Call for Music/Band Submissions

It’s no secret that our neighborhood is full of talented musicians, artists and writers. As a new CHB contributor interested in focusing on music and culture in the hood, I would like to start profiling local bands and music projects. Do you live in Clinton Hill, Fort Greene or Bed Stuy? Do you have a band? A free jazz trio? A hip hop group? An experimental electronic noise project that incorporates the sounds of 60s Brazillian Tropicalia? I want to hear about it!

Send information, mp3s or links to a place where I can hear your music to justonesweetsong at gmail dot com. Be sure to let me know if I can post an MP3 or if you have a show (in the hood, or otherwise) coming up.

Frank White: Reincarnated

Good news - Frank White hasn't left us after all! I just received the following email:

Sunday March 29, 2009 5:00 pm EDT

For all things to grow, they must evolve.

This axiom has become the primary motivation behind Frank White’s transition from café to full- fledged gallery/design space.

Situated just a few doors down from our original location, we’ve streamlined our space and refined our mission to provide a creative outlet for emerging and established artists, authors, lecturers, brands, products, and events.

What to expect:

Exhibitions (art + graphics + product) Film Screenings Open Discussions Fashion Exchange Art Lessons (adult + children) Intimate Performance

The space will also house the offices of Sun in Leo marketing|pr| events, soulwerx design/media, and RoaringBull Publishing and provide the following services: art licensing, Loft paintings, murals, publishing, brand strategy, marketing, P.R., and product design.

We extend our deepest gratitude and acknowledgement to our friends and family who have made Frank White an award winning venture and please know that although the waffles are gone for good, Frank White will continue as THE social and artistic destination for the progressive and global in Brooklyn.

Stay tuned to the spring 2009 re-launch and calendar of events.

Reminisce with images from our past: http://gallery.me.com/suninleony Visualize the future.

Frank White Design Gallery 926 Atlantic Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11238 718.622.0840

I'm very excited to see what the new space will be like.  It did seem as though their strength was fun film, media and cultural events, so perhaps they've found their groove and are moving forward.  Though I wouldn't be opposed if they decided to bring the waffle bar and the wallpaper with them!

Some Place Like Home

I recently attended a screening of “Some Place Like Home: The Fight Against Gentrification in Downtown Brooklyn,” a documentary produced by Families United for Racial & Economic Equality (FUREE), a downtown-based community group fighting for accountable development. Over 100 people attended the screening at Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church, which marked the debut for this 40-minute long film narrated by activist and author Kevin Powell. Similar to Isabel Hill’s film “Brooklyn Matters,” which documents opposition to the Atlantic Yards project, this film seeks to explain what’s been happening in downtown Brooklyn over the last several years, as numerous business owners and residents have been displaced to make way for high-rise luxury condos and more big chain stores on Fulton Street.   Hardly anyone who’s ridden a bus down Fulton Street Mall lately can fail to have noticed the shocking changes:  “Going Out of Business” signs have been posted everywhere, and there’s a gaping hole where the Albee Square Mall use to stand.  By using interviews with local residents and business owners, the film does a great job of capturing the effects of this rapid and seemingly unfettered development, which has especially hurt immigrant small business owners and low-income Brooklyn communities of color.

As the Rev. Clinton Miller of Brown Memorial Church on Washington Avenue says in the film, development is the economic phase of the Civil Rights Movement, which still continues on.  Obviously he is not opposed to development per se.  He just prefers a fairer process that involves a triangular relationship between the local community, the city, and developers.  As the film successfully documents, this is not what occurred in downtown Brooklyn.  And as the performance at the screening by rapper Hasam Salaam of his song “Someplace” made clear, this type of unjust gentrification is occurring all over the US, from Newark to Detroit to New Orleans.

The 2004 Downtown Brooklyn Rezoning and Redevelopment Plan, which covered some 60 square blocks of downtown Brooklyn and Fort Greene, loosened restrictions on building heights and allowed residential buildings in former commercial districts.  Then the Bloomberg administration enlisted a public-private partnership called the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership to spearhead and promote this rapid wave of economic development.  Arguing the need for more retail “diversity,” i.e., chain stores(!), that was evidently similarly used in Harlem in the 1980’s, they colluded with the Planning Commission to push through development requiring the displacement and destruction of local businesses and long-time residents through the use of eminent domain.  The shocking results:  more than 90 businesses have been evicted from Fulton Street Mall; all of the businesses along Willoughby and Bridge Streets were evicted (and given only 30 days’ notice without any relocation assistance from the city); all of the businesses in the Albee Square Mall, the epicenter of young black music culture in Brooklyn for decades, were evicted, and the building and adjacent parking garage were razed; and, as the opening scenes of the film so poignantly show, all of the essential stores along Myrtle Avenue for residents of the Whitman and Ingersoll Houses--from the closing of their only supermarket in the summer of 2006 to the ice cream shop that used to be near Flatbush--have been destroyed. Thus it is little wonder when one of the residents interviewed in the film declares that the “heart of downtown Brooklyn” has been ripped out by all of this destruction.

