myrtle minutes - Storefront Improvement

Myrtle Windows Gallery celebrates SONYA exhibition at Tamboril this Thursday!

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 12:24:00 -0400

The Myrtle Windows Gallery will host the Prelude Exhibition of SONYA's Studio Stroll from April 29th - May 18th. Come celebrate the opening on Thursday, April 29th, on a guided stroll with SONYA artists beginning at 5:30pm at Brooklyn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (417 Myrtle Avenue between Vanderbilt and Clinton), culminating at the opening reception at Tamboril (527 Myrtle Avenue between Grand and Steuben), from 6pm to 8pm, with hors d'oeuvres, a cash bar, music, and a video slide show. To RSVP for the guided tour or reception: call 718-705-4911, or email info@sonyaonline.org. Guests are encouraged to linger at Tamboril for the best in Nuevo Latino Cuisine! To make a dinner reservation, please call Tamboril at 718-622-5130.

This is the second of three Myrtle Windows Gallery exhibitions planned for 2010, and each will feature an added bonus for gallery visitors special deals at five featured MWG businesses. Coupons for specials at Jive Turkey, Joseph Tyler Salon, Miracles, Kum Kau, and Brooklyn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu are included in the newly redesigned Gallery Guide, which will be available at participating merchants beginning April 29th, all located within four blocks: Brooklyn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (412 Myrtle); Kapellass (417 Myrtle); Connecticut Muffin (423 Myrtle); Karrot (431 Myrtle); Green in BKLYN (432 Myrtle); Jive Turkey (441 Myrtle); Thai 101 (455A Myrtle); Joseph Tyler Salon (456 Myrtle); Anima (458 Myrtle); Kum Kau (462 Myrtle); Miracles Unisex Barber Shop (473A Myrtle); Optimum Care Rehab (474 Myrtle).
This Myrtle Windows Gallery exhibit is sponsored, in part, by the Greater New York Arts Development Fund of the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, administered by the Brooklyn Arts Council, Inc. (BAC).

Myrtle Windows Gallery - last weekend to view and purchase works from "IMPRINT"

Fri, 26 Mar 2010 13:50:00 -0400

Last chance to view the works in the latest MWG exhibition, "Imprint", which will say goodbye on Wednesday, March 31st! Take advantage of the opportunity to add to your collection - many of these prints are very affordable, some at just $20!

Make sure to stop by Anima to view Nathan Catlin's piece "Knowledge is a Blessing..."(pictured here), and at Brooklyn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to view "Banana Farmers" (also by the same artist). These pieces are catching people's attention.

Also, don't forget to pick up a gallery guide at participating MWG businesses, since this will also be your last chance to take advantage of specials listed in the brochure at Thai 101, Anima, Kapella's, Green in BKLYN, and Karrot.

Tour Myrtle Windows Gallery this weekend ...

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 14:46:00 -0400

The weather people are forecasting spring weather for this weekend - 50 degrees! That's perfect for an activity, like say, strolling Myrtle and viewing some art? The newest Myrtle Windows Gallery exhibition was installed this week, featuring prints by artists from Pratt. Twelve storefronts between Vanderbilt and Hall feature works by eight artists. Sounds like a great weekend activity!

Photo: Mabuhay Gardens by Sonya Katcher at Karrot

A new MWG exhibtion, an opening reception, and Myrtle specials!

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 11:34:00 -0400

The first 2010 Myrtle Windows Gallery installment launching Thursday, March 4th will feature limited edition prints from artists in Pratts Pressure Print Collective. Join the artists on Thursday, March 4th on a walking tour beginning at Brooklyn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (412 Myrtle) at 5:30pm, and at the opening reception at Tamboril (527 Myrtle) at 6pm, where 2-for-1 drink specials and free appetizers will be enjoyed by all!

Imprint features the works of eight artists, and will run from March 4th - March 31st in Myrtle storefronts between Vanderbilt and Hall, with additional works shown indoors at Tamboril. Myrtle Windows Gallery offers you a unique way to support both local artists and local businesses, in that a portion of sales will go directly to the merchants involved in the program! Dont miss this opportunity to add to your collection, as these works are quite affordable, ranging in price from $20 to $500.

