I forgot how huge this museum is. Wonderfully designed…read moreexhibits spaced out enough so that you can actually appreciate each piece Very helpful staff

Holy Wokeified, Batman! The woke bug ran rampant through the museum's curators and Board. Someone,…read moresomewhere, figured out that younger people won't come to the museum for its stodgy paintings of waves, landscapes, and dead white men, so they went through the entire museum and--presto chango!--turned it into some kind of woke museum. There is now not a single painting that doesn't put either the artist or the subject, or preferably both, through a purity test. Was the artist a holder of enslaved peoples? That will get a mention. Was the artist holding the female subject in the "male gaze"? Well, let's just say that he did. What about the subject? Wearing clothes from another culture? Let's bring out that old accusation of "appropriation." Others are called "mass murderers." I thought I was in some kind of parody! It was comically ridiculous! Even benign paintings of mountains or trees were criminalized--let's take this moment to remind everyone AGAIN that these mountains and trees used to belong to the Indigenous People! Whom the Europeans murdered! I noticed that the Brooklyn Museum has no problem taking millions from corporate overlords such as Bank of America, Pfizer and Google, to name a few. Perhaps the museum could turn the bright light of accountability on itself. Hey, BM, you cool with all those data centers ripping through underserved communities and rural areas, gobbling up tons of water and land? Cause Google does that, you know. So much for your "climate justice," you enjoy that green stuff too much, right?

I went to MadArts specifically to see the South Slope Open Studios last Sunday. How could I resist…read moreone of my favorite local artist Cat Coven?! Kjersti Faret, the artist behind the label "Cat Coven" selling cat buttholes on prints to enamel pins. But that's not all...there is also witchraft items, coffee love and affection for whiskey and all things goth. Her merch ranges from patches, shirts, enamel pins, dresses and prints. I had to go down tthe maze of a building into the basement and all the way down the hall to finally find this cat lover's lair. I was greated with tons to see and I will also saving on shipping which was the big draw. Kjesti was there and sweet as ever. There was also whiskey to be had for those who dared. I left with a gorgeous tshirt dress and a skull coffee pot enamel pin. The artist was nice enough to take a pic on my phone since, there was no mirrors. I checked out the rest of the studios while I was there. It was a labirynth of fun creatives minds. One of my new faves was Skullboy, Louise de Villiers with his black and white creations from creatures to hands. I liked the little enclosed altar too wiht pbr, smokes and small art. It gave me a Venice Beach surfer vibe. I guess he's from South Africa so it's a little far from SoCal. Then I chatted for a long time with Jose Arenas. He was super sweet and I likes his biographical collage work. He knows how to lure people in with plates of coooooookiesss!!! Delicious! I also can relate to his background of being born in America but having Latin roots and upbrining. I can't wait for he next open studios! Thanks for a great Sunday afternoon! This was a great adventure to local artist and seeing their process.

This is an extraordinary place -- a gathering of artists, inspired by each other and by the warm…read morecreative energy that infuses this space. It is a hub for any and all who love the arts. I need to be clear -- I have never had a studio there, but I have attended many an opening. I love this space, I am thrilled by the variety of styles, and I never come away from an opening or exhibition feeling anything but a sense of energized excitement at the richness of life in this crazy city. MadArts to me typifies what is best and brightest in the world of Brooklyn arts.

A gem in Queens to shine on always…read more Dope creations, funky work, community-based workshops, gallery work, amazing bathroom. Come on, places like this don't really get better. It's a gem. See it, experience it, make art, love art, and enjoy your time on this Earth. Make sure to stop here, first. It's a place you don't want to miss! The Filipina American Writer, Renee Rises

Wouldn't you know it? A legitimate artist's studio of an accomplished painter and printmaker, right…read morehere in Sunnyside, Queens. Oh wait, the openings are amazing and intimate, potluck style food (donation encouraged) and there are live music performances to boot? That's already a reason to stop by, however, once you go there, your start to realize that the art and artists are accomplished and serious (but like to party too). I ended up spending time there and loving the atmosphere and people. Good stuff Ged (the proprietor). Keep at it. Support art and buy. It's very affordable.

I was out in Red Hook one day for brunch, and wandered into this art space. They have an…read moreinteresting collection of artists I have never heard of. My favorite pieces are by Edward Monovich. I thought the pieces had a clever take on current world happenings with old school cartoons. Also the pieces by Viviane Silvera were worth checking out, as is all of the current installation. The girl who was working there honestly knew about as much about the art as I did, which was probably the one major drawback. But it's absolutely worth going to!

Now this is where real art is shown, real, sometimes beautiful, sometimes difficult to understand…read moreat first glance,art. Florence Neal and her staff curate shows that are often of museum quality. Their Benefits to raise money each year are legion. The food that is donated by neighborhood purveyors in Red Hook, zings. The art that is donated is great and a tribute to the generosity of the artist community.They also have childrens and family programs that are a hands on approach to making art. This place should not be missed. New York culture at its' best!

