myrtle minutes - Public Art

Trilok Students Show Off Their Tree Guard Design!

Mon, 20 May 2013 18:26:00 -0400

Four and five year olds from the 'Grapes and Berries' class at the Trilok Center for Arts & Education were presented with a laser-cut steel proof of their design earlier today. Proofs are made before a design can be manufactured into a tree guard. After that, they can be displayed and enjoyed as artwork. The wee ones' original tree panel design was selected in the second round of tree guard installations on Myrtle Avenue. Awwwww, start 'em young, folks! The students designs were made into a tree bench and installed on Myrtle Avenue and Waverly. Follow us (!) on Instagram for other great pics like this one. Congratulations Trilok 'Grapes and Berries' class! Myrtles tree guards are both functional and durable, and offer a canvas that reflects local creativity. They were created with a modular design so that each set of panels can have a unique, laser-cut design, meeting the Partnerships goal of creating more opportunities to incorporate local public art into the streetscape. The newest tree guard panels were designed by 24 local artists, who were selected through an open call for public art. Phase II was funded by the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn BID, NYS DEC Urban and Community Forestry, and NYS Main Street. Trilok Center for Arts & Education is located at 143 Waverly Avenue, just north of Myrtle Avenue. They can be reached at 718.797.1700 or trilokfusion.com.

Supermarkets as common spaces for all people -- Judith Fourny at Gnarly Vines!

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 11:23:00 -0400

Paris-born, Brooklyn-based artist, gilder and curator, Judith Fourny, had supermarkets heavily on her mind over a year ago when she approached Associated Supermarket on Myrtle Avenue between Washington Avenue and Hall Street about the use of their discarded sales posters. "I love the fact that supermarkets are a common space for all people. They are a common space for everyone, regardless of socio-economic status or culture. They serve all of our basic needs. It is a destination for all of us," shared Judith. In an untitled photographic series which includes thirty 18" x 24" posters, Judith takes photos of people in front of supermarket posters. Click here for Judith's website. Judith works out of her Brooklyn Navy Yard studio. The artist says she has "always been inspired by the beauty in human relationships" and uses art as a medium to reveal their hidden brilliance. Judith's series of posters will be up through May 5th at Gnarly Vines, 350 Myrtle Avenue between Carlton and Adelphi. BIG BONUS: check out the art while enjoying this week's Gnarly Vines wine tastings! Wednesday, April 17th, 6p-9p Unmistakeably Biodynamically Minervois! Biodynamic Wines from the Hemp Cellars of Chateau Maris. 2009 Chateau Maris 'Nouvelles Fraiches' Grenache, Minervois, France - $26 2009 Chateau Maris 'Natural Selection' Syrah - Minervois, France - $18 2009 Chateau Maris 'Les Planels' Syrah - Minervois, France -$34 Thursday, April 18th, 5p-8p Greek, French and two Italian wines 2012 Mas de Gourgonnier Rose - Les Baux de Provence, France - $16 2011 Domaine Sigalas Assyrtiko Santorini - Greece - $27 2010 Ciacci Piccolomoni d'Aragona, Rosso di Montalcino - Tuscany, Italy - $25 2007 Mocali, Brunello di Montalcino - Tuscany, Italy - $44/750ml and $24/375ml Friday, 4/19, 6p-9p Champagne and New Zealand NV Montaudon Champagne Brut - Champagne, France - $36 NV Montaudon Grand Rose - Champagne, France - $44 2011 Mohua Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough - $15 2009 Mohua Pinot Noir Central Otago - $24 15% off all wines poured during the tastings!

Water Towers Photo Exhibit at The Joint on Myrtle, opening on Sat., 4/20!

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 10:47:00 -0400

Have you caught the new artwork up at The Joint on Myrtle yet? Stop in and check it out! Author and photographer, Ronnie Farley, exhibits some of her most recent work, 'New York Water Towers.' The art opening, a garden party and soiree, will take place Saturday, April 20th from 6pm-10pm at The Joint on Myrtle (471 Myrtle Avenue between Washington Avenue and Hall Street). Stop by to celebrate the arrival of Spring and Ronnie's artwork. Here's more about the exhibit from Ronnie: New York Water Towers is a twenty-year project documenting New York Citys water tanks, to be published as a monograph this year. Through photographs and informational text, this body of work examines the relationship between the built-up environment of urban people and their vital water supply. Water towers are contemporary relics containing a sacred substance, "the elixir of life," hidden in plain view amongst the brick, mortar and steel of mans creation. The more these gentle giants become hemmed in and disappear from view, replaced by a higher and higher skyline, we lose one visual reminder of a connection to the natural world and the delicate balance of our existence. In a city teeming with human life and activity, these water towers are the umbilical cord to our survival. It is my intent with this work to inspire a more visceral approach to water, away from commoditization for industrial expansion and urban growth, towards understanding it as a key life-support for all living things on Earth.

The State of Menswear: Thursday @ Myrtle Hall!

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 17:04:00 -0400

For the final Black Artstory Month event, weve got something for your inner fashionista! We are thrilled to present the lecture "The State of Menswear" by Randal Jacobs, providing a critical analysis of the traditional and modern "Dandy", "Prep" and "gender neutral" clothing trends and how they currently affect and influence menswear styles on a global scale.

Event details:
Myrtle Hall
536 Myrtle Avenue
(Entrance in rear facing Willoughby Avenue, access through parking lot or Myrtle gates. It is situated on the back side of a building housing a Bergen Bagel and Khims grocery store.)
Thursday, February 28, 2013
7pm - 9pm
The event is free and open to the public! Please bring a photo id to enter building.

About Randal Jacobs:
Randal Jacobs calls the small parish of Gadsden, Alabama, home. Mr. Jacobs began his career in fashion while attending Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia. While studying business management, he began to sell vintage apparel from the basement of his home. His vintage sales blossomed into a weekend boutique called "1131". 1131 was the driving force behind his decision to pursue his fashion career and cross register at a neighboring university enrolling in a Fashion Show Production class. Using his business and leadership skills, he was able to become Director of the Spring Show and went on to produce one of most phenomenal and well orchestrated shows in the history of the university.

With his fashion palette yet quenched, he decided to follow his passion and move to London to study Fashion Marketing. While in London, Mr. Jacobs received a greater understanding of the fashion industry by interning at GQ (UK) and working at M.A.C. Models as a Booker and Creative Director. Immediately upon graduation from American Intercontinental University, he landed a job as a Fashion Journalist; Trends and Accessories writer for Fashion Windows in Milan, Italy. While working with Fashion Windows, Randal reviewed International Fashion Presentations in Milan, New York, London and Paris. During his tenure in Milan he began to manage models independently and gained experience as a stylist for Glamour (Italia) and Grazia (Italia).

Since living abroad, Randal re-located to New York and began his NY career with Polo Ralph Lauren in the Womenswear and Advertising Department. Randal presently works as a freelances for Polo Ralph Lauren, MadeWell, Donna Karan Home, Belk and a growing list of clients.

This lecture is sponsored by the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership and is a part of Black Artstory Month taking place throughout the month of February on Myrtle Avenue in Fort Greene/Clinton Hill Brooklyn. For more information, please click here. Photo Credit: BlackBookMag.com.

Black Artstory Month concludes: the Wiz, MoCADA, fashion

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 13:32:00 -0400

The first annual Black Artstory Month celebration wraps up this week with films and lectures hosted by Brooklyn Young Filmmakers and MoCADA, and a talk on menswear by Randal Jacobs. Make sure to check out Myrtle Windows Gallerys A Patchwork Story before it comes down next week!

Last Tuesday Film Club: THE WIZARD OF OZ vs THE WIZ
Tuesday, February 26, 7pm - 9pm
Trilok Fusion Center for Arts and Education 143 Waverly Avenue
($5 suggested donation)
These two classic films were developed from the same source material but took very different approaches to telling their stories, with THE WIZ adding an urban Black point-of-view. The facilitators will compare the two films and the history of their making. You do not need to have seen the films to enjoy and join in the discussion. Presented by Brooklyn Young Filmmakers, who is featured as the Brooklyn Arts Councils arts organization of the month!

MOCADAs Public Exchange Series: Middle of Nowhere
Ingersoll Community Center, 177 Myrtle Avenue
Wednesday, February 27, 6pm
A feature-length narrative film about a woman coping with her husbands incarceration. Presented by MoCADA and the Ingersoll Tenants Association.

Randal Jacobs: The State of Menswear
Thursday, February 28, 7pm - 9pm
Myrtle Hall, 536 Myrtle Avenue (Entrance in rear facing Willoughby Avenue, access through parking lot or Myrtle gates)
A critical analysis of the traditional and modern Dandy, Prep and gender neutral clothing trends and how they currently affect and influence menswear styles on a global scale.

A Patchwork Story: Myrtle Windows Gallery
February 1 February 28
Connecticut Muffin (423 Myrtle), Karrot (431 Myrtle), Green in BKLYN (432 Myrtle), Marks Gourmet Burgers (441 Myrtle), Anima (458 Myrtle), Kum Kau (462 Myrtle), Miracles Unisex Barber Shop (473A Myrtle), and Soketah (563 Myrtle).
Drawing inspiration from African American quilts, artworks incorporate elements of collage, storytelling, explorations of personal identity and cultural heritage. Featuring works by Melissa Godoy Nieto, Amber Doe, Sophia Dawson, Tony Wells, Jose Baez, Cara Lynch, R. Steve Mosley, Steven J. Mosley and Arlene Jones. To purchase artwork in this exhibit, contact us at (718) 230-1689. Curated by Daonne Huff of MARP.

Freedom Fighters Exhibition
SOCO, 509 Myrtle Avenue
An exhibition celebrating the major personalities, heroes, and icons that assisted in shaping black history in America through their philosophies, socio-political activism, art and personal sacrifices for freedom. Featuring works by Fuse Green, M. Tony Peralta, Suhail Smith, Sam Wilson, Michael 'TTK' Harris, and Rasu Jilani. Hosted and curated by Rasu Jilani of Coup detat Arts.

Remembrance: SONYArtists celebrate Black History Month
DC Optics, 390 Myrtle Avenue
Featured artists include Kennis Baptiste, Nina Allen, June Gaddy, Thomas Kwak, Misha Tyutyunik, Jamilla Jennings. Sponsored by South of the Navy Yard Artists (SONYA).

Photo: Glass Quilt, by R. Steve Mosley

Black Artstory Month: Soul Food Junkies, Quilts, Soul Served, Menswear&

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 18:04:00 -0400

Check out these Black Artstory Month events! You can also visit the months featured exhibitions at any time: Myrtle Windows Gallerys A Patchwork Story, SONYAs Remembrance at DC Optics, and Coup detat Brooklyns Freedom Fighters at SoCo.

Screening: Soul Food Junkies by Byron Hurt
Friday, February 22, 6:30pm 8:30pm
Ingersoll Community Center, 177 Myrtle Ave
Watch the film, and take part in a borough-wide conversation about how we can make environmental and system changes that will improve health outcomes and access to healthy, affordable foods within our communities. Brought to you by MARP, the Bed-Stuy Restoration Community Transformation Grant Coalition , the Greene Hill Food Co-op, the Raymond V. Ingersoll Resident's Association, and MoCADA.

Dr. Myrah Green: The Presence of African Symbols in North American Quilts
Saturday, February 23, 4pm - 6pm
Myrtle Hall, 536 Myrtle Avenue (Entrance in rear facing Willoughby Avenue, access through parking lot or Myrtle gates)
Dr. Myrah Green, Executive Director of Art and Culture in the Office of Government and Community Affairs at The City College of New York, presents an overview of African symbols most used in quilts made in North America stemming from the 19th century to the present.

Soul Served: A Night of Dinner and Poetry
Saturday, February 23, 6:30pm - 9pm Five Spot, 459 Myrtle Avenue FOKUS has curated a three-course meal that is paired with three types of poetry - each centered on the themes of food and community. Our featured artists of the night are: Briannah Hagger, Kearmonie and Malcolm Wicks. DJ Polarity will be spinning Soul Music throughout the night as well. We inviting you to be a poet for the night. The audience will write Haikus at the start of the event and we will read several of them while appetizers are served! RSVP: http://soulserved.eventbrite.com/

Last Tuesday Film Club: THE WIZARD OF OZ vs THE WIZ
Tuesday, February 26, 7pm - 9pm
Trilok Fusion Center for Arts and Education 143 Waverly Avenue
($5 suggested donation)
These two classic films were developed from the same source material but took very different approaches to telling their stories, with THE WIZ adding an urban Black point-of-view. The facilitators will compare the two films and the history of their making. You do not need to have seen the films to enjoy and join in the discussion. Presented by Brooklyn Young Filmmakers, who is featured as the Brooklyn Arts Councils arts organization of the month !

MOCADAs Public Exchange Series: Middle of Nowhere
Ingersoll Community Center, 177 Myrtle Avenue
Wednesday, February 27, 6pm
A feature-length narrative film about a woman coping with her husbands incarceration. Presented by MoCADA and the Ingersoll Tenants Association.

Randal Jacobs: The State of Menswear
Thursday, February 28, 7pm - 9pm
Myrtle Hall, 536 Myrtle Avenue (Entrance in rear facing Willoughby Avenue, access through parking lot or Myrtle gates)
A critical analysis of the traditional and modern Dandy, Prep and gender neutral clothing trends and how they currently affect and influence menswear styles on a global scale.

