Category Archives: Arts & Culture

Mural Unveiling at Leisure Life NYC

Leisure Life and painter, graffiti artist, screen printer and 3D artist, Jared Weinstein (Pratt ’15) are officially unveiling the brand new 10 foot x 22 foot mural located in Leisure Life’s garden on May, 28th at Leisure Life, 559 Myrtle between Emerson Place & Classon Avenue.

The mural is titled Magic Hour, a reference to a photography term which describes a time after sunrise or before sunset where daylight is redder and softer compared to when the sun is higher in the sky, exactly what it felt like, stated artist, Jared, when the mural was complete.

Come out and celebrate the completion of this amazing work on Thursday from 6-8pm at Leisure Life, 559 Myrtle. Music by @jperiodbk. Hors d’oeuvres by @daniellethechef.

RSVP to leisurelifenyc@gmail.com to attend.

Stop in for the reception, then plan to visit the mural again during the weekend of May 30th and May 31st for the SONYA Art Walk.

Leisure Life, 559 Myrtle Avenue between Emerson Place & Classon Avenue.
(347) 725-3167

Fort Greene SNAP offers tech and other classes, most free

Fort Greene SNAP (Strategic Neighborhood Action Partnership) the education and social services not-for-profit located at 324 Myrtle Avenue, offers quite a wide range of classes and services to the community. Here are a few:

SNAP’s Free Public Access Computer Center is a 12 workstation computer lab available for use free of charge on an as available basis.

All computers have access to the internet, and have popular software: word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, games, specialty printing (like greeting cards, invitations and newsletters), instant messaging, and internet access to free email services.

SNAP’s Entrepreneurs Corner participants also have access to business plan and marketing plan software.

– Free internet and computer access to all our participants

– Instructional courses and free self paced learning program in popular software

– Instructors on hand to answer questions and provide assistance

– Free workshops on computer basics, Internet, and email topics

SNAP also offers some fee based services to community members:

– Notary services are available $2 a signature

– 8 1/2 x 11 Black and white printing: .10 each

Fort Greene SNAP is located at 324 Myrtle Avenue between Washington Park and Carlton Avenue. They can be reached at (718) 694-6957.

SONYA Art Walk

Save-the-Dates for the 16th Annual Art Walk taking place on the weekend of Saturday, May 30^th & Sunday, May 31^st. See the work of over 50 artists and stroll through rows of elegant brownstones to the warehouses and lofts around the Brooklyn Navy Yard. The self-guided tour of SONYA Artist members takes place in studios and galleries within the neighborhoods of Bed-Stuy, Clinton Hill and Fort Greene, Brooklyn.

SONYA catalog encompasses a full spectrum of disciplines, including painting, drawing, sculpture, photography and ceramics, at the emerging, mid-career and established levels of practice. The Art Walk gives viewers an opportunity to meet with artists, and immerse themselves in spaces of creation. Workshops and live events will take place at Corkscrew Brooklyn Wines, dc optics, Gnarly Vines, Move with Grace, Tipsy and other participating merchant spaces as well as outdoors at Putnam Triangle and Fowler Square.

The SONYA Art Walk is FREE, family friendly and open to the public from 12:00pm- 6pm.
RAIN OR SHINE.

For more information: (347) SONYA-70 or visit sonyaonline.org

These Hands Built at BLDG 92

These Hands Built, curated by Daonne Huff, is still on view at BLDG 92. This unique piece by Cheyanne Epps and Jose de Jesus Rodriguez was in exhibition during February’s Black Artstory Artwalk. Drawing inspiration from archival photographs of African-American workers sewing flags and building ships as well as the quilts of Gee’s Bend and Faith Ringgold, this patchwork quilt recognizes and honors the physical labor and craft work demonstrated by those African American men and women who worked at the Brooklyn Navy Yard during World War 2.

On view until further notice.

For more information on Cheyanne Epps, please visit: http://cargocollective.com/cheyanneepps
For more information on Jose de Jesus Rodriguez, please visit: http://josedejesusrodriguez.tumblr.com/

BLDG 92, 63 Flushing Ave at Carlton, (718) 907-5932

Black Artstory Podcast Tour

This self-guided walking tour explore’s the neighborhood’s rich history as a home to many famous and influential Black artists. While there are countless local artists who lead incredible lives and merit attention, this tour focuses on eight different individuals who used the neighborhood as their muse and helped define the artistic community’s lasting legacy as an enclave for Black artists.

Before embarking on the self-guided walking tour, please review the suggested route map and note that navigation directions are available within the tour recording at the beginning of each episode.

IF YOU WISH TO LISTEN TO THE WALKING TOUR PODCAST ON A MOBILE DEVICE, YOU MAY ACCESS THE FREE TOUR THROUGH THE iTUNES STORE.

Click through the slideshow below to listen to each episode:

Interested in taking a guided neighborhood walking tours?

Please visit the events calendar during summer months to find free guided historic walking tours around Myrtle Avenue.

Credits and Acknowledgements

The audio version of this tour was produced by Femme Vocale, with narration generously donated by Dave Fennoy and Crystal Sershen.

Thank you to BLDG 92 at the Brooklyn Navy Yard for information from the past exhibit, “Wesley Fagan: A Life in Pictures.”

Click here to view a bibliography of sources consulted in the writing of the walking tour script.

Black Artstory Closing Event: “I Cried Power: On the Limits…”

Come join us in our closing Black Artstory event, “I Cried Power : On the Limits and Possibilities of Black Life”. This evening of video and sound artist collaborations around the topic of resistance and our current political climate in the wake of black lives matter movement will be presented by The New Negress Film Society. In addition, get a chance to see art from the Black Artstory Artwalk that is also coming to a conclusion.