Shmuel is a honest, skilled, and conscientious businessman. He is a perfect guide to help you…read morechoose the right frame, etc for whatever piece you have. When I walked in, the beautiful paintings on the wall were intimidating - I didn't have a masterpiece to frame, but I still wanted it done right. (Even though I don't have that much experience in framing!) We looked through many different colors of mats, finally finding a perfect color and a perfect frame. He was never pushy and always patient. Now, it's not cheap, but you get what you pay for - In fact, I think Shmuel is even a great value because he is seriously also doing museum pieces! Of course, much of his work is framing family photos in quality, interesting frames, or framing maps or paintings. However, I'd bet he could handle anything else you want to throw at him!

I left a photo of my son to be framed and they lost the photo…read more When I go in to inquire about it, a worker is so unbelievably vile and rude to me. The owner is kind but hires someone who doesn't value customers. I hope they find the photo. It's not replaceable. They haven't offered to compensate me or anything.

Apparently, Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Gardens is the largest adaptive reuse in the…read morefive boroughs, or at least it was at one time in the 20th Century. What it is now is 83 acres along the north shore of Staten Island that began as a home for retired sailors in the 19th, with large residential buildings and a nautical museum whose Italianate architecture reminds of the Borgia palaces in the old world. Last Saturday it was crowded with weddings and birthday parties capturing the beauty of the day. It was an unplanned cultural festival. Wet easy to walk around and get caught up in the many events happening at the same time. While the gardens and pathways showed signs of benign neglect, the many buildings were in some degree of renovation, and the history of this area was on beautiful romantic display. There was food and drink for the asking, and even a few knowledgeable docents to answer questions about Tom Melville (Herman's younger brother), governor of Snug Harbor for over 30 years. Word is that part of Moby Dick was written right from the front porch of the governor's mansion. The various botanical zones were interesting, if somewhat overgrown, but their "gone to seed" attitude was somehow very appealing. This was New York City giving shelter in its special offhanded way. Only the strong survive. The Chinese Scholars Garden was the best of the choices. Walking through the Moon Door into the bamboo and still deep coy ponds was a Zen moment I stopped to appreciate. It had an entry cover charge ($5), but it was worth the expense for the obvious extra effort they made to make this walled secret garden more enjoyable. Snug Harbor is so unique, only 5 Stars can begin to capture its special charm.

I've always loved Snug Harbor Cultural Center, it's a very serene beautiful place. Hard to believe…read moreit's part of New York City. The gardens are beautiful - filled with a diverse variety of plants from all over the world. Last weekend the weather was perfect - not too hot or humid. The park had a decent crowd but not overcrowded. Also, there was security staff scattered throughout the park. There were vendors selling items. I spoke to a few people and learned they have some excellent food vendors as well as events there. Additionally, the Chinese Scholars Garden was open but they wanted 5$ admission for one adult. It was the end of the day so I decided to skip it. I've been there many times over the years and always found it a relaxing place to visit. There's a gorgeous vine-covered passageway and colorful Monarch butterflies to be discovered along the way. Highly recommend.

What an incredible local fixture. Hanne brings us the long standing gallery Five Myles. It's been…read morein the neighborhood for years and will not disappoint! Instead of your usual white box gallery.. it's is all light grey, even the floor! It's not actually a big deal just goes to show the off beaten path mind set behind it's exhibitioners. I've been to many opening nights and have always found a piece that speaks to me. Highly impressed with the teams curation skills and display. Lights included Worth stopping by for a chat and a little soul candy

I'm shocked that this place has not had any reviewers...until now. I happened upon this gallery and…read morehad to stop by. They showcase interesting - out of the box works of art. The type that continues to stay with you long after you leave. This family owned and operated gallery is a unknown gem that I will return to many times over....perhaps as an artist with my very own photography being featured :-)

Open Source is a welcoming community art space, and it's so much more than a gallery. I first…read morediscovered Open Source when a friend invited me to their monthly storytelling event, How to Build a Fire. HTBAF is a great opportunity to hear interesting stories, get to know warm, funny people, and share laughter and wine in a cozy, charming place. I returned to Open Source for cHURCH of Monika, a monthly artist's talk that happens on Sunday mornings. Then I discovered the Soapbox race in the summer! I had so much fun cheering for the different groups of kids. It was great seeing so many neighbors out on the block having fund together. Open Source has so much to offer: art installations, arts education for kids, storytelling, community dinners, and more. I think it should be called Open HEART. When you're there, you're welcomed in, you're treated like family. It's a wonderful addition to the community.

Great shows at Open Source Gallery. Always thoughtful and well curated. I just stopped by to view…read moretheir Nicholas Galanin show (around the time he was invited to 2019 Whitney Biennial) and was struck by how well his work looked in this unique space.