A Patchwork Story: Myrtle Windows Gallery
February 1 February 28
Connecticut Muffin (423 Myrtle), Karrot (431 Myrtle), Green in BKLYN (432 Myrtle), Marks Gourmet Burgers (441 Myrtle), Anima (458 Myrtle), Kum Kau (462 Myrtle), Miracles Unisex Barber Shop (473A Myrtle), and Soketah (563 Myrtle).
Drawing inspiration from African American quilts, artworks incorporate elements of collage, storytelling, explorations of personal identity and cultural heritage. Featuring works by Melissa Godoy Nieto, Amber Doe, Sophia Dawson, Tony Wells, Jose Baez, Cara Lynch, R. Steve Mosley, Steven J. Mosley and Arlene Jones. To purchase artwork in this exhibit, contact us at (718) 230-1689. Curated by Daonne Huff of MARP.

Freedom Fighters Exhibition
SOCO, 509 Myrtle Avenue
An exhibition celebrating the major personalities, heroes, and icons that assisted in shaping black history in America through their philosophies, socio-political activism, art and personal sacrifices for freedom. Featuring works by Fuse Green, M. Tony Peralta, Suhail Smith, Sam Wilson, Michael 'TTK' Harris, and Rasu Jilani. Hosted and curated by Rasu Jilani of Coup detat Arts.

Remembrance: SONYArtists celebrate Black History Month
DC Optics, 390 Myrtle Avenue
Featured artists include Kennis Baptiste, Nina Allen, June Gaddy, Thomas Kwak, Misha Tyutyunik, Jamilla Jennings. Sponsored by South of the Navy Yard Artists (SONYA).
POSTPONED Shop Talk: The Role of the Barbershop in the Black Community
Miracles Barber Shop, 473A Myrtle Avenue
Zaki and several other barbers from Miracles Barbershop to discuss the role that barbershops play in the Black community and the community in general, how that role has evolved and how it compares to beauty salons and barbershops in other communities.

Black Artstory Month: stories, barbers, filmmakers, freedom-fighters, windows...

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 13:27:00 -0400

From story time and art making, to film making and freedom-fighting, weve got the whole family covered this week! Check out the event details below!

Freedom Fighters - Opening Reception
Saturday, February 16, 2pm-5pm
SOCO, 509 Myrtle Avenue
An exhibition celebrating the major personalities, heroes, and icons that assisted in shaping black history in America through their philosophies, socio-political activism, art and personal sacrifices for freedom. Featuring works by Fuse Green, M. Tony Peralta, Suhail Smith, Sam Wilson, Michael 'TTK' Harris, and Rasu Jilani. Hosted and curated by Rasu Jilani of Coup detat Arts.

FOKUS presents: Story Time Art: A Celebration of Family
Sunday, February 17, 10am
Dee and Rickys, 503 Myrtle Avenue
You're invited to join FOKUS at 9am on Saturday, February 9th, as we take children and their families on an exciting trip using the books "Peter's Chair" and "The Jones Family Express" during a morning of artmaking and reading at Dee & Ricky's Home Cooking. FOKUS will be reading each book to the children and then leading them in an arts and crafts workshop where they will create collage postcards based on themes from each book.

Black Professionals in Film
Tuesday, February 19, 6:30pm - 9pm
Trilok Fusion Center for Arts and Education,143 Waverly Avenue
($5 suggested donation)
Part of the monthly Careers in Film Salon Series, with speakers, short film screenings, and lively discussions. Presented by Brooklyn Young Filmmakers, who is featured as the Brooklyn Arts Councils arts organization of the month !

Shop Talk: The Role of the Barbershop in the Black Community
Wednesday, February 20, 6:30pm
Miracles Barber Shop, 473A Myrtle Avenue
Join FOKUS, Zaki and several other barbers from Miracles Barbershop to discuss the role that barbershops play in the Black community and the community in general, how that role has evolved and how it compares to beauty salons and barbershops in other communities.

A Patchwork Story: Myrtle Windows Gallery
February 1 February 28
Connecticut Muffin (423 Myrtle), Karrot (431 Myrtle), Green in BKLYN (432 Myrtle), Marks Gourmet Burgers (441 Myrtle), Anima (458 Myrtle), Kum Kau (462 Myrtle), Miracles Unisex Barber Shop (473A Myrtle), and Soketah (563 Myrtle).
Drawing inspiration from African American quilts, artworks incorporate elements of collage, storytelling, explorations of personal identity and cultural heritage. Featuring works by Melissa Godoy Nieto, Amber Doe, Sophia Dawson, Tony Wells, Jose Baez, Cara Lynch, R. Steve Mosley, Steven J. Mosley and Arlene Jones. To purchase artwork in this exhibit, contact us at (718) 230-1689. Curated by Daonne Huff of MARP.

photo: Freedom Fighters exhibition at SoCo

This week on Myrtle: Trumpets, poets, films, and art-making for the whole family...

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 12:03:00 -0400

Black Artstory Month on Myrtle offers events for all ages this week, kicking off with trumpet-accompanied spoken word at Five Spot, to art-making workshops for kids at Dee & Rickys and Hadas Gallery this weekend. Check out the details below!

JACK celebrates Black Writers
Tuesday, February 5, 7pm
Five Spot Soul Food Restaurant, 459 Myrtle Avenue
Trumpeter Roy Campbell, Jr. joins professional actors to celebrate the words of poet James Baldwin, pioneering dramatist Alice Childress and emerging playwright Thais Francis, including excerpts from the inaugural theater season of the new Clinton Hill arts venue, JACK.

A Tasting and Dinner with Vivian Kleynhans of Seven Sisters Winery in South Africa
Wednesday, February 6, Time TBD
Gnarly Vines Wines and Spirits, 350 Myrtle Avenue

A Night of Short Films
Wednesday, February 6, 6:30pm 9pm
Ingersoll Community Center, 177 Myrtle Avenue
A selection of short films will be screened followed by a Q&A with the films directors: Why Do You Have Black Dolls?, Divine Rite, The Ultimate Wingman, Just Another Part of Me. This event is a prelude to New Voices in Black Cinema Film Festival at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, February 17-20. Presented by ACT NOW FOUNDATION in conjunction with University Settlement.

FOKUS presents: Story Time Art: A Celebration of Family
Saturday, February 9, 9am 11 am
Dee and Rickys, 503 Myrtle Avenue
You're invited to join FOKUS at 9am on Saturday, February 9th, as we take children and their families on an exciting trip using the books "Peter's Chair" and "The Jones Family Express" during a morning of artmaking and reading at Dee & Ricky's Home Cooking. FOKUS will be reading each book to the children and then leading them in an arts and crafts workshop where they will create collage postcards based on themes from each book.

Freedom Fighters - Opening Reception
Saturday, February 9, 2pm-5pm
SOCO, 509 Myrtle Avenue
An exhibition celebrating the major personalities, heroes, and icons that assisted in shaping black history in America through their philosophies, socio-political activism, art and personal sacrifices for freedom. Featuring works by Fuse Green, M. Tony Peralta, Saviour Sanquiche, Suhail Smith, Sam Wilson and Rasu Jilani. Hosted and curated by Rasu Jilani of Coup detat Arts.

SONYA Artmaking Workshops
Sunday, February 10, 12pm - 3pm
Hadas Gallery, 541 Myrtle Avenue
Open to all ages! Come by and get your hands dirty making Mosaics with Artist Jorge Valdez, Printmaking and Collage with artists Laura Pawson and Justice Whitaker, Crochet with Valerie Williams, Watercolor painting with Monique Ford, Comic Illustration with Josh Stulman and Community Painting with Ellie Balk. Hosted by SONYA.

Family Storytelling Through Film
Sunday, February 10, 1:30pm - 4pm
Trilok Fusion Center for Arts and Education, 143 Waverly Avenue
A workshop for parents, teens and kids (8 yrs and older) on how to write a short script and plan a low/no budget film shoot together as a family project. Limited to 10 participants, pre-registration suggested. Call Brooklyn Young Filmmakers at 718-935-0490.

SONYA Artists Talk
Sunday, February 10, 6pm DC Optics, 390 Myrtle Avenue
Artists participating in the Remembrance exhibition will discuss their choices and experiences. Featured artists include Kennis Baptiste, Nina Allen, June Gaddy, Thomas Kwak, Misha Tyutyunik, Jamilla Jennings.

Myrtle Windows Gallery: A Patchwork Story + Black History Month Opening Reception @ Sans Souci

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 10:01:00 -0400

Black Artstory Month on Myrtle officially begins this Friday with A Patchwork Story, the first Myrtle Windows Gallery exhibition in 2013. Selected artworks celebrate or are inspired by African American quilts and quilting traditions, at times interpreting the medium through other materials, incorporating elements of storytelling, explorations of identity and cultural heritage. Works will be on view in 8 storefront windows between Classon and Vanderbilt throughout February. Meet the artists and enjoy a cocktail on us at the opening reception on Saturday, February 2nd at 6:30pm at Sans Souci (330 Myrtle).

Myrtle Windows Gallery is just one of the exciting programs taking place during Black Artstory Month! Here's what you can look for in just the first week:

A Patchwork Story: Myrtle Windows Gallery
February 1 February 28
Connecticut Muffin (423 Myrtle), Karrot (431 Myrtle), Green in BKLYN (432 Myrtle), Marks Gourmet Burgers (441 Myrtle), Anima (458 Myrtle), Kum Kau (462 Myrtle), Miracles Unisex Barber Shop (473A Myrtle), and Soketah (563 Myrtle). Drawing inspiration from African American quilts, artworks incorporate elements of collage, storytelling, explorations of personal identity and cultural heritage. Featuring works by Melissa Godoy Nieto, Amber Doe, Sophia Dawson, Tony Wells, Jose Baez, Cara Lynch, R. Steve Mosley, Steven J. Mosley and Arlene Jones. To purchase artwork in this exhibit, contact us at (718) 230-1689. Curated by Daonne Huff of MARP.

Remembrance: SONYArtists celebrate Black History Month Exhibition Opening Reception
Friday, February 1, 7pm
DC Optics, 390 Myrtle Avenue
Sponsored by South of the Navy Yard Artists (SONYA)

A Patchwork Story: Opening Reception
Saturday, February 2nd 6:30pm
Sans Souci
DJ and Light refreshments provided

A Tasting and Dinner with Vivian Kleynhans of Seven Sisters Winery in South Africa
Wednesday, February 6, Time TBD
Gnarly Vines Wines and Spirits, 350 Myrtle Avenue

A Night of Short Films
Wednesday, February 6, 6:30pm 9pm
Ingersoll Community Center, 177 Myrtle Avenue
A selection of short films will be screened followed by a Q&A with the films directors: Why Do You Have Black Dolls?, Divine Rite, The Ultimate Wingman, Just Another Part of Me. This event is a prelude to New Voices in Black Cinema Film Festival at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, February 17-20. Presented by ACT NOW FOUNDATION in conjunction with University Settlement.

JACK celebrates Black Writers
Tuesday, February 5, 7pm
Five Spot Soul Food Restaurant, 459 Myrtle Avenue
Trumpeter Roy Campbell, Jr. joins professional actors to celebrate the words of poet James Baldwin, pioneering dramatist Alice Childress and emerging playwright Thais Francis, including excerpts from the inaugural theater season of the new Clinton Hill arts venue, JACK.

Celebrate Black Artstory Month on Myrtle this February!

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 15:40:00 -0400

We are thrilled to present Black Artstory Month on Myrtle: A Celebration of African American Art, Culture and Creativity to coincide with Februarys recognition of Black History! The months events include art exhibitions, film screenings, lectures, performances and hands-on art making activities taking place in the businesses along Myrtle Avenue in Brooklyn in partnership with Brooklyn-based arts organizations.

We're highlighting and honoring the contributions African Americans have made, and are making, within the arts community. Black Artstory is a community effort, featuring collaborations with local businesses, local artists and organizations across the color field that are inspired by or share correlations with African American culture. The full calendar of events is on our website, and stay tuned for weekly posts about upcoming events throughout February. Highlights include:

- Myrtle Windows Gallery show, A Patchwork Story in eight Myrtle Avenue Storefront windows, with accompanying lecture by Dr. Myrah Green, Executive Director of Art and Culture in the Office of Government and Community Affairs at The City College of New York (CUNY) on the presence of African symbols in North American quilts (Saturday, February 23 at 4pm).

- A night of performance with Trumpeter Roy Campbell Jr. and theatrical readings of the words of poet James Baldwin, pioneering dramatist Alice Childress and emerging playwright Thais Francis; sponsored by JACK at Five Spot Soul Food Restaurant (Tuesday, February 5 at 7pm).

- An Afternoon of interactive reading and artmaking for kids ages 4+ presented by FOKUS at Dee and Rickys (Saturday, February 9, 9am).

- A talk by Black Professionals in the Film Industry (Tuesday, February 19, 6:30pm - 9pm), an all ages workshop devoted to Family Storytelling through film (Sunday, February 10, 1:30pm - 4pm), and a conversation exploring the differences and similarities between The Wizard of Oz and The Wiz (Tuesday, February 26, 7pm - 9pm); all sponsored by Brooklyn Young Filmmakers at Trilok Fusion Center for Arts and Education.