Come take part this Saturday, February 28th from 8-11pm at The Emerson, 561 Myrtle Avenue between Emerson & Classon Avenues.

Click HERE for all the details and to RSVP.

This program is made possible with public funds from the Decentralization Program of the New York State Council on the Arts, administered in Kings County by Brooklyn Arts Council (BAC).

Black Artstory Upcoming Events

Come celebrate Black History Month with us by exploring the contributions that African-Americans have made in the arts. Don’t miss this week and next week’s FREE Black Artstory events taking place at the small businesses along Myrtle Avenue and other surrounding locations. All events are free of charge, open to the public and wheelchair accessible.

Rodeo Caldonia

Remembering Rodeo Caldonia | Lisa Jones + Alva Rogers in conversation with Culture Critic Greg Tate
Take an insightful look at women artists of the black Brooklyn renaissance of the 1980s and 1990s, as profiled in Brooklyn Boheme, the recent HBO documentary by Nelson George. Writer Lisa Jones and writer/composer/performer Alva Rogers discuss the black women’s Fort Greene arts collective Rodeo Caldonia in a conversation facilitated by cultural critic Greg Tate.
When: Friday, February 20, 6-8pm
Where: Pillow Café, 505 Myrtle Avenue between Ryerson Street & Grand Avenue
RSVP here

Image Credit- Naval History and Heritage Command

BLDG 92 presents: “Brooklyn Navy Yard: Past, Present and Future” Exhibition Tour (Tour)
BLDG 92 and Inside Out Tours offer an exhibition tour exploring African American Heritage and the Brooklyn Navy Yard.
When: Saturday, February 21, 11am-12pm
Where: BLDG 92-Brooklyn Navy Yard Center, 63 Flushing Avenue at Carlton Avenue
RSVP here

Cheyanne Epps + Jose de Jesus Rodriguez

THESE HANDS BUILT: A Performance by Hot Hands (Performance)
The experimental music group Hot Hands will present a live performance inspired by the histories of former African American workers at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Incorporating live instruments, samples, and vocals; the ensemble will interpret and transform environmental soundscapes, music from the 1940s, and the words of those who worked in the Yard as an homage to the Brooklyn Navy Yard as both space and historical catalyst.

When: Saturday, February 21, 5pm
Where: BLDG 92-Brooklyn Navy Yard Center, 63 Flushing Avenue at Carlton Avenue
RSVP here

Image Credit: Estate of Arthur Mones; Making The Dance

FOKUS presents: Making “The Dance” (Family Workshop)
Join art educators from FOKUS for a youth and family workshop celebrating the acclaimed visual artist and former Fort Greene resident Emilio Cruz. Participants will reinterpret Cruz’s 1962 painting “The Dance” by creating their own abstract artworks, as well as take a journey through popular social dances of the last 5 decades. Come ready to move!
When: Saturday, February 21, 3pm
Where: Ingersoll Community Center, 177 Myrtle Avenue at Prince Street
RSVP here

Image Credit: Nontsikelelo Mutiti and Dyani Douze; – I Cried Power!

New Negress Film Society presents: “I Cried, Power!” On the Limits & Possibilities of Black Life
The New Negress Film Society presents an evening of digital media and live sound installation that re-imagines the concept of Afrofuturism in the wake of recent police violence in New York City and beyond. For our closing event, female-identified video and sound artists consider the realities of resistance and how revolutionary social movements can be built and sustained.
When: Saturday, February 28, 8-11pm
Where: The Emerson, 561 Myrtle Avenue between Emerson Pl & Classon Avenue
RSVP here

Black Artstory Event Highlight: Women Artists of the Brooklyn Renaissance

This Friday, February 20th, Black Artstory will take an insightful look at women artists of the black Brooklyn renaissance of the 1980s and 1990s in Remembering Rodeo Caldonia at Pillow Café, 505 Myrtle Avenue between Ryerson Street & Grand Avenue. Writer Lisa Jones and writer/composer/performer Alva Rogers will discuss the black women’s Fort Greene arts collective Rodeo Caldonia in a conversation facilitated by cultural critic Greg Tate. More info on event HERE.

The discussion with cultural critic Greg Tate will focus on the 17-member black women’s performance group that was concerned with addressing their intersectional identities as black women artists. Members of this group included acclaimed artists Lorna Simpson as well as playwright Lisa Jones and singer/actress Alva Rogers and the collective was part of larger black arts renaissance happening in Fort Greene & Clinton Hill in the 1980s, as chronicled in Nelson George and Diane Paragas’ 2011 documentary Black Boheme. This is the first time the members are convening since the disbanding the group.

A little bit about the participants:

Lisa Jones is an American writer and journalist who worked for the Village Voice for 15 years. She is best known for her “Skin Trade” columns. She also co-wrote three books with Spike Lee and her essays have been widely anthologized. Jones also received a joint choreography and creator Bessie Award for their collaborative work.

Alva Rogers is an artist, playwright & chanteuse whose legendary performances during the 80’s and 90’s made her a much sought-after muse. She is the recipient of grants from the Rockefeller Foundation, The Jim Henson Foundation, and National Endowment for the Arts, Meet the Composer, Franklin Furnace & a New York Dance and Performance Bessie Award. The Joseph Papp Public Theater, Spoleto Festival, USA, The Kitchen, Dixon Place and Heather Henson’s Handmade Puppet Films have commissioned her work.

