Art on the Ave – an initiative to fill vacant storefronts along Columbus Avenue with art – has now secured several locations and has recruited a number of participants.
Since we first reported on this soon-to-launch gallery walk in early September, the group of teachers behind the initiative has received over 200 artists submissions, and they’ve narrowed it down to 25, all of whom are from New York.
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And for the audio introduction, they’ve recruited Sopranos star Michael Imperioli, who moved to the Upper West Side earlier this year. Visitors will be able to listen to his intro at the first window.
photo by Flickr user Louise Palanker
A representative from Art on the Ave tells us they’ve so far secured the following locations, and any future locations will be between 67th and 77th Streets on Columbus Avenue:
- 196 Columbus Ave (69th Street)
- 252 Columbus Ave (between 71st and 72nd Street)
- 280 Columbus Ave (between 73rd and 74th Streets)
- 330 Columbus Ave (between 75th and 76th Streets)
- 338 Columbus Ave (76th Street)
- 353 Columbus Ave (between 76th and 77th Streets)
- 359 Columbus Ave (77th Street)
The recently launched organization’s website states its goals of spotlighting underrepresented artists while reinvigorating the neighborhood with a fun outdoor activity. To turn these goals into a reality, they’ve been working to connect with landlords of buildings with vacant storefronts, like the ones above.
They’re also seeking donations which will go towards “funding installation expenses, as well as promotional materials” in order for them to “support participating artists and create impactful display space.”
In addition, the group is encouraging and inviting classrooms to take part in its gallery walk, and will offer chaperoned walks with volunteers, educators and curators, digital and printable educational materials, and an extension project asking students to share their art inspired by Art on the Ave
The walk is scheduled to open to the public on October 31 and last through January 31, 2021.
To learn more, please visit artontheavenyc.com.
Many thanks to the building owners who have generously donated space for what will hopefully be a wonderful exhibit.