Additional events include art exhibitions sponsored by South of the Navy Yard Artists and Coup detat Arts, short film screenings by ACT NOW Foundation and MOCADA at Ingersoll Community Center, family-friendly art-making workshops by SONYA and FOKUS, a lecture on the state of Menswear Style by Randal Jacobs, and conversations on the roles barbershops and food play in creating community sponsored by FOKUS.

image: D. Huff, Black Flag

Call for Artwork! Myrtle Windows Gallery Exhibit: A Patchwork Story

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 14:52:00 -0400

Calling local artists! Here's a unique opportunity to display your work on Myrtle Avenue! The Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership seeks existing two-dimensional works of art (paintings, prints, photographs, collage, mixed media, etc.) for temporary installation in 10 storefront windows on Myrtle Avenue between Classon Ave. and Vanderbilt Ave. beginning in February 2013 for one month (dates to be determined). To coincide with our Black History Month Celebration: Black Artstory Month on the Avenue, we are seeking work that is inspired by or celebrates African American quilts and quilting traditions or incorporates fabric, sewing or quilting design aesthetics. Works can be literal references to quilting or conceptual interpretations. Preference will be given to artists based in NYC, and especially those based in Brooklyn. Please click here to find information for submitting your work to the exhibit. About the Myrtle Windows Gallery program: By breaking down the walls of the traditional private art gallery, Myrtle Windows Gallery brings two-dimensional art to the public arena via storefront windows, where it is accessible to anyone simply walking down the street. The initiative helps bring together artists, businesses, and the community in a dialogue about art and the boundaries of public space.

Last call to visit this season's Myrtle Windows Gallery

Sat, 10 Nov 2012 11:17:00 -0400

Last chance to view the current, "This is Brooklyn," Myrtle Windows Gallery. Some of the interior art shows will be coming down also. Be sure to check it out. --- What do the Brooklyn Museum and the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership have in common? The work of GO Brooklyn finalist Finalist, Adrian Coleman as well as several other talented Brooklyn artists. Only a few more days left to catch the Myrtle Windows Gallery as well as exhibits which are taking place within Myrtle Avenue store. Adrian Coleman's work currently hangs in Brooklyn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu @ 412 Myrtle Avenue and Anima Italian Bistro @ 458 Myrtle Avenue. Also check out talented artists, Audrey Frank Anastasi, Connecticut Muffin, 423 Myrtle; Liz Johnson (painting), hanging in Green in Brooklyn, 434 Myrtle; Marilyn Kaggen (photography) at Karrot, 431 Myrtle; Ani Kington (painting) at Miracles, 473A Myrtle; and Thomas Osorio (painting)at Soketah, 563 Myrtle. Exhibits inside merchant spaces include: Chris Pardi at Cielo Bar Brooklyn (474 Myrtle). Kerri Ferrara at Connecticut Muffin (423 Myrtle). South of the Navy Yard Artists 'Out of Sight' at DC Optics (390 Myrtle). The first of four SONYA exhibitions features urban-inspired, colorful work that reflects what is great, marvelous and powerful. Dave Barron at The Emerson (561 Myrtle). Fabrice Trombert at Gnarly Vines (350 Myrtle). Deborah Stevenson at Green in BKLYN (432 Myrtle). Rosa Katznelson's Jubilation at Hadas Gallery (541 Myrtle). Born in Argentina under a period marked by virulent anti-Semitism, Katznelson paints in defiance to the adversity she experienced as a child. Cesar Velez's Corners of a Soul at Mojito Cuban Cuisine (82 Washington Avenue). 20 original pieces are made from recycled materials; even the paints are handmade by the artist! Every piece is a testimony of a place in the mind. Michael Shephers's Origami Tsunami at Owl & the Pussycat (154 Vandberbilt). Mixed media paintings Words, Birds & Scribbles. Ainsley Burrows and Pillow Café & Lounge (505 Myrtle) Ainsley Burrows combine dadaist, surrealist, graffiti art and modern expressionism. His messages are whimsical and political at the same time. artwork: Adrian Coleman

Artober Reception this Wednesday Night at Cielo Bar

Tue, 23 Oct 2012 10:15:00 -0400

Make sure to stop by Myrtle's newest bar and lounge, Cielo, for our Artober reception this Wednesday at 6:30pm. Come out to sample Cielo's tasty Latin fusion fare, and raise a glass to local artists and art! Light refreshments on us. The reception is a single event that celebrates the art and artists featured during Myrtle Avenue's month-long Artober series (see full list of artists below). During the past month, Artober has seen 8 art exhibitions hosted by Myrtle Merchants; 4 artist receptions & talks; the installation of Tomorrow, a new sculpture, in Fort Greene Park; the This Is Brooklyn Myrtle Windows Gallery exhibition. The Myrtle Windows Gallery will remain on view until early November. In addition, the installation of new tree guards, each custom designed by local artists and students, is set to take place within the next couple of weeks along Myrtle Avenue between Flatbush and Classon Avenues. In addition to these events on Myrtle Avenue, the exhibit War Journalists is also currently on display (through October) at BLDG 92, the Brooklyn Navy Yard's visitor center. BLDG 92 is also the venue for a new play, A History of Launching Ships , with the final performances taking place this weekend. Get ticket info here. Please see the full list of Myrtle and Myrtle area interior exhibition spaces below:

This Is Brooklyn Myrtle Windows Gallery exhibition

Audrey Frank Anastasi (painting), hanging in Connecticut Muffin, 423 Myrtle
Adrian Coleman (painting), hanging in Anima, 458 Myrtle, and Brooklyn Jiu Jitsu, 412 Myrtle
Liz Johnson (painting), hanging in Green in Brooklyn, 434 Myrtle
Marilyn Kaggen (photography), hanging in Karrot, 431 Myrtle
Ani Kington (painting), hanging in Miracles, 473A Myrtle
Thomas Osorio (painting), hanging in Soketah, 563 Myrtle

Interior Exhibitions along Myrtle Avenue
Cielo Bar Brooklyn (474 Myrtle) Chris Pardi (painting) Connecticut Muffin (423 Myrtle) Kerri Ferrara (painting) DC Optics (390 Myrtle) South of the Navy Yard Artists / Out of Sight (mixed media) The first of four SONYA exhibitions features urban-inspired, colorful work that reflects what is great, marvelous and powerful. The Emerson (561 Myrtle) Dave Barron Gnarly Vines (350 Myrtle) Fabrice Trombert (photography) Green in BKLYN (432 Myrtle) Deborah Stevenson (painting) Hadas Gallery (541 Myrtle) Rosa Katznelson / Jubilation (painting and digital) Born in Argentina under a period marked by virulent anti-Semitism, Katznelson paints in defiance to the adversity she experienced as a child. Mojito Cuban Cuisine (82 Washington Avenue) Cesar Velez / Corners of a Soul (mixed media) 20 original pieces are made from recycled materials; even the paints are handmade by the artist! Every piece is a testimony of a place in the mind. Owl & the Pussycat (154 Vandberbilt) Michael Shepherd/Origami Tsunami mixed media paintings Words, Birds & Scribbles Pillow Café & Lounge (505 Myrtle) Ainsley Burrows combine dadaist, surrealist, graffiti art and modern expressionism. His messages are whimsical and political at the same time.

Two Artober Events Happening Tonight on Myrtle!

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 13:32:00 -0400

We have not one, but TWO Artober related events are taking place tonight on Myrtle Avenue. First up is the opening reception for the exhibition Out of Sight at DC Optics (390 Myrtle, between Clermont & Vanderbilt). The event goes from 7-9pm and there will be free drinks, snacks, and of course some beautiful artwork by local artists from SONYA. A few blocks away at Hadas Gallery (541 Myrtle, between Steuben & Emerson), artist Rosa Katznelson will be holding an artists talk during the opening of her exhibition, Jubilation . The talk begins at 7pm. Photo credits: The photo on the right is Jubilation by Rosa Katznelson, courtesy of www.hadasgallery.com.

Artober: SONYA Happy Hour Tonight!

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 11:55:00 -0400

Come enjoy another art related event happening tonight on Myrtle Avenue. South of the Navy Yard Artists (SONYA) is hosting a social/happy hour at The Emerson (561 Myrtle, between Emerson & Classon) from 7-9. Come mingle with local artists and enjoy $6 drink specials. See full details here. MARP is sponsoring and promoting a whole slate of art related events throughout October. The next Artober related events will be next Thursday, Oct 18th, and include an artist talk by Rosa Katznelson at Hadas Gallery (541 Myrtle) and an artist's reception at D.C. Optics (390 Myrtle) for the exhibit Out of Sight.

Celebrate Artober on Myrtle Avenue: Public Art & Exhibitions

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 13:14:00 -0400

It's Artober on Myrtle Avenue! Throughout the month, stroll the avenue to enjoy public sculpture, studio art, and even new street furniture! We've got a new Myrtle Windows Gallery exhibition opening next week, the Tomorrow sculpture by Akihiro Ito at Fort Greene Park, 50 new tree guards and benches featuring designs by local artists and students coming in late October, and 10+ exhibitions, events and talks happening at local businesses throughout the month. View complete exhibition and event listings for Artober here.

Make sure to join us on October 24th at new Myrtle bar, Cielo, at the Artober reception. Come out to sample Cielo's tasty Latin fusion fare, and raise a glass to local artists and art! Light refreshments on us.

Tomorrow: Sculpture by Akihiro Ito at Fort Greene Park!

Fri, 28 Sep 2012 10:38:00 -0400

You may have stopped by the Myrtle and Washington Park this week and wondered what was happening there. It was artist, Akihiro Ito (pictured here), installing his scultpure, Tomorrow, as the newest project in Myrtle's Public Art Program! Installation is now complete, and the piece will be on view through August 2013.

Tomorrow, illustrates the harmony between humans and their natural surroundings, and reminds us of the importance of preserving our environment. Tomorrow is made of 600 pieces of laminated dimensional wood (Douglas fir) which form the shape of a baby a symbol of future generations. He used this material to draw the connection between people and nature. Mr. Ito says, Nowadays, we are facing serious environmental problems such as global warming, waste and resource depletion. We have to preserve nature and save our earth for our future generations and for all living beings. I hope this sculpture provides an opportunity for people to think about humanitys connection to nature, and reminds us that we are all part of earths family. For more information about the artist, visit www.akihiroito.com.

This installation is sponsored by the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership, in collaboration with the NYC Department of Parks & Recreation. The Partnerships support is made possible, in part,by public funds from the Decentralization Program of the New York State Council on the Arts, administered in Kings County by Brooklyn Arts Council (BAC).

This is Brooklyn Exhibition: Call for Artwork!

Mon, 10 Sep 2012 09:56:00 -0400

Calling local artists! Here's a unique opportunity to display your work on Myrtle Avenue! Have you submitted yet?

The Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership seeks existing two-dimensional works of art (paintings, prints, photographs, collage, mixed media, etc.) for temporary installation in 10 storefront windows on Myrtle Avenue between Classon and Vanderbilt beginning in October 2012 for one month (dates to be determined).
" The artworks should relate to the exhibitions theme, This is Brooklyn. What defines or represents Brooklyn for you? How would you describe Brooklyns people, sites or vibe? Its past, present or future?
" If accepted, artworks must arrive ready to hang. The Partnership will not frame or fit any pieces with hanging hardware.
" Although artworks of any size will be considered, pieces of at least 30 in one dimension (either length or width) tend to have a more impactful presence in the storefront space. Some windows can accommodate very large pieces.
" If the artist chooses to offer pieces for sale, the Partnership will receive a small commission on each sale, to be negotiated with the artist prior to the exhibition. Given that community accessibility is a key component of this initiative, the Partnership hope to exhibit works at a broad range of prices.

The installation system serves to create a uniform look that unifies the exhibit, and displays work in a way that highlights and protects the work itself. The system includes a solar shade to provide a clean backdrop for the artwork while maintaining light and view through to the interior of the shop. A cable hanging system allows the artwork to hang in the window in front of the shade. See examples above.

APPLICATION PROCESS
Please submit the following materials by September 12, 2012 to meredith@myrtleavenue.org.
" Brief artist statement and brief description of the submitted artworks, including how each interprets the theme, This is Brooklyn.
" Up to 5 artwork images with index listing title, medium, and dimensions for each artwork. Please combine photos in a zip folder or pdf.
" Current resume

Preference will be given to artists based in NYC, and especially those based in Brooklyn. The Partnership will not provide insurance to cover the art during this exhibition. However, the artist has the option to secure his/her own policy to cover potential theft or damage to the works while installed in the storefronts. Artists will be required to sign a liability waiver. For more information, visit www.myrtleavenue.org or contact meredith@myrtleavenue.org (email preferred).

Photo: Social Comfort by Anne Lafond at Anima

Call for Artwork: Myrtle Windows Gallery Exhibition/This is Brooklyn

Wed, 22 Aug 2012 14:32:00 -0400

Calling local artists! Here's a unique opportunity to display your work on Myrtle Avenue!

By breaking down the walls of the traditional private art gallery, Myrtle Windows Gallery brings two-dimensional art to the public arena via storefront windows, where it is accessible to anyone simply walking down the street. The initiative helps bring together artists, businesses, and the community in a dialogue about art and the boundaries of public space.

The Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership seeks existing two-dimensional works of art (paintings, prints, photographs, collage, mixed media, etc.) for temporary installation in 10 storefront windows on Myrtle Avenue between Classon and Vanderbilt beginning in October 2012 for one month (dates to be determined).
" The artworks should relate to the exhibitions theme, This is Brooklyn. What defines or represents Brooklyn for you? How would you describe Brooklyns people, sites or vibe? Its past, present or future?
" If accepted, artworks must arrive ready to hang. The Partnership will not frame or fit any pieces with hanging hardware.
" Although artworks of any size will be considered, pieces of at least 30 in one dimension (either length or width) tend to have a more impactful presence in the storefront space. Some windows can accommodate very large pieces.
" If the artist chooses to offer pieces for sale, the Partnership will receive a small commission on each sale, to be negotiated with the artist prior to the exhibition. Given that community accessibility is a key component of this initiative, the Partnership hope to exhibit works at a broad range of prices.

