Roommate/Rental Scam: Scammers may pose as an individual selling or renting a property or as someone working on behalf of a property owner. Potential renters are then solicited for money in exchange for promises that the homes will be shown to them or rented to them upon completion of payment. The scam is realized when there is no property for rent, or the property is already occupied.  To avoid this scam, review our guide on how to Navigate Rental Scams.  
• Credit Cards: If applying for a credit card for the first time, do your own research. Students are often targeted with misleading credit card offers that could be a veiled attempt at identity theft or may charge exorbitant annual fees and interest rates. Be careful with unsolicited offers. Learn how to get started with a credit card with resources from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
• Fake Social Media Stores: Scammers can pose as small businesses selling trendy products. Many times, they advertise “clearance” or “going out of business” sales of products at deep discounts. These “sellers” then send a low-quality, counterfeit good or run with your money. Avoid making purchases directly through a social media page and always make sure you are on a business’s official website to make purchases.

Protect Yourself from Identity theft:

• Understand the consequences: Criminals can use your personal information to build a fake identity and open new accounts or loans under your name. Restoring credit and correcting false information can be a costly and lengthy process so it’s best to prevent it before it happens. Higher education students are at great risk of identity theft, but you can minimize these risks by protecting yourself and keeping your information private.
• Keep all personal identifiable information private: Whether it’s in a dorm room, online or in any social situation, keep all information and documents containing personal information private and securely guarded. Personal identifiable information is information that, when used alone or with other relevant data, can identify a person.

• Remember to always keep a close hold on your social security number (SSN) and ask why it’s needed before deciding to share it. Oftentimes organizations include the SSN request as a formality, and it may not be mandatory. Ask if you can use a different kind of identifier.
• Personal documents, checkbooks, credit card statements and other personal papers should always be locked securely.
• When searching for and applying for student loans or other applications for financial aid, never share personal information via the phone or internet unless you have initiated contact and have validated the legitimacy of the financial aid source.
• Shred pre-approved credit card offers and bills before disposing of them.

Practice Online Safety:

• Social media is a great place to connect with friends or catch up with the latest viral trend but remember to guard your personal information. Social media posts often reveal sensitive information unintentionally. Cybercriminals look for content that can reveal answers to security questions used to reset passwords, making accounts vulnerable to identity theft.
• Be wary of free music, games or apps. Free downloads may come with a price – your data. Many free apps, music and games are also tainted with keystroke logging malware. Review the privacy disclosures of apps in your device’s app store before you download and never download apps or files from unknown sources.
• Monitor privacy settings on all online accounts. Regularly review default privacy and security settings and see if there are ways you can further protect your account.
• Before you get rid of your old laptop or smartphone, protect your data so it doesn’t end up in the hands of an identity thief. For tips on how to protect your data before getting rid of your devices, please see information from this Federal Trade Commission article.
• Use payment apps wisely. Payment apps are often a preferred payment method for scammers, and the companies are not required to recover or reimburse funds lost to fraud. See the Division’s consumer alert on payment apps for more information.

College Dormitory Safety:

Keep safety precautions in mind if you are living on campus this fall, especially if you are a first-time residential student. Fires are one of the biggest hazards; the National Fire Protection Association reports that fire departments responded to over 3,000 fires at dormitories, sororities, fraternities and other related structures from 2018-2022. Be sure to check your dormitory for fire and other hazards, and have the following information handy:

• Locate the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms within your dorm or off-campus housing: Verify or obtain assurances that all alarms are in proper working order. Participate in any needed safety demonstrations on campus.
• Check for working sprinkler systems and fire extinguishers: Most at risk are those staying in off-campus housing where these systems are not maintained by the college or university. 
• Locate the nearest emergency exits: Make note of where to go if there is an emergency.
• Never overload outlets to prevent fires: Always follow safety instructions and rules when using power strips or outlet splitters. Plugging too many devices, like laptops, televisions, mini-refrigerators and more into a power strip can overload the outlet and spark a fire.
• Review the emergency plan in case of fire or a carbon monoxide leak: Ensure all those residing in the room know where to meet and what to do if there is an emergency. Remember to call 911 in case of any emergency and follow safety protocol.
• Learn about lithium-ion battery safety. Lithium-ion batteries power many products and have high power density. Check out our consumer safety guide which offers tips when buying, using, charging, storing and disposing.

About the New York State Division of Consumer Protection

Follow the New York Department of State on Facebook, X and Instagram and check in every Tuesday for more practical tips that educate and empower New York consumers on a variety of topics. Sign up to receive consumer alerts directly to your email or phone here.

The New York State Division of Consumer Protection provides voluntary mediation between a consumer and a business when a consumer has been unsuccessful at reaching a resolution on their own. The Consumer Assistance Helpline 1-800-697-1220 is available Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm, excluding State Holidays, and consumer complaints can be filed at any time at www.dos.ny.gov/consumerprotection. The Division can also be reached via X at @NYSConsumer or Facebook.

Chinese National Pleads Guilty to Exporting Protected Turtles

 

Wei Qiang Lin, of Brooklyn, New York, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York for falsely labeling live turtles as fake toys prior to exporting them in delivery boxes on a weeks-long journey to Hong Kong.

According to court records, between August 2023 and November 2024, Lin exported to Hong Kong approximately 222 parcels containing around 850 turtles, but he labeled the boxes as containing “plastic animal toys,” among other things. The approximate market value of the turtles was $1.4 million. Law enforcement intercepted the turtles during a border inspection and observed them bound and taped inside knotted socks within the shipping boxes. Lin also exported 11 other parcels filled with reptiles including venomous snakes. 