Greg Tate studied journalism and film at Howard University. Tate was also a staff writer for the Village Voice for many years. His work has also been published in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Artforum, Down Beat, Essence, JazzTimes, Rolling Stone, and VIBE. The Source described Tate as one of “the Godfathers of hip-hop journalism”. In 1999, Tate established Burnt Sugar, an improvisational ensemble that varies in size between 13 to 35 musicians. In 2010, he was awarded a United States Artists fellowship.

Black Artstory Event Highlight: BLACK BROOKLYN/HOME

Come join us to explore the idea of what it means to call a place your “home”? How do we understand our physical, mental and emotional relationships to a place in flux? Jessica Lynne curates a reading of poetry, prose and essays by writers who offer intimate reflections on Black Brooklyn, the soul of a city that means so much to so many. Come take part this Friday, February 13th from 7-9pm at Leisure Life NYC, 559 Myrtle Avenue between Emerson & Classon Avenues.
Click HERE for all the details and to RSVP.

For a full list of Black Artstory Month events and exhibition locations, please click HERE.

This program is made possible with public funds from the Decentralization Program of the New York State Council on the Arts, administered in Kings County by Brooklyn Arts Council (BAC).

Black Artstory Event Highlight: Hammerstep

Come join us this Saturday, February, 7, 3pm where Black Artstory Month explores the intersecting histories of Irish and African American communities in Fort Greene. This unforgettable performance of Hammerstep, a Brooklyn-based contemporary dance company whose cutting-edge choreography melds traditional Irish dance, tap and hip hop to address contemporary social and political issues is presented by Irish Arts Center at Ingersoll Community Center, 177 Myrtle Avenue. Click HERE to RSVP.

For a full list of Black Artstory Month events and exhibition locations, please click HERE.

Black Artstory Artwalk & Kick-Off Party

Black Artstory Month kicks off this Sunday with an Avenue-wide art walk featuring the work of over 25 local artists from 4-6pm and opening party at Brooklyn Eats on Myrtle from 6-8pm.

This year’s theme, Where I’m From: The Black Artstory of Myrtle and Beyond, is inspired by the centuries-long black arts tradition that has thrived in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill through the communities’ many evolutions. Curators Remi Onabajo, MoCADA, Pratt Institute’s BAKO Tribe, Naimonu James, Daonne Huff, SONYA, PS 20 and Freecandy have selected work guided by the concepts of time, travel and transition. Over 13 businesses along the Avenue will exhibit paintings, murals, and photographs that explore how the past informs our understandings of the here and now.

SIGNIFIED SPACE(S), curated by Remi Onabanjo, features the photography of Sonia Louise Davis, Alexa Telano and Naima Green, each of whom incorporates New York City’s landscape to examine how our personal identities are shaped by the places we call home.
Gnarly Vines, 350 Myrtle Avenue between Carlton & Adelphi

For THESE HANDS BUILT, curator Daonne’s Huff calls upon the rich but under told narratives of African-American men and women who worked at the Brooklyn Navy Yard for generations. Artists Cheyenne Epps and Jose de Jesus Rodriguez have created a series of linoleum prints that takes inspiration from found images of Navy Yard workers from the early 20th century.
Tipsy, 584 Myrtle Avenue at the corner of Classon
BLDG 92, Flushing Avenue between Carlton & Adelphi

“Myrtle Avenue Portraits,” a photography exhibition by Kwesi Abbensetts will feature portraits of artists, activists, business owners and community leaders who have called Fort Greene and Clinton Hill home for generations. Works will hang on the garden gates of the Trilok Fusion Center.
Trilok Fusion Center for Arts, 143 Waverly at Myrtle Avenue

Black Artstory Month features a lineup of FREE programming through the entire month of February. The first event following the artwalk is on Saturday, February 7th. Join us to see contemporary dance company Hammerstep, presented at Ingersoll Community Center in partnership with the Irish Arts Center.

Click HERE for the Artwalk Map
For a full list of events and exhibition locations, please visit: www.myrtleavenue.org/blackartstory/

Co-presenters: BLDG 92, FOKUS, South of the Navy Yard Artists, the Irish Arts Center & New Negress Film Society.

This program is made possible with public funds from the Decentralization Program of the New York State Council on the Arts, administered in Kings County by Brooklyn Arts Council (BAC).

Black Artstory Month 2014

We are proud to announce the return of Black Artstory Month for 2014, kicking off on Saturday, February 1st. Taking inspiration from Richard Wright’s Native Son, written in Fort Greene, the 2014 installment of Black Artstory Month is entitled Native Sons and Daughters: Locals, Im(migrants), Expats and Prodigals. Native Sons and Daughters includes FREE exhibitions and performances inspired by the migratory experiences of African Americans, and continues the Black Artstory Month tradition of celebrating the enduring influences and contributions made by African Americans within the visual and performing arts worlds.

Native Sons and Daughters will bring together stories of travel, of exploring identities, of seeking to establish roots and of pursuing ownership of a space and place. While the primary focus is on the African American experiences, these journeys and pursuits are universal—crossing cultural and racial lines. Artists will reflect on this through spoken word, storytelling, music, visual art, and more at locations across Myrtle Avenue in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill throughout the month of February.

Visit our calendar for a complete listing of all events, featured artists, programs and venues.
Download the Artwalk/exhibition map here.
Dowload the full events listings here.

Curated by Daonne Huff, the month features a thought-provoking blend of multi-disciplinary artists, media and ideas. Look for events and experiences for all ages created in collaboration with Aisha Cousins, Act Now Foundation, FOKUS, SONYA (South of the Navy Yard Artists), and Try Harder NYC, and for art exhibitions in 10 Myrtle Avenue businesses from more than 20 artists.

Past Events

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View all Black Artstory Month events on the calendar.