In 2010, weve expanded our geography to include blocks between Vanderbilt and Hall, and added new storefronts to the program. This is the first of three exhibitions planned for this year, and each will feature an added bonus for gallery visitors special deals at five featured MWG businesses! Coupons for specials at Thai 101, Anima Italian Bistro, Kapellas, Green in BKLYN, and Karrot will be included in the recently revamped MWG Gallery Guide. Just stop by any of these participating MWG storefronts to pick one up beginning March 4th:

Brooklyn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (412 Myrtle); Kapellass (417 Myrtle); Connecticut Muffin (423 Myrtle); Karrot (431 Myrtle); Green in BKLYN (432 Myrtle); Jive Turkey (441 Myrtle); Thai 101 (455A Myrtle); Joseph Tyler Salon (456 Myrtle); Anima (458 Myrtle); Kum Kau (462 Myrtle); Miracles Unisex Barber Shop (473A Myrtle); Optimum Care Rehab (474 Myrtle).

About Myrtle Windows Gallery: Myrtle Windows Gallery (MWG) is 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. Ten Myrtle Avenue storefronts temporarily transform part of their windows into gallery space for the works of local artists. The initiative helps bring together artists, local businesses, and the community in a dialogue about art in public spaces. For more information, please visit www.myrtleavenue.org.

This Myrtle Windows Gallery exhibit is sponsored, in part, by the Greater New York Arts Development Fund of the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, administered by the Brooklyn Arts Council, Inc. (BAC).

Holiday Window Spotlight - Kapella's

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 09:25:00 -0400

I bet you didnt know that this holiday window was created by MARP staffers, Sarah, and MARP intern, Melissa! They kept it local when it came to materials, purchasing from the Pratt Store and Home and U. Sarah says, We wanted to do something without paint that made people want to look through the decorations as much as at them, showcasing what goes on in Kapellas day-to-day. The concept was as if all of the snowflakes were cut from a solid sheet of paper in the window. With the cardboard cut-outs of trimming shears wrapped in silver paper, the windows name Holiday Trimmings truly captures Kapellas bright holiday spirit.

Holiday Window Spotlight: Kiini Ibura and Just Because

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 10:02:00 -0400

There are two new participants in this years Myrtle Holiday Windows Contest but they are definitely not new to creative window displays! For Melody Burns of Kiini Ibura and Carol Thomas of Just Because, decorating storefronts has been a long-standing holiday tradition. The work of these two holiday veterans is worth a look and will surely bring you holiday cheer! They're not only in the business of beautifying windows, Kiini Ibura hosts jewels and jazz at least twice a year and Just Because pampers preening prom girls every June. Stop by to check out the windows, and stop in to say hello!

Holiday Window Spotlight - The Bakery

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 17:01:00 -0400

Meet the Gingerbread People of The Bakerys holiday window (154 Vanderbilt) and satisfy your sweet tooth at the same time! Place your order by Tuesday, December 22 to get the goods in time for the holiday. Stop by or call 718-596-5999 to order any of these sweet treats:
Almond Tart ($24.00)
Banana Chocolate Mousse Cake ($22.50 - 6 inch)
Caramel Apple Pie ($22.50)
Egg Nog Cheese Cake ($22.50 - 6 inch)
Flourless Chocolate Cake ($22.50 - 6 inch, $26.00 - 8 inch)
Fruit Cake ($25.00 - 6 inch)
German Chocolate Cake ($22.50 - 6 inch)
Linzer Tarts ($26.00)
Pear Tarts ($25.00)
Rum Cake ($25.00 - 6 inch, $36.00 - 8 inch)

By the way - this delicious little holiday window scene was created by local artist Marie Stile, who actually lived near this very intersection 25 years ago!

Holiday Window Spotlight: Karen's Body Beautiful

Sun, 20 Dec 2009 09:39:00 -0400

It's a map, and an ornament! Make sure you check out Home for the Holidays at Karens Body Beautiful by local artist Ellie Balk (who also created the You Are Here mural at Tillies, and coordinated our community mural project at Move About Myrtle). We love the stained glass effect, bringing colorful light and spirit into the shop on sunny winter afternoons. Stop by Karens to find a holiday gift & and find your home on the holiday map too!

Holiday Window Spotlight: Joseph Tyler Salon

Sat, 19 Dec 2009 15:06:00 -0400

Sensing some holiday love in the air? So is Joseph Tyler Salon, with their adorable, flirtatious holiday window design by local artist Kerri Ferrara . A girl. A boy. A sprig of mistle toe. And a glorious mane of magical hair blowing in the breeze. This holiday window perfectly captures the magic and whimsy of a holiday love story told on a salon storefront window, and we just adore it.