Given the recent economic downturn and credit crunch, much of the pending development downtown is on hold, and many of the luxury condos are vacant. Unfortunately some of these developers are using the economy as an excuse for not fulfilling their affordable housing commitments.  Despite all this, what can people do to get involved?  You can support FUREE’s work, particularly its main Campaign for Accountable Development, which includes the following goals: 1) Immediate restoration of services, including affordable supermarket, pharmacy and laundry, to Myrtle Avenue; 2) REAL affordable housing that is based on actual earnings of community residents; 3) A displacement fund, affordable space and long-term protections for small businesses; 4) An Abolitionist Museum that incorporates the 227 and 233 Duffield Street Houses; and 5) Real community input and leadership in urban planning decisions.  And of course see the film and spread the word on Facebook and beyond!

For information about how to set up a screening of the film or how to purchase a copy of the DVD, once it becomes available, contact FUREE at http://furee.org/ or call (718) 852-2960, x301.

"Barack Obama: A Collection of Portraits" opens at The Gallery @ Exotic Home Gardens

A new art show on Atlantic Avenue, with works by five local artists, focuses on the man, the myth, the legend: Barack Obama.  The show was organized by Jean Patrick Icart Pierre and included his work as well as pieces by Rico Anderson, John M. Graham, Jean Dominique Volcy, and Nandi Icart Pierre.  I spoke to Jean Patrick and he said he didn't take more than a couple phone calls to gather interest and set this project in motion.  As you'll see by the photos from the exhibition, the portraits are an eclectic mix that range from renderings of Obama the super hero to a dignified grey scale work. The opening itself was a very pleasant wine and cheese and vegetable dip affair.  The exhibition will continue until February 28th.  I suggest that everyone attend and support the local talent that, through their artwork, are promulgating Obama's mantras of hope and change.

(photos by Carrie Ford and David Hamiter)

The Gallery @ Exotic Home Gardens 1213A Atlantic Ave Brooklyn NY( between Bedford & Nostrand Ave) 718-230-1536 January 17th-February 28th.

Vocal Auditions at Brooklyn School of Music

Just received this in my inbox.  Looks like a fun opportunity for people who have sung in the past.  (Karaoke attendees, I'm looking at you.)

Join this fun workshop - Light Opera Comedy in English!

CALL FOR AUDITIONS OPERA WORKSHOP AT BROOKLYN MUSIC SCHOOL

REVIVED OPERA PROGRAM CULMINATES IN SPRING PRODUCTION OF GILBERT & SULLIVAN’S “TRIAL BY JURY”

Auditions continue for admission to the Opera Workshop at the Brooklyn Music School. The workshop begins this month and will culminate in the Spring production of Gilbert & Sullivan's "Trial by Jury".

All with some voice training age 14 years old-to-Adult are encouraged to audition. Call 718-638-5660 for an appointment.

Due to popular demand, the Brooklyn Music School Opera Workshop has been reinstated after a seven-year hiatus. Alburtt Rhodes, Chairman of the Brooklyn Music School Vocal Dept, will be the main instructor, with 30 years of teaching, 40 years professional experience. Previous Opera Workshops resulted in the productions of "Don Giovanni", "Cosi Fan Tutte", "La Traviata", "Giulio Cesare", "Le Nozze di Figaro" and "La Cenerentola".

"Trial by Jury" is a one-act comic English-language light opera about a bride who sues her fiance in court for breaking his promise to marry her.

Baritones for the "judge" part are especially needed!

The 2009 performances of “Trail by Jury”, featuring the Workshop members, will be April 30–May 3.

Note, if admitted to the Workshop, total tuition for chorus members will be $75 each and major singing parts will be $200. Workshop includes ensemble, small group and individual coaching. These one hour–long workshops will meet weekly until March, at which time rehearsals will require more classes.

Tuition must be paid in full at time of registration.