The installation system serves to create a uniform look that unifies the exhibit, and displays work in a way that highlights and protects the work itself. The system includes a solar shade to provide a clean backdrop for the artwork while maintaining light and view through to the interior of the shop. A cable hanging system allows the artwork to hang in the window in front of the shade. See examples above.

APPLICATION PROCESS
Please submit the following materials by September 12, 2012 to meredith@myrtleavenue.org.
" Brief artist statement and brief description of the submitted artworks, including how each interprets the theme, This is Brooklyn.
" Up to 5 artwork images with index listing title, medium, and dimensions for each artwork. Please combine photos in a zip folder or pdf.
" Current resume

Preference will be given to artists based in NYC, and especially those based in Brooklyn. The Partnership will not provide insurance to cover the art during this exhibition. However, the artist has the option to secure his/her own policy to cover potential theft or damage to the works while installed in the storefronts. Artists will be required to sign a liability waiver. For more information, visit www.myrtleavenue.org or contact meredith@myrtleavenue.org (email preferred).

Photo: Social Comfort by Anne Lafond at Anima

Artist Kate Newby brings playful boulder sculpture to Fort Greene Park

Mon, 16 Jul 2012 17:24:00 -0400

Have you seen the new boulder seats in Fort Greene Park? Inspired by the boulder that locals call the Grey Painted Rock, artist Kate Newby has fashioned two seats out of concrete, stones from Fort Greene Park, mortar, and crystals, which now converse playfully with the existing boulder at the pathway near the hospital. The temporary installation, titled How Funny Are You Today, New York will be on site through November 25th.

Newbys installation invites park visitors to stop and rest or play, while simultaneously asking the viewer to reconsider the environments norms. This installation is sponsored by the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation and the International Studio and Curatorial Program (ISCP).

photo courtesy of the artist

Check out Myrtle Windows Gallery, get deals at participating businesses!

Wed, 13 Jun 2012 14:07:00 -0400

Have you seen all 15 artworks by SONYA Artists in 10 Myrtle storefronts between Vanderbilt and Classon yet? Myrtle Windows Gallery aims to inspire you on your daily stroll down the avenue, bringing art by local artworks right to you! Check out "Rhapsody in Movement #9" by Mary Chang at Anima Italian Bistro (picture here), pick up a Myrtle Windows Gallery Guide, and take advantage of the coupons included in the guide at these participating businesses:
Brooklyn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu: $19.95 Intro Special includes private lesson and uniform
Green in BKLYN: Sign up for GIB Rewards
Anima Italian Bistro: 10% of an entree (Mon-Wed, dine-in)
Thai 101: 10% of an entree (Mon-Wed, dine-in)
Miracle's Unisex Barber Shop: $2 off a haircut

Let us know what you think on our Facebook page!

Strollin on Myrtle with SONYA This Weekend!

Fri, 08 Jun 2012 16:13:00 -0400

The weather looks fine, why not take in some artwork and tasty brunch on Myrtle this weekend? SONYAs 13th annual Studio Stroll takes place on Saturday and Sunday from 11-6pm, rain or shine (but were betting on shine). You can download the full map here, which includes a list of Myrtle brunch favorites offering 10% off for SONYA Strollers (Anima, Putnams, Fork, Pillow, SoCo, Los Pollitos, Wallys Square Root Café and Castros). Dont miss these open studios and art exhibitions right here on Myrtle, and a number of others just north and south of the avenue. And while youre here, check out SONYA artwork in the 10 storefronts of Myrtle Windows Gallery!

Gray Edgerton and Manoela Madera,412 Myrtle Ave., #2R
Artist duo collaborating in multifaceted projects raging from illustrative mixed media, abstract painting and design.

Pillow Cafe, 505 Myrtle Ave.
New artworks by Pratt students.

Richard Deek Eisenhart, 561 Myrtle Ave., The Emerson

Hadas Gallery, 541 Myrtle Ave.
Super Jew Comics Exhibition presenting the comic artwork of Al Wiesner and Joshua H.Stulman.

Diana McClure, 581 Myrtle Ave., Wonk Gallery
Vibrant minimalism through photography and collage, exploring women, spiritual agency +the liberation of thought.

Utrecht, 536 Myrtle Ave.
All day artist demonstrations and discounts.

Myrtle Windows Gallery and SONYA Studio Stroll!

Tue, 05 Jun 2012 09:39:00 -0400

The 13th SONYA Studio Stroll takes place this weekend, June 9th and 10th, featuring 50+ locations in Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Wallabout, and Bedford-Stuyvesant! Visit open studios and exhibitions on 12-6 pm both days (rain or shine)!

We're featuring 15 artworks by SONYA artists in the most recent Myrtle Windows Gallery exhibition, on display NOW in the storefronts of 10 Myrtle businesses between Vanderbilt and Classon through June 28th!
Brooklyn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (412 Myrtle)
Connecticut Muffin (423 Myrtle)
Karrot (431 Myrtle)
Green in BKLYN (432 Myrtle)
Thai 101 (455A Myrtle)
Anima Italian Bistro (458 Myrtle)
Kum Kau (463 Myrtle)
Miracles (473A Myrtle)
Soketah (563 Myrtle)
Wally's Square Root Cafe (584 Myrtle)

Tour the exhibition with the artists, and then join them for a drink on
Thursday June 21st at 7pm. Tour begins at Connecticut Muffin and reception follows at The Emerson Bar (561 Myrtle). Pick up an exhibition guide at any of the participating businesses and find special deals and coupons!

About Myrtle Windows Gallery
By breaking down the walls of the traditional private art gallery, the Myrtle Windows Gallery brings two dimensional art to the public arena via the storefront window, where it is accessible to anyone simply walking down the street. The initiative helps bring together artists, local businesses, and the community in a dialogue about art in public spaces. To purchase artwork in this exhibit, contact us at (718) 230-1689.Myrtle Windows Gallery is sponsored by the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership, with support from the Lily Auchincloss Foundation.

Call for Temporary Outdoor Sculpture for Myrtle - deadline 5/29!

Mon, 21 May 2012 18:13:00 -0400

REMINDER: The deadline to submit your proposal to bring new or existing artwork to Myrtle Avenue is approaching - May 29 at 5pm! See below for details.
---------------
We are pleased to release an RFP for temporary outdoor sculpture for Myrtle Avenue!

We're offering a grant of up to $7000 to support the temporary installation (7 - 11 months) of existing or new artworks at various outdoor locations along Myrtle Avenue. Artists may select just one location, or a combination of locations for their proposals.

Since 2008, weve supported installations like the Tree Hugger Project, Myrtle Bird Town, and Ancient, Goatie Boy, Goat as Wolf, and we look forward to bringing additional public artworks to the avenue this summer. Full application details are included in the pdf here. Submission deadline is Tuesday, May 29, 2012 at 5pm. Please feel free to forward widely to your networks! Good luck!

Photos (clockwise from left): Myrtle Birdtown by Wongoers, Soundwaves Mural by Ellie Balk, Goat as Wolf by Ruth McKerrell, Tree Hugger Project by Wiktor Szostalo and Agnieska Gradznik.

Call for Temporary Outdoor Sculpture for Myrtle Avenue!

Mon, 07 May 2012 09:56:00 -0400

We are pleased to release an RFP for temporary outdoor sculpture for Myrtle Avenue!

We're offering a grant of up to $7000 to support the temporary installation (7 - 11 months) of existing or new artworks at various outdoor locations along Myrtle Avenue. Artists may select just one location, or a combination of locations for their proposals.

Since 2008, weve supported installations like the Tree Hugger Project, Myrtle Bird Town, and Ancient, Goatie Boy, Goat as Wolf, and we look forward to bringing additional public artworks to the avenue this summer. Full application details are included in the pdf here. Submission deadline is Tuesday, May 29, 2012 at 5pm. Please feel free to forward widely to your networks! Good luck!

Photos (clockwise from left): Myrtle Birdtown by Wongoers, Soundwaves Mural by Ellie Balk, Goat as Wolf by Ruth McKerrell, Tree Hugger Project by Wiktor Szostalo and Agnieska Gradznik.

DEADLINE EXTENDED: Submit a design for a Myrtle Tree Guard Contest!

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0400

UPDATE: New deadline for submissions to the Myrtle Tree Guard Panel Design contest is Wednesday, March 28th at 5pm!

On Myrtle Avenue, were serious about protecting our street trees. We appreciate them not only for the aesthetic appeal they bring to the commercial strip, but also for the important role they play in filtering the air and providing shady respite from the afternoon sun. We worked with the Pratt Design Incubator to design tree guards for Myrtle that are both functional and durable, but also offer a canvas that reflects local creativity. Thats where you come in!

For the second year in a row, were inviting artists and designers (both amateur and professional) to submit designs for the panels of a new Myrtle Tree Guard. Each selected design will be laser cut into the 4 panels of an individual tree guard or tree guard with bench, to be installed on Myrtle Avenue in summer 2012. We may select up to 25 individual panel designs in total this year. In 2011, we selected 19 designs for 38 tree guards and benches that were installed last August. Check out photos of these unique guards on our flickr page here.

How to submit a design to the contest:
Submit your design concepts via email to meredith@myrtleavenue.org by Wednesday, March 28, 2012 at 5pm along with a document (PDF) containing your contact information (name, address, telephone, email), brief description of your design (no more than 200 words), and small image of your design.

Design Guidelines
Please read the following closely, as we will not be able to accept submissions that do not meet these guidelines.
1. If possible, please use the Adobe Illustrator template when creating your design.
You can also submit a high resolution jpeg (please follow dimensions listed below). 2. Permissible design area is 11" vertical x 37" horizontal. Full size of artboard is 14" x 40" which includes a 1.5" border on all four sides. No design elements can be in this border area.
3. All design shapes are considered 'holes'. There can be no 'holes' that measure larger than 4 square inches, or longer than 12". No 'holes' can be smaller than 1/4".
4. Solid areas must measure at least 1/2" wide. Thin pieces cannot be longer than 10" as they are prone to warping and breaking.
5. Designs should not have unsupported solid elements (floating pieces).
6. For safety reasons, designs should avoid sharp points and corners. Corners should be rounded wherever possible. 7. Designs cannot include trademarked logos or images, and cannot contain words.
8. Each panel will be repeated four times on the tree guard. It is not possible to design four separate panels for one unit.

By submitting a design, entrants are authorizing the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership to incorporate the submitted design into street furniture for fabrication, and are allowing the Partnership to utilize the design in online and printed materials related to the project. Authors of selected designs will not be compensated, but will be credited on our website and on tree guard signage (not on benches, as they do not have signage).
Photo: Panel design by Genevieve Saucier

SONYA Social on 2/9 @ The Emerson!

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:22:00 -0400

Find out what's happening in the Fort Greene/Clinton Hill arts community over a drink with South of the Navy Yard Artists (SONYA)! They're hosting a 'social' on Thursday, February 9th at The Emerson (561 Myrtle) at 7pm.

2011 Holiday Windows Contest Winners!

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 16:20:00 -0400

Congratulations to our 2011 Holiday Windows Contest Winners! Drum roll, please....
First Place: Holiday Hookah at Zaytoons, by Natalia Zuckerman
Second Place: Notes at Thai 101 by Leola Bermanzohn
Third Place: Cheers at Anima by Natalia Zuckerman

A very special thanks to all the artists and merchants who participated this season! And, thanks to YOU for voting on our Facebook page. May the rest of your 2011 days be merry and bright!

Holiday Windows: Vote for your favorite on Facebook!

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 13:58:00 -0400

It's the most wonderful time of the year...holiday windows contest time! This year, we've got 19 windows in total between Classon and Washington Park. Stroll down the avenue to check them out, and vote for your favorite on Facebook. It's easy, just click "like" on the photo of your favorite window. Winning artists and merchants get bragging rights for 2012. We'll annouce the winners on Tuesday, December 20th.

Take a 360 tour of the "Soundwaves" mural under the BQE!

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 16:24:00 -0400

Cross-posting this cool 360-degree tour of the Soundwaves mural under the BQE by artist Ellie Balk. Check it out by clicking here.

Art Show and Reception: Tuesday at Connecticut Muffin

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 11:26:00 -0400

Meet artist Tarra Rehounek on Tuesday, November 1st at Connecticut Muffin (423 Myrtle Avenue)! She will be showcasing her patterned designs and greeting cards (also for sale) from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. Light refreshments will be served, so grab a cup of coffee and enjoy!

Nelson Rivas Mural almost complete at Trilok

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 16:18:00 -0400

The Nelson Rivas mural going up at Trilok Fusion Center for Arts & Education is almost ready. Nelson Rivas, a Brooklyn-based artist, who also goes by the name 'Cekis', is a highly sought after artist, painting murals internationally. The Trilok Center for Arts & Education lot is located at the corner of Myrtle and Waverly. Stay tuned for more information about the mural, the artist and the upcoming artist's recepton at Trilok.

"Soundwaves" Under the BQE - This Weekend!

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 12:13:00 -0400

Please join us on Sunday, October 16th to dedicate and celebrate Soundwaves, a mural created by artist Ellie Balk and 75+ community volunteers.

