Arts Meeting Feb. 1st 2006
Howdy.
This is an extremely long email, but there is a lot of
info to get out. What has become clear is that the
uptown arts community has two immediate tasks that are
in some ways parallel paths: creating the 4th annual
Uptown Arts Stroll and building an umbrella arts
organization that can support existing groups and
individuals. The content of this email is both pasted
below and attached as a WORD doc (with clearer
formatting). The sections of this email are listed
below.
Meeting overview
Outline of the 4th annual Uptown Arts Stroll
Arts events happening NOW
Arts Groups and Resources
Thank you for all the supportive email you have sent;
this is a heck of a lot of fun. Talk to you soon,
Mike Fitelson
Feb. 5, 2006
Meeting Overview
Based on observations, the Feb. 1 arts meeting at Our
Saviour’s Atonement Church had over 100 people in
attendance, 81 signed in, 38 of which were folks I had
never met before. I’ve received about 15 regrets
from folks I don’t know who couldn’t make the
meeting but want to be involved in future activities.
The meeting covered a lot of ground. Mike Fitelson
laid out the idea of creating an arts umbrella
organization that can support individual artists and
arts groups. He also presented a vision of the 2006
Uptown Arts Stroll (see below). The bulk of the
meeting was given over for arts groups and resources
to make short presentations and for folks to network
and mingle. (Resources are listed below.) Some of the
ideas that came up during the meeting are:
1. Setting up a table at the Medieval Festival to
promote local arts and the Uptown Arts Stroll.
2. Building transportable walls that can be moved to
different venues so visual artists always have a
decent exhibit space
One of the biggest things that I forgot to mention is
that the Website www.wahiarts.com has a blast email
feature. Make sure that you register your email
address there and in the future it will be easier to
blast email notices of upcoming events. The site’s
registry of artists is having technical difficulties
but will hopefully be up and running soon.
Next Steps. There were a couple of representatives
from Harlem Arts Alliance that is an arts group that
we might be able to model our group on. I plan to
visit them on Monday. There were also a few
representatives from the Upper Manhattan Empowerment
Zone, which has a bunch of money earmarked for helping
support artists in Northern Manhattan. I hope to learn
more about how they can assist in creating a group in
the coming weeks. Finally, Reynaldo Garcia Pantleon
made a great point late in the meeting that it was
being conducted entirely in English. I will work with
several local folks to help replicate the presentation
I gave in Spanish and do another round of outreach.
In order to build the structure of an umbrella arts
organization volunteers are needed for:
Database
Outreach
Web development
Communication
Media kit
Name branding
Grantwriting/fundraising
Contact me if you have a specific skill/talent that
you can contribute.
Next meeting. This effort might turn into once a month
meetings, possibly the first Wednesday of every month.
We have been invited to attend the Community Board 12
parks and cultural affairs committee meeting, which
will be the first week of March. I’ll get out more
details as they come in.
Things that have happened since the meeting:
1. A group of poets, led by Robin Glasser
robinglasser@yahoo.com and Joy Leftow
, have initiated a poetry
series the last Saturday of every month at Our
Saviour’s Atonement Church, 178 Bennett Ave from
3-6-pm.
2. Two of the publishers of the Manhattan Times were
at the meeting and they were so impressed with the
turnout and outcome that they want to beef up our arts
section. The paper will begin running a weekly feature
spotlighting a local artist and arts happenings. Look
for details in the Manhattan Times, which hits the
streets every Friday.
3. The Manhattan Times on Fri., Feb. 3 published an
excerpted transcript of a panel discussion on the
“State of the Arts In Northern Manhattan†that is
a great snapshot of what needs to happen up here to
support artists and help develop an arts economy that
can help the entire community. I hope to have the full
transcript posted on a Website soon.
4. A photographer’s group is forming that hopes to
meet in the coming week.
Outline of the 4th annual Uptown Arts Stroll:
The 4th annual Uptown Arts Stroll this June will be
similar to past years where artists will commandeer
the walls of local restaurants, clinics, offices, and
religious institutions to hang artwork and
performances will be scattered throughout the nabe.
But what will be new is that there will be more
focused one-day events that spotlight different parts
of the community. Hopefully this will alleviate
several complaints about past Strolls: that there was
no center, that the art was too spread out over a
65-block area, that artists were stuck in their venues
and didn’t get to mingle. By concentrating group
exhibitions and performing arts in outdoor locations,
we should be able to maximize the audience, pull in
passersby, and create a larger commotion. Once folks
have Strolled the outdoor exhibit, they will learn
about other area exhibits in businesses, etc. and
hopefully patronize them as well. Other arts
happenings can be spread out during the month. The
Manhattan Times will again publish an Uptown Arts
Stroll guide that distills all the events in one
location.
