Hirschfeld Exhibition, Rajiv Joseph, Pumpkin Carving and More Set for October Edition of CUNY TV's ARTS IN THE CITY

A line of ink becomes a well-known celebrity. Carvings in a pumpkin become a work of art. Ghosts of the city's past merge with the voices of a new generation. And the alchemy of October in New York creates an all-new edition of CUNY TV's ARTS IN THE CITY. Hosted by Magalie Laguerre-Wilkinson, the show premieres Friday, October 9 (2015) at 10am (also 3pm and 8:30pm) on CUNY TV. (Additional dates and time below*.)

Meet David Leopold, archivist of The Al Hirschfeld Foundation, the curator of an ambitious New-York Historical Society exhibition, THE HIRSCHFELD CENTURY, depicting the iconic artist's life and career.

Take two very different Halloween tours -- of the patriotic and macabre histories of New York, in graveyards and landmarks -- conducted by Lisa Beth Kovetz.

Connect with the buzz around Marisa Vitali's short film GRACE THE MOVIE, taking the film festival circuit by storm and winning several top honors. The film, which she wrote, produced and acted in, has become a starting point for candid conversations about heroin addiction and recovery.

Learn about THE ART OF pumpkin carving when, in Chelsea Market, Hugh McMahon shows Donna Hanover the perfection of his craft.

Hear about the influences that shaped the career of Pulitzer Prize-nominated playwright and screenwriter Rajiv Joseph (pictured), who tells Magalie Laguerre-Wilkinson about his recent play GUARDS AT THE TAJ.

And re-discover the genius of Polaroid founder Edwin Land at BookExpo America, where author Ron Fierstein tells Mike Gilliam about his new book, A TRIUMPH OF GENIUS: EDWIN LAND, POLAROID, AND THE PATENT BATTLE OF THE CENTURY.

In this month's Hidden Gems of New York, ARTS IN THE CITY visits The Battery's SeaGlass Carousel, offering riders young and old a unique "underwater" experience.

*The show is repeated Sunday 10/11 at noon and returns Friday 10/23 at 10am, 3pm and 8:30pm and on Sunday 10/25 at noon. On and after Oct. 9, the program may be viewed anytime on www.cuny.tv.

*CUNY TV is broadcast over-the-air in the tri-state area on Ch. 25.3, and cablecast in THE FIVE boroughs of New York City on Ch. 75 (Time Warner and Optimum), Ch. 77 (RCN) and Ch. 30 (Verizon FiOS).

Photo Credit: Walter McBride