Press Release

Westchester Arts Council Annual Gala Leaves Lasting Impressions

Elmsford, NY (January 8,2008) -- When the Westchester Arts Council chose the theme of Impressions for its annual gala and silent auction, held on November 17, 2007, it needed a spectacular event space and event production to match.

Board Member and RPW Group President Robert P. Weisz suggested the Atrium of his newest property, 1133 Westchester Avenue, a dramatic 30,000 square-foot space with 36-foot soaring ceilings and a curved glass wall that is visible from the main driveway. Corporate Audio Visual Services took on the creative challenge of coordinating a sound system, and live production to match the setting.

The evening was attended by close to 650 supporters and raised over $500,000, making it one of the most successful events for the Arts Council. Westchester residents Ruby Dee and the late Ozzie Davis were honored.

Our guests loved the new space and atmosphere, said Eric Siegel, Westchester Arts Council Special Events Manager. It looked fabulous and allowed intimate seating without being too crowded.

Because the glass-walled Atrium is long and narrow, Corporate AV mounted three screens a 15 x 20 main screen lifted off the ground above the stage and two 10 x 14 outboard screens on trusses so that live images would be visible to all guests. The live production, including presentations, music by Night Song, and the dance floor, was projected throughout the evening from a wireless roving camera and a fixed camera through three digital video projectors. Corporate AV set the dramatic 20 stage to match the ambiance of the Atrium space with a Lucite podium and 100 of velour drape. This helped to transform the new Atrium into a formal event space.

In choosing the sound system, Corporate AV's audio engineer Steve Sherer used JBL equipment with speakers arranged on crank stands at an angle to prevent sound from hitting and bouncing off the glass wall. Corporate AV provided audio for the main dining room and the three silent auction rooms filled with trips, theater tickets, and other merchandise to bid on -- so that music and announcements could be heard by all guests.

Lighting was handled by Brooklyn-based Stortz Lighting.

This is the third year in a row that we have relied on Corporate AV to enhance the look, feel, and success of our gala event, said Siegel. We stepped up our requirements because this year s elaborate event featured more visuals than ever, and Corporate AV was able to successfully create the impression we envisioned.

Corporate Audio Visual Services is located at:
111 North Lawn Avenue,
Elmsford, NY, 10523;
telephone 914.592.9700, fax 914.592.1727,
e-mail: corpav@corporate-av.com .