At 3:30pm, we'll be at the mural (Park Avenue near Steuben under the BQE) to dedicate it and officially 'cut the ribbon'. Pianist Samantha Bassler (one of the ten pianists whose hands Ellie traced for the design) will be on site playing Moolight Sonata on her keyboard! Afterward, join us at The Emerson at 4:30pm (561 Myrtle) to toast and celebrate this wonderful project! Contact meredith@myrtleavenue.org for more information.

Special thanks to the NYS Department of Transportation for their cooperation in this project.

Help Adopt a Myrtle Bench or Tree Guard

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 16:58:00 -0400

After just one week, three Myrtle tree guards and one Myrtle bench are fully adopted! Thank you to our generous neighbors, whose donations will be recognized via bench plaques and tree guard signage. Adopt-A-Bench and Adopt-A-TreeGuard funds will go toward 5 years of caring for Myrtle's new street furniture and street trees.

And now we've launched an opportunity for small donors to contribute toward keeping Myrtle green via HelpersUnite, a recently-launched crowd-giving community where you can raise funds for creative and cause-based projects, and sell tickets to your special events, all in one place. You can contribute as little or as much as you want, to help MARP reach its goal of getting all 20 benches and all 20 tree guards adopted.

Visit MARP's HelpersUnite project page to join the effort!

As many of you have seen by now, twenty custom-designed tree guards and twenty tree guard benches were installed on Myrtle Avenue between Washington Park and Classon Avenue. The overall design of the guards and benches is the result of a collaborative process with the Pratt Design Incubator and the local artists who submitted winning designs for the individual, laser-cut panels. Funding for the design phase, which began in 2007, and the first phase of installation came from the NY State Division of Housing & Community Renewal, the NY State Department of Environmental Conservation, NY State Council for the Arts, the Lily Auchincloss Foundation, and the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership Business Improvement District.

Myrtle's new tree guards are both functional and durable, providing opportunities to sit for the avenue's pedestrians, and also serve as Myrtles latest public art project, offering a 'canvas' that reflects Fort Greene and Clinton Hills creative spirit. The panels for each tree guard were designed by local artists, who were selected through an open call for proposals in 2010. Designs range from graphic patterns to skylines to maps, and some even reference the former Myrtle Avenue elevated train. The guards will serve as protection for the avenues street trees, while providing much-needed intermittent seating for pedestrians and those waiting for the B54 bus. Street trees not only bring an aesthetic appeal to the commercial strip, but also play an important role in filtering the air and providing shady respite from the afternoon sun.

Through a program similar to the NYC Parks Departments adopt-a-bench initiative, we are seeking sponsors to support our greening efforts and to fund street furniture maintenance. Each adoption commitment is for 5 years, and costs $2,500 for a tree guard bench and $1,500 for a tree guard (without a bench). Sponsors will be acknowledged on bench plaques or guard signage, as well as on www.myrtleavenue.org. Resources raised through this program will provide supplemental maintenance funding for the street furniture, the tree bed, and the tree itself, including: replacement of damaged bench planks, painting of panels and posts, tree bed weeding and mulching, tree fertilizer, pruning, special tree care, as needed, and tree bed plantings.

A full project history of the Myrtle Street Furniture Design Initiative can be found here.

Adopt-A-Bench & Adopt-A-TreeGuard program details and forms can be found here.

BID Annual Meeting w/Speaker Christine Quinn this Tuesday at SoCo

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 12:08:00 -0400

There are still a few spots available for guests to join us at the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership BID Annual Meeting, with guest speaker NY City Council Speaker Christine Quinn. The meeting is on Tuesday, September 27th, from 5-7pm at SoCo, 509 Myrtle Avenue. Drinks and light appetizers will be served. The meeting is open to the public, but RSVP is required.

RSVP at www.surveymonkey.com/s/MyrtleBIDAnnualMeeting2011.

Tree Guard Sponsorship Kick-off and Artist Reception > 10/3 @ Putnam's!

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 16:39:00 -0400

The installation of the first phase of street furniture is complete! Next week we will add the signage decals to the tree guards, and soon we will add soil and mulch to the pits to complete this phase of the project. The guards and benches have received a fantastic response from Myrtle merchants and residents, which is exactly what we had hoped for.

Some in-progress photos can be seen on our Flickr site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/myrtleavenue/sets/72157627378621281/

Please join us to celebrate on Monday, October 3rd at Putnams Pub & Cooker (Myrtle & Clinton) at 6pm. Interested in 'adopting' a bench or tree guard? We'll also be kicking-off our tree guard sponsorship program that night too in order to help us maintain the tree guards and benches for the next 5 years. RSVP to get two free drink tickets, to Meredith@myrtleavenue.org before September 28th. Hope to see you there!

Paint a mural under the BQE with artist, Ellie Balk

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 16:16:00 -0400

Inspired by the sounds and line of the elevated highway, artist Ellie Balk has designed a musical landscape called "Soundwaves" that will be painted on the large wall on Park Avenue under the BQE, near Steuben Street in Clinton Hill. The artist has collaborated with over 10 pianists who live close to the BQE, by drawing the distance between their hands as they play Beethovens Moonlight Sonata. These sound waves will be layered to create an orchestra of lines, reflecting a landscape. It is even possible for the mural to be interpreted by musicians and played back for the community! The photo above includes a rendering of the proposed mural.

Get Involved! Pick up a brush and join us!
This project is meant to be a community public art project and will be created almost entirely by volunteers, so grab your neighbors and help us paint! Painting will take place from 11am-5pm on Saturday, September 17 - Friday, September 30 (except for Thursday, September 22 and Thursday, September 29). Sign up for shifts at at VolunteerSpot.com, or by reaching out to Meredith at meredith@myrtleavenue.org or 718-230-1689. Here are some other ways you can help:
- Organize a group from your organization or civic group to do a volunteer shift as a team
- Bring a group of students (ages 8+) on a field trip to participate for a shift
- Spread the word to your neighbors and friends, and get them to sign up too!
- Contact Ellie Balk at elliebalk@gmail.com or at 718-930-7177, or meredith@myrtleavenue.org to find out more about volunteering

Artist Statement:
When Robert Moses drew his proposed route for the BQE, he drew a line on a map. This line was developed by his engineers into highway infrastructure that cleared block after block, displacing residents and dividing once unified communities. Residents living near this stretch of highway are confronted by the continuous cycle of the sound of bustling traffic. One resident told me, With the windows open you can hear the traffic, but at night it is kind of calming. Sounds a little bit like the ocean. Visual interpretations of sound are at the center of the meaning of this mural. My goal for Soundwaves is to bring some life to this space and to honor and celebrate the community directly affected by the existence of the BQE. This mural will allow residents to see something beautiful and bright and to be inspired to hear the sounds of the highway in a new way.

This project is supported by the Myrtle Avenue Revitalization Project, with support from an award from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Tree guard installation - follow on Flickr!

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 16:23:00 -0400

We're a little more than half way done with installations of new tree guards and tree guard benches on the avenue. Check out progress here on our Flickr site! The panel art pictured here, "Elevation", was created by Genevieve Saucier.

Have you checked out the new tree guards yet?

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 17:18:00 -0400

Two new tree guards and two tree guards with benches arrived today on Myrtle between Hall and Washington. This one with panel art by James Petras. Stay tuned for more updates...

New on the avenue: tree guards + public art + a place for you to sit!

Tue, 09 Aug 2011 17:15:00 -0400

By the end of this month, 20 new tree guards and 20 new tree guard benches will dot the avenues block faces between Washington Park and Classon Avenue! The overall design of the tree guards is the result of a collaborative process that began in 2007 with the Pratt Design Incubator, which included a community workshop, field interviews and analysis by Pratt industrial design students, and a series of soft and hard prototypes. No sir, these are not your everyday-run-of-the-mill tree guards. The tree guards were created with a modular design that allows for customization the panels on each of the guards were designed by local artists! We sent out an open call for panel designs last year, and selected 19 artists from the submissions to participate (see all the designs above!). Designs range from doilies to graphic patterns to skylines to maps, and some even reference the former Myrtle Avenue elevated train.

Hopefully youve already spied the prototype tree guard and prototype tree guard bench on the avenue. We installed these prototypes to fine-tune the designs, and to check out how people responded to them. Every day, we see dozens of B54 passengers at Myrtle and Washington enjoying the prototype bench while they wait for the bus. Thats exactly what wed hoped for!

Were serious about protecting our trees, but we saw this street furniture project as an opportunity for public art, too. Myrtles new tree guards are both functional and durable, and also offer a canvas that reflects Fort Greene and Clinton Hills creative spirit. With over 200 trees in the Partnerships Business Improvement District boundaries (were proud to claim responsibility for having over a quarter of those planted on the avenue, btw), were not able to provide guards for all of them in this round. Were continuing to fundraise, and hope to release another open call for panel art early next year, and install additional guards in summer 2012.

Later this fall, we plan present opportunities to support the avenues greening efforts by sponsoring benches, through a program similar to the NYC Parks Departments adopt-a-bench initiative. Stay tuned for more information on this, for details on a celebration/reception in the fall, and photo-updates throughout the installation process! Have questions? Contact meredith@myrtleavenue.org.

Thanks to: New York Main Street Program, the NY State Department of Environmental Conservation, and the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership Business Improvement District for supporting this project.

Opening Reception for 'Yo Brooklynites' @ Hadas Gallery this Sunday

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 13:36:00 -0400

Hadas Gallery (541 Myrtle Avenue) will celebrate their first annual community group this Sunday, July 10th from 2-5pm. The artists included a mixture of members from the Jewish community as well as local Brooklyn artists. Yo Brooklynites will be shown July 10- August 18. Regular gallery hours are Sunday through Thursday 1pm-6pm or by appointment. A panel discussion will be held Wednesday August 17, 8 pm. Visit their website for more info!

Photo: Ora-Bialik

Dot and Dashes > Have you visited yet?

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 13:36:00 -0400

Check out the works of 11 artists in 11 storefronts windows between Classon and Vanderbilt! Exhibition maps are available at any of these participating merchants:
Wally's Square Root Cafe
Soketah
Los Pollitos II
Miracle's
Kum Kau
Anima
Thai 101
Green in BKLYN
Karrot
Connecticut Muffin
Kapella's
Check out curator, Christina Vassallo's flickr set here for a preview. Definitely come out to the avenue for a stroll and enjoy the pieces up close and in person! The exhibition will be up until July 8th.

Funk under the BQE? A grand piano under the BQE? Yup!

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 12:31:00 -0400

Our friends at Sing for Hope placed a baby grand under the BQE at Park and Washington this week as part of their "Pop-Up Pianos" project, which seems like a good enough reason to throw a party to us! We've invited High and Mighty Brass Band to bring their New Orleans-style funk and R&B, the folks from Do Tank Brooklyn will be working their public space magic to create a temporary viewing area, and Fresh Fanatic will bring out some tasty snacks. Bring the whole family - we'll have some hula hoops and street chalk on hand for the kiddos. You won't want to miss it. This might be the most fun anyone has ever had under the BQE. Here's the scoop:

Friday, June 24th
6-8pm
Under the BQE @ Park and Washington Avenue (Clinton Hill)
Email meredith@myrtleavenue.org for more info.

Dots and Dashes > Opening reception tonight!

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 16:46:00 -0400

Come celebrate our latest Myrtle Windows Gallery exhibition tonight at SoCo (509 Myrtle between Ryerson and Grand), a brand new jazz/southern fusion cuisine restaurant that we're happy to introduce. Bring your friends, meet the artists, nosh on some tasty nibbles and sip of some refreshing cocktails from 6-8pm on Thursday June 16th. The event is free!

Have you seen the artwork? We're showing the works of 11 artists in 11 storefronts for the next three weeks. Use this handy map to stroll the avenue and see them all, and get some good deals in the process!

More about Dots and Dashes :
Dots and Dashes, is an exhibition about patterns and their place within systems. The exhibition title refers to the series of tones that comprise Morse Code - a method of transmitting textual data. The artworks displayed in Dots and Dashes reveal an affinity for repetitive mark making and recurring formal elements. Some of the works faithfully communicate the complexity of patterns found in nature and man made structures, while others distill this complexity into simple geometric forms. Organic systems, diagrams of consumption, maps, and human history are among the many issues explored through the selected artworks. Dots and Dashes is curated by Christina Vassallo as part of the Myrtle Ave Brooklyn Partnership Curator-in- Residence program.

Dots and Dashes: Myrtle Windows Gallery Exhibition & Reception

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 18:05:00 -0400

On June 16th, we'll welcome our seventh Myrtle Windows Gallery exhibition to the Avenue! Curated by Christina Vassallo, Dots and Dashes explores patterns and their place within systems, bringing the works of 11 artists to 11 storefronts on Myrtle between Clinton and Classon. Here's a full brochure with all the details, including specials at Thai 101, Anima, Los Pollitos, Green in BKLYN and Karrot just for Myrtle Windows Gallery visitors!

Of course, we are going to celebrate this! Join us for an opening reception at SoCo (509 Myrtle between Ryerson and Grand), a brand new jazz/southern fusion cuisine restaurant that we're happy to introduce. Bring your friends, meet the artists, nosh on some tasty nibbles and sip of some refreshing cocktails from 6-8pm on Thursday June 16th. RSVP to meredith@myrtleavenue.org. The event is free!

