Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Not so long ago, Williamsburg's orthodox Jewish population distributed petitions asking for help from above
to stem the “plague of the artists” that encroaches on their community. There's been no immediate response
from G-d, but I'd bet that the plague continues to rage for the foreseeable future, as artists flock to Brooklyn and
overrun Bedford's hipster boundaries. Though it's still more DIY and low-budget than Manhattan's galleries, the
scene here is catching up quickly. The only drawback is that the spaces are spread far apart, with recent attention
paid to more far-flung Bushwick spaces. To make a full tour here, be prepared to trek some blocks. Note: Brook-
lyn galleries keep different hours from the Manhattan side; many are open from Friday to Monday, or weekends
only.
Subway: L to Bedford Ave. or Lorimer St.; J/M/Z to Marcy Ave.; G to Metropolitan Ave.
Pierogi 2000 This small, well-established gallery hangs some of the best painting to be found in Brooklyn.
Photo and installation work also go on display, often in the context of intriguing group shows. If you're in need
of further visual stimuli, some 700 artists are browsable in the gallery's constantly evolving (and traveling) Flat
Files collection.
177 N. 9th St., btw. Bedford and Driggs aves. 718/599-2144. www.pierogi2000.com . Tues-Sun 11am-6pm. Other location: TheBoiler, 191 N.
14th St., btw. Nassau and Wythe aves. Thurs-Sun noon-6pm.
Secret Project Robot This gallery-slash-launching pad for live music and art-party events recently joined
the Bushwick scene, settling on a benighted industrial block.
389 Melrose St., btw. Irving and Knickerbocker aves. 917/860-8282. www.secretprojectrobot.org . Fri 6pm-midnight; Sat-Sun 2-8pm.
Williamsburg Art & Historical Center Housed in an amazing 1867 bank building, this community center
is always good for an intriguing art exhibit or two.
135 Broadway, at Bedford St. 718/486-7372. www.wahcenter.net . Fri-Mon 1-6pm.
3 Open Studios & Art Fests
Run-down industrial neighborhoods beget artist populations, as the creatively minded come in for cheap, raw
studio space. In the old days, a few neighbors would open their doors one weekend to show off their work to
friends and floormates. With the explosion of New York's artist population, things have become more organized
than the flier-on-a-lamppost invitation system. Several neighborhoods now offer full-blown arts festivals, with
music, installations, theater, and gallery events supplementing open studios.
Bushwick Open Studios (BOS) Bushwick is starting to feel a little like the old East Village, with a com-
mitted core of artistic pioneers and a coalescing sense of community. The studios are generally in old factories,
with semilegal living quarters amid the canvases and installations. Beyond the voyeuristic pleasures of scoping
out strangers' homes, there's free music and beer, and you get to see the art.
Bushwick, Brooklyn. www.artsinbushwick.org . Fri night performances; studios Sat-Sun noon-7pm. Subway: L to Morgan Ave., Montrose Ave., Jef-
ferson St., or DeKalb Ave.; J/M/Z to Myrtle Ave., J to Gates Ave. or Flushing Ave.
Dumbo Arts Festival The city's preeminent arts fest belongs to DUMBO, where yupster incursions have
yet to fully displace the artists whose studios fill these broad-shouldered warehouses. This is probably the best
art crop in town, which may or may not be related to the inspiring Manhattan views you'll find through many an
artist's window. The festival also features music, dance, video, and gallery extravaganzas, and most of it is free.
DUMBO, Brooklyn. 718/488-8588. www.dumboartsfestival.com . Usually the last weekend in Sept. Subway: F to York St.; A/C to High St.
Mi Casa Es Su Casa: Open House New York
 
Search WWH ::




Custom Search