On Sat., June. 3, the Stroll will kick off in the Ring
Garden where Dyckman Street, Broadway, and Riverside
Drive come together. This will be the 9th year that
Art in the Garden has occurred and the second time
that it has paired with the Stroll. Last year it drew
about 300 people to a group show of about 25 visual
artists and musical and poetry performances. We also
expect to have concerts in Anne Loftus Playground on
the same day and possibly literature readings in Holy
Trinity Church later that night (the church will also
serve as the rain location, just in case). Art in area
venues will also be promoted. Elizabeth Popiel is the
contact for this day of the Stroll:
scenicdesigner@hotmail.com.
On Sun., June 11 the Stroll will focus on the area
around Bennett Park, where there will be a group show
and the opportunity for outdoor music and
performances. Exhibits in area locations will be
promoted. There are several locations that can serve
as emergency rain shelters. For the time being, I will
be the contact for this day of the Stroll:
wahiarts@yahoo.com.
A movement is growing to host a Stroll event in the W.
168th Street area on either the weekend of June 17-18
or 26-26. For now, contact me if you want to
participate in that part of the community.
A group of poets has come together to present a couple
of nights of poetry/performance on as of yet undecided
dates and locations during the Stroll. Contact Robin
Glasser robinglasser@yahoo.com and Joy Leftow
Oscar Montes de Oca will spearhead the second annual
fashion show. Contact him at: acke001@msn.com.
Volunteers are needed for these specific Stroll
activities:
Organizing the arts events around Bennett Park on
June 11.
Organizing the arts events around W. 168th St.
Producing other themed events.
Marketing outside the neighborhood.
Marketing inside the neighborhood.
Media kit.
Press outreach.
Postering
Creating “walls†to hang work on.
Contact me if you have something specific or general
you want to contribute.
Details of the poster contest to design the artwork
promoting the Uptown Arts Stroll will be announced in
the coming weeks in the Manhattan Times. The paper
will also announce the first ever competitive themed
Stroll exhibit in the coming weeks.
Arts events happening NOW
If you want to be involved in arts events happening
NOW:
1. Every other Friday there is an Art Spark sponsored
by Artists Unite where artists from all over the world
contribute to an online gallery called Now:Here:This.
Visit http://www.artistsunite-ny.org. The site has
just been overhauled and offers a blog, calendar, and
compendium of happenings.
2. Cine Teatro Musica (Film Theater Music) will have
another arts gathering at Umbrella Lounge on Sun., Feb
12 featuring an exotic/erotic theme. 6-9 pm at 3769
10th Avenue.
3. The YM/YWHA has rehearsal/studio space. Call
212-569-6200 X 219 for more information.
4. Feb. 18 from 8 pm to ??? at Keenan’s Bar at
Broadway and W. 204th Street, musicians will perform
the songs from “Upstate Manhattan,†the CD
compilation of local musicians. Visit 207records.com
for more information.
5. Two07 Art Gallery has an opening reception Fri.,
Feb. 10 from 7-10 pm for and exhibition of water
colors by Ryszard Milek. 634 W. 207th St, between
Broadway and Cooper St. 212-942-4688.
Arts Groups and Resources
Those that presented at the meeting are listed first.
I have inevitably left someone out, my apologies. Let
me know and I’ll add you to the list.
Artists Unite
Group dedicated to furthering the arts uptown. Hosts
concerts, exhibits, discussions, and ongoing online
arts project that brings together artists from all
over the world called Now:Here:This. Website also has
events, blog, and other goodies. Is a definite must
check out. http://www.artistsunite-ny.org
Union of Dominican Visual Artists
The name says it all, a coalition of outstanding local
artists. Contact Ezequiel Jimenez at
Ezedesign@aol.com.
Da Arts
Arts group that supports young people focusing on
spoken word. Contact Susan Diaz at sdiaz@nyu.edu.
Riverside Inwood Neighborhood Garden (RING)
Annual outdoor art exhibit led by Elizabeth Popiel for
the last eight years. Partnered with the 2005 Stroll
and drew 300 people. Model for 2006 Stroll. Contact
scenicdesigner@hotmail.com.
Stand Up for Comedy
Comedy and spoken word performance pieces led by Sassi
Keegan. Contact sassiactress@yahoo.com.
Caliope Bookstore
Mostly Spanish language books and regular discussion
groups. 170 Dyckman Street. 212-567-3511.
calliopes@aol.com.
Un Chin
Glossy magazine targeting the young, professional
Latino population located in Inwood. Contact Javiar
Mota at javiermota@gmail.com.
Music Talks
Monthly discussions on the state of the music industry
led by recording engineer David Knight at his
Washington Heights studio. Contact
david@fullrangerecordings.com.
Hudson View Gardens Artists
Arts group stationed at the HVG co-ops that hosts the
annual winter arts gala. Contact
HVGArtsGroup1@aol.com.
Russian American Cultural Heritage Center
Group dedicated to supporting and building the growing
Russian community in Northern Manhattan. Programs arts
and cultural events. Contact olga@culturelinks.net.
207 Records
Music recording label led by Harley Fine and Mike
Petelka. Visit www.207records.com for more info.
Moosehall Theater
Presents the Inwood Shakespeare Festival every summer
in Inwood Hill Park. Contact Ted Minos at
tminos@moosehallisf.org.