More about Dots and Dashes :
Dots and Dashes, is an exhibition about patterns and their place within systems. The exhibition title refers to the series of tones that comprise Morse Code - a method of transmitting textual data. The artworks displayed in Dots and Dashes reveal an affinity for repetitive mark making and recurring formal elements. Some of the works faithfully communicate the complexity of patterns found in nature and man made structures, while others distill this complexity into simple geometric forms. Organic systems, diagrams of consumption, maps, and human history are among the many issues explored through the selected artworks. Dots and Dashes is curated by Christina Vassallo as part of the Myrtle Ave Brooklyn Partnership Curator-in- Residence program.

Celebrate the art of Ruth McKerrell, and the life of Clare Weiss with us!

Thu, 09 Jun 2011 15:00:00 -0400

Tonight, we're celebrating the inaugural exhibition of the Clare Weiss Emerging Artist Award at an opening reception for artist and award recipient, Ruth McKerrell. Her sculptures, Ancient, Goatie Boy and Goat as Wolf, are installed at the northeast corner of Fort Greene Park (Myrtle and Washington Park) from June 2011 June 2012. This award, in memory of Clare Weiss, Parks curator of public art from 2005 to 2009, will be granted annually by the NYC Parks Department. Clare was special to us here at MARP, as she closely advised us during the launch of our public art program in 2008 with the Tree Hugger Project installation, and we are thrilled to host the inaugural installation here on the avenue!

We will meet at the installation in Fort Greene Park (Myrtle Avenue & Washington Park) at 6pm for remarks, and continue to Chez Lola (387 Myrtle) for light refreshments. Join us!

This award was made possible by the friends of Clare Weiss with additional support from the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership.

Coming soon to Fort Greene Park - Goats!

Fri, 27 May 2011 11:28:00 -0400

Well, not ACTUAL goats, but three sculptures created by artist Ruth McKerrell, the recipient of the first Clare Weiss Emerging Artist Award from the NYC Parks Department. McKerrell's pieces, Ancient, Goatie Boy and Goat as Wolf, will be installed at the northeast corner of Fort Greene Park (Myrtle and Washington Park) from June 2011 June 2012. She's out there today beginning to install the cement bases for the pieces - stop by and say hello!

A ribbon-cutting will take place at 11:00 am on Wednesday, June 1, 2011 at the installation site, and you are welcome to join us. Come out to attend the artist reception on Thursday, June 9th from 6-8pm at Chez Lola (387 Myrtle Avenue). We'll meet at the installation at site at 6pm, and continue to Chez Lola for light refreshments. Both events are free and open to the public. Please RSVP to meredith@myrtleavenue.org for this opening reception.

Clare Weiss was Parkss curator of public art from 2005 to 2009, when she passed away. Clare was special to us here at MARP, as she closely advised us during the launch of our public art program in 2008 with the Tree Hugger Project installation. This years inaugural exhibition was made possible through generous support by the friends of Clare Weiss and our own Myrtle Public Art Program.We're thrilled to host the inaugural installation made in her honor here on the avenue.

Stay tuned for information about upcoming public art projects on Myrtle:
Myrtle Windows Gallery (June 17-July 8) Curator in residence, Christina Vassallo, presents works that evoke patterns and their place within systems
Make Music NY (June 21) a full day of performances at 12+ locations on the avenue
Sing for Hope (June 18 July 2) Pianos at Fort Greene Park and under the BQE at Park/Washington for two weeks, free for all to play
Myrtle Tree Guard Panel Designs (summer) Well debut 40 new tree guards that incorporate the designs of local artists and designers

The Myrtle Public Art Program is supported by the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership, the Lily Auchincloss Foundation, and 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)

Call for Artwork: Myrtle Windows Gallery/June Exhibition

Mon, 16 May 2011 15:59:00 -0400

Deadline for submissions is approaching! Send your artwork by May 20th. (This is a multi-artist exhibition, so feel free to submit as few as one or as many as five pieces for consideration!

_______________________________________________
Myrtle Windows Gallery is back, with MARP Curator-in-Residence, Christina Vassallo, at the helm for the upcoming exhibition this June. We're looking for twelve (12) existing two-dimensional works of art (paintings, prints, photographs, collage, mixed media, etc.) that can be installed in storefront windows along the avenue. This exhibition's theme is patterns and their place within systems. Representations of natural systems, diagrams of consumption, and urban mappings are just a few examples of relevant interpretations of the exhibition theme.

We are always looking to support local artists, so if you are Brooklyn-based, we especially want to hear from you! Send in an application to christina@randomnumber.nu by May 20th. All the details are listed in the flyer attached here. Click here for photos of past exhibitions. Here's a link to photos of participating merchant windows.

This Weekend: Studio Stroll and Brunch on Myrtle!

Thu, 12 May 2011 15:15:00 -0400

It's time for the annual SONYA Studio Stroll! Come out and visit with your local artists and see what they've been up to on Saturday, May 14 & Sunday, May 15 from 12pm-6pm both days, rain or shine. The Stroll is a self-guided tour of SONYArtist members studios and galleries within our community (Ft. Greene, Clinton Hill, Wallabout and Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn) that attracts thousands of visitors from the NYC metro area. Theres fabulous vintage architecture, parks, a college campus or three, great shopping, and fine dining right here on Myrtle to round out a truly inspirational experience. Find out all the deets here on SONYA's website.

Have you seen these 'drawings' on the avenue?

Tue, 10 May 2011 17:24:00 -0400

Wondered what the story was behind the black and white line drawings that have been popping up on avenue storefronts? Well, here are your answers about art project 'publicdraw' straight from artist, David Gitt!

MARP: We've noticed quite a few of these line drawings on storefronts on Myrtle, and in other places in the nabe. Can you tell us more about the public art project?

David: publicdraw is a grass roots attempt to change the perception of how art is seen and distributed. Images are proposed to local merchants and residents, they are then installed on the exterior of their storefronts as legal street art. I then take a photo of the work and upload it to my blog.

MARP: What kind of impact or engagement are you looking for from your viewers?

David: The images are subtle but hopefully resonate in the daily life of pedestrians and internet surfers alike. There is no money involved, and the drawings are made inexpensively but sturdily. Little by little they can add up as a narrative of image meeting specific sites.

MARP: What if others are interested in getting one of your drawings for their storefront, is that possible?

David: I am currently going door to door asking for permission, but I hope owners and managers will start coming to me directly. This is a humble start but one that can hopefully grow to a substantial and sustainable practice, enriching the community and individuals alike.

You heard it here - reach out to David at david3695@gmail.com if you'd like to join the project! Thanks to David for giving us a little something to ponder during our daily walks.

Pictured: publicdraw installation at Anima at 458 Myrtle

Hadas Gallery Presents: Ali Spechler's "Brooklyn Shtetl"

Tue, 10 May 2011 16:08:00 -0400

You are invited! The Hadas Gallery (541 Myrtle between Steuben and Emerson) is holding an opening reception for a new exhibition featuring a series of contemporary Jewish portraiture by painter Ali Spechler on Sunday, May 15th from 2-5pm. The exhibition will be up at the gallery through June 30th. From the press release:

"Spechlers subjects range in mood. Somber, hilarious, confident; she paints personality with all its appeal and flaws. Her paintings play with the seriousness that can overburden religious affiliation...Her portraits challenge the sometimes quirky meshing of religious identity with pop culture".

For all the details, visit Hadas Gallery's website.

And the winners are....

Mon, 20 Dec 2010 18:05:00 -0400

Announcing the 2010 Holiday Windows contest winners! First Place: LeAnne Iverson @ Gray's Studio Cafe, Second Place: Natalie Apuzzo @ Wally's Square Root Cafe, Third Place: Kathleen Hayek @ Zaytoons. Congratulations, and a special thanks to all the artists and merchants who participated this year!

Last Call > Holiday Window Voting closes after 12/17!

Thu, 16 Dec 2010 15:31:00 -0400

If you haven't done so yet, come to Myrtle to check out the holiday windows between Classon and Washington Park and text a vote for your favorite! Here's the list of participating businesses. Check back next week to find out who's taking home the prizes this season!

Bye Bye, Bird(ie) Town

Thu, 09 Dec 2010 16:25:00 -0400

Myrtle Avenue Bird Town, our friendly little neighborhood of bird houses at Fort Greene Park and the Carlton Triangle, is leaving us this Saturday! Oh how we will miss those whimsical, delightful little homes made from everything from metrocards to gourds! If you haven't checked it out, try to do so, or maybe stop by and meet local artists Daniel Goers and Jennifer Wong as they pack things up on Saturday at noon. DEFINITELY check out their website, www.myrtleavenuebirdtown.com, and learn about the fabulous little bird resort that's beem with us since May of this year.

Where will they go, you ask? The artists are donating a few of the houses to local community gardens, keeping a few faves for themselves and giving some away as gifts to friends and family for the holidays.

Holiday Windows are up! Cast your vote through 12/17.

Wed, 08 Dec 2010 14:20:00 -0400

Catch the holiday spirit on Myrtle! Check out this year's entries into the annual Holiday Windows Contest. There are 12 windows this year, at storefronts located from Washington Park to Classon. Vote by text message for your favorite! (The catch is you've gotta come out to the window itself to get the text code!)

Here's a sneak peek of the entries, come out and visit the avenue to see them all this weekend, and get some holiday bargains too! Pictured: Gnarly Vines

Visit Birdtown in celebration of Turkey Day!

Wed, 24 Nov 2010 18:14:00 -0400
Myrtle Avenue Birdtown, our local community of bird houses and feeders located at the Carlton Triangle and at the northwest Fort Greene Park corner (Myrtle and St. Edwards), will be relocating in just a few weeks! Time flies (no pun intended)!

If you're out and about this Turkey Day Weekend, why not stop by and say hello to some other local birds before they leave us for warmer climates? Myrtle Avenue Bird Town artists, Jen Wong and Dan Goers, put together a great educational packet that you can download here. Check it out and bring the kids along too!

DEADLINE EXTENDED: Myrtle Holiday Windows Contest

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 10:34:00 -0400
UPDATE: We've extended the deadline for submissions to Monday, November 22nd! Submissions are accepted on a rolling basis, so send yours in early or the window you like may have already been snapped up! We've also extended the period for creating the window to provide more convenience to participating artists.

------------------------

Hard to believe, but the holidays are just around the corner! That means it's time to announce our third annual Myrtle Holiday Windows Contest! Were inviting artists to use storefront windows along Myrtle Avenue as a canvas for festive holiday art, and to compete for some cool prizes. Once all the windows are done, people can vote via text message for their favorite holiday storefront design! The top three designs will be awarded Myrtle Avenue gift certificates valued at $250 (first place), $100 (second place) and $50 (third place)! Check out photos from prior contests in 2008 and 2009 on our Flickr site.

This years theme is A Winter Wonderland on Myrtle. Put your own creative spin on it! Here are guidelines for submissions:
" The materials used to create the holiday window scene could include paint, lights, paper, vinyl, or any other material agreed upon between the artist and the merchant. Some merchants have the infrastructure to hang 2D artwork (framed photos, paintings, prints, etc.) in their storefront windows via a ceiling-mounted track. Artists may also consider including 2D artwork if it helps to create a festive display.
" 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). Paint will be applied on the INSIDE surface of the storefront window.
" The window design must not be 'solid', some transparency through the window from both outside and inside should remain.
" The Partnership will supply a $50 materials stipend to all participating artists upon completion of the window. Participating artists will also receive complementary admission to our annual holiday fundraiser in early December, which includes music, cocktails, and hors doeuvres!
" If selected, artists must commit to painting their windows between November 20th and December 1 during the business hours of their partner store. Artists who are familiar with Myrtle businesses are free to propose a merchant partner for their design, but it is not necessary. The Partnership will pair each artist with a merchant partner that best suits their proposed design.
" Once selected, artists must commit to meet briefly with their merchant partner prior to installation, to agree upon materials and installation time and logistics. Merchants are very excited to be a part of this initiative, and will look forward to meeting you!

Submit your idea by Monday, November 22nd at noon VIA EMAIL to Meredith@myrtleavenue.org:
1. Name, address, telephone and email contact information (individuals and teams are welcome to apply)
2. In 200 words or less, describe your design ideas for the storefront window and include a title for the piece. If youd like to work with a particular business, please include that here as well.
3. A sketch, photo or other imagery that represents your idea.
4. Photos (no more than 3) or links to examples of your work.

Photo: Keri Ferrara, Give the Gift of Love at Joseph Tyler Salon in 2009.

Calling all "Curious Pedestrians" to Myrtle this Sunday...

Wed, 15 Sep 2010 13:05:00 -0400
The Case of the Curious Pedestrian, brought to you by our own curator-in-residence, Christina Vassallo, comes to Move About Myrtle this weekend! This is a one-day exhibition of performance art and ephemeral installations that focuses on choreography of pedestrians, the nooks & crannies of commercial spaces, and the unspoken history of sidewalks. These playful gestures will turn Myrtle Avenue into a cabinet of curiosities! We know you're "curious" to learn more, so here's what you can expect/search for/uncover/happen upon this Sunday:

Artworks
- Ranjit Bhatnagars City Birds is comprised of three sound sculptures made of vintage toy instruments that were modifed to chirp the calls of local song birds (@ Mr. Coco, Green in BKLYN, and Clinton Express Deli).
- Part scavenger hunt and part interactive detective story, Veronica Doughertys The Story of Johnny X shows participants how someone can disappear in a city. Briefings are conducted at 1:30, 2:30, and 3:30pm, on the corner of Hall & Myrtle, where participants will receive a series of clues to solve the mystery of what happened to Johnny X.

