Events &amp; Things To Do

Manhattan gets a brand new landmark today: a fantastical undersea adventure in the form of a swirling, sparkly carousel! Katya Grokhovsky lets viewers experience the fruits of her one-month residency at Soho20, while the Guggenheim welcomes guests for a full 24 hours for Agathe Snow’s latest project. Remember why you loved New York to begin with (because of its unabashed weirdness) and go see Blazes and his light-up suit, or try on the clothing made at an exhibition called “Small Town Sex Shop.” Finish off the week by getting outside your comfort zone, and head over to Staten Island for a unique and design-fueled potluck party.
All the best events to check out here

Events & Things To Do

August 17, 2015

Quirky Taxi Poster Illustrates the Designs of NYC’s Iconic Cabs

Although in daily life you're more likely to curse cabs than celebrate them, this cool print by illustrator James Gulliver Hancock highlights the charms of the city's yellow icon. Featuring the cab designs of today and yesteryear, this wonderful print is a work of art and a pretty accurate representation of just how nutty NYC traffic can get.
Where to buy one here

August 15, 2015

Washington Heights’ First Two Hotels Set to Open This Summer

By Emrys Fitzgerald

Overnight visitors to Washington Heights–you know, that hotel-free neighborhood "upstate somewhere"—will soon have two brand new lodging options. Both hotels feature geographic monikers, will yield more than 100 rooms combined, and will reportedly open this summer.
more on the two new developments here

Art Nerd New York’s Top Event Picks for the Week, 8/13-8/19

Image via Amusing Planet

August 13, 2015

Art Nerd New York’s Top Event Picks for the Week, 8/13-8/19

In a city where hundreds of interesting happenings occur each week, it can be hard to pick and choose your way to a fulfilling life. Art Nerd‘s philosophy is a combination of observation, participation, education and of course a party to create the ultimate well-rounded week. Jump ahead for Art Nerd founder Lori Zimmer’s top end of week picks for 6sqft readers! This week, time travel to relive two iconic, yet very different, New York moments. Head to Times Square to recreate the 1945 sailor kiss that became famous on the cover of LIFE Magazine, or scoot up to the Bronx for the restaging of City Maze, the seminal exhibition from 1980 during the dawn of street art. Revive Marcel Duchamp at the Queens Museum, experience the exciting new present of an art-infused South Street Seaport, or get a glimpse of the future by spotting a dude walking around in an air conditioned suit (we swear it's art). You can live in the now and see what Brooklyn’s Cotton Candy Machine is up to, or see if athletes can really cut it in contemporary art.
All the best events to check out here

Events & Things To Do

Art Nerd New York’s Top Event Picks for the Week, 8/6-8/8

Michael Alan’s Living Installation

August 6, 2015

Art Nerd New York’s Top Event Picks for the Week, 8/6-8/8

In a city where hundreds of interesting happenings occur each week, it can be hard to pick and choose your way to a fulfilling life. Art Nerd's philosophy is a combination of observation, participation, education and of course a party to create the ultimate well-rounded week. Jump ahead for Art Nerd founder Lori Zimmer’s top end of week picks for 6sqft readers! One of the busiest art shows I've ever seen returns to New York this week- Spoke Art's annual Wes Anderson-themed exhibition "Bad Dads," which attracts collectors, fans and those who love to dress like his characters (always a lot of fun). Artist Brian Leo's colorful myriad of cartoony drawings open at Amy Li, a massive group show curated by Melissa Mccain-Welles kicks off at Azart Gallery, and cutesy arty toy store My Plastic Heart hosts a two-person East vs. West Coast Show. The gorgeous grounds of Wave Hill in the Bronx invite guests to chat with artists in their current show after perusing the gardens, and Michael Alan brings his "living installation" for visitors to become a part of for its 13th anniversary.
All the best events to check out here

Events & Things To Do

August 6, 2015

First Look at 22-Story Expansion of Downtown Brooklyn’s Hampton Inn Hotel

By Ondel Hylton

We all know Brooklyn's residential market is scorching hot, but its hotel market is booming as well. Two hotels recently opened at the borough's Manhattan Bridge entryway, the 174-room Dazzler Brooklyn Hotel and the 116-room Hampton Inn. The latter has just begun construction on a 145-room expansion on an adjacent lot at 156 Tillary Street, and we've uncovered the first look at what the 22-story Stonehill & Taylor Architects-designed tower will look like (an encore to the striped-brick banality that rose in the first phase).
More details ahead

