Volume 81, Number 1 | June 2 – 8, 2011
West and East Village, Chelsea, Soho, Noho, Little Italy, Chinatown and Lower East Side, Since 1933
Just Do Art!
Compiled by Scott Stiffler
WASHINGTON SQUARE OUTDOOR ART EXHIBIT
In 1931, a near-penniless Jackson Pollock had no funds to pay for his Greenwich Village studio/apartment — so he took some paintings to and set up shop on a sidewalk near Washington Square Park. A similarly destitute Willem DeKooning copied Pollock’s (sales) idea. Now, 81 years later, that act of financial desperation has evolved into a twice-a-year showcase for artists regionally, nationwide and around the world. The Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibit will showcase the work of over 100 new and veteran exhibitors, in all categories of traditional and contemporary fine arts and fine crafts. Oils and watercolors, pastels and acrylics, graphics, photography and sculpture make up the fine arts group. The crafts group includes jewelry, ceramics, wood, fiber and mixed media. Cash prizes, donated by individuals, organizations and corporations, are awarded in various categories based on selection by artist-judges. Free. Sat. & Sun., May 28/29 and June 4/5. From 12-6pm, at University Place (from E. 12th St. south into Washington Square E., along the side of the park, into NYU’s Schwartz Plaza and W.3rd St.). For info, visit wsoae.org or call 212-982-6255. The next WSOAE takes place Sept. 3-5 & 10-11.
HOUSING WORKS OPEN AIR STREET FAIR
Downtown institution Housing Works Bookstore Café is always presenting readings and concerts and comedy and storytelling competitions. Staffed by volunteers, 100% of its profits go to Housing Works, Inc. (which provides housing, healthcare, job training and advocacy for New Yorkers living with HIV/AIDS). But ticket sales alone aren’t enough to do the job — so once a year, Housing Works takes it to the street. This annual outdoor tradition features thousands of books, movies, CDs, and records for $1 or less (plus clothes and accessories, beer, barbecue, and performances by Darlings, Dinosaur Feathers, Friends, Grand Rapids and The Woes). Proof positive that you can do some good while having a good time. Sun., June 5th, 10am-6pm. At Crosby St. (btw. Price & Houston). For info, call 212-334-3324. Visit housingworks.org.
Photo courtesy of The NY Police Museum
Fun to be around, if you’re not in the back seat. See “Vintage Police Car Show.”
VINTAGE POLICE CAR SHOW
You’ve heard their sirens. You’ve seen their flashing lights. Now take advantage of your big chance to admire the artistry and beauty of classic patrol vehicles—without the mess that comes with riding in the back seat while in handcuffs. The New York City Police Museum’s “Vintage Car Show” gives visitors the unique opportunity to view a piece of New York City’s history when the classic patrol vehicles used by New York’s Finest are displayed outside of the museum. Their owners will be on hand to show off their prized possessions and answer questions. Did we mention the Batmobile will be there? It will! Sat., June 11, 10am-4pm at the New York Police Museum (100 Old Slip, btw. Water & South Sts.). For info, call 212-480-3100 or visit nycpm.org. Regular weekly museum hours: Mon.-Sat., 10am-5pm and Sun., 12-5pm. Admission: $8 ($5 for students, seniors and children. Free for children under 2).
EGG ROLLS & EGG CREAMS FESTIVAL
Those in the know have been aware for quite some time now that the Chinese and the Jews go together like egg rolls and egg creams. And why not? They both know their way around the incredible, edible egg — though they get to that tasty end game in two different but equally delicious ways. The Museum at Eldridge Street’s 11th annual “Egg Rolls & Egg Creams Festival” celebrates the cultural contributions and traditions of the Chinese and Eastern European Jewish communities, which have lived and worked on the Museum’s block for what seems like forever. This fest is your chance to see how each culture remained unique while borrowing (sometimes liberally) from their neighbor. Their journey is your gain — as you enjoy music, crafts, language lessons, folk art demonstrations, kosher egg rolls and egg creams. By the end of the day, you’ll be able to discuss the intricacies of Chinese folk music while drawing parallels to that roving Klezmer group you saw. Maybe you’ll even work some Yiddish or Mandarin slang into your vocabulary? It couldn’t hurt, boychick! This free event takes place on Sun., June 12, 12-4pm in and on the block of the Museum at Eldridge Street/Eldridge Street Synagogue (12 Eldridge St., btw. Canal & Division Sts.). For info, call 212-219-0888 or visit eldridgestreet.org.
Quentin Roosevelt’s China: Ancestral Realms of the Naxi
How much did you get done during your last 10-day vacation to a place you’ve never been? In 1939 — the height of the Sino-Japanese War — 19-year-old Harvard art history student Quentin Roosevelt (grandson of President Theodore Roosevelt) set off for the remote region of Lijiang, China, in search of the mysterious ancient culture of the Naxi. After four months of travel, he reached the mountainous region on the Tibetan border and spent 10 days assembling what was to become one of the most complete collections of Naxi art outside of China. Culled from that collection, “Quentin Roosevelt’s China” is the most comprehensive exhibit on religious art of the Naxi ever assembled. Roosevelt’s art is displayed alongside the collection of legendary botanist-explorer Joseph Rock (the first Western explorer to extensively study the complex religious and linguistic traditions of the Naxi). Ceremonial funeral scrolls, ritual cards and ceremonial manuscripts are among the pieces on display. Through September 19, at The Rubin Museum of Art (150 W. 17th St., btw.; 6th & 7th Aves.). For hours and admission info, call 212-620-5000 or visit rmanyc.org.