Recent News

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Black Artstory Month, February 1 – 28

The Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership is proud to present the 3^rd Annual Black Artstory Month, a month-long series of FREE art exhibits, performances, film screenings, and more in Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, and Wallabout, Brooklyn. Black Artstory Month celebrates the enduring influences and contributions made by African Americans within the visual and performing arts worlds. Coinciding with this year’s Black History Month, “Where I’m From: The Black Artstory of Myrtle and Beyond” features themes of time, travel, and transition by over 25 Brooklyn-based artists.

The Partnership is working with co-presenters BLDG 92, FOKUS, the Irish Arts Center, New Negress Film Society and SONYA (South of the Navy Yard Artists).

“This is the highlight of our Arts & Culture programming on Myrtle Avenue. We are excited to create opportunities for local artists and to celebrate and elevate our community’s rich African American history, especially in the arts. Our locally owned businesses join us in the effort to create collaborations with artists and organizations and to introduce new audiences to the Myrtle Avenue artistic & cultural experience” – Meredith Phillips Almeida, Executive Director.

2015 Black Artstory Events

View all Black Artstory Month events on the calendar.

Black Artstory Month’s FREE program highlights include:

Black Artstory Month Artwalk + Opening Party (Visual Art & Music)
Sunday, February 1 , 4-6pm
Artwork by over 25 Brooklyn-based artists will be on view at over thirteen small businesses along Myrtle Avenue between Carlton & Classon Avenues. The art at each location is curated by the following independent curators: Remi Onabanjo, MoCADA, SONYA, Freecandy, Jessica Lynne, Naimonu James, Rasu Jilani, Pratt Institute’s BAKO Tribe and Daonne Huff. Artwork can be viewed during the Artwalk (Feb 1, 4-6pm) and also during regular business hours. Various locations (See Artwalk Map).

Black Artstory Month Opening Party (Music)
Sunday, February 1, 6-9pm
Start February off right with dancing and drinks at the Black Artstory Month Opening Party. Sounds by Flames Baldwin.
Brooklyn Eats, 474 Myrtle Ave between Washington Avenue & Hall Street

Artwalk Map

Black Artstory Month celebrates the contributions that African- Americans have made and are making within the arts community. The series of FREE events includes art exhibits, film screenings, performances & more throughout Black History Month. This program is sponsored, in part by the Greater New York Arts Development Fund of the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, administered by Brooklyn Arts Council (BAC).

Follow Black Artstory on Instagram

Black Artstory 2014

Call for Art: Black Artstory Month 2015

Climate Change at Gnarly Vines (low res). jpg

Photo: Try Harder NYC exhibition at Gnarly Vines, 2014

We are seeking paintings, drawings, photography and works on paper to present in our 3rd Annual Black Artstory Month exhibition series. Selected works will be featured in exhibitions at 10 businesses on Myrtle Avenue from February 1-28, 2015. This year, we’ve brought on curator Ali Rosa-Salas to spearhead program development for the entire month. The theme, “Where I’m From: The Black Artstory of Myrtle and Beyond,” will celebrate the centuries-long black arts tradition on Myrtle Avenue and its surrounding areas. We are currently seeking visual art that explores the concepts of time, travel, time-travel, and transition.

Please submit the following materials by November 30, 2014 to Ali Rosa-Salas, alsalas08@gmail.com, ATTN: Black Artstory Month Submission:
*Application materials must be submitted in a zip file or PDF*

1. Brief Artist Statement
2. Resume/CV
3. Up to 4 artwork images with index listing title, medium, and dimensions for each piece.

Selected works must be ready to hang.

For more information and to submit please contact Black Artstory Month organizer Ali Rosa-Salas: alsalas08@gmail.com.

Apply to BLDG 92 Visiting Artist Program

Artists – are you intrigued by ‘what’s behind the gates’ at the Brooklyn Navy Yard? BLDG 92’s Visiting Artist Program grants access to artists who wish to use the Yard—both the site itself and the heritage it holds—as inspiration for the creation of work on-site in any medium including, but not limited to, photography, painting, music, dance, sculpture and writing. This program is offered once per year, and the duration is flexible. Applications are available now, with a deadline of 11/24/2014. BLDG 92 is holding an information session on 10/30/14 from 3-5pm, and interested applicants are encouraged to attend. Click here to read about past visiting artists and their works.

Photo (above): 2013 Brooklyn Navy Yard Visiting Artist Jackie Weisberg.

Photo (main page): 2013 Brooklyn Navy Yard Visiting Artist Travis MaGee.

Drawings Along Myrtle: October Exhibition

Drawings Along Myrtle is a collaborative project between Pratt Institute’s Fine Arts and Foundation department with the Myrtle Avenue Revitalization Project (MARP), featuring works from alumni, students and members of the local community. Exhibitions will take place within ten businesses along Myrtle Avenue, engaging the diverse and culturally rich community as a canvas of mutual expression.

Download the Art Walk map here.

This exhibition series focuses on drawing as an expanded medium, seeking to identify and showcase works by contemporary artists who are both challenging and engaging the traditional definition of drawing. From sketches, to sculpture, installation, mark-making, and mechanical means, each artist explores the notion of drawing as an ever changing and evolving medium.

