LTV Studios presents its membership launch party, “Art of Optimism,” happening Sunday, June 21, Father’s Day, from 3 to 7 PM. This free community event invites the public to experience an uplifting celebration of fine art, live music, and cultural collaboration.
Outdoor festivities begin at 3:33 PM in the LTV garden with the grand unveiling of an original sculpture titled “Optimistic Sphere” by master printmaker and artist Dan Welden. The piece joins the historic works of the late sculptor Bill King, which are already on site at LTV.
“‘Optimistic Sphere’ is symbolic of my optimism for the current state of the world and hope for this country to return to a feeling of love,” said Dan Welden.
Following this will be a special outdoor performance by Carl Welden, the artist’s son, at 4 PM, blending visual arts with dynamic ambient presentation. A voice actor and performance artist, Carl Welden has been delivering theatrical spoken-word since 1995, utilizing a dynamic blend of character voices, humor, and insight. He has spent years announcing on-air at WGHQ Kingston and has also served as master of ceremonies for numerous festivals and events.
LTV Executive Producer Antoinette Lanza called this event “deeply personal” for her. She is an artist who studied on a scholarship with Dan Welden as a young child.
“To me, ‘Art of Optimism’ represents everything LTV stands for: honoring the artists who helped build our cultural legacy, celebrating the creative leaders who continue to inspire us today, and inviting the public to experience the power of art, media, music, and community. It is a celebration of optimism, but also of opportunity — the belief that when creative people come together, great things happen. I couldn’t be more excited to share this moment with our community,” she said.
Designed to usher in a new era of engagement and access, the event marks the official rollout of LTV’s new Backstage Pass Membership program. Beyond supporting local public-access media and the visual and performing arts on the South Fork, registered members will earn exclusive perks, including guaranteed entry into the inaugural LTV Membership Art Show scheduled for June 2027.
The afternoon kicks off with an open-house format allowing guests to explore the facility. Simultaneously, the Studio Gallery and Exhibition Hall will host the official opening reception of “BELT,” an exhibition by Haim Mizrahi, an artist, musician, painter, and poet, and LTV’s gallery curator.
At 5 PM, the festivities move into Studio 3 for a headline performance by renowned classical pianist and composer Axel Quincke. This Argentine concert pianist, composer, and producer has been recognized for his distinctive style, combining classical repertoire with tango, improvisation, contemporary music, and multidisciplinary performance formats.
“For more than 40 years, LTV has been an important platform for local voices, providing access to television production, media education, storytelling, and creative expression across the East End,” said Lanza. “Today, that mission continues to evolve as LTV expands its role in film, digital media, live events, and the arts.”
Admission to the event is free, and parking is available on-site.