Lin primarily shipped eastern box turtles and three-toed box turtles, native U.S. species which feature colorful markings — a prized feature in the domestic and foreign pet market, particularly in China and Hong Kong. Both are protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) as a result of the illegal export of tens of thousands of box turtles every year during the 1990s.

Lin is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 23. He faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gain or loss from the illegal activity. As part of his plea, Lin also agreed to abandon any property interest in the reptiles seized during the investigation.

Acting Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) and U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo for the Western District of New York made the announcement.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service — with help from other federal and local law enforcement entities including Customs and Border Protection, Postal Inspections Service, and Homeland Security Investigations — investigated the case.

Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on Air Quality

Air Quality Health Advisory for Ozone for the Lower Hudson Valley and New York City Metro Regions on Tuesday

High Temperatures Expected Throughout Most of the State Through Wednesday

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and State Department of Health issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for ozone tomorrow, Tuesday, August 12, for the Lower Hudson Valley and New York City Metro regions. The advisory for ozone remains in effect for Long Island, New York City Metro, and Lower Hudson Valley regions for today, Monday, August 11. With some wildfire smoke still visible at high altitudes as it clears out of the state, New York residents and visitors are reminded to include air quality awareness in their daily warm weather routines. This update comes as Governor Hochul yesterday urged New Yorkers to prepare for multiple days of high temperatures across the state through Wednesday. ‘Feels-Like’ Temperatures in the mid to upper 90s are expected in most of the state on Tuesday, most notably in Western New York, the Finger Lakes, and the North Country. Humidity levels will also rise on Tuesday and Wednesday. On Wednesday, feels-like temperatures in the upper 90s will continue throughout most of the state and near 100 in parts of the Mid-Hudson, New York City, and Long Island Regions. Rain and thunderstorms are expected across the state Tuesday into Wednesday.

“With extreme temperatures present across our state, I’m closely monitoring our air and weather forecasts and working alongside partners in government to ensure New Yorkers are protected,” Governor Hochul said. “I urge New Yorkers to ‘Be Air Quality Aware’ and to please take proper precautions to keep themselves and their loved ones safe.”

The Air Quality Health Advisory regions for tomorrow, August 12, consist of: Lower Hudson Valley, which includes Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Ulster, and Sullivan counties and New York City Metro, which includes New York City and Rockland and Westchester counties.

People, especially those with cardiovascular disease and those who have respiratory disease (such as asthma), young children, the elderly, those who exercise outdoors, and those involved in vigorous outdoor work should consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity when ozone levels are the highest (generally afternoon to early evening). When outdoor levels of ozone are elevated, going indoors will usually reduce exposure. Individuals experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or coughing should consider consulting their personal physician.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and State Department of Health (DOH) issue Air Quality Health Advisories when DEC meteorologists predict levels of pollution, either ozone or fine particulate matter (PM2.5), are expected to exceed an Air Quality Index (AQI) value of 100. The AQI was created as an easy way to correlate levels of different pollutants to one scale, with a higher AQI value indicating a greater health concern. 

New Yorkers are encouraged to be “Air Quality Aware” and check airnow.gov for accurate information on air quality forecasts and conditions. To view the latest DEC air quality forecasts, visit the DEC website.

OZONE

Summer heat can lead to the formation of ground-level ozone, a major component of photochemical smog. Automobile exhaust and out-of-state emission sources are the primary sources of ground-level ozone and the most serious air pollution problems in the northeast. This surface pollutant should not be confused with the protective layer of ozone in the upper atmosphere.

Ozone is not a direct emission, but rather forms when sunlight chemically reacts with nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from automobile exhaust and industrial emissions. High ozone is not as visible as PM2.5 because it is a colorless gas, but will produce hazy skies and reduce visibility in high concentrations. Ozone production can also be enhanced by the presence of wildfire smoke.

Ozone levels generally decrease at night and can be minimized during daylight hours by curtailment of automobile travel and the use of public transportation where available.

New Yorkers also are urged to take the following energy-saving and pollution-reducing steps:

• use mass transit or carpool instead of driving, as automobile emissions account for about 60 percent of pollution in our cities;
• conserve fuel and reduce exhaust emissions by combining necessary motor vehicle trips;
• turn off all lights and electrical appliances in unoccupied areas;
• use fans to circulate air. If air conditioning is necessary, set thermostats at 78 degrees;
• close the blinds and shades to limit heat build-up and to preserve cooled air;
• limit use of household appliances. If necessary, run the appliances at off-peak (after 7 p.m.) hours. These would include dishwashers, dryers, pool pumps and water heaters;
• set refrigerators and freezers at more efficient temperatures;
• purchase and install energy efficient lighting and appliances with the Energy Star label; and
• reduce or eliminate outdoor burning and attempt to minimize indoor sources of PM 2.5 such as smoking. 

Additional information on ozone and PM 2.5 is available on DEC's website and on DOH's website (PM 2.5) / DOH's website (ozone). A new DEC fact sheet about the Air Quality Index is available on DEC’s website or by PDF download.

To stay up-to-date with announcements from DEC, sign up to receive Air Quality Alerts through DEC Delivers: DEC's Premier Email Service. A toll-free Air Quality Hotline (1-800-535-1345) was also established by DEC to keep New Yorkers informed of the latest air quality situation.

Extreme heat is dangerous and is the leading cause of weather-related fatalities in the United States. The most common heat-related illnesses are heat stroke (sun stroke), heat exhaustion, heat cramps and heat rash. Learn more about heat-related illness, including signs and symptoms and when to take action on the State Health Department’s extreme heat advice webpage.

For a complete listing of weather watches, warnings, advisories and latest forecasts, visit the National Weather Service website.