Exhibition: October 4 – October 25
Art Walk: Saturday, October 4th 5-7pm (all locations)
Meet artists and curators on a self-guided tour of all ten sites
Opening Reception: Saturday, October 4th 7pm, Splitty (415 Myrtle)

Exhibition locations, curators and participating artists:

1. Gnarly Vines 350 Myrtle (Carlton & Adelphi)
Curator: Jen Shepard, MS 12’
Artists: Sandra LaPage, Goldie Salimkhan MS 12’, Lucas Fuller BFA 05,’ Nathalie Collins MFA 09,’ Jinwha Kim MFA 15’ candidate

2. Brooklyn Sweet Spot 366 Myrtle (Adelphi & Clermont)
Curator: Bianca Hildebrand, MFA 14’
Artists: SeoKyeong L. Yoon (SKY), Jérémie Sarbach, Zezi Zhao

3. DC Optics 390 Myrtle (Vanderbilt & Clermont)
Curator: Ada Potter, MFA 15’ candidate
Artist: Will Hutnick MFA 11’

4. Splitty 415 Myrtle (Vanderbilt & Clinton)
Curator: Susan Luss, BFA 13’
Artists: Dakota Sica BFA 13’, Susan Luss B.F.A. ’13, Milo Wissig B.F.A. ’13, Jennifer Shepard M.S. ’12

5. Peck’s 455A Myrtle (Waverly & Washington)
Curator: Bianca Hildebrand, MFA alum 14’
Artists: Colombine Zamponi, Kelly Larsen, Paul Butterfield

6. Corkscrew Brooklyn 489 Myrtle (Hall & Ryerson)
Curator: Will Hutnick, MFA 11’
Artists: Maria Dimanshtein, Jen Shepard MS 12’

7. Wray’s 503 Myrtle (Ryerson & Grand)
Curator: Jen Shepard MS 12’
Artists: André De Castro MFA 13,’ James Lipovac

8. Pillow Café 505 Myrtle (Ryerson & Grand)
Curator: Will Hutnick, MFA 11’
Artists: Shannon Finnegan, Nick Naber MFA 12’, Dakota Sica BFA 13’

9. Brewklyn Grind 557 Myrtle (Emerson & Classon)
Curator: Caroline Taylor, BFA 09’
Artist: Artist Rodrigo Imaz

10. The Emerson 561 Myrtle (Emerson & Classon)
Curator: Ada Potter, MFA 15’ candidate
Artists: Monica Iancu, Alyssa E. Fanning

Pictured Above: Maria Dimanshtein (artist featured at Corkscrew Brooklyn)

Cover image: Studio of Will Hutnick (artist featured at DC Optics)

Call for Artwork: Drawings Along Myrtle Avenue

Show your work on Myrtle Avenue! The first opportunity listed below is not just for Pratt artists, it’s open to all local artists. See below, and contact drawingdemocracies@gmail.com with questions.

OPEN CALL for Exhibition Opportunities
Artists from the Pratt community including students, faculty, staff and alumnus along with professional artists who live and work near Pratt’s campus are invited to apply.

Deadline: September 1st, 2014
1) Drawings Along Myrtle Avenue in partnership with MARP (Myrtle Avenue Revitalization Project): A series of month long exhibitions focused around drawing, both in a formal and the expanded field, exhibited at selected local businesses along Myrtle Avenue. Curators will choose artists to mount work for designated locations. The work can range in medium and scale as is appropriate for the locations. Please keep this in mind when submitting work that is appropriate for restaurants, shops, and other commercial locations. Related events and art walks will happen during the month as well.

2) “Drawings by the People” exhibition at Pratt Institute in Dekalb Gallery curated by the Drawing Club and faculty coordinator Nanette Carter. In its second year, the exhibition will be held from October 1st to October 25th in DeKalb Gallery. Each artist can submit up to 2 drawings no larger than 4’ x 4’ framed (plexi-glass preferred) or unframed, if possible matted or mounted, and ready to hang on the wall.

The exhibitions will culminate with the second Drawing Democracies event will take place on Saturday, October 25th, 2014 from 12-4pm. Drawing Democracies is an interdisciplinary collaborative project spearheaded by the Pratt Institute’s Fine Arts, Foundation and Art & Design Education departments. It serves as a community collaborative project designed to engage with all the departments on campus through our students, alumni, faculty, as well as the broader local community in Brooklyn.

Submission Guidelines:
1) Please send up to five images, no larger than 1200 pixels, 72 DPI, 2 MB, labeled with first initial and last name and numbered ex.) JSmith1.JPG.
2) Include in your email information for each image: Title, Date, Measurements, and Contact information.
3) Send images to drawingdemocracies@gmail.com

* Please note that you may submit for one or both; just specify in your submission header.
Acceptance Notification on or before September 15th
Work will be on view through October 25th.

Making it in NYC: The Era of New Manufacturing

NYC makers are showing off their locally made wares at Making it in NYC: The Era of New Manufacturing in BLDG 92. The exhibit is open now to the end of the year. Not only is the Brooklyn Navy Yard staging a free, interactive, multimedia exhibit. They are also offering panel discussions and factory tours to celebrate the New York Makers Movement past, present, and future.

“There’s an extraordinary history of manufacturing in the Brooklyn Navy Yard and throughout New York City, history that is mirrored in what’s happening in the Maker Movement today,” said David Ehrenberg, President and CEO of the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation. “A lot of our companies are at the intersection of industry, technology, and innovation. They’re not making apps to sell for millions of dollars. They’re focused on making high-quality products, physical products, products that are transforming lives. They might not receive all the headlines, but what they’re doing is essential for local job creation and the well-being of our economy.”

Titled “Making It in NYC: the Era of New Manufacturing,” the exhibit and programs are divided into five industry groups – Energy & Resiliency, Furnishing & Home Goods, Tech & Media, Building & Construction, Fashion & Apparel – and feature the contributions of 30 New York business, including MHT Lighting (energy efficient products), Ferra Designs (metal fabrication and design), Solidoodle
(3D printers), Scott Jordan (furniture), and Hanky Panky (women’s lingerie and “The World’s Most Comfortable Thong”).

