Art Beautifies Vacant Storefronts Through Art on the Ave Project
Public art has found a new home on the Upper West Side — in some vacant and occupied storefronts on Columbus Avenue. A project called “Art on the Ave” is now beautifying the avenue, including inside stores that might otherwise look empty and forlorn.
It was started by three teachers — Barbara Anderson, Jackie Graham and Leigh Majer — trying to make sense of the pandemic and the emptiness it had created. They explained the project like this on their website.
“A partnership between artists, storefront owners, and local businesses, Art on the Ave NYC is a socially-distanced gallery walk along Columbus Ave between 68th and 77th streets that spotlights artists from New York around the theme of ‘The Art of Healing.’ Join us now through the end of January for this unforgettable experience.”
It’s aiming to spotlight artists who have historically been underrepresented.
People can also scan codes (they look like the one at right) at the locations to hear more about the work from the artists. And when they scan the code, they may even get shopping discounts.
Art is now being shown in the following spaces. The galleries are empty storefronts where people can see the art from outside (one exception is the Rapid Test Center at 252 Columbus which is occupied). The stores listed have info about the event, special discounts and sometimes show artwork inside or outside.
Gallery Locations:
252 Columbus Ave
280 Columbus Ave
330 Columbus Ave
338 Columbus Ave
O’Shea School Fence
353 Columbus Ave
359 Columbus Ave
Participating Businesses (in order of location on Columbus South to North):
Marine Layer
Intermix
Athleta
Outlette NYC
Salon Gabor
Trollbeads
Theory
IRO
Anne & Valentin
Scott J Salon
J&E Hair
Harvest Kitchen
Johnny Was
Black Press Coffee
KTcollection
Really Great Things
Tenzan
A Tempo
AG Jeans
Paper Source
The Shade Store
Da Capo
MSalon
Liana
Shake Shack
And listen to actor Michael Imperioli talking about the project in the clip below:
This is a great idea. Congrats to the stores and store fronts that participated. We can all use some more art in our lives and we don’t have to like everything we see in order to support this initiative. Thank you, sponsors.
Gee … Michael doesn’t sound like any of his characters. Very good voice-over!
He has a podcast along with Steve Schirripa called Talking Sopranos if you’d like to check it out (already up to episode #36):
https://talkingsopranos.simplecast.com/
Thank you! I’ve been admiring the art in the store fronts andove that there is a way to learn more. I love the creative use of empty storefronts.well done.
this is a fantastic idea. thank you!
This Saturday afternoon any (most?) of the artists will be by their displays, as the Art on Ave sponsors will be touring.
That should be “many”, not “any”.
I think vacant storefronts should be taxed by the city at a higher rate — but turning them into temporary art studios or galleries would provide an exemption.
This sounds like another thing, in addition to extended outdoor dining, that should survive the pandemic!
Wait. So does CHRISTOPHER live on the Upper West Side? Love.
Also. With all the empty storefronts….turning them into galleries Is a great idea
Lived in Ct. 26 years and visited NY often. Now live in So. Oregon and still am often in touch and always amazed what Beauty, Hope and Goodness the Big Apple always has to offer! KUDOS !