This is not the first time Ferraras artwork has been featured in the salons storefront. Ferrara was part of the third Myrtle Windows Gallery exhibition with SONYA where one of her paintings was featured in Joseph Tyler Salons windowStop by for yourself and see if you think so too.

(Drum roll please) And the 2009 Holiday Windows Contest Winners are...

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 15:00:00 -0400

Another successful Holiday Windows Contest is in the books! With nearly triple the number of votes from last year (!), the people have spoken and this years top honors go to&

1st Place: LeAnne Iverson and Benjamin Banneker Academy Students for Cross Culture Holiday at Optimum Care Rehab. (Benjamin Banneker Academy for Community Development is a public high school located at Clinton and Park Avenue, and we were thrilled to have local students participate in this project!)
2nd Place: Katie Huffman for Winter Solstice at Pillow Café
3rd Place: Benjie Sirota and Ezra Silverman for Holiday Oasis at Zaytoons

The first place team receives gift certificates valued at $250 to participating Myrtle Avenue businesses, while the second and third place winners receive gift certificates valued at $100 and $50 respectively. Congratulations to all the artists and merchants on a fantastic year. The voters had a tough job this year, given how amazing all the windows were! MARP staff have decided to bestow honorable mentions to a few of the entries that made a strong showing in the polls and really captured the spirit of the contest. Here are just a few of these awards, look out for more in upcoming blog posts in the next week or so. In the meantime, check out all the contest entries in this Flickr set .

Honorable Mentions go to:
The Mad Holiday Science Award, for their funky, robotic incarnation of Santa, goes to Daniel Goers and Melissa Chow for their window Atomic Winter at Wallys Square Root Café.

The Holly Jolly Myrtle Award, for playfully bringing the merchants theme to life, Team Tire-Bouchon for their window Uncork the Jolly at Gnarly Vines.

The Miracle on Myrtle Award, for a truly joyful and innovative representation of holiday spirit, goes to Ibou Ndoye for his window Holiday Time at the Barber Shop at Miracles.

Many thanks to all of the merchants, artists, and voters who participated in this year's Holiday Windows Contest. Hopefully we helped to bring some unexpected holiday cheer to your stroll along Myrtle Avenue!

Last chance to cast your vote for your favorite Holiday Window!

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 10:15:00 -0400

Catch the holiday spirit this weekend by strolling Myrtle Avenue to view our Holiday Windows, and vote for your favorite! This is the final weekend that voting is open - the polls officially close Sunday at midnight! Every vote matters, and the race is currently too close to call! Check out a recent article about the project in the Daily News for more info.

It's simple, walk down the avenue from Classon to Washington Park to view all the windows, then cast your vote via text message. A sign is posted in each of the windows indicating how to text a vote. Only vote per mobile number is allowed, so make sure to visit all the sites! Here are a list of merchants participating in the Holiday Windows contest. Make sure to stop in to say hello and check in on their holiday shopping specials too!

Ray's Barber Shop (331 Myrtle)
Fort Greene SNAP (324 Myrtle)
Sans Souci (330 Myrtle)
Just Because (141 Carlton)
Gnarly Vines (350 Myrtle)
Cleopatra Spa (378 Myrtle)
Kiini Ibura (388 Myrtle)
The Bakery (154 Vanderbilt)
Kapella's (417 Myrtle)
Karen's Body Beautiful (436 Myrtle)
Joseph Tyler Salon (456 Myrtle)
Root Stock & Quade (471 Myrtle)
Zaytoons (472 Myrtle)
Miracles (473A Myrtle)
Optimum Care Rehab (474 Myrtle)
Sandbox (487 Myrtle)
Pillow Cafe (5050 Myrtle)
Green Pets (563 Myrtle)
Wally's Square Root Cafe (584 Myrtle)

Also, the following store windows are also decorated for the holidays, but are not participating in the contest. Check them out too!
Clinton Hill Hardware (450 Myrtle)
Maggie Brown (455 Myrtle)
Anima Italian Bistro (458 Myrtle)

Tis the Season for the Myrtle Holiday Windows Contest!