The Brooklyn Music School (BMS), chartered in 1912, is located in Downtown Brooklyn, sharing a city block with BAM. Its mission is to serve the community without regard to income, age, previous experience or professional aspirations. Music instruction (instrumental, Voice, ensembles) is offered to those ages 6 to Adult. BMS also offers Dance (ballet, pointe, jazz, modern, tap) for boys and girls 3–19 years old.

For more information, call

Alburtt Rhodes, Vocal Music Chair, 718–638–5660,

e–mail: contactus@brooklynmusicschool.org

Visit us on the web at www.brooklynmusicschool.org

_________________

Music & Dance Instruction since 1912

Brooklyn Music School

126 St Felix Street

Downtown Brooklyn

718-638-5660

MARP Seeking Artists for New Installation

MARP will continue its very cool Myrtle Windows Gallery Exhibition and has extended a call for artists!  If interested, you must act fast.  The application deadline is Friday, February 13! Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership Seeks Submissions for Our Upcoming Myrtle Windows Gallery Exhibition

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 merchant’s 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.

Local Duo, Sparkly Fin, (sort of) Release First Album! Local Duo, Sparkly Fin, (sort of) Release First Album!

They are really releasing an album but they are only sort of local.  1/2 of the group Sparkly Fin live in Clinton Hill.  This half of the group is named Emily, who provides the vocals, and she decided to stay in the hood after graduating from Pratt this past May.  The other half is tastefully called Joseph, who lives in Baltimore, and he provides all other instrumentation.  This week (1/27/09) they are releasing their first album, High Pive.

Sparkly Fin fit nicely into the cotillion of contemporary bands who embrace the electro-acoustic spectrum with heart and soul.  Their myspace page used to proclaim that sounded like "Kate Bush kissing a pinball machine."  While I agree with their self-diagnosis, I will offer my own egregious (yet loving) analogy: Otis Redding making out with M. I. A. at a bris hosted for any male offspring of Thom Yorke.  What I'm saying, in lay terms, is that they are very sensitive to their tone, which usually doesn't get such attention in predominantly electronic music.  Also, they have an undeniably eclectic pop sensibility that contains sincerity as well as irony in a seemingly unpretentious way.  This sets them apart from the ideas that usually seem to spring out of the invisible retinues that follow around many a BK band.  Plain and simple, it's electro-pop music that is built to last.  As a final addendum, they encourage dancing.

To celebrate the release they are going to be having an intimate performance this coming Saturday (1/31/09) at Emily's apartment on Atlantic at 10pm.   Email the band for address/directions. If you missed any of the hyperlinks:

www.sparklyfin.com www.myspace.com/adingsparklyfin sparklyfin@gmail.com

Tonight on Grand

Infrequent Seams Series::A twice-monthly series of edgy, creative music, co-curated by James Ilgenfritz and Julianne Carney $8 Suggested (but we're flexible!) 8 PM - 11 PM First & Third Thursdays* www.myspace.com/infrequentseams

December 18 Nate Wooley / Dan Levin A Mown Lawn: Jacob Wick / Judith Berkson / Curtis Hasselbring / Josh Sinton / Jessie Marino

*We're taking January off, so this is your last chance to visit Le Grand Dakar on Thursdays until February!

Some really fabulous musicians this month...stop by to support local music!

Myrtle Ave Holiday Window Painting: TOMORROW

I was finally able to meet one of my contacts at MARP - Jennifer Stokes- in person earlier this week!  She and all the folks at MARP have been going above and beyond with innovative programming in our neighborhood. Tomorrow, artists will paint and decorate the windows of local businesses for the holiday season!  Passers-by will be able to vote for their favorite via text message.  This is a great opportunity to take a stroll, grab some lunch, a cocktail or some hot cocoa, and do some holiday shopping locally.

Here's the complete press release:

Join us this Saturday, 12/6 as local artists bring holiday cheer to Myrtle storefronts using paint and lights!

__________________________

Myrtle Holiday Windows Contest: A New Spin on a Popular Holiday Tradition

Watch as Local Artists Bring Sixteen Storefront Windows on Myrtle Avenue to Life with Festive Holiday Scenes!

