Free Washington Square Chess Exhibition Announced October 22nd
In Memorium of James Polshek
Presented by the Washington Square Association with support from the New York City Parks Department
Saturday, October 22, 2022, 12PM - 4PM
Washington Square Park Chess Plaza
THE EXHIBITION
This afternoon immersion in chess strategy in the Washington Square Park Chess Plaza will commence with a lecture by chess Grandmaster, John Fedorowicz, and will be followed by a simultaneous exhibition during which Fedorowicz will play 23 players at once. Free to the public, all ages are welcome to participate in the simul, and five spots will be reserved for players 12 and under. Register to enter here, as all spots will go quickly. Grandmaster Fedorowicz will donate a free lesson to anyone who draws and two lessons if checkmated. This year’s event is dedicated to the memory of world-renowned architect, longtime Greenwich Village resident, and Washington Square Association Board Member, James Polshek.
SCHEDULE
12:00pm Chess Lecture by Grandmaster (Southwest Park pathway next to the Chess Plaza)
1:00pm: Simultaneous Chess Exhibition -Grandmaster will simultaneously play against 23 registrants until one player remains (Chess Plaza -Southwest corner of Washington Square Park)
CHESSMASTER JOHN FEDOROWICZ
Bronx native, global chess champion, and author, John Fedorowicz, became known as a force in American chess almost a decade before he earned the title of Grandmaster. He twice represented the U.S. in the World Chess Olympiad and served as captain for both men's and women's Olympiad teams. He is also the winner of five World Open titles with many international victories to his credit from Cannes to Sesimbra to Wijk aan Zee, and was inducted into the U.S. Chess Hall of Fame in 2009. Grandmaster Fedorowicz spends much of his time participating in NYC’s chess community, teaching chess to children, and giving private lessons.
REMEMBERING JAMES POLSHEK
Giant of modern architecture and longtime Greenwich Village resident, James Polshek, believed, “The true importance of architecture lies in its ability to solve human problems, not stylistic ones”, and he infused those humanist values into every building he designed. His many projects included the Museum of Natural History’s Earth and Space Center, the Carnegie Hall renovation, and the Clinton Library. Jim served on the Board of the WSA for decades and will be greatly missed.
THE WASHINGTON SQUARE ASSOCIATION
Founded in 1906, The Washington Square Association is NYC’s oldest neighborhood and second oldest civic organization. During our more than 100 years of service to the Washington Square neighborhood, the Association has supported the Park by providing free programming to the public funded by our membership fees and volunteer donations. Anyone can become a member for $50/year. The Association is entirely volunteer-driven so 100% goes towards our free programs including the Christmas tree and community caroling, The Washington Square Chess Exhibition, support for the Washington Square Music Festival and The Village Trip, and advocacy for community issues.