August 5, 2015

Health- and Fitness-Themed EVEN Hotel Tops Out in Midtown East

By Ondel Hylton

The future Midtown East home of the fitness- and wellness-themed EVEN Hotel line has reached its 414-foot apex. Situated one block away from Grand Central Terminal, the 36-story mixed-use tower at 219 East 44th Street will be the hotel brand's second location in the city, and its upper floors will be crowned with ten penthouses. The building's developers are a partnership between CWC and the Intercontinental Hotel Group (IHG), who are also the parent company of the Holiday Inn and Crown Plaza brands. IHG will debut their first Manhattan EVEN Hotel later this year at 321 West 35th Street with this 44th Street location opening soon after. The brand promotes a health and wellness lifestyle for travelers through in-room fitness zones for private workouts and healthy food and beverage options, including made-to-order smoothies and grab ‘n’ go meals. Additionally, the hotel will have dedicated meeting areas, indoor/outdoor eating and exercise space, and spa-inspired showers.
More details ahead

1970s Map Reveals Worldview According to New Yorkers

Does anything really exist outside of New York? The creator of this map doesn't think so. Made in the 1970s by an anonymous artist, this maps depicts the worldview of the stereotypical New Yorker. The greatest city in the world occupies the greatest amount of space on the map, while the rest of the country is reduced to a narrow strip of land. That is, the rest of the country that's worth acknowledging.
See the full map here

Art Nerd New York’s Top Event Picks for the Week, 7/30-8/2

Image via Wendy Perrin

July 30, 2015

Art Nerd New York’s Top Event Picks for the Week, 7/30-8/2

In a city where hundreds of interesting happenings occur each week, it can be hard to pick and choose your way to a fulfilling life. Art Nerd's philosophy is a combination of observation, participation, education and of course a party to create the ultimate well-rounded week. Jump ahead for Art Nerd founder Lori Zimmer’s top end of week picks for 6sqft readers! A weekend of adventure awaits your beckoning call. Choose your own adventure: a cruise on the high seas whilst dressed as a sea monster (or sea siren if that's your preference), sleep amidst the taxidermy animals at an adult sleepover hosted by the American Museum of Natural History, or get dirty and explore "Old New York" through trash at Dead Horse Bay with Abandoned NYC. Feeling less adventurous? You can always learn about our ever-changing city at Van Alen's latest exhibition with the Gentrification Lab NYC, which reconnects the role of architecture with expansion. Try out a different kind of studio visit with dancer and artist Jillian Peña, who will perform her new architecturally-influenced dance and actually take time to explain it to visitors, or check a screening of the Swedish film making waves with its representation of transgender life at Pioneer Works. Enjoy the new José Parlá pieces outdoors at The Standard High Line while sipping cocktails from the garden. Lastly, trek to Times Square late at night as artists Os Gemeos take over the ad screens for Midnight Moment all month long.
All the best events to check out here

July 29, 2015

Hyperrealistic Artist Paul Cadden Uses Only a Pencil to Recreate Urban Photographs

Nowadays, when people want to get the details right in a photograph they turn to Photoshop. When artist Paul Cadden wants to capture all of a photo's details, he uses nothing more than a pencil. Cadden describes his art as hyperrealism–drawings that are so realistic that they are easily mistaken for photographs. The Scottish artist bases his work off photographs of objects and people that catch his attention. If he isn't drawing inspiration from his own photographs, Cadden told Don't Panic magazine that he "trawl[s] through a lot of stock images sites." What he does next isn't just a simple reproduction. "The idea is to go beyond the photograph," he says.
View more of Cadden's drawings here

