By Robert Beck
The Friends of Verdi Square never know what they will come across while working in the garden. They are out there in all kinds of weather, planting, pruning, weeding, watering, and picking up refuse with heroic devotion to duty. Over the years, the volunteers have turned the park into a sensory refuge for the community and a tangible connection to our natural world. It’s easy to forget what a mess it used to be, and would still be, without their efforts.
Unusual discoveries are commonplace at Verdi Square, providing a parallel narrative about where we are as a place in time. The gardeners don’t have to dig for these contemporary artifacts; they’re waiting when they show up on Saturday mornings.
Clothing and jewelry make up a big part of the collection. At the top of the list is an unworn pair of black patent leather dancing shoes with large bows, size 9-1/2, in excellent condition. Plus, a single white sneaker and striped satin pumps. We go on. A bra. A YSL bracelet, another of pink beads, and a faux gold multi-strand necklace. An ornate elephant charm with blue jewels. A heart surrounded by diamonds.
Coins find their way into the urns containing elephant ear and creeping jenny. A toothbrush was picked up at one end of the garden and the toothpaste at the other. The white wood asters held a hard-bound volume of The World’s Greatest Religions (Life), in fair condition.
They are all surprise discoveries with no relationship but the plotline. The artifact was brought to the square, lost, broken, or discarded, and it was discovered by a gardener. The rest is a mystery. Most are subsequently photographed and uploaded to the Friends of Verdi Square Instagram page and can be found in the TFIVS gallery (Things Found In Verdi Square). Comments and captions are invited.
A television remote with its cradle was found in the swamp mallow, and a phone in the turtle heads. There was most of a ten-dollar bill. A wooden back of a chair (I find that intriguing). A card for 15% discount at Romantic Depot. A metal whistle.
My favorite is the 2-1/2 lb. Chairman’s Reserve Prime pork tenderloin from Fairway, still wrapped and labeled. Bundle that with the can of beef stew and the unopened bottles of siracha, olive oil, and red wine, and you’ve got most of your Sunday afternoon ready to go.
These discoveries happen as city life keeps pace in the park. Maestro Mike — a musician who is a weekend regular at the square — sings Billy Jean as a woman with a large hat dances on the paved walkway, arms outstretched, hands sweeping in front of the viburnum and brown-eyed Susan, spinning and gliding under the gaze of hundred-year-old sycamores. One of the gardeners reaches down and picks up an antique doorknob with polished brass rim and faceted glass center. She wipes it off with the bottom of her shirt and puts it aside to show the others later.
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FYI: Robert Beck’s solo exhibition, Here And Now, at Morpeth Contemporary in Hopewell, NJ, is opening September 14. www.morpethcontemporary.com.
See more of Robert Beck’s work and visit his UWS studio at www.robertbeck.net. Let him know if you have a connection to an archetypical UWS place or event that would make a good West Side Canvas subject. Thank you!
Note: Before Robert Beck started West Side Canvas, his essays and paintings were featured in Weekend Column. Read Robert Beck’s earlier columns here and here.
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Robert Beck’s art works and the accompanying columns are unique and exceptional gifts to the neighborhood. Thank you.
Thank you, Robert!
Please don’t romanticize “Maestro Mike”. His frequent violation of the “no amplified music” ordinance 10-108 is torturing many of the the residents that face Verdi Square. The sound he produces canyons between the buildings and is quite loud in our apartments. It is really intrusive. He is well aware of the problem but ignores our pleas.
Bob-Bitty-Bob!
Just love hearing about all the archaeological discoveries in Verdi Square. I remember the crack/cocaine viles from years ago, You are quite hilarious describing the Sunday afternoon meal that was collected!
And the painting aptly depicts the square. You are right – things have come a long way for the better.
Let’s hope it keeps up through November 5th!
From, Your Biggest Fan
Thank you Biggest Fan. I love that kiosk. Buck Rogers meets Jules Verne. It’s begging for the right tennant. Maybe somebody to sell You Hoo, Moxie, Ring Dings, temorary tattoes and Star Wars action figures. Actually it the perfect place to sell Jamon de Paris on a buttered baguette. Oui, merci.
Like all of your work, this is gorgeous. You really bring out the Paris in New York. I hope one day when I see you outside painting I have a buttered baguette with a thin slice of jambon in my bag to share. It could happen! Thanks for reminding us, with your keen eye and beautiful paintings that we live in a treasure.