Additional Navy Yard businesses featured in the exhibit include IceStone, OgoSport, Lumi-Solair, Spuni, Capsys, Campos Bags, and Crye Precision.

To further the local Maker Movement conversation, BLDG 92 will stage a series of panel discussions featuring representatives from exhibit companies and other well-known NY manufacturers.
Future programs include:

September 11, Networked Manufacturing, moderated by Sarah Krasley (Autodesk)
September 25, Values of Local Fashion Production in NYC, moderated by Elizabeth L. Cline (author, Overdressed: The Shockingly High Cost of Cheap Fashion)
October 9, Factory Sourcing Local and Overseas, moderated by Jessica Banks (Rock Paper Robot)
November 13, Maker Movement and Community, moderated by Susan Perl and Amy Ilias (ABC Carpet and Home)

“There is a robust series of programs, talks, events, and factory tours that accompany the exhibit and present great opportunities to meet makers and manufacturers and explore ways to tap into our city’s creative capital,” said Daniella Romano, who served as curator of “Making It in NYC.”

A new generation of entrepreneurs is driving a revolution in product design and business development. Collectively, they’re known as the maker movement. This exhibit helps shine light on the growing nationwide phenomenon, and focus it on the disruptive power of the artisans, techies and traditional manufacturers who represent “new manufacturing” here in New York City.

BLDG 92, 63 Flushing Avenue at Carlton Avenue.

Make Music New York on Myrtle Avenue

Make Music New York will take place for the 8th year in a row this Saturday, June 21st in Clinton Hill and Fort Greene, Brooklyn. The homegrown and locally owned businesses of the area have participated in Make Music New York since its inception in New York City.

Make Music New York takes place each year on the summer solstice, June 21st, the longest day of the year. On that day, hundreds of public spaces throughout the five boroughs – sidewalks, parks, community gardens, and more – become impromptu stages for over 1,000 free concerts. From 10am to 8pm fifteen Myrtle Avenue area businesses, including restaurants, cafes, shops, boutiques and the Fort Greene Park (entrance at southeast corner of Washington Park & Myrtle Avenue) will be hosting live music. Over 30 musicians will represent various music genres, including soul, Latin, R&B, folk, bluegrass, jazz, pop and neo-soul. Come out and groove to the music and stroll the Avenue.

Schedule details are below:

CLINTON HILL

Corkscrew Wines Brooklyn, 489 Myrtle Avenue between Hall Street & Ryerson
4pm Columbus, classic folk and blues
5pm Sara Rachele, folktales
6pm Elisa Flynn, broodingly nuanced vocals
7:15pm De Rosa, clever 60s/70s blues

Green in BKLYN, 432 Myrtle Avenue between Clinton & Waverly Avenues
12pm Tiffany Wilson, fun and sassy blues
3pm El Chico Blanco, instrumental rock, jazz and experimental
6pm James Marpolis, with a loop pedal

Mojito Cuban Cuisine, 62 Washington Avenue
12pm – 8pm Open Mic

Soco, 509 Myrtle Avenue between Ryerson & Grand Avenues
12pm -8pm Chocolatt Jared & Friends

Tipsy, 584 Myrtle Avenue between Emerson & Classon Avenues
2pm Rosko Taint, tasteful and catchy
6pm Noise & Rhythm, avant-indie
7:30pm Deborah Latz Group, wide-ranging jazz singer

FORT GREENE

Brooklyn Sweet Spot, 366 Myrtle Avenue between Clermont & Adelphi
12pm Lamayah, Mariah Carey vocals, Michael Jackson moves
1:30pm Lakule, singer/songwriter MUNY artist
2pm Kiirstin Marilyn, not afraid of audience interaction
4pm Aleksandra Denda, Serbian songstress
6pm The Visions, real raw, real funk, real cool

Energy Fuel, 386 Myrtle Avenue between Vanderbilt & Clermont Avenues
12pm Mano, multilingual rapper, producer
3pm Sangha Tierra, 10-piece “world community”
6pm Mano, multi-lingual rapper, producer

Fort Greene Park at Prison Martyrs Monument
2pm-6pm DJ CEO, spinning since 1997
2pm African Americana, electronic duo
2:30pm Red Sahara, influenced by soul, jazz
3pm The MisUndersanding, trio of old friends
3:30pm Fresh Daily, native hip-hop from BK
4pm Maritri Garrett & Friends, songwriters rooted in rock, jazz, folk
4:30pm (I am isis) rock and soul, in your face
5pm Meridian, like putting breath strips on your eyes

Fort Greene Park at Myrtle Avenue & Washington Park
12pm PATH-P, fresh young BK lyricist
1pm Jacob Schaffer, vocal looping and original instrumentalist
3pm Lakule, singer/songwriter, MUNY artist
5pm Iampopula, hip-hop and rock fun
6pm Thomas Piper digital creator has worked with The Last Poets, Public Enemy

Gnarly Vines, 350 Myrtle Avenue between Adelphi & Carlton Avenues
2pm Kenn Lowy, Elliott Smith meets Rod Serling
3:30pm HooP, bluesy folk rock
5pm Eric Contractor, bel-canto, cinematic songwriting

Brooklyn Public Library (Walt Whitman Branch), 93 St. Edwards Street between Myrtle & Park Avenues
12pm Jessy Tomsko, light-hearted indie folk, catchy lyrics
2pm Geremy Grant, alt and pop covers
3pm Family Productions Entertainment, inspirational hip-hop, R&B

SONYA Art Walk in Brooklyn

Did you know that the SONYA Art Walk is coming to Brooklyn this month? Over 60 local artists are being exhibited throughout the four vibrant neighborhoods of Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Wallabout, and Bedford- Stuyvesant for the 15th Annual SONYA Art Walk (formerly The SONYA Stroll). The self-guided tour of fine arts studios and alternative art venues is taking place on Saturday, May 17^th and Sunday, May 18^th. Come view paintings, drawings, sculptures, photography and ceramics in elegant brownstones, warehouses and lofts around the Brooklyn Navy Yard and the energy-filled streets of Bedford-Stuyvesant. It is all FREE and open to the public.

