DOT: Myrtle Avenue Borough’s 6th Most Dangerous Corridor

NYC DOT recently unveiled its Pedestrian Safety Action Plan for Brooklyn, along with action plans for each borough.  Under the Vision Zero policy championed by traffic safety advocates and adopted by Mayor de Blasio, the report identifies dangerous streets and lays out actions to improve safety.

Using KSI (pedestrians Killed or Severely Injured), the report ranks all intersections, corridors, and areas (see Brooklyn Priority Map below).  According to the report, Myrtle Avenue (from Flatbush to Wyckoff) is the 6th most dangerous corridor in Brooklyn with 11.1 KSI/mile.  As a comparison, Flatbush Avenue, from Fulton Street to Grand Army Plaza, is the most dangerous in Brooklyn with 20.8 KSI/mile.  The report also identifies the intersection of Myrtle Avenue and Flatbush Avenue as a priority intersection.

What does this mean for Myrtle Avenue?  According to the report:

  • DOT will install Leading Pedestrian Intervals (LPIs) at every feasible school crossing crosswalk on all Brooklyn Priority Corridors by 2017.
  • DOT will install LPIs at every feasible Brooklyn Priority Intersection by the end of 2017.
  • To better control speeds, DOT will modify off-peak signal timing on all feasible Brooklyn Priority Corridors by 2017.
  • In 2015, speed limit signage will be expanded so the speed limit will be posted at a higher frequency along Brooklyn Priority Corridors.
  • NYPD will focus enforcement on Priority Corridors, Intersections, and Areas.
  • DOT’s Safety Education team will focus their programs at or near Priority Corridors, Intersections, and Areas.

The Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership welcomes DOT’s efforts to improve pedestrian safety and we will work with the agency, as needed, to make Myrtle Avenue safer for everyone.  After years of advocacy by MARP, DOT designed and installed safety improvements to Park Avenue in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill.  The city has also begun construction of Myrtle Avenue Plaza, which was requested by MARP and includes various pedestrian safety upgrades.

 

Brooklyn Priority Map

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).

 

Now Open: Brownstone Spa in Clinton Hill

Brownstone Spa on Myrtle Avenue

Brownstone Spa has opened its doors at 473A Myrtle Avenue, between Washington Avenue and Hall Street, in Clinton Hill.  The new day spa offers a full menu of massages, facials and reflexology treatments.  Owner, Rebecca, who many locals will recognize as a manager at nearby Kum Kau Restaurant, is taking her years of experience as a licensed physical therapist and looking to help locals relax.  Rebecca’s goal with Brownstone Spa was to create a “relaxing sanctuary” where anyone could come in and shed stress through a relaxing one or two hour massage.

The spa’s massage menu offers Swedish, deep tissue, Ashiatsu back walk, and hot stone massages for anyone looking to unwind.  And their stiff neck, hand and foot, or face massage options will help you make sure your targeting the areas where stress and tension build up the most.  Customers can pick massages a la carte, or pick from one of the spa’s six different packages that combine massages, facials and reflexology treatments.

Brownstone Spa will be offering a variety of discounts for locals, including a 50% first-time discount and 10% off for students, teachers and seniors.  Local residents can receive a “neighbors’ special” discount of 20% as well.  Annual memberships are also available to spa, allowing members to receive 50% off all services for the year plus a free birthday massage.

Brownstone Spa, 473A Myrtle Avenue, between Washington Avenue and Hall Street.

 

New Building Planned for Vacant Lot on Myrtle Avenue

491 Myrtle Avenue

A new building application was filed this past Wednesday, calling for a new five story building to rise on a vacant lot at 491 Myrtle Avenue in Clinton Hill.  The site, between Hall and Ryerson Street, has sat vacant for the past five years after it was demolished due to the collapse of a neighboring building at 493 Myrtle Avenue in 2009.

The mixed-use building will house six residences on the upper floors, and a 1,250 square foot commercial space on the ground floor.  According to the new building application, Issac and Stern Architects will be leading the design.  They are currently working on several other projects throughout north Brooklyn, according to their web site.  Renderings for 491 Myrtle Avenue have not yet been released.

The new building will only span the 20-foot wide vacant lot at 491 Myrtle Avenue, leaving two adjoining vacant lots untouched.  No plans have been announced for the redevelopment of these sites.