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 08:00:00 -0400

UPDATE: Deadline to apply extended! We're still looking for artists to participate in the Holiday Windows Contest! We've gotten a great response, but there are so many merchants interested in participating that we want to extend the deadline to try to accommodate everyone. Please spread the word, and contact us if you have any questions. Dates may be flexible for creating the window scene (depending on merchant availability) if that is an issue.

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We're excited to to bring back the Myrtle Holiday Windows Contest this season! Calling all artists and aspiring window dressers - almost 40 Myrtle businesses need you! Who says holiday windows are only for fancy Manhattan department stores? Myrtle Avenue will show 'em how to do it Fort Greene and Clinton Hill style!

Were inviting local artists to use storefront windows along Myrtle Avenue as a canvas for festive holiday art, and to compete for some great prizes at the same time! The goal of the project is to bring contemporary art and holiday cheer to the Myrtle Avenue streetscape while helping to promote both local businesses and artists. Artists or small teams of artists will be paired with local merchants to create a festive holiday window design in a portion of the storefront window.

Visit our blog from last year to view the 2008 winning windows. (First place went to Zaytoons, pictured here.)
Visit our Flickr site for photos of all the 2008 holiday windows all the 2008 holiday windows.

Here's everything you need to know:
" The materials used to create the holiday window scene may include paint, lights, paper, or any other material agreed upon between the artist and the merchant. Be creative!
" If paint is used, it must be temporary and easily removable (all products applied to the windows must be removable and must not damage the glass in any way). Painting will take place on the INSIDE surface of the storefront window.
" The Partnership will supply a $50 stipend per storefront window to cover supplies and services.
" If selected, artists must commit to painting their assigned window between
Thursday November 12th and Monday November 23rd (*note: this is a new date). This time can be determined during discussions with the merchant partner.
" At least one, in-person meeting to discuss preliminary ideas with the merchant is required. The merchants are very excited about this project, and looking forward to working with a local artist. Some of the most popular designs in 2008 creatively incorporated the business theme somehow. This is not required, just an idea to provide some inspiration!
" Holiday windows will be on display through the end of December and all visitors and shoppers will be able to vote via text message for their favorite storefront design until Sunday, December 13th (winners will be announced shortly afterward).
" The top three designs will be awarded Myrtle Avenue gift certificates valued at $250 (first place), $100 (second place) and $50 (third place).

How to apply to become a Myrtle Holiday Windows ARTIST:

Please send the following to Meredith@myrtleavenue.org by Wednesday, November 4th:
1. Name, address, telephone and email contact information
2. Select up to three Myrtle Avenue businesses that you would like to work with from the list below(or you can let us pair you with a Myrtle merchant if you dont have a preference).
3. Very briefly, tell us about your proposed design ideas for the storefront window.
4. A very simple sketch, photo or other imagery that represents your idea would be very helpful.
5. Photos or links to a few examples of your past work.

Heres a list of businesses who would like to participate. Choose your top 3.

Anima, Restaurant - Italian, 458 Myrtle
burzh-wa, Beauty Salon, 507 Myrtle
Castro's, Restaurant - Mexican, 511 Myrtle
Cleopatra Spa, Beauty Salon, 378 Myrtle
Clinton Hill Animal Clinic, Pet Services, 476 Myrtle
Duncan's Fish Market, 385 Myrtle
El Cofre, Restaurant - Spanish, 353 Myrtle
Falafel House, Restaurant - Middle Eastern, 407 Myrtle
Fantastic Cleaners, Dry Cleaners, 510 Myrtle
Farmer, Deli, 336 Myrtle
Five Spot Supper Club, Restaurant & Bar, 459 Myrtle
Fort Greene SNAP, Neighborhood Services, 329 Myrtle
Green Pets, Pet Services, 572 Myrtle
Joseph Tyler Salon, Beauty Salon, 456 Myrtle
Kappella's, Beauty Salon, 417 Myrtle
Karen's Body Beautiful, Health & Beauty, 436 Myrtle
Karrot, Health Food, 431 Myrtle
La Stalla, Restaurant - Italian/Mexican, 499 Myrtle
Maggie Brown, Bar & Restaurant, 455 Myrtle
Miracles, Barber Shop, 473A Myrtle
Move With Grace, Yoga and Dance, 469 Myrtle
New Grace Kitchen, Restaurant - Chinese, 484 Myrtle
Optimum Care Rehab, Occupational Therapy, 474 Myrtle
Pillow Café, Restaurant & Café, 505 Myrtle
Polish Bar, Beauty Salon, 470 Myrtle
PrattCar, Car Service, 562 Myrtle
Root Stock & Quade, Florist, 471 Myrtle
Rope, Bar, 415 Myrtle
Ruthie's, Restaurant - Soul Food, 570 Myrtle
Sandbox, Shipping, 487 Myrtle
Sans Souci, Restaurant - Caribbean, 330 Myrtle
Soketah, Beauty Salon, 563 Myrtle
Thai 101, Restaurant, 455A Myrtle
The Bakery, 154 Vanderbilt
Wally's Square Root Café, Restaurant & Café, 584 Myrtle
Zaytoons, Restaurant - Middle Eastern, 472 Myrtle

