Dates have been set for the annual Harlem Restaurant Week 2020! Dozens of new and exciting restaurants and hot spots have been added to the list this year, including retail and special events.
Continue reading “Save the Dates for Harlem Restaurant Week 2020 ~ March 1-15”
This February, the world famous Apollo Theater will kick off Black History Month with Apollo Open House: Celebration of Cool on Saturday February 1st from 1 p.m. – 6.p.m., to celebrate and explore the rich history of the Theater as it continues the legacy of Black History.
Continue reading “Kick-Off Black History Month at a Free Open House at Apollo Theater”
The much anticipated inaugural exhibition in its new Harlem building, Claire Oliver Gallery will open its doors to Almost Better Angels featuring new works by Judith Schaechter on Saturday, January 18th.
The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture will host its Eighth Annual Black Comic Book Festival on January 17 and January 18 from 10 AM to 8 PM. Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, member of the legendary hip hop group Run-DMC and founder of the independent publishing house Darryl Makes Comics, will participate in the panel discussion “Hip Hop and Comics in 3D” with Andre Davis and Dawud Anyabwile on January 18 at 2 PM.
Ki Smith Gallery will open its doors to Bridging Grey, a new video and performance installation by German artist Annina Roescheisen. Her readings of Ludwig Wittgenstein, Arthur Schopenhauer, and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe are the basis for this new body of work. In the mid-eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, these philosophers began to investigate the aesthetics of color. Roescheisen has been most influenced by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, whose intuitive approach linked the colors we see to the emotion and mood we feel in their presence. In his Theory of Colours, Goethe writes about painting, “From these three, light, shade, and colour, we construct the visible world, and thus, at the same time, make painting possible, an art which has the power of producing on a flat surface a much more perfect visible world than the actual one can be.”
Continue reading “Annina Roescheisen: Bridging Grey at Ki Smith Gallery”
On Saturday, November 30th, Ki Smith Gallery will open its doors to a celebration of the extraordinary life of acclaimed documentary and street photographer Jill Freedman (1939-2019).
Today, the iconic nonprofit Apollo Theater announced details of its spring 2020 season featuring genre-spanning performances—from music, dance, and theater to comedy and film screenings—that continue the theater’s strong mission of articulating African American narratives through cultural programming. Season highlights include the Apollo’s Africa Now! and African Film Festival 30th Anniversary Celebration presenting the legendary Oumou Sangaré; Burnt Sugar the Arkestra Chamber performing Isaac Hayes’ Academy Award-winning score Shaft, alongside a screening of the film; the Apollo Salon Series presentation of A Time to Love, a musical theater collaboration with National Black Theatre; and the signature series that brings patrons to the Apollo year-round, Amateur Night at the Apollo, Apollo Music Café, and Apollo Comedy Club.Through its programming, educational, and community initiatives, the Apollo continues to advance its commitment to creating a 21st century performing arts canon, providing a home to artists and the community, while tackling important social issues for Harlem, New York, and the nation.
Here it is ~ The exciting Apollo Theater 2020 Spring Season.
Continue reading “The Apollo Theater Announces Spring 2020 Season”
Some twenty-five years ago, Commissioner of the New York State Office of General Services, RoAnn Destito, did a walk-through at what is our current State Office Building. The building was in total disarray with no window glass in some of the space. But in the basement she found a treasure-trove of artwork that had been stacked up and left there for several years. It was the work of local artists of that day, names like Barboza, Bey, Catlett, DeCarava, Van Der Zee…….
This work is part of The New York State Harlem Art Collection’s permanent collection, and it will be on view beginning November 15 for the first time since the mid 1990s.
The long-awaited ribbon-cutting for the restoration and unveiling of the historic Harlem Fire Watchtower took place on Saturday, October 26, 2019, to the delight of the entire community. Come along with us as we walk up to the Acropolis and celebrate the watchtower’s return.
Continue reading “Historic Harlem Fire Watchtower Ribbon Cutting ~ October 26, 2019”
X Gallery began as a one-year experiment, with the support and sponsorship of John McGuinness, owner of Harlem Properties on Malcolm X Boulevard (Lenox Avenue). Now in its third year, the gallery will be closing its doors with a final two-day exhibition, works by the renowned artist, Al Johnson.
Churches in Harlem and East Harlem have been very much in the news, due to declining membership and deteriorating buildings, and numerous sales of these properties. And so, when a reader told us that the historic bells were recently removed from St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in Harlem, we were more than curious ~ and delighted to learn that the carillon is on its way to South Carolina for evaluation and restoration. A representative of the Diocese went on to say that their first order of business will be to stabilize the tower and interior space, with scaffolding going up inside the building next week.
Kicking-off the New Year, we checked in with the Diocese, who was eager to share that they are continuing the restoration, with their main focus on restoring the tower, fixing the roof and otherwise making it possible for the congregation to move back in.
Continue reading “St. Martin’s Episcopal Church on Lenox Avenue in Harlem in Restoration Mode”
New York City Department of Cultural Affairs announced four new public artists-in-residence (PAIR). We spotted the work of one of them on Lenox Avenue at 125th Street in Harlem.
