For the next month, three blocks of Myrtle Avenue will play host to the artwork of Fort Greene-based artist Anne LaFond as the first exhibit in our new Myrtle Windows Gallery program. Myrtle Windows Gallery aims to create an open-air art gallery that breaks down the walls of the traditional private art gallery to bring two-dimensional art to the public arena via the storefront window, where it is accessible to anyone simply walking down the street.
Come celebrate this inaugural exhibit with us on Tuesday, October 21st from 5:30pm to 7:30pm at Five Spot Supper Club at 461 Myrtle between Washington and Waverly. During the opening reception, LaFond will be on hand to discuss her work, and will lead a walking tour of the exhibit immediately following the reception. The reception is free and open to the public (RSVP here) and light refreshments will be served.
LaFonds paintings touch on issues of social justice and consciousness like the effects of violence and the New York working class experience. Paintings in the Subway Series exhibit are dynamic and colorful depictions of everyday people on their daily commute on the New York City subway with a focus on how they interact with each other and the daily news.
The paintings will be on display until November 17, 2008 in the following ten storefronts, all located within three blocks on Myrtle Avenue between Hall Street and Clinton Avenue: Anima (458 Myrtle); Five Spot Supper Club (459 Myrtle); Joseph Tyler Salon (456 Myrtle); Karens Body Beautiful (436 Myrtle); Karrot Health Food (431 Myrtle); Miracles Unisex Barber Shop (473A Myrtle); Move with Grace Dance & Yoga Studio (469 Myrtle); Optimum Care Rehab (474 Myrtle); Thai 101 Restaurant (455A Myrtle); Three Stars Laundromat (439 Myrtle). The paintings are all available for sale by the artist, with a printed guide to the gallery and pricing inside each participating storefront.
Speaking of public art, youve probably already noticed that we have a few new residents on Myrtle Avenue the Tree Huggers!
At the end of the summer, we kicked off our Public Art Program with the temporary installation of four pieces from the internationally-known Tree Hugger Project at two locations on Myrtle: the Carlton Green Streets Triangle (Carlton and Myrtle), and the Ingersoll Houses (Myrtle between Prince and Navy). This project was a collaboration between the Partnership, New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, New York City Housing Authority and the Ingersoll Tenants Association. Tree Hugger pieces will be exhibited on Myrtle Avenue until July 2009.
Artists Wiktor Szostalo and Agnieska Gradzik have installed the Tree Huggers in parks and public spaces all over the world. From material to concept, the Tree Huggers send a message that we all have an important role as stewards of public space and the environment, and Myrtle Avenue is excited to be part of this global movement.
Next time youre walking down Myrtle take a moment to check out our whimsical visitors from the skateboarding tree hugger at Carlton to the flying red balloon family at Ingersoll, these characters will surely brighten your stroll and bring a smile to your face.
We hope to bring more temporary public sculpture installations to Myrtle Avenue in the coming year.