Download the Art Walk Map HERE and get the unique opportunity to meet some Brooklyn’s based artists and discover art works.

Art is being exhibited at nine Home Grown & Locally owned businesses on Myrtle Avenue (Zone A & Zone B). Swing by and see some art and then use our dining guide to help you find some of Fort Greene & Clinton Hill’s best food.

Gnarly Vines, 350 Myrtle Avenue between Carlton & Adelphi
DC Optics, 390 Myrtle Avenue between Clermont & Vanderbilt Avenues
Owl & Pussy Cat, 154 Vanderbilt Avenue near Myrtle Avenue
Green in Bklyn, 432 Myrtle Avenue between Clinton & Waverly
Corkscrew Wines, 489 Myrtle Avenue between Hall & Ryerson
Hadas Gallery, 541 Myrtle Avenue between Steuben & Emerson
The Emerson, 561 Myrtle Avenue between Emerson & Classon Avenue
Tipsy, 584 Myrtle Avenue between Emerson & Classon Avenue

The neighborhoods in the SONYA Art Walk are accessible via the C train between Lafayette and Franklin Avenue stations, the G line between Clinton-Washington and Bedford-Nostrand stations, the B, Q and R lines at Dekalb Avenue station, and all lines stopping at Atlantic Avenue-Barclays Center.

The event is from noon-6pm and is rain or shine.
For more information check out: www.SONYAonline.org

Owa Afrikan Market at 434 Myrtle Avenue

We love that Owa’s Afrikan Market on Myrtle Avenue is part of the Brooklyn Children’s Museum‘s fun, educational permanent exhibit, World Brooklyn. The World Brooklyn exhibit consists of a maze of kid-sized shops, modeled after real Brooklyn businesses, each containing a fun activity. At the Owa exhibit, kids learn about adinkra symbols, pretend to tally the cost of items at the cash register and use paper and pencil to explore the shapes of wooden mask carvings.

The real Owa Afrikan Market store is located at 434 Myrtle Avenue between Clinton and Waverly Avenues. The store is a go-to haven for textiles, gifts, art and crafts, imported food, musical instruments, music, books, movies (DVDs), wood carvings and so much more from West Africa. Stop in to pick up any number of wonderful items, including a wonderful collection of Nollywood (film from Nigeria) and Gollywood (film from Ghana) film on DVD, t-shirts and palm wine to accompany a lovely meal at home. Owa Afrikan Market opened its doors on Myrtle Avenue 20 years ago to address the needs of customers living in New York City seeking authentic clothing and crafts from Africa. In fact, the word ‘Owa’ means home in the Edo language.

Owa Afrikan Market is located at 434 Myrtle Avenue between Clinton and Waverly Avenues.

photo credit: Brooklyn Children’s Museum

Artwalk Coming to a Close

Black Artstory Month is coming to an end, however, visitors to Myrtle Avenue can still see the diverse artwork from close to 20 local artists in the Artwalk at the following Myrtle Avenue businesses until Sunday, March 2nd. The Avenue-wide Artwalk is self-guided.

Feel free to stop by these locations during regular business hours to view the works. Artwalk Map. Please note that the artwork at Corkscrew Brooklyn will not be on view past Saturday, March 1st.

Black Artstory Artwalk locations:

Gnarly Vines 350 Myrtle Ave
Climate Change featuring Try Harder NYC artists Steven Mosley and Jose Baez

Brooklyn Sweet Spot 366 Myrtle Avenue
Sophia Dawson, Ify Chiejina

DC Optics 390 Myrtle Ave
Local Heroes: Works by youth from PS 20

Joseph Tyler Salon 458 Myrtle Avenue (window)
Ibou Ndoye

Miracle’s 473A Myrtle Avenue (window)
Ibou Ndoye

Dee and Rickys 503 Myrtle Avenue
Laolu Senbanjo, Jabari Jefferson, Ify Chiejina, Patrick Dougher, Chanel Kennebrew

Pillow Cafe 505 Myrtle Avenue
Teri Sanders

The Emerson 561 Myrtle Avenue
Lissa Rivera, Angel Garcia, Ellie Balk, Chanel Kennebrew, Mirland Terlonge, Amber Doe

Soketah 563 Myrtle Avenue (window)
Ibou Ndoye

Brooklyn Young Filmmakers Center on Myrtle Avenue

l-r: BYFC founder/director, Trayce Gardener and staff member, Zach Kangas

Brooklyn Young Filmmakers Center (BYFC) set up shop in the back area of Huey’s Chueys Candy Boutique & Café nearly three months ago. The film and arts cultural hub and not-for-profit offers film screenings, workshops on filmmaking, production assistance, allied film courses, including set design, voice overs, lighting and sound production. Through its ‘People’s Hollywood’ initiative, it partners with local small businesses to market them as film shoot locations as well as catering options for film shoots of all sizes. BYFC’s most recent program addition is ‘Skill Share,’ where local residents can sign-up to offer classes to neighbors in a one time or short series of workshops about any topic they feel competent and/or passionate about. BYFC founder, Trayce Gardener says recently submitted Skillshare proposals have included “almost every topic under the sun, the more serious to the all about fun, including Spanish language classes, crocheting classes, political science classes, beer-making, and line dancing.”

