Re-Imagine the Space Under the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway

I am very disappointed to say that I will be in California for a work event this weekend, and won't be able to attend this awesomely creative community workshop!  Please report back if you attend, and help reinvent the wasteland that is the space under the BQE!

CLINTON HILL, BROOKLYN, April 20, 2009—The Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership and Storefront for Art and Architecture will host a community workshop in the space under the BQE on Park Avenue at Washington Avenue on Saturday, April 25^th from 3-4:30pm inside SpaceBuster, a temporary public art installation created by German architecture firm raumlaborBerlin. The Partnership invites residents and other stakeholders to participate by brainstorming creative permanent and temporary uses and physical improvements with the help of volunteer facilitators from Pratt Institute’s Planning program.  The event is free and open to the public, but RSVPs are required, as space is limited.

The Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership and Storefront for Art and Architecture bring Spacebuster, a mobile inflatable art installation, to the Wallabout area of Clinton Hill on Saturday, April 25th, to help kick off a community planning process for the future of the area under the BQE. Spacebuster, created by the Berlin-based architecture collective raumlaborberlin, is designed to temporarily occupy open urban spaces such as squares, parking lots, and green spaces with a primary function to serve as a location for community events. Join the Partnership under the BQE, to submit your ideas for short- and long-term physical improvements, temporary or permanent programming ideas, or anything that will enhance the space, which has long been regarded as an eyesore in the community. The event is free but space is limited, so RSVPs are requested at www.myrtleavenue.org if you plan to attend.

“SpaceBuster provides the perfect setting for this workshop, allowing us to bring people together in the underutilized space at the center of this discussion,” explains Meredith Phillips Almeida, the Partnership’s Director of Community Development. The pavilion itself is comprised of an inflatable bubble-like dome that emerges from its self-contained compressor housing, and expands and organically adjusts to its surroundings, like a highway overpass. The material is a sturdy, specially-designed translucent plastic, allowing the varying events taking place inside of the shelter to be entirely visible from the outside and likewise the exterior environments become the events’ backdrops. This is the most recent project under the Partnership’s Arts & Enterprise Initiative, a multi-faceted program to establish the avenue as an access point to cultural activities for community members of diverse socio-economic backgrounds. Through efforts to bring public sculpture, art installations, studio art, and creative street furniture elements to the public spaces and sidewalks of the district, the Initiative aims to increase access to art for the entire community, and to support small business by driving foot traffic to the commercial corridor.

Sponsored by Storefront for Art and Architecture, the SpaceBuster will travel throughout New York City hosting various community events from April 17th to the April 26^th.  Founded in 1982, Storefront for Art and Architecture is a nonprofit organization committed to the advancement of innovative positions in architecture, art and design. As a public forum for emerging voices, Storefront explores vital issues in art and architecture with the intent of increasing awareness of and interest in contemporary design. For the complete SpaceBuster schedule visit www.storefrontnews.org.

Contact:

Meredith Phillips Almeida, Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership, (718) 230-1689 or meredith@myrtleavenue.org

Joseph Grima, Storefront for Art & Architecture, 212.431.5755 or jg@storefrontnews.org

Green in Brooklyn Opens on Earth Day

The new Myrtle Avenue shop that will be offering all-things eco-friendly will officially open its doors on April 22 -- Earth Day!

Per the shop's website, they will be offering the following:

* Cleaning Supplies (sponges, cleansers, biodegradable trash bags…) * Recycled Paper Products (paper towels, t.p., stationary…) * Sheets & Towels (for bath & kitchen) * Kitchen Supplies (made from recyclable & sustainable materials) * Energy Savers (CFLs, surge protectors, solar powered rechargers…) * Beauty Products (lotions, soaps, make-up…) * Kids Products (toys, bottles, diapers…) * Coffee & Chocolate * Magazines & Books

I'm game to try a solar powered recharger!  Wonder how well they work.

http://www.greeninbklyn.com/

Myrtle Thai Makes a Move

Myrtle Minutes reports that Myrtle Thai, one of many Thai restaurants in the area, is moving further west down Myrtle into a more "intimate" space. I hope they're doing OK.  I usually prefer them for takeout over Thai 101 - they're a little less expensive and usually deliver more quickly.