Events & Things To Do

Art Nerd New York’s Top Event Picks for the Week, 7/23-7/29

Image courtesy of SIDELUCK

July 23, 2015

Art Nerd New York’s Top Event Picks for the Week, 7/23-7/29

In a city where hundreds of interesting happenings occur each week, it can be hard to pick and choose your way to a fulfilling life. Art Nerd‘s philosophy is a combination of observation, participation, education and of course a party to create the ultimate well-rounded week. Jump ahead for Art Nerd founder Lori Zimmer’s top end of week picks for 6sqft readers! For those of you who don't have plans to jet set abroad this last weekend before August, there are still plenty of cultural treats to quench your thirst. The famed Slideluck Potshow is taking to the high seas, bringing their well-loved evening of art projections on board the Lilac. Faux-minimalist takes over an unlikely venue—a high-end cleaner—while seminal White Columns Gallery celebrates their summer party. Damien Hirst's Soho mecca heads to the Hamptons, and the Gowanus Ballroom brings us a bevy of talented artists plus the guy who jumps around in his underwear in Union Square. Kids and adults alike can celebrate family day at the awesome Jeppe Hein exhibition now showing at the Brooklyn Bridge Park, or they can head to the Bell House to hear their favorite talk radio personalities. Finally, cap it all off at the last day of the New York Musical Theater Festival.
All the best events to check out here

Events & Things To Do

July 22, 2015

Edo Bertoglio’s Polaroids Transport Us to the 1980s NYC of Warhol, Basquiat and Madonna

When it came to music and avant garde art, few eras shone as brilliantly as the 1980s. The city was an incubator for experimental creatives like Andy Warhol, Basquiat, Debbie Harry and Madonna, individuals forging a name for themselves in a gritty yet glam city that was frantically pulsating with life. Photographer Edo Bertoglio was lucky enough to experience the time, spending his days amongst these inevitable icons from 1976 to 1989 and oftentimes snapping photos of them in intimate situations with his Polaroid camera. Now, decades later, Bertoglio is sharing his experience through his new book, "New York Polaroids 1976-1989," which culls 140 cherished images he's kept near and dear since those bygone days.
See a sampling of the photos here

July 21, 2015

Owen Dippie Channels Both Renaissance and Modern Artists in His Bushwick Murals

Owen Dippie is starting a modern renaissance in Brooklyn. Within the past couple of months, the New Zealand-born street artist has put up two pieces in Bushwick that skillfully remix the work of the Renaissance masters and contemporary art and culture. Dippie's clever pieces appeal to art lovers of all styles. For Dippie, creating these mashups is like paying homage to his idols. Growing up, Dippie's biggest influences were Biggie Smalls, Tupac Shakur, Michael Jackson, Andy Warhol, Basquiat and Keith Haring. As he grew older and became more exposed to other artists, the Renaissance masters began to grow on him as well. With such varying influences, it makes sense for Dippie to have created these pieces.
See the stunning mashups here

Events & Things To Do

July 17, 2015

Renderings Revealed of Helpern Architects’ Times Square Hotel for ‘Fashion-Alert Urban Millennials’

By Ondel Hylton

Here's our first look at a four-star, 290-room hotel set to rise just south of Times Square at 252 West 40th Street. Developed by OTO Development, the 20-story, 147,000-square-foot hotel will be the South Carolina-based company's third venture in the city. The 230-foot-tall midrise will be designed by Helpern Architects. According to their website, "the project is targeted to cosmopolitan, fashion-alert urban millennials and is expected to set a new standard and trend for the independent business traveler."
More details this way

July 16, 2015

Art Nerd New York’s Top Event Picks for the Weekend, 7/16-7/19

With the wonderful warm weather we're experiencing right now, there's really no excuse for not getting out of the house (and especially the office) and enjoying a night on the town. This week I've rounded up a flurry of indoor and outdoor events that will satiate your art sensibilities, film fancies, your need to groove, and your stomach! Start the week's end off right tonight by heading to two shows featuring work from art world up-and-comers and photos zooming in on our dystopian future. Then follow that up by chowing down on barbecue at Adam Shopkorn's new food and art cultural hub—which happens to have found a fascinating home in an 1849 Greek Revival row house. On Friday, take in some bites, beverages and movie at the newly revamped South Street Seaport. On Saturday, put your dancing shoes on for an epic party at MoMA PS1 under the COSMO pavilion. And then use Sunday to chill out by fixing your gaze on Annika Connor's lush, romantic paintings, or by taking the fam and some friends over to the Rubin Museum's annual block party.
All the best events to check out here

Events & Things To Do

July 10, 2015

New Yorker Spotlight: Doug Steinberg Keeps the Doors Open at 110-Year-Old New York Central Art Supply