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

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

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

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

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!

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

Remembering Rodeo CaldoniaThis 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.

Pratt Station Post Office Reopened

Pratt Station Post Office 609 Myrtle Avenue

The Pratt Station Post Office will reopen at its new location, 609 Myrtle Aveneue, on Tuesday, February 17th, according to a press release sent out by Brooklyn Post Master Edward Roggenkamp.  The new location, at the corner of Myrtle and Kent Avenues, will serve the 11205 ZIP code with the following operating hours:

Retail Window Counter Hours:
Monday thru Friday: 9:00AM – 5:00PM
Saturday: 9:00AM – 1:00PM

Post Office Box Service Hours:
Monday thru Friday: 9:00AM – 5:00PM
Saturday: 9:00AM – 3:00PM

Package Pick Up Hours:
Monday thru Friday: 9:00AM – 5:00PM
Saturday: 9:00AM – 3:00PM

The post office moves to this location from their former space at 524 Myrtle Avenue in Clinton Hill.  The postal service has been building out the space for the past four months, after it closed its previous location in October 2014.

 

Now Open: Curry Place on Myrtle Avenue

Image Source: Fort Greene Focus

Image Source: Fort Greene Focus

On Valentine’s Day, Curry Place opened its doors at 330 Myrtle Avenue in Fort Greene.  The new Indian restaurant, located between Washington Park and Carlton Avenue, is serving a menu of traditional and favorite Indian dishes.  Diners can enjoy their meal at the restaurant, which is BYOB with wine or beer, or they can order free delivery – which the restaurant will begin offering with their first week of opening.

Curry Place can be reached by phone at 718-522-3828 or 718-522-4736.

Curry Place, 330 Myrtle Avenue between Washington Park and Carlton Avenue.

Now Open: Purity Nail Boutique

Purity Nail

A new salon has opened for business on Myrtle Avenue, between Washington Avenue and Hall Street, in Clinton Hill.  Purity Nail Boutique, now open at 479 Myrtle Avenue, opened on Valentine’s Day and offers a variety of day spa services, including manicures, pedicures, waxing and massages.  To celebrate their grand opening, all services are being offered with a 10% discount this week!

The boutique opened in the space that was formerly Nails by Tina.  Once you step inside, you’ll find many new things in the space – a new business owner, a renovated spa, and some new services.  And some things have stayed the same, including many of the salon’s staff who have worked at Nails by Tina for years.

Purity Nail Boutique, 479 Myrtle Avenue, between Washington Avenue and Hall Street.

New Thaiholic Opening this Weekend on Myrtle Avenue

Thaiholic Myrtle Avenue

New Thai restaurant, Thaholic, just installed their new sign today and is planning on opening this weekend.  The new restaurant will be serving up a similar menu to previous tenant, Manee Thai, but is under new management.

Thaiholic, 372 Myrtle Avenue, between Adelphi and Clermont.

Town Hall Meeting on Transportation

Move NY Plan

A coalition of neighborhood groups, merchants associations, and elected officials representing Downtown and Brownstone Brooklyn are hosting a town hall meeting to discuss how to address crumbling transportation infrastructure, growing congestion, and rising tolls and transit fares.

The town hall meeting is open to the public and will be held on Thursday February 19 at 6:00 PM EST at Brooklyn’s 3rd Avenue YWCA, at Atlantic Avenue.

The focus of the town hall meeting will be a plan put forward by Move NY, a transportation policy group. “Gridlock” Sam Schwartz – a former NYC Traffic Commissioner – will present the Move NY plan, a leading proposal to address New York City’s numerous transportation needs in a comprehensive fashion. Members of the community will have the opportunity to discuss the plan during break out sessions to take place after the initial presentation.

Community Boards 2, 6 and 8, and nearly a dozen community groups are convening the town hall meeting. The groups hosting the forum include the Atlantic Avenue Business Improvement District, Boerum Hill Association, Brooklyn Heights Association, Carroll Gardens Neighborhood Association, Cobble Hill Association, Myrtle Avenue Partnership, Park Slope Civic Council, and the Prospect Heights Neighborhood Development Council.

To RSVP, click here.  This event is free and open to the public.