Out With the Old, In With the New

Two local businesses have recently shut their doors. Urban Spring, the tasty but pricy all-natural smoothie and snack joint on DeKalb near the park is no more (via The Local).  Their smoothies were tasty and I really respected their environmental friendliness (cups made out of corn), but man was it expensive!  I only ever went a handful of times, because I could just never really justify buying a small juice for $6.  (A commenter suggests hitting up Karrot on Myrtle near Clinton for a still-not-cheap-but-more-affordable organic juice.)

Up on Myrtle, the well-loved Cafe Martino has shut its doors (via Brownstoner).  I heard mostly lovely things about them over the years, but also that the owners were a bit disorganized.  I'm sure they'll be missed.

Is it The Economy?  Or just the regular business cycle in the big city?  I'm fond of the phrase, "The only thing constant is change."

In more positive news, three new businesses are slated to open on Myrtle (via Myrtle Minutes):

Green In Bklyn (432 Myrtle) is a one-stop green home goods store opening on Earth Day, April 22nd. The store, according to its owner, Ellisa Olin will provide eco-friendly solutions for daily living. Products available will be everything from light bulbs to cleaning supplies to bed linens to recycled paper towels to baby diapers and baby bottles—all eco-friendly, of course. Ellisa has a long work history as a performing artist and caterer. Green living has long been an important part of her life and she is looking forward to sharing that passion with the neighborhood. Ellisa lives on the border of Bed-Stuy and Clinton Hill and is excited that she can walk to work and “loves the opportunity to make a difference where I live.” Ellisa’s business plan for Green In Bklyn was a top winner in the 2008 Brooklyn Public Library’s Power Up Business Plan Competition. [Ed. I'm pretty excited about this, both for the plethora of offerings and the fact that Ellisa is a local.  Also cool that another Power Up winner has chosen to open a business in the neighborhood.  Last year's winner, Jessica Stockton Bagnulo, has been working on opening an indie book store in Fort Greene.) Health First Medical Supply (322 Myrtle Avenue) is the business endeavor of owners – fiancés, Emmanuel Alada and Denise Hudson. Having worked in the medical supply business for 7 years prior, Emmanuel began to learn and love the business and thought, why not bring such a business to his own neighborhood. Health First Medical provides home medical equipment: power and manual wheelchairs, hospital beds, bathroom safety equipment and diabetic products, amongst other offerings. Though they are awaiting additional inventory, they are officially open for business. Walk-ins are welcome. They can be reached at 718.596.6204.

Metro PCS (518 Myrtle Avenue) is a new cellular phone business, next door to Blockbuster and the post office. According to a Crain's NY article published two weeks ago, Dallas-based Metro PCS Communications Inc. was "the surprise winner in a 2006 auction of $3.6 billion worth of licenses covering the New York area." The company’s network covers 10 million customers in the New York metropolitan area, including the five boroughs and portions of Bergen, Hudson, Union and Essex counties in New Jersey. Though we have tried to reach out to the owners, including calls to the company’s Dallas-based headquarters, the only update comes from someone waiting inside the store for a delivery a week or two ago, “we thought we would be open by now; we are expecting to have our doors open possibly any day now.”

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.

Recent Filming

Saw this signage last week on Myrtle near Waverly:

Nothing posted to IMBD (unusual), but did fine this info here:

'IT’S ALL BEEN ARRANGED' traces four intersecting stories, each exploring different aspects of love and companionship, as four friends struggle to find their way through the meanders of Indian matrimony, in a bittersweet attempt to combine their deep-rooted tradition and ‘modern’ New York life in perfect harmony.