By Susan Cohen

In 1905, Benjamin Steinberg opened up a store on Third Avenue between 10th and 11th Streets. Little did he know then that one day artists like Willem de Kooning would walk through its doors. For the last 110 years, New York Central Art Supply has served the needs of New York's amateur and professional artists. Three generations of the Steinberg family have supplied paper, paints, brushes, and canvases to everyone from first-year art students to Keith Haring. And over the last year, Doug Steinberg, Benjamin's great-grandson, has taken a more active role at New York Central, planning for the store's future. While Doug never formally joined the family business (he currently owns and runs his own company), New York Central has been a constant in his life. He says he's worked there "on and off since I was born," and has a deep appreciation for what his great-grandfather started and his father Steve grew in the '60s and '70s. We recently spoke with Doug to learn about New York Central's rich history, why so many well-known artists purchased and continue to purchase supplies here, and how the store is preparing for its 21st century evolution.
Read the interview right here

July 10, 2015

Would You Eat from Plates Printed with Bacteria?

By Ana Lisa Alperovich

Brazilian artist Vik Muniz and U.S. bioengineer Tal Danino recently joined forces to make the invisible stunningly visible. They created a hauntingly beautiful set of tableware with colorful abstract patterns for French porcelain maker Bernardaud. Fittingly named Petri Dishes, like the shallow glass dishes biologists use to culture cells, the unique plates feature exploded photographs of bacteria like paenibacillus and salmonella.
Learn more about this bizarre and beautiful tableware

July 10, 2015

LAST DAY to Win a Free Pass to the New York Times Cities for Tomorrow Conference (Worth $595!)

Cities for Tomorrow is back again for its second year, and we’ve teamed up with the New York Times to give one lucky 6sqft reader a free pass (worth $595!) to the event taking place July 20th–21st in Midtown Manhattan. Join leaders in the real estate, architecture and urban planning fields such as New York City’s police commissioner, […]

July 9, 2015

POSH City Club Aims to Upgrade Your Public Restroom Experience

At any given time there are well over one million people in Manhattan who aren't Manhattan residents. This figure, obtained from a report from NYU's Wagner School of Public Service, accounts for tourists and commuting workers from the suburbs and the outer boroughs. That being said, non-residents don't usually have the luxury of popping home to drop off a few things, using a clean restroom, or especially showering. POSH City Club, a luxury storage and bathroom facility, plans to change that.
Learn more about this innovative startup here

July 9, 2015

EVENT: Is Historic Preservation Elitist?

Many folks argue that historic preservation is elitist, time-consuming, expensive and a drain on resources, further claiming that it’s a whole lot easier, cheaper and more practical to replace an old building with something new—especially when that means more housing. However, on the other side of that coin is the argument that historic districts and the architecture preserved within them are […]

July 8, 2015

Art Nerd New York’s Top Event Picks for the Week, 7/9-7/15

In a city where hundreds of interesting happenings occur each week, it can be hard to pick and choose your way to a fulfilling life. Art Nerd‘s philosophy is a combination of observation, participation, education and of course a party to create the ultimate well-rounded week. Jump ahead for Art Nerd founder Lori Zimmer’s top end of week picks for 6sqft readers! Summer jams mean we do things a little differently in the art world, assuming most of the population escapes the hot city streets each weekend. Thursday and Friday nights are the art-heavy celebrations of the art openings we love to see and be seen at. Explore the pop-color collage world of Anthony Iacono, or a real life Facebook status as performed by Katya Grokhovsky, or become part of the performance with Quinn Dukes' "Mapping Ritual." Friday it's time for the je ne sais quois, first with an exhibition and Edith Piaf's 100th birthday at Dejavu Gallery, then a free screening of a Tunisian love triangle, "Goha." If you're still around Saturday, spend the day meeting your makers at Open House New York's open studios across the city, or settle into the air conditioning of the Guggenheim and explore the wild wild world of Matthew Barney in an all-day film screening.
Get the details on all these events here

Events & Things To Do

Art Nerd New York’s Top Event Picks for the Week, 7/2-7/8

Image via Michael Dougherty/flickr

July 2, 2015

Art Nerd New York’s Top Event Picks for the Week, 7/2-7/8