Public Meeting About Fort Greene Park

Image Credit: Brooklyn Paper

Image Credit: Brooklyn Paper

The Fort Greene Park Conservancy will host a special public forum to outline current efforts to improve the historic 30 acre park.

The free forum will be held Wednesday, February 11 at Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church, Jarvie Room, 85 S. Oxford Street (at Lafayette) from 7:30 to 9 pm.

The event features an informal conversation between community members and Conservancy staff that will highlight projects in the park, restoration of major lawns, and ways the community can get involved.  Attendees will hear from a panel of experts including the new Fort Greene Park Director David Barker, NYC Parks Department staff, and turf care experts from Central Park Conservancy who will be discussing their experiences managing Central Park and “best practices” for growing lush green grass in an urban environment.

The Fort Greene Park Conservancy, in partnership with the City of New York and the community, enhances the park’s function as the primary green space and strengthens the culturally diverse Fort Greene community by making Fort Greene Park the hub of neighborhood social gatherings through programming and park conservation.

Bar Bolinas Opening Soon

Bar Bolitas

Brooklyn Chefs and now co-owners Nate Smith and Sophie Kamin are joining forces with Maggie Brown owner, Chelsea Altman to open Bar Bolinas, a restaurant named after a coastal town in and which will serve food with emphasis on Northern California.

More details about this exciting new restaurant and partnership in the coming weeks.  Chelsea’s popular neighborhood restaurant, Maggie Brown operated out of this space for a decade prior.

Bar Bolinas has an expected March opening date.

Happy Birthday Bella Rosa Flowers, 8 years & Counting

Julio_sized for blog

This Valentine’s Day marks the 8 years in business for Julio Perez, owner of Bella Rosa Flowers located at 566 Myrtle Avenue between Emerson Place and Classon Avenue.  Bella Rosa Flowers had been around for nearly two years before Mr. Perez purchased it and took it over a the sole proprietor.  Whether long-stemmed roses or a single white rose, a full bouquet and vase or plants and other greenery, Bella Rosa is a go-to store to pick up just the right flower or plant for any occasion.

Please stop in, and when you do, don’t forget to say–Happy 8th Anniversary!

Check out Bella Rosa’s Valentine’s Day Special — call by  February 12th and get a 20% off a bouquet of long-stemmed roses.

Bella Rosa Flowers, 566 Myrtle Avenue between Emerson Place and Classon Avenue
(347) 763-6006

Myrtle Avenue Is for Lovers & Friends Too!

 

bella rosa pic_for blogb

Oooh la la, Myrtle is indeed for lovers. There are so many wonderful LOCAL places to choose from, to shop, dine, pamper, enjoy live music and more this Valentine’s Day. A few love-inspired activities on the Avenue this year, whether you choose to spend the big day as a couple, solo or with friends or whatever, enjoy.

FLOWERS

  • Bella Rosa Flowers & Gift Shop, 566 Myrtle, (347) 763-6006   Flower bouquets of every beautiful variety, including 20% off premium long stemmed roses:  $48.  Must order by 2/12 for sale price.

CARDS & CHOCOLATES

  • Green in BKLYN, 432 Myrtle, (718) 855-4383. Also stop in for LOVE QUOTES, come out and share or read sage love quotes on the in-story recycled chalkboards or on the web.

SWEETS

  • Brooklyn Sweet Spot (718) 522-2577  Champagne truffles, Chocolate covered strawberries, Gourmet-sized cupcakes, Heart shaped brownies, Chocolate dipped pretzels and more.  Valentine’s Day baskets available.

PICTURE PERFECT

OH, TO BE PAMPERED

  • Joseph Tyler Salon, 456 Myrtle, (718) 802-9900 Special V-Day gift cards available for your sweet to use on a variety of products and services at the salon, from hair color to cuts.
  • Polish Bar of Brooklyn, 470 Myrtle, (718) 622-5363 Valentine’s Day Nail Art from 12pm to 4pm.  Call to book an appointment:  Nail Art  2 fingers: $8; 4 fingers: $12; 6 or more fingers: $27; Gel Art   2 fingers: $12; 4 fingers: $18; 6 or more fingers: $37.