FORT GREENE and CLINTON HILL, BROOKLYN, December 3, 2008 – On Saturday, December 6th from noon to 5pm, seventeen storefronts along Myrtle Avenue spanning from Washington Park to Classon Avenue will come to life with holiday spirit as part of the first annual Myrtle Holiday Windows Contest. The contest will bring local artists to Myrtle to create festive holiday scenes on a portion of each participating merchant's storefront window using paint and holiday lights. Residents and shoppers will be able to vote for their favorite holiday window via text message up until Christmas Day, and the winning artist or team of artists will receive $250 in Myrtle Avenue gift certificates as a prize. Take a stroll down Myrtle this Saturday, and watch the transformation take place! This project is sponsored by the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership (the Partnership) as part of their ongoing effort to bring art to public spaces to draw more people to the retail corridor, and is supported in part by a generous donation from the PrattStore.

The Myrtle Holiday Windows Contest is the newest installment in the innovative Myrtle Windows Gallery program, which brings two-dimensional art traditionally limited to the private gallery to the public arena via the storefront window where it is accessible to anyone walking down the street. The Holiday Windows Contest creatively uses the storefront window as canvass to bring art to the community, holiday cheer to the avenue, and shoppers to Myrtle.

All the painting will take place during five hours beginning at noon this Saturday, December 6th, creating a sort of live art performance where the art-making is as much part of the excitement as the final product! All are invited to come out and watch the holiday magic happen. The following businesses are participating in the contest (listed in order travelling from west to east on Myrtle between Washington Park and Classon Avenue): Fort Greene SNAP (329 Myrtle); Ray's Barber Shop (331 Myrtle); Gnarly Vines (350 Myrtle); Burzh-wa (352 Myrtle); Kinara II (368 Myrtle); The Bakery (154 Vanderbilt); Duncan's Fish Market (385 Myrtle); Kiini Ibura (388 Myrtle); Kapella's (417 Myrtle); Karen's Body Beautiful (436 Myrtle); Jive Turkey (441 Myrtle); Joseph Tyler Salon (456 Myrtle); Barking Brown (468 Myrtle); Zaytoons (472 Myrtle); Optimum Care Rehab (474 Myrtle); Pillow Cafe (505 Myrtle); Square Root Café (584 Myrtle).

Special signage posted in each window will instruct viewers on how to cast a vote for their favorite holiday window via text message. The 'polls' will be open from December 6th through December 25th, when the winner will be announced on our website at www.myrtleavenue.org. The painted windows will be on display through early January.

"We're excited to put our own spin on holiday storefront windows traditionally seen in larger department stores, bringing cheer to Myrtle Avenue in a fun, unique way. We are proud to have professional artists, art students, and even local school teachers and students participating in this project. This is a wonderful expression of not just holiday spirit, but community involvement as well," explains Meredith Phillips Almeida, the Partnership's Director of Community Development. The Partnership hopes this contest will boost foot traffic to Myrtle Avenue during the holiday shopping season, and is encouraging residents to support the area's small businesses by shopping local during these tough economic times.

Gifted: A Holiday Market

My aim is to do my own CH Gift Guide in the next week or two.  In the meantime, this looks like it promises to be a great one-stop locale for cool crafty stuff and vingate goodies.  Among the participants will be local photographer Geralyn Shukwit - one of my favorites!

First Friday + Holiday Party @ RePop: Dec 5!

From RePop: December marks the last month of the year and thus the final event in 2008 for RePOP. We are extremely pleased to feature fine new paintings by John Mathias as well as a fresh collection of jewels from his darling wife, the incomparable Miss Ellie.

In addition, RePOP will also be hosting our annual Holiday Ball. Most usually a Halloween event, we are decking the halls a little later this year by spreading some Christmas cheer instead.

Art opening and cocktail party will be held within the shop with after hours shenanigans to commence in the back room after 11pm. Quests are encouraged to dress festively and bring a bottle or a suggested $5 to contribute to the bar.

Event: First Friday Dec. 5:  Fine Art & Fabulous Jewels by John & Ellie Mathias "It's a Holiday Ball!  " What: Holiday Party Host: RePop NY Start Time: Friday, December 5 at 7:30pm End Time: Saturday, December 6 at 2:00am Where: RePOP 95% Recycled

December Events @ Tillie's

December EventsTillie’s of Brooklyn 248 DeKalb Avenue Brooklyn NY 11205 718 783-6140 www.tilliesofbrooklyn.com

Friday 12/5/08 8 p.m. Nico Soffiato Quartet Nico Soffiato, guitar Nick Videen, alto sax Giacomo Merega, bass Zach Mangan, drums

The music of the Nico Soffiato Quartet travels through several musical trajectories that simultaneously comforts and challenges any listener.  While its roots are strongly grounded in the jazz tradition, its routes move towards complex rhythmic and harmonic structures, creating a melodic soundscape in flux with every groove. For more information and audio samples, see www.myspace.com/nicojazz.