Places to Eat with Kids: Anima

As the new blogger on the topic of parenting in and around Clinton Hill, I’m launching a series of reviews of local kid-friendly establishments.  Fortunately for the many families in the neighborhood, most restaurants here are laid-back and welcoming to families with kids.  I should also mention that I’m entirely aware that not everyone wants to dine next to a baby or child, but I think it is possible to do it in a considerate, low-impact way.  So, readers, please be thoughtful when you take your kids out with you—I know you will be! The first restaurant I’d like to cover is a neighborhood favorite of mine, Anima Italian Bistro.  Anima is our go-to place for weekend brunch (love the French toast!), but their dinner and lunch options are also good.  The food can be described as Italian soul food: simple, hearty and well-priced.  In fact, “anima” means “soul” in Italian.  Options include a variety of panini sandwiches, salads, pastas and burgers. Heartier entrees like branzino with a lemon risotto cake, stuffed pork chop with fontina cheese and a braised lamb shank with polenta are available too.  And there’s a kids’ brunch menu, including chicken cutlet, risotto, and “pasta bambini.”

The atmosphere is casual—think Italian pop music and farm tables—and the staff are friendly and warm to all their patrons, including kids.  Like typical Mediterraneans, they dote on Jasper the minute we walk through the door, and any stress about being “those people with the kid” quickly melts away.  It also helps that the restaurant is spacious, so it has always been possible for us to sit far enough from other diners that Jasper and his overflowing gear won’t disrupt them.  The food and service are prompt.  The décor is attractive, with brick walls, a tin ceiling and rustic aged wooden bar and wine racks.  All in all, Anima’s a great option for a fun and relaxing meal with the little ones.  Buon appetito!

High chairs—Yes

Space for strollers—Yes

Kids’ menu—Yes

Food delivery—Yes

Baby Changing Area—No, but restrooms are large and clean.

Outdoor space—Maybe (the previous restaurant in this space had a great back garden, but it has not been re-opened yet during Anima’s time there—maybe Summer ’09?)

Potential pitfalls—The wine-bottle curtain—you’ll know it when you see it—is an irresistible temptation to the small and curious.  We found that out the hard way!

Anima Italian Bistro 458 Myrtle Avenue between Waverly and Washington Brooklyn New York 11205 718-422-1122

www.animabistro.com

Celebrate the New Prez

In addition to the exciting deals on DeKalb, other area merchants are having sales and special events to celebrate our new president:

• Greene Grape: we're sampling an inauguration cocktail from 5-7 pm at the wine store (765 Fulton) inauguration night (tues, jan 20).  The recipe is Inspired by the rumor Obama likes margaritas.  It incorporates lime, Tito's Vodka (an All-American spirit made in Texas as a nod to the outgoing President), pineapple juice (in tribute to Obama's Hawaii connection), a dash of bitters (recognition of the bitter economic pill we are taking) and triple sec (because just a spoonful of sugary orange liqueur will make the economic medicine go down, medicine go doooooown, medicine go down).
• Le Grand Dakar: YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO ATTEND AN  INAUGURAL BALL AT LE GRAND DAKAR ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, FROM 7 PM TO 3 AM.  Join the celebration which will herald in a new era of conscientious social & environmental awareness and humanistic considerations ­ a.k.a Our Wish for Change.  DJ Ayo will support a cast of live drummers with 70s social consciousness funk with Aniyikaye Yoruba Talking drummers and singers ­ Fuji, Juju, Apala, waka, and Jojo Kuo afro-beat trap drummer duo.  It will be fantastic. Le Grand Dakar Restaurant, 285 GRAND AVE, FORT GREENE (Lafayette Ave/Clifton, BROOKLYN, NY 718 398 8900 www.dakarcafe.net
• Tamboril: January 20, 2009 Doors open at 5:30.  Couldn't make it to washington?...then don't miss the inauguration day celebration at Tamboril!  Obama slama $6 cocktail special the whole night and our famous food sampler at reduced price of $12.99.  2 for 1s happy hour 5:30 to 7:30pm.  Watch inauguration coverage on any of our three flat screens.  Still time to reserve the lounge area but it won't last!  RSVP info@tamborilnyc.com, 527 Myrtle Ave.
• Bar Olivino: Inauguration celebration @ Bar Olivino!  Tuesday, January 20th - Yes we did!!!!!! Complimentary bar snacks all night long!  Bar Olivino, 899 Fulton Street (Between Clinton & Vanderbilt)

