Patch: Artists Create "Museum Without Doors" Outdoor Exhibit Series
Pop-Up Art Shows at Flushing Greenmarket Sponsored by Greater Flushing Chamber of Commerce, New Inspiration Cares, Crystal Windows, GrowNYC (Xinya Li)
In collaboration with local artists, the Greater Flushing Chamber of Commerce, New Inspiration Cares, Crystal Windows, and GrowNYC launched a new pop-up community art project, “Museum Without Doors,” at the Flushing Greenmarket located in front of Maple Playground at 136-50 Maple Ave, Flushing, NY 11355. The Museum Without Doors exhibits will showcase the work of Joseph Hsu, Shih Pao Lin, Fred Adell and Eddie Abrams.
“Community art and culture are vital to surviving the awful plague that has brought our great City to its knees,” stated John Choe, executive director of the Greater Flushing Chamber of Commerce. “Through Museum Without Doors, we are committed to integrating and addressing all the needs of our community in our recovery efforts, which have included helping small business owners secure financial assistance and outdoor seating as well as our coordinating volunteers to deliver weekly food assistance to homebound individuals.”
The first exhibit features four photographs from Joseph Hsu's "New York on PAUSE” series, which depicts vivid images of New York City during the pandemic. Mr. Hsu spent the past four months documenting City life in Midtown Manhattan, Flushing, and other neighborhoods.
“The City's hustling and bustling blocks suddenly became silent and empty,” says Joseph Hsu in his photo essay depicting the City from January to May 2020.
World-renowned artist Shih Pao Lin brought in one of his stunning three-dimensional works and two paintings to the exhibition under the theme of “Bull Up the City." His sculpture “Bull King” borrows the totem of the ox in the Chinese zodiac, conveying the message of love and peace to all New Yorkers. In Chinese culture, oxen symbolize bravery and vitality. The sculpture is made entirely from recycled materials from local manufacturer, Crystal Windows, and 3000 MTA Metrocards donated by people from all sectors of society.
“Although individuals are weak, when we come together, we can become a powerful force for good. I hope the power of our ‘Bull King’ sculpture will send positive energy to all the workers at the MTA who have struggled to provide an essential service during this pandemic,” stated artist Shih Pao Lin.“Next year -- the Year of the Ox -- will be an important opportunity for our society to recover and grow in the post-COVID world.”
In September, the work of Fred Adell will be exhibited through the Museum Without Doors at the Flushing Greenmarket. Mr. Adell is known for his iconic folk art depicting local wildlife, zoo inhabitants, and household pets. In October, the Museum Without Doors will present the work of Eddie Abrams, who is known for his portrait of Mary Ann Elizabeth Shaw, an a African-American educator, community activist, and benefactor who helped establish the Flushing Free Library. Mary’s portrait is now permanently displayed at the Queens Library.
The Chamber curates programming at the Greenmarket, promoting cultural activities and environmental education as well as activities that support community well being and health. Alice Lee, Chair of the Chamber’s Advisory Board, will be coordinating monthly programming with local artists to showcase their talents and encourage more people to visit the market.
"The epidemic extends to all levels of society and culture. Since New York's lockdown, all entertainment venues, including museums, have been closed. Streets that used to be bustling are now empty," said Alice Lee, the Chamber's Advisory Board Chairwoman and Founder of New Inspiration Cares, the organization curating Museum Without Doors. “Our initiative, Museum Without Doors, provides an opportunity for New Yorkers to experience world-class art in an outdoors space. By organizing exhibits that combine global culture with local agriculture, we seek to support both artists and farmers as well as our community."
The opening of the first Museum Without Doors exhibit was also attended by Councilman Peter Koo, representing District 20; Thomas Chen, the owner and founder of Crystal Windows; Jack Huang, Cultural Director of the Taipei Economic & Cultural Center; Winnifred Lee and Anthony Kuo, Market Managers at GrowNYC; local wildlife artist Fred Adell; Xinya Li, exhibit curator; and Ericka Brassoi, Director at Holly Civic Association; and, Howard Wong, Census Outreach Coordinator at Chinese-American Planning Council.
The Greenmarket, operated by GrowNYC, is open every Wednesday from 8am to 3pm, until November 24, 2020. The Chamber partners with GrowNYC to promote the Greenmarket and coordinates programming with local businesses, cultural groups, and civic associations.