LET’S TOAST TO THAT

  • Corkscrew Wines Brooklyn, 489 Myrtle, (718) 230-WINE (9463):  pick of pair of romantic reds to celebrate with your main squeeze for only $35.  Plus choose from wide variety of other selections
  • Gnarly Vines, 350 Myrtle, (718) 797-3183  Wide selections, including champagnes, reds, imaro, pisco, cognac, maraschino and more.
  • Tipsy, 584 Myrtle, (347) 599-1672.  Splurge on a treat. Whether you’ve got a honey or hanging with friends on Saturday or at a later time, here are two bottles of bubbly that will make it extra special:

Veuve Clicquot (this week $45, regularly $55) We all know that orange-labeled bottle: it impresses, it makes a statement and it tastes damn delicious.

Moet & Chandon Nectar Imperial (this week $50, regularly $60)

FOOD FOR THE SWEET

  • Lola BKLYN, 387 Myrtle, (718) 858-1484   2-for-1 mimosas and Special 3-course pre-fixe dinner:  Beet Goat Napoleon, champagne cocktail, lobster salad (avocado, blood orange, citrus dressing), corvina ceviche (canchita corn, leche de tigre shot), crispy tomato (mozzarella and melon honey balls), butternut squash risotto with shrimp (roasted butternut squash, balsamic reduction), filet mignon (spinach ricotta cake, mushroom red wine reduction) wrapped in bacon, pan seared red snapper (sage parsnip mousse, glazed baby carrot, barigoule sauce), dessert duo.
  • Peck’s, 455A Myrtle, (347) 689-4969 Satisfy your foodie Valentine with a gift basket full of local food goodies at Peck’s, including heart shaped brownies and solid chocolate bears.
  • Lulu & Po, 154 Carlton, (917) 435-3745. TBA
  • Peck’s, 455A Myrtle, (347) 689-4969 Satisfy your foodie Valentine with a gift basket full of local food goodies at Peck’s, including heart shaped brownies.
  • Putnam’s Pub, 419 Myrtle, (347) 799-2382.  Valentine’s Day Menu TBA
  • Soco, 509 Myrtle (718) 783-1936.  Valentine’s Day.  Chef Dinner Special Appetizers & Entrees  Unlimited Champagne Dinner  $25 Per person (1Hr. Per Person)  Early Bird Seating  12PM – 2PM – 4 PM  Dinner Seating  6PM – 8PM – 10PM – 12PM  Reserve Now  718.783.1936
  • The Runner, 458 Myrtle, (718) 643-6500  Valentine’s Day Prix Fixe features 3 courses for $75 per person, 5 pm – 12 am. Complimentary champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries on arrival  Starters (choice of): Butternut Squash Soup, maple, brown butter; The Runner Chopped Salad kale, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, pistachios; She Crab Bisque; Entrees (choice of): Portobello and Black Truffle Ravioli; ricotta w/sherry mushroom ragout; Lamb Chops
  • Splitty, 415 Myrtle, (718) 643-BUNS (2868)  Live music:  Raye Six ‘Love Potion #9′ Valentine’s Night.  Sat., Feb. 14th — DJ Hi Maintenance / DJ Devanity / Raye 6 ‘I Like’ Video Premiere & Performance Giveaways

Win a Dinner With Your Love at The Runner

Runner valentines

Even love birds need some nourishment, right?  Then you are going to want to know about this Valentine’s Day contest.

Take a selfie with the giant heart on The Runner’s storefront window, post the pic to The Runner’s Twitter or Instagram sites tagging with #TheRunnerBK, and you are in the running (get it?) for a $100 gift certificate. The winner will be announced February 16th.  Follow The Runner: @TheRunnerBK for details.

The Runner is fantastic any time.

The Runner, 458 Myrtle Avenue between Washington and Waverly Avenues
(718) 643.6500

Pic of the Week: The Runner

Runner_10th anniversary_a

Happy Birthday to The Runner–we wish you many, many, many prosperous years more.

The Runner is named after Walt Whitman’s poem of the same name, has a wood-burning oven at the center of its cooking philosophy.  The extensive menu has many seasonal items including, wood-fired baked breads, vegetables and main dishes like lamb shoulder with plum sauce, culotte steak “Diane,” and a whole roast chicken for two; shaved brussel sprout, cabbage and kale with hazelnut dressing, and pickled and roasted beets with parsley, walnuts and a red wine vinaigrette; mashed potatoes with gruyere, whole beans with duck confit, and wild rice and kabocha squash.