Cover: $5; $3 with student ID

Tuesday 12/9/08 4:30 p.m. Rolie Polie Guacamole Now a monthly feature due to popular demand, Frank Gallo and Andrew Tuzhilin bring a fresh new acoustic funk to children’s music. Appropriate for both kids and adults, suggested age range for kids is 1 – 7. Please note that strollers must be left outside due to space constraints within Tillie’s. A minder will be on-site. Cover: $5

Friday 12/12/08 8 p.m. Newxotica David Caldwell-Mason, keys Keith Drogan, vibes Eyal Maoz, guitar Andy O’Neill, drums

Newxotica plays/explores the musical world known as “'EXOTICA”, drawing inspirations from many sources, including Duke Ellington’s big band jazz, and soul, but especially the music of the great composers Martin Denny and Les Baxter.

Cover: $5; $3 with student ID

Art The Balkans

Robyn Holl December 1 2008 – January 3 2009

Robyn Holl was born in Virginia and raised in Maryland. She earned a B.A.in Painting from Pratt Institute in 2003.  Recently relocated to the U.S., she lived for four years in Mostar, Bosnia-Herzegovina, where she volunteered in the Film Klub (Mladi Most) and the Youth Cultural Center. She also assisted with art workshops supported by Cradle in the Pavorotti Music Center and had led workshops in the humanitarian organization, Club Novi Most.  She has exhibited her work widely in Europe and in New York and showed her Senior Thesis Project at Tillie’s in 2003, “Across the Counter,” finely etched portraits of customers. That same year she received the Rose Hoffman Epstein Memorial Award from The National Arts Club in New York.

Of her finely colored abstractions, she says: “Commonly art is thought of as earnestly seeking truth; but to me uncertainty, questions, loss, and acceptance of the lack of simple answers or solutions are in some sense truths.  It is necessary to continue to look, despite the idea that only uncertainty is certain.  What is important for me is the act of looking for, and seeing, that which is not there. To abstract means to subtract from reality, to reduce to a subject’s essence. The process is of losing, which comes back to the reason for the search.  I am searching.”

Reception Wednesday 12/3/08 7-9 p.m.

Open Mic:

Thursday 12/4

Thursday 12/18

8 p.m. sign-up

8:30 p.m. performances

Host: Nick Noir

No cover

For more information on any of the above call Patricia Mulcahy at 718 783-6140 or contact us via mail@tilliesofbrooklyn.com. Directions to the store are on the website under “Getting Here.”

Neighborhood Deals

Holiday Sales abound! Collecther - Cool vintage store on Franklin south of Lafayette: NOV 29 Re-opening Saturday 12-8 join us for hot cider and 25% off

NOV 29-30 Saturday and Sunday 25% off your purchases

Tessan Boutique - tiny shop on Clinton at Lafayette that's gorgeously curated: Holiday Sale: Up to 50% off!

Fort Greene Artisan's Market - two indoor locations! Two Real Estate Offices have provided an indoors venue for Fort Greene Park's Artisan Market. The Artisan Market,an outdoor art&craft venue on the DeKalb Avenue sidewalk perimeter of Fort Greene Park,is the Fort Greene Park Conservancy's weekly fundraiser for the Park mid-April to mid-October. Natasha Harsh, a local artist, produces the Artisan Market and has organized the 3DaysOnly@2Locations Holiday Sale to promote both this seasonal fundraiser on the park plus create a sales opportunity for some of the artist and designer "regulars" during these very difficult economic times.

Come on over and support your local Artists/Artisans and Musicians. Free and open to the public. 3 Days Only @ 2 Locations– Nov.28/29/30 Crafts & Collectibles Holiday Sale in Fort Greene features Artist/Designers from Fort Greene Park’s Artisan Market: Angeline Roth, Kevin Barry, Citybitz, PJ Cobbs, Jacobs Eye,Jessica DeCarlo and others at Fillmore Real Estate, 75 Lafayette and Location/Location, 88 South Portland. Located just two blocks from BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music) both locations will be open Fiday – Sunday 10AM – 5PM with Artists selling their original and unique creations at wholesale prices. 4PM Performance 11/28- SPOKE Jazz Quartet at Fillmore Real Estate, 75 Lafayette Ave. 3PM Performance 11/29- SPOKE at Location/Location, 88 South Portland. SPOKE’s latest recording of their original music will also be available for sale. For additional info call (718) 855-8175.