A Xmas Gift to the Neighborhood

Myrtle Minutes is reporting that the Walgreens on Myrtle is finally open!  Hallelujah! Everyone make a mad dash for greeting cards, shampoo, prescriptions and sunscreen.

Buying Local: 10 INEXPENSIVE GIFT IDEAS

I've been meaning to do a feature like this for the last few years, but now it's more important than ever to shop locally!  I spent a few hours last weekend browsing local shops in search of unique (and inexpensive) finds perfect for rounding out the gift list. The criteria?   Inexpensive and purchased in the neighborhood. Here they are:

1. Owa African Market, 434 Myrtle Ave: Wooden Giraffe (made in Kenya), $10

Giraffes are a favorite animal of mine, and are one of several wood carved items available here.  Great for a bookshelf or side table!

2. Associated, 367 Waverly Ave: Popsicle Molds, $1.99

I've been looking for popsicle molds for months now and was pleasantly surprised to find these at Associated!  Great for those with a do-it-yourself attitude and people excited to make a healthier alternative to store-bought pops. Take this gift to the next level by including some popsicle recipes.  (NOTE: THESE ARE NOT DISHWASHER SAFE.  Don't make the same mistake I did and end up with a dishwasher full of melted plastic sticks.)

3. Root Stock & Quade, 471 Myrtle Ave: Paperwhite Bulbs, $1.75/ea or 5 for $8

Just place these in a glass vase filled with stones and water, and watch them sprout!  A great gift for an apartment-dweller with limited space.

4. Green Planet, 969 Fulton St: Yogi Tea, $3.99

The boxes are lovely and the variety is large.  Buy a few for a stressed-out friend and make a zen gift basket!

5. J. Love Gift Shop, 485 Myrtle Ave: Plastic Dinosaurs, $3.99

A fun idea for both kids and your hipster boyfriend alike.  Small plastic replicas of Jurassic animals will liven up any corporate office workstation!

6. Tessan Boutique, 280 DeKalb Ave: Gold Chain Necklace w/ Red Beads, $22

There's a whole table of reasonable jewelry to choose from, but this one stuck out to me!

7. Kulcha Lion, 926 Fulton St: Clinton Hill Chill T-shirt, $20

You'll pay a 100% markup by getting one at this Fulton retail shop (as opposed to the guys selling them on the street), but they sell a few other cool BK t-shirts, too.

8. Karen's Body Beautiful, 436 Myrtle Ave: Homemade Soaps, 3 for $15

These chunky soaps come in a variety of yummy flavors (including milkshake and jasmine lily).  Plus, they're all made on site in the store's open kitchen!

9. Pratt Store, 550 Myrtle Ave: I Love Pratt Mug, $7.99

Show your love for a local institution and let the recipient show off some creative cred.

10. bodega, 971 Fulton St: Botanica candles, $1.79

Yes, they're ubiquitous with bodegas and NYC, but that's part of their charm.

BONUS ITEM(S): Greene Grape Provisions, 753 Fulton St: Fort Greene Park Conservancy Greeting Cards, $3/ea

My plan was to keep the list exclusively to Clinton Hill proper, but the folks at Provisions in Fort Greene let me know that they're selling totes, paperweights and git cards with local historic scenes (BAM, the park, etc.)  All proceeds from sales of these items go to support Fort Greene Park (yes, 100% of sales price!).  Also check out their retro temporary tattoos, great for stocking stuffers, and gift baskets.