Seafood is procured fresh everyday and includes dishes such as: salt-baked trout with a caper sauce as well as freshly-shucked oysters, served raw, roasted, and in sandwiches. For dessert: a take on carrot pudding, tipsy cake, plus a variety of homemade ice creams, including fennel and molasses.

The Runner is owned by Gastro Coterie, Art Winter and Richard Winter.

The Runner, 460 Myrtle Avenue between Washington and Waverly.
(718) 643-6500

Runner_10th anniversary_b

Black Artstory Event Highlight: BLACK BROOKLYN/HOME

Black Artstory Events- Naima GreenCome 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).

 

Thwoback Thursday: Miracle’s Barber Shop

470 Myrtle Avenue

Photo taken by William Gedney. Image Source: Duke University Libraries, William Gedney Collection.

This photo is a throwback to 1969, at 470 Myrtle Avenue (between Washington Ave and Hall St), home to Crescent Barber Shop. If you visit 470 Myrtle today, you’ll still find men and women looking for a fresh cut, at Miracle’s Barber Shop. Miracle’s just moved into the space last month from their previous location just across the street, where they’ve been doing business for more than a decade. Congrats to Miracle’s on the new space!

Miracle’s Barber Shop, 470 Myrtle Avenue, between Washington Avenue and Hall Street.

Black Artstory Event Highlight: Hammerstep

Hammerstep on MyrtleCome 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.

Movement Class for Older Adults

Photo Credit: markmorrisdancegroup.org

Photo Credit: markmorrisdancegroup.org

Mark Morris Dance Center faculty member Janelle Barry is leading a FREE movement class in February and March for older adults at the Ingersoll Community Center. The class is designed to use “gentle movement to explore and increase range of motion”. No previous dance experience or registration is required. Visit our calendar for full event details.

Healthy Communities Participants Featured in WhyHunger Community Voices

In the summer of 2014 David Hanson, writer and photographer with WhyHunger, visited the Ingersoll Garden of Eden and captured the stories and beautiful images of the residents and their gardens. He also spoke with Shaquana Boykin, a Fort Greene & Clinton Hill Community Food Council member, ‘Shop Healthy on a Budget’ tour leader and resident. We are so proud to see these amazing people applauded for their dedication to lead change to create a healthier, more accessible food system for Fort Greene residents. Enjoy the full story  here . 

This story is part of over 50 organizations throughout the US participating in Community Voices, a collaboration between WhyHunger and the USDA’s Community Food Projects Competitive Grant Program. For three years, David Hanson has traveled to meet with farmers, youth employees, teachers, senior citizens, ranchers, community organizers, refugees, garden leaders, and health care workers, listening to their personal narratives and learning what food and food justice means to them and their communities. All stories can be viewed on the WhyHunger website.  

Macaroni and cheese at Soco

mac and cheese_sized for blog

This rich and flavorful classic dish is cared for well in Soco’s hands, rich and incredibly delicious.  Stop in to experience it as well as the other wonderful southern and southern-fused menu items, including the popular chicken and red velvet waffles.

Soco is located at 509 Myrtle Avenue between Ryerson and Grand.  The restaurant can be reached at (718) 783-1936.

Humo is delicious as ever, on Seamless soon

Humo Smokehouse on Myrtle Avenue, Fort Greene Brooklyn

Have you stopped in at Humo Smokehouse lately?  Oh, boy–those tender, fall of the bone ribs are to die for.  Stop in for spareribs, brisket, pulled pork, pulled chicken, pork belly or sausage links.  All delicious, from the farm meats and affordable at $6 on average for a meal, which includes 1/4 lb meat and a side.

Sides, which come in small and large sizes include chili, smoked beans, potato salad, mixed veggies and coleslaw.

Order from Humo Smokehouse via Seamless SOON.

Humo Smokehouse is located at 336 Myrtle Avenue between Washington Park and Carlton Avenue.  Call them at (347) 689-9239.

Black Artstory Artwalk & Kick-Off Party

BlackArtstory (620)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).