Cmon, sign up! its going to be a lot of fun! Imagine how festive the atmosphere on Myrtle will be this season with almost 40 holiday scenes in storefront windows!

NEW FARMER on Myrtle

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 11:53:00 -0400

Last week, new business FARMER BAGEL & GYRO opened its doors on Myrtle Avenue between Carlton and Washington Park! As seen in the NYTimes Local blog earlier this week, Farmer is an expansion of the neighborhood favorite Farmer in the Deli, where delicious and inexpensive sandwiches arent made, theyre BUILT! Ali, one of the owners, explained that after many requests from Farmer in the Deli regulars, the Farmer family decided to expand their menu and step over to the other side of Myrtle with a new restaurant offering hot foods, ice cream and more!

Farmer Bagel & Gyro, on Carlton and Myrtle is now serving Fort Greene delicious breakfasts, gyros, hot sandwiches, burgers, salads and other snacks of the famous Farmer quality. Stop by Farmer for BREAKFAST, LUNCH, OR DINNER (theyve got it all)! Also, get ready for free delivery and ice cream, COMING SOON! Farmer is open from 6 am to 10 pm at 336 Myrtle Avenue. Their phone number is 347-529-4918.

Also, make sure to check out the signage, storefront and building façade while you are there! Farmer received one of the MABPs Storefront Improvement grants, a program that assists merchants interested in beautifying their storefronts as part of the revitalization of Myrtle Avenue. We provided free design services and a $1,000, via a 1:1 matching, reimbursement grant towards their signage.

You may have also noticed improvements made to the upper façade of the building. The property owner of 336 was a recent recipient of the New York Main Street grant, a grant funded by the state that helps to restore the main street to New York communities and create vibrant commercial corridors. MARP uses these funds to provide 1:1 matching, reimbursement grants up to $10,000 for façade preservation work and renovations to commercial interiors for merchants and property owners on Myrtle.

For the Farmer building, we cleaned the brick, made repairs and painted the upper cornice, window sills and lintels and installed a new storefront and cornice at the street level! If you are interested in making improvements to your Myrtle property or would like more information, contact sarah@myrtleavenue.org.

The Little Flower Shop in the Park

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 13:59:00 -0400

When you're out and about in the neighborhood this weekend make sure to stop in and welcome the most recent addition to Myrtle, the Little Flower Shop in the Park. The cool and fragrant little shop is the perfect antidote to the heat and humidity outside and surrounded by their selection of house plants, beautiful mixed bouquets, vases, cacti and custom flowers for any occasion, arranged by their florist, you are sure to find something to take home!

First time business owner, Ulysses Brigada, is excited to have opened his doors in "friendly and quiet" Fort Greene/Clinton Hill. In opening, Ulysses received one of MARP's Storefront Improvement Grants. The grant is a 50% matching, reimbursement grant, of up to $1,000 with free design assistance, intended to help merchants beautify their storefronts as part of the revitalization of Myrtle Avenue.

Next time you are in the area, make sure to check out their signage and buy flowers for your home or the one you love! The Little Flower Shop is located at 154a Vanderbilt, next to the Bakery. Open 10-7 Monday - Saturday and 9-5 on Sunday. Their phone number is 718-935-1144

A not-so-ordinary Myrtle Windows Gallery event

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 17:38:00 -0400

We'll forgive you if missed the fabulous opening reception of 'ordinary wonderful', as long as you promise to catch the exhibit before it closes on April 1st. In the meantime, whet your appetite with this great piece from the NY Times Local Fort Greene/Clinton Hill blog.