Farmers at the Greenmarket accept cash, debit and credit cards, SNAP/EBT (food stamps), WIC & Senior FMNP coupons as well as Health Bucks (for every $5 spent in EBT, customers receive a $2 Health Buck coupon to purchase additional fruits and vegetables). For updates throughout the season, visit theFlushing Greenmarket webpage or the Chamber’s Facebookpage for up-to-date information on at-market activities throughout the season.
“Community art and culture are vital to surviving the awful plague that has brought our great City to its knees,” stated John Choe, executive director of the Greater Flushing Chamber of Commerce. “Through Museum Without Doors, we are committed to integrating and addressing all the needs of our community in our recovery efforts, which have included helping small business owners secure financial assistance and outdoor seating as well as our coordinating volunteers to deliver weekly food assistance to homebound individuals.”
The first exhibit features four photographs from Joseph Hsu's "New York on PAUSE” series, which depicts vivid images of New York City during the pandemic. Mr. Hsu spent the past four months documenting City life in Midtown Manhattan, Flushing, and other neighborhoods.
“The City's hustling and bustling blocks suddenly became silent and empty,” says Joseph Hsu in his photo essay depicting the City from January to May 2020.
World-renowned artist Shih Pao Lin brought in one of his stunning three-dimensional works and two paintings to the exhibition under the theme of “Bull Up the City." His sculpture “Bull King” borrows the totem of the ox in the Chinese zodiac, conveying the message of love and peace to all New Yorkers. In Chinese culture, oxen symbolize bravery and vitality. The sculpture is made entirely from recycled materials from local manufacturer, Crystal Windows, and 3000 MTA Metrocards donated by people from all sectors of society.
“Although individuals are weak, when we come together, we can become a powerful force for good. I hope the power of our ‘Bull King’ sculpture will send positive energy to all the workers at the MTA who have struggled to provide an essential service during this pandemic,” stated artist Shih Pao Lin.“Next year -- the Year of the Ox -- will be an important opportunity for our society to recover and grow in the post-COVID world.”
In September, the work of Fred Adell will be exhibited through the Museum Without Doors at the Flushing Greenmarket. Mr. Adell is known for his iconic folk art depicting local wildlife, zoo inhabitants, and household pets. In October, the Museum Without Doors will present the work of Eddie Abrams, who is known for his portrait of Mary Ann Elizabeth Shaw, an a African-American educator, community activist, and benefactor who helped establish the Flushing Free Library. Mary’s portrait is now permanently displayed at the Queens Library.
The Chamber curates programming at the Greenmarket, promoting cultural activities and environmental education as well as activities that support community well being and health. Alice Lee, Chair of the Chamber’s Advisory Board, will be coordinating monthly programming with local artists to showcase their talents and encourage more people to visit the market.
"The epidemic extends to all levels of society and culture. Since New York's lockdown, all entertainment venues, including museums, have been closed. Streets that used to be bustling are now empty," said Alice Lee, the Chamber's Advisory Board Chairwoman and Founder of New Inspiration Cares, the organization curating Museum Without Doors. “Our initiative, Museum Without Doors, provides an opportunity for New Yorkers to experience world-class art in an outdoors space. By organizing exhibits that combine global culture with local agriculture, we seek to support both artists and farmers as well as our community."
The opening of the first Museum Without Doors exhibit was also attended by Councilman Peter Koo, representing District 20; Thomas Chen, the owner and founder of Crystal Windows; Jack Huang, Cultural Director of the Taipei Economic & Cultural Center; Winnifred Lee and Anthony Kuo, Market Managers at GrowNYC; local wildlife artist Fred Adell; Xinya Li, exhibit curator; and Ericka Brassoi, Director at Holly Civic Association; and, Howard Wong, Census Outreach Coordinator at Chinese-American Planning Council.
The Greenmarket, operated by GrowNYC, is open every Wednesday from 8am to 3pm, until November 24, 2020. The Chamber partners with GrowNYC to promote the Greenmarket and coordinates programming with local businesses, cultural groups, and civic associations.
Farmers at the Greenmarket accept cash, debit and credit cards, SNAP/EBT (food stamps), WIC & Senior FMNP coupons as well as Health Bucks (for every $5 spent in EBT, customers receive a $2 Health Buck coupon to purchase additional fruits and vegetables). For updates throughout the season, visit theFlushing Greenmarket webpage or the Chamber’s Facebookpage for up-to-date information on at-market activities throughout the season.