- Angela Fans Happy Benhadi Costume Party is a whimsical addition to a common city street scene: fresh fruits and vegetables for sale on the sidewalk (@Benhadi Supermarket).

- Jonny Farrows video Pizza is Art celebrates the longstanding tradition of the Brooklyn pizzeria. Shot in the artists local pizza parlor, the footage was looped, reversed, processed, and folded back on itself, much like the process of kneading dough (@Liberty Pizza).

- Kathryne Halls sculpture Aberrant Drain transforms the view at Clinton & Myrtle, twisting the horizon into urban mirage. 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.

- Join licensed tour guide and 4th generation Myrtle Avenue resident Jonah Levy on his Moitel Avenue Tour to discover the vast hidden history of the Myrtle Ave you might not know. FREE 30-minute tours are conducted at 1, 2, 3 & 4 pm, and start at the corner of Hall & Myrtle on a first-come, first-served basis.

- Each element in Lili Maya & James Rouvelles Surface-active agent will subtly react to the heat, light, humidity, and vibrations caused by the patrons and employees of 3 Stars Laundromat.

- Playlab scoured Craigslists free listings to build a pedestrian lounge in the street. They archived each piece of furniture in their Craigshouse installation online here. Visitors to the exhibition are welcome to take home a piece of furniture if they agree to submit a photo of the item in its new home (@Home and U).

- Risa Punos Look Here stereograms contain 3-D images hidden within 2-D patterns. Installed on storefronts along Myrtle Ave, each layer offers an opportunity for viewers to stop and stare (@Myrtle Glass, Karrot and Bechamel).

- Hunt for dollar bills in Sal Randolphs $1 Near Something Red. Look for red bicycles, fire boxes, fences, t-shirts, even apples, and you may discover a specially rolled dollar with a printed message enclosed. Try attracting dollars to you by putting out something red, or take the opportunity to leave some of your own money for others to find.

Sounds like fun, right? Pick up a map at the MARP table this Sunday, or download one here
photo: Sal Randolph, "$1 Near Something Red"

DEADLINE EXTENDED! Seeking designs for Myrtle Avenue tree guards!

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 14:47:00 -0400
UPDATE: We've extended the deadline to August 30th at 5pm. If you haven't already submitted a design, you still have time!

On Myrtle Avenue, were serious about protecting our street trees...but, why do it like everyone else does it, right? Weve been working with the Pratt Design Incubator to design tree guards that are both functional and durable, but also offer a canvas that reflects the spirit of local creativity. Tree guards with a Myrtle twist.

Thats where you come in.

Were inviting artists and designers (both amateur and professional!) to submit designs for the panels of a new Myrtle Tree Guard. Each winning design will be laser cut into the 4 panels of an individual tree guard (visit the prototype, pictured above, on Myrtle between Clinton and Waverly). We may select up to 20 unique designs for 20 new tree guards to be installed this fall on Myrtle!

Download the full application here.
Submit your design using this Adobe Illustrator template. Dont worry if you dont have illustrator contact us if youd still like to submit a concept. Well have a professional designer convert your design to the appropriate file format if selected.

Make sure to submit your design concepts by Monday, August 30th at 5pm (new deadline). Contact meredith@myrtlavenue.org if you have any questions.

Introducing Myrtle Avenue's first Curator-in-Residence!

Fri, 06 Aug 2010 12:57:00 -0400
As part of our growing public art program, we happily announce that Myrtle Avenue now has its very own Curator-in-Residence Christina Vassallo of Random Number ! For the next year, Christina will help to bring temporary public art projects (both sculpture and installation) to Myrtle Avenue. Welcome to Myrtle, Christina!

Christina specializes in projects that engage the public in unique ways, and her first project for Myrtle is a fantastic example of this approach! The Case of the Curious Pedestrian, which coincides with Move About Myrtle on September 19th, is a one-day exhibition that highlights the overlooked details of the commercial corridor. Artists will take to the street with social interactions and artistic interventions, in an effort to reconnect passersby with the things that often go unnoticed. Visitors will find hidden installations all along Myrtle Avenue, and these playful gestures will turn Myrtle Avenue into a cabinet of curiosities. We know you want more stay tuned for complete details soon! Move About Myrtle takes place on Myrtle between Clermont and Hall every Sunday in September from noon 6pm. Check back for a full event schedule in a few weeks!

Fort Greene Park Voted Best for Public Art

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 12:14:00 -0400
Fort Greene Park voted one of the top parks for public art viewing by TimeOut Magazine. In an article in the mag last week, 'Five Best Parks for Viewing Public Art', Fort Greene is listed along with City Hall Park and Battery Park City. The article highlights the current Myrtle Bird Town exhibit, which consists of more than 50 birdhouses made from salvaged materials, created by artists, Jennifer Wong and Daniel Goers. BirdTown can be viewed at the NW entrance to Fort Greene Park (Myrtle and St. Edwards) as well as the Carlton Triangle (Myrtle and Carlton)now through December. Check out the artists' website for additional information: www.myrtleavenuebirdtown.com.

Free mural tours every Sunday in June!

Thu, 03 Jun 2010 11:18:00 -0400
Local muralist Evelyn Talarico has been filling the neighborhoods blank walls with scenes of waterfalls, palm trees and people since 2008. A total of nine of Talaricos murals are sprinkled throughout Fort Greene and Wallabout, and this June you can see them all on a guided tour!

On Sundays in June, L.B. Brown (owner of Clinton Hill Simply Art & Framing Gallery at 583 Myrtle Avenue) will lead free walking tours of Talaricos work. The Mural Walk begins in front of Smiling Faces Daycare (381 Myrtle Ave) on the corner of Myrtle and Clermont each day at 2 pm. For more information, contact L.B. at 718-857-0074.

Strollin' on Myrtle...art, art and more art this weekend on the Avenue!

Wed, 12 May 2010 12:03:00 -0400
Big weekend on Myrtle for art, artists and art-lovers! The annual SONYA Studio Stroll takes place on Saturday 5/15 and Sunday 5/16, and includes a number of events and stops right here on the avenue. You can download the full Stroll map here, but we'd like to highlight a few for you:

Myrtle Windows Gallery: Make sure to check out the works of featured SONYA artists in 12 storefronts between Hall and Vanderbilt. This exhibition will be up through Tuesday, May 18th.

Myrtle Avenue Bird Town: This colorful installation of 50+ birdhouses at the Carlton Triangle and Fort Greene Park at St. Edwards and Myrtle just arrived a week ago, but it's already the talk of the town! Join the artists for a family-friendly and free(!) birdfeeder-building workshop at the St. Edwards site on Saturday between 10am and 4pm.

Art & Community/Home Away From Home: Childhood friends, Carol Thomas (Just Because Salon owner) and artist, Richard Blackford share their creative expressions and love of community - in Jamaica (home) and Brooklyn (home away from home) in this exhibition. Opening Night Reception at Just Because this Friday evening, May 14th, 7-10pm, at 141 Carlton Avenue with free refreshments. Theyre a stop on the Stroll as well!

Paint the Pavement: Community Roots Charter School and PS 67 have extended their street mural on St. Edwards in front of the school. It's just a few steps from Bird Town, so check it out during your Myrtle visit this weekend!

Myrtle Merchants Host Artist Exhibitions: Sans Souci (330 Myrtle), Green in BKLYN (432 Myrtle), and Tamboril (527 Myrtle) play host to SONYA artists and their works as part of the Studio Stroll.

Make your own bird feeder, Myrtle Bird Town style

Tue, 11 May 2010 16:57:00 -0400
You won't want to miss this free bird feeder-building workshop on Saturday, led by our own Myrtle Avenue Bird Town artists! They'll be at the corner of Myrtle and St. Edwards from 10am to 4pm with prepared kits for interested builders of all ages!

Celebrate Bird Town @ Sans Souci this Thursday!

Tue, 04 May 2010 15:27:00 -0400
Myrtle Avenue Bird Town has arrived at two locations on Myrtle - Fort Greene Park at St. Edwards Street, and the Carlton Triangle. Join us for and drinks this Thursday, May 6th at Sans Souci (33 Myrtle between Washington Park and Carlton) to celebrate with the town's 'founders', artists Jenn Wong and Daniel Goers.

Check out the artists' website, www.myrtleavenuebirdtown.com, for great photos documenting the building and installation processes. We've also got some great photos on our flickr site too.

Art for the Birds? Bird Town arrives on Myrtle this weekend!

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 14:58:00 -0400
We're thrilled to welcome Myrtle Avenue Bird Town, a temporary public sculpture installation to two Myrtle Avenue locations this weekend - the Carlton Triangle (Myrtle and Carlton) and the NW entrance to Fort Greene Park (Myrtle and St. Edwards). Dozens of playful birdhouses, created by local artists Daniel Goers and Jennifer Wong, will live in trees at these locations from May through December 2010. Stop by on Saturday between 10am and 5pm to see the artists at work!

Goers and Wong used recycled materials and experimental building techniques to create a micro-community of colorful and whimsical birdhouses for this project. Over the coming months, the birds themselves are part of the performance! Check out the artists' website, www.myrtleavenuebirdtown.com, as they document birds feeding, nesting, building, and caring for offspring in these spaces!

Celebrate the opening with us on Thursday, May 6th at Sans Souci Restaurant (330 Myrtle Avenue) from 6-8pm, with drink specials and good eats from their yummy Caribbean menu.

This installation 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 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).

New Tree Guards for Myrtle - A Preview

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 10:09:00 -0400
Maybe you noticed a new addition to the tree pit on Myrtle between Waverly and Clinton, just between Karens Body Beautiful and Owas African Market a stylized, unique tree guard! This prototype is the result of a street furniture design process that began in 2007 with the Pratt Design Incubator. Were in the hard prototype stage with this piece, which means what you see here is very close to the final design, but were still making small tweaks here and there.

Were hoping to install up to 25 new tree guards along Myrtle this year, with more to come in future years. Initially, well prioritize younger trees, given that they are especially fragile during their first few years and face perils like errant motor vehicles and heavy bike chains.

This is not your ordinary, average cookie-cutter tree guard! Form and function marry here with an opportunity for artists and aspiring graphic designers to submit ideas for panel designs. Check out the panels in this photo well have the opportunity to laser cut unique patterns into panels, and no two tree guards will be exactly alike! The small sign post on the front of the tree guard will credit the person who submitted the idea, as well as offer information on the tree species in that particular pit. Stay tuned for more information on this, and an open call for ideas later in the spring!

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: 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.

Myrtle Windows Gallery closes its fourth show AND celebrates a fabulous first year this Sunday

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 11:50:00 -0400
If you haven't had a chance to check out the fourth exhibition in the Myrtle Windows Gallery, make sure you do so this weekend! We'll be saying goodbye to this show, curated by Kennis Baptiste of The Rising Arts Gallery, next week. Come out to Tamboril (between Steuben and Grand) on Sunday from 4pm-9pm to celebrate this fantastic show that featured the works of ten Brooklyn artists in our MWG storefronts, as well as inside Pillow Cafe and Tamboril.

So, what did you think of MWG's first year? How did art in storefront windows impact your experience walking down Myrtle? We want to hear from you, so please send us your feedback! You can post comments here, or send them to meredith@myrtleavenue.org. Oh, and while you're touring this exhibition, remember to thank your Myrtle merchants who have generously donated their storefronts for the cause of promoting public art!

Myrtle Windows Gallery is back! Celebrate the opening at Pillow on Sunday 9/6 at 4pm!

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 17:48:00 -0400
The 4th Myrtle Windows Gallery installation arrives this Wednesday, courtesy of Kennis Baptiste of The Rising Arts Gallery, who curated the exhibition.

This collection includes paintings, photographs, printmaking, and mixed media artwork, providing a glimpse of the diverse range of creative style and visual presentation found in Brooklyn artists. Check out "Crossed Museum" by Noah McLaurine at Three Starts Laundromat (pictured here on the left) and Silence by Jake Messing at Joseph Tyler Salon (pictured on the right). Of course, there will be work displayed in eight additional storefronts, and additional works by all artists at Pillow Cafe, beginning September 6th through October 4th.

Celebrate the opening with the artists at Pillow (505 Myrtle between Emerson & Grand) on Sunday, September 6th from 4pm-8pm during the kick-off Move About Myrtle event! The reception is FREE, and light refreshments will be available for your enjoyment! Also, take advantage of these opportunities to hear about the works directly from their creators:

Artist Guided Tour: September 13th & 20th, 4pm (begins at Pillow)
Artist Talk: September 27th, 4pm 7pm (at Pillow)
Closing Reception: October 4th, @ 6pm 9pm (at Tamboril 527 Myrtle)

See Your Temporary Public Art Installed on Myrtle Avenue

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 20:03:00 -0400
With the overwhelmingly positive response to the four Tree Hugger Project sculptures that took up residence on the avenue for the past 11 months (and who have now moved on to Pratts Sculpture Garden in case you want to pay them a visit), we are anxious to bring more creative energy to the streets of Fort Greene and Clinton Hill. The RFP for Temporary Public Sculpture (PDF document) seeks existing and/or proposed artworks for temporary installation (up to 11 months) at various outdoor locations along Myrtle Avenue. A full list of sites is below, while a map of the avenue and each sites location is within the RFP document. Submissions are accepted on a rolling basis and will be reviewed quarterly. Artists or teams of artists alike are invited to apply to have pieces installed at any or all of the proposed locations. All interested artists are STRONGLY encouraged to visit Myrtle Avenue to view all the sites in person before applying. Each site has its own character and context therefore a visit is important to truly understand and communicate the impact an artwork will have on the space. The proposed public sculpture sites are located at:
1. Ingersoll Houses: Myrtle near Prince (adjacent to the Community Center)
2. Ingersoll Houses: Myrtle and Navy Street (west side of Navy)
3. Ingersoll Houses: Myrtle and Navy Street (east side of Navy)
4. Ingersoll Houses: Myrtle and St. Edwards
5. Whitman Houses: Myrtle near North Portland
6. Whitman Houses: Myrtle between North Portland and Carlton
7. Whitman Houses: Myrtle near Washington Park (adjacent to commercial building)
8. Northwest corner of Fort Greene Park at the intersection of Myrtle and St. Edwards
9. Northeast corner of Fort Greene Park at the intersection of Myrtle and Washington Park
10. Green Streets Triangle at the intersection of Carlton and Myrtle
11. Wide sidewalks at Clinton and Myrtle
12. Wide sidewalks at Hall and Myrtle

The basic qualities we are looking for in proposed artwork are ARTISTIC MERIT, SITE SUITABILITY, DESIGN AESTHETIC, DURABILITY, and LOCAL. Basically, were looking for work showing creative and technical talent that fit the proposed site while maintaining a strong visual impact. The artwork will be installed outside so it must be able to endure any and all weather, whether it be surprise 80 degree weather in April, snow storms in January or thunderstorms in March! And lastly, preference will be given to local Brooklyn-based artists.