Art Opening at Frank White: TONIGHT

This looks rather awesome.  The weather is unseasonably warm, making it the perfect night to check out some local, walkable events.

The Sharpie Manifesto

Friday November 7, 2008 7pm to 10pm

frank white

936 atlantic avenue @ st. james (between washington av & grand) brooklyn, new york 11238 map

The Sharpie Manifesto is a public declaration of the sub-conscious ideologies of artist Kim Gunness-Reece, expressed thru Sharpie markers. Indulge in the collective work of random sketches on a variety of media.

Kim is Frank White's official graphic designer and the first woman to exhibit in the gallery!

Join us for the opening reception and meet the artist.

First Fridat @ RePop: 11/7

Oral Histories and a Theater Performance

Received this in my inbox, and sounds pretty cool: The Civilians want to hear from you. Brooklyn is changing fast. We are creating BROOKLYN AT EYE LEVEL a theater show inspired by interviews about the transformation of Brooklyn and the controversial Atlantic Yards Project. If you have something to say about the communities surrounding the proposed project (Downtown, Ft. Greene, Clinton Hill, Crown Heights, Prospect Heights & Park Slope), we want to listen. We want to talk to long-term residents, recent arrivals, players in the Atlantic Yards story, as well as those who work or live in the area. Eager to hear from all perspectives. If you want to be interviewed send us an email with a little information about yourself to Michael Premo, Project Coordinator: Premo(at)thecivilians(dot)org.  For more information: www.brooklynateyelevel.org . These interviews will be performed along with original music and dance by Urban Bush Women live at the Brooklyn Lyceum, December 4th – 7th.

Public Art on Myrtle

Noticed that many of the storefronts on Myrtle are featuring large paintings?  It's all part of a month-long public art installation!  I like how the art hangs in both the street's newer, fancier establishments as well as storefronts like the laundromat.  A very cool way to tie the avenue together!

(photo by MARP)

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.

LaFond’s 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); Karen’s 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.

Open Studios at the Navy Yard

A friend and neighbor explored the Navy Yard on a few Saturdays ago for Open House NY.  She was kind enough to send me a synopsis with some photos!  Thanks, Jen! After the last ship was built in 1964 and the yards officially closed in 1966, they re-opened in 1971 the Brooklyn Navy Yards (BNY) as an industrial park, owned and managed by a private non-profit company (that got the property from the city). This past week, the Navy Yards participated in Open House NY (www.ohny.org), inviting the public in to roam around the yards and meet artists in their working studios. If you missed it this weekend, BNY is partnering with the Brooklyn Historical Society to create a vistors center/museum and tours.

I went down to BNY with a neighborhood friend, and had a fantastic time taking pictures and checking out art studios.  The variety of artists was amazing, and you could tell that many were inspired by the views and essence of the location.  Of course we didn't get to all the studios, so we are looking forward to going back again.

In another venue, I learned there is a current debate over what to do with the ignored and dilapidated "Admiral's Row".  The BNY Development Co (BNYDC) will somehow magically will "get" the property from the city received it in 1988 from the Army National Guard and Marine Corp.  According to BNYDC rep Richard Drucker, "the public" wants a gorcery store there.  When asked how they polled "the public" it was revealed that this is input from a few of the local tenement associations.  Preservationists are involved in the debates and a solution of if and how they can preserve partially or in whole any of these Admiral houses (on Flushing Ave, at Navy), along with city ordinances on the amount of parking required for businesses of varying sizes, etc., are in progress. The best way I recommend to get involved is through the Clinton Hill and/or Fort Greene Societies.

(www.brooklynnavyyard.org) - about renting space, what movies have been filmed here, tenants, (www.bnyarts.com) - info on the artist tenants who participated in BNY Open Studios

FG/CH Knitting Group

Received this from a reader: I just wanted to let you know that there is a Clinton Hill/Ft Greene Knitting Group. We started the group at the end of May and we meet once a week at local cafes. So far, the 3 places that we have on rotation are Connecticut Muffin in Ft Greene, Outpost Lounge, and Tillie's.

We all met online on the knitting/crocheting website, www.Ravelry.com. That is where we post the time and place of our weekly meetups.

The group had a writeup and photos in the Daily News a few weeks ago!

First Friday at RePop: TONIGHT!

Sorry for the delay on this -- home sick today.  Blech.