Finally, when you spend $15 and mention Clinton Hill Blog, receive a free holiday gift wine box:

Where to Buy a Christmas Tree

In Clinton Hill proper, I've located two xmas tree lots and one location to buy other xmas-related plant stuff.  I visited all three this weekend to check on prices, quality and offerings: 1. Clinton Ave at Lafayette, in front of Cadman Church:

The overall selection here is very good.  I usually visit this lot since it's closest to me, and because they often offer a variety of tree types. This is the only lot in the area that I've seen white pine/scotch pine longer-needle trees.

They have all sizes, and the trees are very robust.

It's not cheap, however.  These babies are priced at $10/foot.  If you have a fancy brownstone apartment and are looking to wow, this might be your best bet.

Also selling: wreaths, holiday berry bunches, maple syrup, pine branch bunches

2. Myrtle Ave between Washington and Hall:

The tree selection is large, but not as high quality as lot #1.  However, the lot has a large staff on hand and is offering free local delivery!  If you're looking for a tree with a little more "character," this is your place.  They even have a few "Charlie Brown" style pines.  Plus, you can't beat the price (ranging from $10-70).  Due to the economic climate, I gave this one a try this year (even though it's a much farther walk -- though I suppose I could have asked for delivery!).  I was able to pick up a fairly tall tree (6+ feet) for just $30!  It's not as big around, but it fits nicely in the corner of my apartment.

Also selling: wreaths

3. Root Stock & Quade, Myrtle between Washington and Hall:

Don't want to deal with the hassle of getting a tree, or don't have the room?  Root Stock & Quade is offering lots of holiday goodies for the home.  Pine bunches in a variety of types will provide delicious seasonal scents, and pine garland ($12/yard) will look lovely draped on the mantle.

Also available are mini poinsettias ($6) and mini potted pine trees ($12).  Plus, being potted, they can last for months or years (provided you can keep them alive).

Also selling: tree ornaments and pine-scented candles

Tree locations outside CH boundaries:

• Tree lot on Fulton near BAM Harvey Theater (Fort Greene)
• Home Depot on DeKalb just past Bedford (Bed-Stuy)

Any more to report?

Coat Drive @ Connecticut Muffin: TOMORROW

Students from the group Banneker Brothers United from local high school Benjamin Banneker Academy for Community Development have organized a coat drive that will also take place on Saturday, December 6th. Please bring your gently used coats to their NYCares collection site, located in front of Connecticut Muffin at Clinton and Myrtle, from 11:30am to 4pm.

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.

Myrtle Ave Holiday Windows Contest!

From MARP, who has extended their entry deadline for this program: We're still looking for artists for our inaugural Holiday Windows Contest! We've added a prize to sweeten the deal: the winning artist/team of artists will receive a packet of gift certificates totaling $250, valid at participating Myrtle Avenue businesses! See below for details on how to apply. Send us your holiday window ideas! _____________________________________ Calling all artists, art teachers, art students, and other artistically talented folks! This is a fun and simple way for you to share your talents with the entire community during this holiday season! We re starting a new holiday tradition on Myrtle Avenue the Myrtle Holiday Windows contest! We re looking for local artists who are willing to help us bring some holiday cheer to the avenue by using temporary paint and holiday lights to create festive storefront windows. We ll supply up to $100 for paint, brushes and lights. The art-making is as much part of the excitement as the final product! All the painting will take place on Saturday, 12/6 from noon to 5pm, and we ll invite visitors and shoppers to come out and watch the storefronts come to life! People will be able to vote via text message for their favorite, and the winning designers will be featured on our website. The art will be displayed until early January 2009. See details on how to apply below. Applications are due by Sunday, November 16th. Please share with others who might be interested! Guidelines: -Preference will be given to local artists. -Artists muse use the removable paint and LED lights provided by the Partnership (all products applied to the windows must be removable and must not damage the glass in any way). Painting will take place on the INSIDE surface of the storefront window.