For more information contact Meredith Phillips Almeida at (718) 230-2689 or meredith@myrtleavenue.org.

The Myrtle Avenue Public Art Program is an effort to bring public sculpture, art installations, and creative street furniture elements to the public spaces and sidewalks of the 20-block retail district, increasing access to art for the entire community. The program is supported by funding from Deutsche Bank Americas Foundation and the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership BID, with sculpture siting assistance provided by NYC Department of Parks & Recreation, NYC Department of Transportation, and NYC Housing Authority.

Say your goodbyes to the Tree Huggers this weekend!

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 10:26:00 -0400
Hard to believe that it's already time to say goodbye to our Tree Hugger friends, who've been visiting us here on Myrtle for the past 11 months at the Carlton Triangle, and at Ingersoll Houses on Myrtle near Prince Street. On Monday, July 13th artist Agnieszka Gradznik will be on site to prepare our visitors for their next journey. Good news is, their new home is just a few blocks away - Pratt's Sculpture Garden! Make sure to stop by this weekend to wish them well! Check out the Tree Hugger Project website for more information about installations around the world.

SONYA Prelude Exhibition on Myrtle

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 12:16:00 -0400
The Myrtle Windows Gallery will be playing host to the Prelude Exhibition of SONYA's Studio Stroll, kicking off on Thursday, April 23rd, at 5:30 pm. Meet on the southeast corner of Myrtle and Clinton Avenues for a guided stroll with SONYA artists of the Myrtle Windows Gallery, culminating at the opening reception being held at Tamboril, 527 Myrtle Avenue (Grand/Steuben), from 6pm to 8pm, with hors d'oeuvres, a cash bar, music, and a video slide show.

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.

To RSVP for the guided tour or reception: call 718-705-4911, or email info@sonyaonline.org

The 10th SONYA Studio Stroll will take place on Saturday, May 16th & Sunday, May 17th, noon 6pm, both days. To download the Stroll map (coming soon), visit www.sonyaonline.org.

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.

Myrtle Windows Gallery presents: ordinary wonderful, March 2-April 1

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 14:15:00 -0400
Myrtle Windows Gallery returns! On Friday March 6th, come to Karen's Body Beautiful for the opening of the second Myrtle Windows Gallery exhibition, a program that turns Myrtle Avenue into an open-air art gallery for all to see. This solo exhibition features the photos of Brooklyn-based Trevor Brown, who explores the beauty in the ordinary things around us right here in Brooklyn...that we too often take for granted. For more information on the artist check out his website at www.trevorbrownonline.com. Come to Karens Body Beautiful (436 Myrtle Avenue) at 5:30pm on Friday March 6th to tour the exhibition with the artist, himself! Afterwards, head back to Karens for a reception from 6-8pm with light refreshments from Myrtle faves Anima and Gnarly Vines. The exhibition will be on display from March 3rd to April 1st in the following 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). If you've been thinking about adding to your personal art collection, the artist is offering all works in the exhibition for sale, as well as prints of each piece! Visit participating merchants or contact us at 718-230-1689 for more information.

Calling local artists: Exhibit your work in the Myrtle Windows Gallery!

Mon, 02 Feb 2009 13:00:00 -0400
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.
Installation System
The installation system serves to create a uniform look that unifies the exhibit, and displays work in a way that does not damage the merchants space or the work itself. The system includes a solar shade to provide a clean backdrop for the artwork while maintaining light and view through to the interior of the shop. A cable hanging system allows the artwork to hang in the window in front of the shade. The Partnership will not provide insurance to cover the art during this exhibition; however, the artist has the option to secure his/her own policy to cover theft or damage to the works while installed in the storefronts. Eligibility and Selection Criteria
MWG seeks ten (10) existing two-dimensional works of art (paintings, prints, photographs, collage, mixed media etc.) that can be easily installed in each of ten storefronts windows. Preference will be given to local artists whose work captures or is inspired by urban life. If the artist chooses to offer pieces for sale the Partnership will receive a commission on each sale, to be negotiated with the artist prior to the exhibit. Given that community accessibility is a key component of the mission of this initiative, we hope to exhibit works at a broad range of prices.
Application Process
The following materials must be received by Friday, February 13, 2009 at 5pm at:
Myrtle Windows Gallery, 472 Myrtle Avenue, 2nd Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11205
" Complete contact information including name, address, telephone and email address
" CD of images of the works to be included in the exhibition, with index listing title, medium and dimensions for each
" Narrative description of the collection of works to be included in the exhibition
" Current Resume and artist statement Artists will be notified by February 18, 2009, and installation will take place beginning February 23, 2009. Click here for photos from our last Myrtle Windows Gallery Exhibition, with works by artist Anne Lafond. Please email Meredith@myrtleavenue.org with questions.

Myrtle Windows Gallery presents Anne Lafond

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 10:50:00 -0400
Yesterday was the opening reception for Anne Lafond's work in the just launched Myrtle Windows Gallery. The show will be exhibited until November 18th. A preview of the pieces is below, but please come by Myrtle between Clinton and Hall to see the pieces in person. A guide to the gallery and pricing is available inside each gallery storefront.

More information on our Myrtle Avenue Public Art program is here.

Celebrate Public Art on Myrtle With Us!

Thu, 16 Oct 2008 14:32:00 -0400
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.

Tree Hugger Project installation this Saturday at Ingersoll Family Day

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 12:45:00 -0400
We are kicking off the new Myrtle Avenue Public Art Program by teaming up with NYCHA and the Ingersoll Tenant Association for a community build this Saturday, August 30th, from 12-3pm on Myrtle near Prince Street. Please come by to help the artists install the pieces they've designed for the Ingersoll Houses grounds, and then enjoy the food, drink, music, and games, courtesy of the Ingersoll TA and NYCHA.

Tree Hugger Project (www.treehuggerproject.com) artists Wiktor Szostalo and Agnieszka Gradzik will be installing a total of four pieces on Myrtle Avenue as a part of their ongoing public art project that combines environmental sculpture made of natural, found and free materials such as twigs, vines and tree branches with a simple environmental message. The Project is an ongoing work of Environmental Art designed to help us re-discover our relationship with nature at a very personal and intimate level. The focus on the stewardship of public space demonstrates that standing up for the environment can be done in a fun and non-political way, and that contemporary art can be entertaining and make a difference in how we view our world. Community participation in the construction and installation of the Tree Huggers helps to highlight the role that we all can play as stewards in our very own neighborhood, reminding us that we humans are still very much a part of our natural surroundings. The Tree Hugger Project has been brought to cities and parks all over the world as a way to bring attention to the environment and to bring communities together, and Myrtle Avenue is excited to be part of this international movement.

The Partnerships new Myrtle Avenue Public Art program is an effort to bring temporary (up to 11 months) public sculpture, art installations, studio art, and creative street furniture elements to the public spaces and sidewalks of the 20-block retail district, increasing access to art for the entire community.

These art installations are part of the larger Myrtle Avenue Arts & Enterprise Initiative which represents a multi-faceted effort to establish the retail corridor as an access point to visual art and cultural activities for community members of diverse socio-economic backgrounds. The Tree Hugger Project serves as a kick-off for the Partnerships new public art program, launching both a soon-to-be-released open call for proposals for additional temporary sculpture pieces for locations along Myrtle Avenue, as well as a request for sponsors to support future artists and their installations. Seed funding for the new program was provided by the Lily Auchincloss Foundation and Myrtles Business Improvement District.

myrtle minutes - Public Art

Trilok Students Show Off Their Tree Guard Design!

Supermarkets as common spaces for all people -- Judith Fourny at Gnarly Vines!

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The State of Menswear: Thursday @ Myrtle Hall!

Black Artstory Month concludes: the Wiz, MoCADA, fashion

Black Artstory Month: Soul Food Junkies, Quilts, Soul Served, Menswear&

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Celebrate Black Artstory Month on Myrtle this February!

Call for Artwork! Myrtle Windows Gallery Exhibit: A Patchwork Story

Last call to visit this season's Myrtle Windows Gallery

Artober Reception this Wednesday Night at Cielo Bar

Two Artober Events Happening Tonight on Myrtle!

Artober: SONYA Happy Hour Tonight!

Celebrate Artober on Myrtle Avenue: Public Art & Exhibitions

Tomorrow: Sculpture by Akihiro Ito at Fort Greene Park!

This is Brooklyn Exhibition: Call for Artwork!

Call for Artwork: Myrtle Windows Gallery Exhibition/This is Brooklyn

Artist Kate Newby brings playful boulder sculpture to Fort Greene Park

Check out Myrtle Windows Gallery, get deals at participating businesses!

Strollin on Myrtle with SONYA  This Weekend!

Myrtle Windows Gallery and SONYA Studio Stroll!

Call for Temporary Outdoor Sculpture for Myrtle - deadline 5/29!

Call for Temporary Outdoor Sculpture for Myrtle Avenue!

DEADLINE EXTENDED: Submit a design for a Myrtle Tree Guard Contest!

SONYA Social on 2/9 @ The Emerson!

2011 Holiday Windows Contest Winners!

Holiday Windows: Vote for your favorite on Facebook!

Take a 360 tour of the "Soundwaves" mural under the BQE!

Art Show and Reception: Tuesday at Connecticut Muffin

Nelson Rivas Mural almost complete at Trilok

"Soundwaves" Under the BQE - This Weekend!

Help Adopt a Myrtle Bench or Tree Guard

BID Annual Meeting w/Speaker Christine Quinn this Tuesday at SoCo

Tree Guard Sponsorship Kick-off and Artist Reception > 10/3 @ Putnam's!

Paint a mural under the BQE with artist, Ellie Balk

Tree guard installation - follow on Flickr!

Have you checked out the new tree guards yet?

New on the avenue: tree guards + public art + a place for you to sit!

Opening Reception for 'Yo Brooklynites' @ Hadas Gallery this Sunday

Dot and Dashes > Have you visited yet?

Funk under the BQE? A grand piano under the BQE? Yup!

Dots and Dashes > Opening reception tonight!

Dots and Dashes: Myrtle Windows Gallery Exhibition & Reception

Celebrate the art of Ruth McKerrell, and the life of Clare Weiss with us!

Coming soon to Fort Greene Park - Goats!

Call for Artwork: Myrtle Windows Gallery/June Exhibition

This Weekend: Studio Stroll and Brunch on Myrtle!

Have you seen these 'drawings' on the avenue?

Hadas Gallery Presents: Ali Spechler's "Brooklyn Shtetl"

And the winners are....

Last Call > Holiday Window Voting closes after 12/17!

Bye Bye, Bird(ie) Town

Holiday Windows are up! Cast your vote through 12/17.

Visit Birdtown in celebration of Turkey Day!

DEADLINE EXTENDED: Myrtle Holiday Windows Contest

Calling all "Curious Pedestrians" to Myrtle this Sunday...

DEADLINE EXTENDED! Seeking designs for Myrtle Avenue tree guards!

Introducing Myrtle Avenue's first Curator-in-Residence!

Fort Greene Park Voted Best for Public Art

Free mural tours every Sunday in June!

Strollin' on Myrtle...art, art and more art this weekend on the Avenue!

Make your own bird feeder, Myrtle Bird Town style

Celebrate Bird Town @ Sans Souci this Thursday!

Art for the Birds? Bird Town arrives on Myrtle this weekend!

Myrtle Windows Gallery celebrates SONYA exhibition at Tamboril this Thursday!

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

Tour Myrtle Windows Gallery this weekend ...

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

New Tree Guards for Myrtle - A Preview

Holiday Window Spotlight - The Bakery

Holiday Window Spotlight: Joseph Tyler Salon

Myrtle Windows Gallery closes its fourth show AND celebrates a fabulous first year this Sunday

Myrtle Windows Gallery is back! Celebrate the opening at Pillow on Sunday 9/6 at 4pm!

See Your Temporary Public Art Installed on Myrtle Avenue

Say your goodbyes to the Tree Huggers this weekend!

SONYA Prelude Exhibition on Myrtle

A not-so-ordinary Myrtle Windows Gallery event

Strollin on Myrtle with SONYA This Weekend!