The streets of Fifth Avenue in Bay Ridge will be turned into art galleries as Brooklyn artists present their work in storefronts along the bustling Avenue.
Starting on May 16 and continuing through June 13, 20 participating artists will present different visual media including paintings, sculptures and video, in the business window of their choice.
“It’s nice to give the artists an option for which businesses they want to work with,” said John Avelluto, co-founder of the Fifth Avenue Storefront Art Walk. “The structures of the stores can bring on creativity.”
Some pieces from last year included a televised pizza demonstration at Rocco’s Pizzeria on 78th Street, and a stuffed animal display at the Bay Ridge Animal Hospital on 68th Street.
This year, artists will not only be pulling inspiration from the businesses, but from a variety of places, including children’s books.
“I have old work and will create new work to go with the business,” said Bay Ridge artist Michelle Farkouh, who will be displaying her work in Jean Danet bakery on 76th Street. “But I’m definitely painting an excerpt from a book project about a mischievous pet monster.”
The second annual event was started by Avelluto and his business partner Heather Hamilton — owner of Long’s Wines and Liquors — to promote the art scene in neighborhood.
“We really want to help create an internal structure for art in Bay Ridge,” said Avelluto. “It’s important to draw cultural attention and traffic to this end of Brooklyn.”
Artists in the area agree.
“This event is really great and exciting,” said Farkouh, “I hope it shows that Bay Ridge has a lot of artists and helps create a bigger artistic community here.”
Fifth Avenue Storefront Art Walk [Fifth Avenue from Bay Ridge Avenue to 86th Street in Bay Ridge, (718) 748-6505], May 20–June 13. Free. For info, visit www.bayridgesaw.org.