CUNY in the Heights
Hostos College branch on Cooper St. between Isham and
W. 207th Streets has art classes, gallery space, and
an auditorium with a stage. Contact Aldrin Bonilla at
abonilla@hostos.cuny.edu.
Two07 Art Gallery
Northern Mahattan’s only dedicated art gallery. On
W. 207th Street between Broadway and Cooper Street.
Contact Mike Petelka at 212-304-0621.
Audubon Partnership for Economic Development
Economic development agency that offers business
building information and hosts an annual arts
festival. 513 W. 207th St. 212-544-2400.
YM/YWHA of Washington Heights and Inwood
Has gallery space, studio space, and an auditorium
with stage. 54 Nagle Ave. near Broadway. Contact
212-569-6200X219.
Community Arts Showcase
Longstanding visual arts organization that hosts
exhibits in the George Washington Bus Depot, Ft.
Washington Library, and Washington Heights Library.
Contact CAS_artistsofwahi@yahoo.com.
United Palace Theater
The third largest performance hall in Manhattan,
gallery space, and many arts program for young people.
Contact James Stovall at dive4god@aol.com.
Fundacion Dominicana Culturarte de New York
260 Audubon Ave @ W. 178th St
212-928-8100
metapoesia@aol.com
Offers arts and media classes, has gallery space, and
is building a community theater.
Cine Teatro Musica (Film Theater Music)
CTM meets the second Sunday of the month at Umbrella
Lounge from 6-9 pm at 3769 10th Avenue. An eclectic
showcase of an array of local artists. It’s the kind
of atmosphere where the person standing next to you
could suddenly break into an improvisational skit.
Contact Lina Beltre at linabeltre@hotmail.com.
Music Council of WaHI
Coalition of musicians that shares resources and
programs events. Contact Rosa Naparstek at
rosa.naparstek@verizon.net.
www.Wahiarts.com and www.washington-heights.us/
Two Websites hosted by Eduardo Gomez. The first is a
database of local artists and art happenings. The
second is a catch of for community goings-on and chat
rooms. Contact webmaster@washington-heights.us.
Manhattan Times
Weekly, bilingual newspaper covering Washington
Heights, Inwood, and East Harlem. Has been a staunch
supporter of the Stroll and budding arts community.
Edited by Mike Fitelson. Call 212-569-5800 or email
manhattantimes@aol.com.
MOSA (Music at Our Saviour’s Atonement Church)
Monthly music series at Our Saviour’s, 178 Bennett
Ave. Contact Brent Ness at brenteness@yahoo.com.
Sound of Art
Created by Leo Vasquez to represent and showcase
artists, often in commercial settings. Contact
leopold@soundofart.net
Places that regularly showcase visual or performing
arts.
Broadway Housing Galleries
The Rio Penthouse Gallery at 10 Ft. Washington Ave.
and the Rio II Gallery at 583 Riverside Drive offer
some of the finest exhibitions spaces and opening
reception possibilities in Northern Manhattan. Contact
Ana-Ofelia Rodriguez aorodriguez@broadwayhousing.org
for more info.
Holy Trinity Church
Exhibit space in foyer and stage where both the Delphi
and Pied Piper Children’s Theaters reside. 20
Cumming Street near Broadway. 212-567-1177.
Bodre Cut and Color Room
Hair salon that showcases the work of local artists.
4714 Broadway near Arden St. 212-304-1142.
New Leaf Café
Exhibits the work of local artists. Contact Fausto
Espinoza at 212-568-5323.
Our Saviour’s Atonement Lutheran Church
Hosts MOSA monthly music series (see above) and visual
arts. Contact Paul Fancher at paul.fancher@ubs.com.
107 Wet Restaurant
811 W. 187th St. near Ft. Washington Ave.
Exhibits the work of local artists. Contact Brita at
212-923-3311.
Next Door (formerly Healthy Habits)
813 W. 187th St
Exhibits the work of local artists. 212-543-2111.
Hebrew Tabernacle
551 Ft. Washington Ave. at W. 185th Street
Beautiful lobby gallery. Contact Harriett Bailer at
212-568-8304
The Archway
116 Pinehurst Ave near W. 183rd Street
Exhibits the work of local artists. Contact Jennifer
Metric at 212-543-9015.
Arc Ft. Washington Senior Center
4111 Broadway, enter on W. 174th St.
Large gallery space in senior center. Contact Fern
Hertzberg at 212-781-5700
In Vino Veritas
1202 St. Nicholas Ave. at W. 170th St.
Northern Manhattan’s first and only wine bar
exhibits the work of local artists and has live music
on Wed. and Fri. nights. Contact Fred or Liz at
212-781-4900.
Coogan’s Restaurant
4015 Broadway at W. 169th Street
Beautiful back room gallery space. Contact David Hunt
at 212-928-1234.
X Caffe
3952 Broadway at W. 165th Street.
Exhibits work of local artists. Contact Zead Ramadan
at 212-543-1999