BYFC has been a Fort Greene-based mainstay for several years but now with ground floor, walk-in access, the organization looks forward to expanding. “We are in serious fundraising mode now,” shared Trayce, as we hope to maintain our presence on Myrtle Avenue.” “Our hope is to grow support for Brooklyn Young Filmmakers Center, to in our rich arts and culture landscape of Fort Greene and even among our much larger arts and cultural institutions, that we can maintain a walk-in presence too. I’m confident that we serve an important purpose, a haven for filmmakers, artists and the arts and anyone who is a lover of small businesses.”

In addition to vintage candies, gourmet, hand churned ice cream and other delicious treats, Hueys’s Chueys now serves soups, salads, sandwiches and other delicious menu items. Please stop in to enjoy.

Huey’s Chueys Candy Boutique & Café and Brooklyn Young Filmmakers Center are located at 378 Myrtle Avenue between Clermont & Adelphi. Please drop in to support BYFC’s fundraising efforts, to find out more, to sign up to teach or take SkillShare or other workshops, or just to say hello and check out the space.

Black Artstory Month Art Exhibitions in Fort Greene & Clinton Hill, Brooklyn

Preparation for this Saturday’s Black Artstory Month Artwalk on Myrtle Avenue in Fort Greene & Clinton Hill, Brooklyn are underway! Artwork is being installed today at DC Optics, Corkscrew and Dee & Ricky’s, and is already up at Gnarly Vines. Stop by 10 participating Myrtle businesses this Saturday from 6-8pm to view the art, meet the artists, and then join us for a celebratory toast at our Opening Reception at The Emerson at 8pm.

Here’s a spotlight on two exhibitions: Climate Change and Local Heroes.

Climate Change featuring Try Harder NYC artists Steven Mosley and Jose Baez, Gnarly Vines
For a brief moment in time a snowstorm allows the weathered surfaces of a Brooklyn neighborhood to reveal the layers of its past. Despite its changing appearance, Myrtle Avenue preserves its heritage in its walls and its residents. In Climate Change, the artists position Myrtle Avenue as a landscape for change, using photography and layered painting techniques to show the neighborhood in transition. Photos of Myrtle Avenue were recently taken during a heavy snowstorm.

Local Heroes, PS 20 students, DC Optics
At times, Black History Month seems to focus on the national heroes: the figures who went down in the history books for shaking up the political or social system, who were considered innovators or groundbreakers. But what about the local figures, the unsung heroes, our own community celebrities? PS 20 art teacher, Magin Schantz, encouraged students to create portraits of someone they consider to be a hero or an inspiration. They created watercolors of their music teacher, Lonnie Hampton; chalk portraits of local artist, Warren Parker; and collages of Fort Greene icons like Spike Lee and Erykah Badu.

All Exhibition locations and participating artists. Dowload the Artwalk map.

Gnarly Vines 350 Myrtle Ave
Climate Change featuring Try Harder NYC artists Steven Mosley and Jose Baez

Brooklyn Sweet Spot 366 Myrtle Avenue
Sophia Dawson, Ify Chiejina

DC Optics 390 Myrtle Ave
Local Heroes: Works by youth from PS 20.

Joseph Tyler Salon 458 Myrtle Avenue (window)
Ibou Ndoye

Miracle’s 473A Myrtle Avenue (window)
Ibou Ndoye

Corkscrew 489 Myrtle Avenue
Justin Baldwin, Jules Joseph

Dee and Rickys 503 Myrtle Avenue
Laolu Senbanjo, Jabari Jefferson, Ify Chiejina, Patrick Dougher, Chanel Kennebrew

Pillow Cafe 505 Myrtle Avenue
Teri Sanders

The Emerson 561 Myrtle Avenue
Lissa Rivera, Angel Garcia, Ellie Balk, Chanel Kennebrew, Mirland Terlonge, Amber Doe

Soketah 563 Myrtle Avenue (window)
Ibou Ndoye

Visit our calendar for a complete listing of all events, featured artists, programs and venues.

Black Artstory Month Kicks Off in Brooklyn in February

Black Artstory Month on Myrtle Avenue in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill, Brooklyn, begins February 1st. Native Sons and Daughters launches with two events: an avenue-wide Artwalk and opening reception at The Emerson.

Artwalk (Visual Art): 6pm-8pm, multiple locations
Curator Daonne Huff brings together works that explore stories of migration, and of shaping identity. While the emphasis is on the African American experience, artists from a variety of backgrounds are included in exhibitions at 10 locations along Myrtle Avenue. Stroll down Myrtle Avenue on Saturday, February 1st to view the works, meet some of the artists, and enjoy specials at select businesses.

Opening Reception: 8pm-10pm, The Emerson (561 Myrtle Avenue)
Featuring DJ Hot Hands and a live performance by Patrick Dougher.
FREE and open to the public. Drink specials.

Native Sons and Daughters brings together stories of travel, of exploring identities, of seeking to establish roots and of pursuing ownership of a space and place. While the primary focus is on the African American experiences, these journeys and pursuits are universal—crossing cultural and racial lines. Artists from diverse backgrounds will reflect on this through spoken word, storytelling, music, visual art, and more at locations across Myrtle Avenue in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill throughout the month of February.

Visit our calendar for a complete listing of all events, featured artists, programs and venues.

Interested in taking a guided neighborhood walking tours?

Credits and Acknowledgements

Past Events

Recent News

2015 Black Artstory Events

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