-The Partnership will supply lights, paint and brushes totaling no more than $100 per storefront. -If selected, artists must commit to painting their assigned window on Saturday, December 6 between 12 and 5pm. -Final designs must be approved by the participating merchant, and artists are strongly encouraged to communicate with merchants during final design process (we'll facilitate communication). How to apply to become a Myrtle Holiday Windows ARTIST: Please send the following VIA EMAIL to Meredith@myrtleavenue.org:

1. Name, address, telephone and email contact information 2. Select up to three Myrtle Avenue businesses that you would like to work with (or you can let us pair you with a Myrtle merchant if you don t have a preference) 3. In 350 words or less, tell us about your proposed design ideas for the storefront window. All designs must be done using temporary paint and incorporate holiday lights, and should reflect a holiday theme. Sketches are not required, but feel free to send one. Be creative! 4. Photos or links to examples of your past work Please apply ASAP! We hope to confirm all artists by Friday, November 21st.

Shipping Store on Myrtle

Reader/photographer David noticed a new shopping store on Myrtle near Hall and sent me this photo:

I'm intrigued, for many reasons:

1. There's a USPS logo on the outside!  Does this mean we can bypass the local post office??
2. Will they offer PO boxes? (answer: YES)
3. Why exactly is it called "Sandbox?"  That word doesn't particularly make me think of shipping, but whatever.

I had a business breakfast on Smith Street and saw another Sandbox, so it's clearly a chain (new chain?).  There was once a different shipping/mailbox store on Myrtle but it was never open (and closed awhile back).

Myrtle Minutes offers more info, plus a coupon!

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.

Free Bellydancing at Move With Grace

Sunday at Move With Grace (Myrtle bt Washington and Hall):

Join our next session of Belly Dancing for Beginners with a FREE class (6-7:30pm)!

Egyptian Belly Dance (Beginners with Alexandra) Free Belly Dancing Class + 6 week series... Enjoy not only a free class, but reduced rates when you sign up on or before SUNDAY November 2nd. Enjoy a full 90 minute introduction to the ancient dance of African and Eastern Culture "Rak Sharshi". Visual Artist, Teacher and Dancer Alexandra Zevin will guide you with shimmies, swaying and figure 8's. This is a wonderful workout for your body and soul, a great stress relief and a way to get away from day-to-day rituals. What to wear: Come as you are. No shoes will be needed in the class. Please wear comfortable, breathable dance or fitness attire. You may bring a hip scarf if you have one. Time: 6pm-7:30pm Please arrive at least 5 minutes early as class will begin at 6pm sharp! Students must join the class before warm-up is over (15 minutes into class) Our Price: $84 Reduced price when you sign up on the day of or before the FREE class 11/2 List Price: $92 when you sign up after this demo class. Drop in Fee: Drop-ins are welcome at $16/class or Pay $135/10classes and you may take both the Tuesday 7pm class in addition to the Sunday Class!

Root Stock & Quade Makes Myrtle Their Home Base

Received a blog post notice from the fine floral/plant gurus at Root Stock and Quade on Myrtle.  It seems their Park Slope headquarters were damaged in a fire, and they're making Myrtle their official home base. Sad to hear about the original store, but nice to know they'll be investing even more into their gorgeous Clinton Hill shop!

Polish Bar of Brooklyn on CNN Thursday Morning!

Congrats to PBB for this exciting opportunity!

Two Storefronts Available on Myrtle

The Myrtle Ave merchant association in collaboration with MARP are trying to get the word out that two retail spaces are available between Clinton and Waverly! ( approx 1000 sq ft and 500 sq ft plus basement) any applicants need to send a copy of their business plan to the clinton hill coops, 345 clinton ave. 11205 (that's who owns the retail on the block)  all candidates will be interviewed by the clinton hill board. no phone calls to the coops' office. applicants can email jennifer stokes at MARP for further info: jstokes@myrtleavenue.org