Tatyana Fazlalizadeh, a Brooklyn-based street artist and painter whose street art project Stop Telling Women to Smile tackles gender-based street harassment. Her work can be found on walls from New York to Paris, Los Angeles to Mexico City, and right here…….
Continue reading “Tatyana Fazlalizadeh: Stop Telling Women to Smile……..on Lenox Avenue in Harlem”
Harlem knew this was coming. Now an illustration for the National Urban League’s new Headquarters and Civil Rights Museum to be built on 125th Street near Lenox Avenue, bringing the League back home, where it was founded in 1910.
Continue reading “National Urban League Headquarters + Civil Rights Museum Coming to Harlem”
You think it’s hot outside? Check this out ~ Jazzmobile to launch residency at historic Minton’s Playhouse ~ kicking it off with Nat Adderley, Jr. on July 4th. Let’s celebrate!
Continue reading “Jazzmobile Kicking-Off 2019 Residency at Minton’s Playhouse”
California Chef Russell Jackson has opened a fine dining restaurant, Reverence Harlem, in the historic Strivers Row District, close to where he has been living, on 138th Street ~ and Reservations are now Live!
The National Black Theatre (NBT) has been celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2019 with a series of performances throughout the city ~ all year long. Next up ~ June 22nd and June 29th
Continue reading “The National Black Theatre Celebrates 50th Anniversary All Year”
Faction Art Projects opens its doors to Andrew Thiele: Moral Compass, a four-day solo exhibition of new urban, mixed media collage works. The exhibition of the Harlem-based artist will feature over twenty new large-scale artworks. Throughout the show, there will be a calendar of events including a workshop, a jazz performance and a book signing of Thiele’s newest publication.
Continue reading “Andrew Thiele: Moral Compass at Faction Art Projects Harlem”
After the End: Timing Socialism in Contemporary African Art presents a selection of works engaging with the history of African socialisms. It features artists looking at countries including Angola, Ethiopia, Guinea-Bissau and Mozambique. The exhibition is the first in North America to explore aesthetic responses to African socialisms and their aftermath.
The much anticipated renovation of Settepani Harlem is complete, with a soft opening that packed the tables. The new concept has all the bells and whistles from their signature breads and gorgeous deserts to salads, pizza and panini’s ~ along with a full bar.
Continue reading “The New Settepani Bakery ~ Restaurant ~ Bar is Open”
The Annual Mount Morris Park Community Improvement Association (MMPCIA) House Tour is set for Sunday, June 9th. This year, the tour’s theme, Harlem Nights, is in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Harlem Renaissance.
Continue reading “Harlem Nights: MMPCIA Historic District House Tour ~ June 9th”
They’re back! Remember the eleven Harlem students who created murals inside the new Shake Shack on 125th Street? Once again, partnering with Creative Art Works, the young artists completed the exterior work on the facade, which includes Fifth Avenue and 125th Street.
In celebration of the completed installation, Creative Art Works invites the Community to an official dedication of the exterior art on Thursday, May 23rd at 4:30pm. In addition, 25% of all proceeds on any purchase at Shake Shack that entire day will be donated to Creative Art Works IF the buyer mentions Creative Art Works (or CAW) at the register.
Continue reading “Creative Art Works Unveils Exterior Artwork with Fundraiser at Shake Shack Harlem”
The artists Ektoras Binikos and Simon Jutras have merged their diverse artistic styles to create a sophisticated new mixology cocktail bar, located on Frederick Douglass Boulevard’s Restaurant Row in Harlem ~ a homage to the Uptown Speakeasies and salons of Harlem’s historic past ~ Sugar Monk.
Continue reading “Homage to the Uptown Speakeasies ~ Sugar Monk prepares to Open in Harlem”
NYC Parks’ Art in the Parks ~ Creative Courts initiative, Facebook Artist-in-Residence Program (FB AIR Program), along with artist Saya Woolfalk, the non-profit Public Color, and the Marcus Garvey Park Alliance/Public Art Initiative have arrived at the basketball court on Madison Avenue near 122nd Street in Marcus Garvey Park. Watch as this work-in-progress takes shape over this next week.
Join the unveiling on June 2nd with Creative Courts.
From May 2-4 and 9-11, 2019, Harlem Stage’s signature dance series E-Moves celebrates its 20th anniversary. Throughout its history, E- Moves has commissioned, presented and nurtured choreographers of color across the spectrum of contemporary dance idioms to create new work. In celebration of this anniversary, Harlem Stage will present 6 nights of dance featuring 2 commissioned artists presenting new works. In addition to the 2 new works, each night will feature additional choreographers and a pop-up performance by up-and-coming choreographers.
Continue reading “Harlem Stage Celebrates the 20th Anniversary of E-Moves: A Signature Dance Series”
FACTION Art Projects will open its doors to the solo exhibition, La Selva Oscura, by Armando Mariño with ten large-scale oil paintings of figures in landscapes drawing on themes of identity and personal history within the current political and socio-economic climate.
Drawing from his Cuban roots, the artists’ work is influenced by periods of time living in Cuba, the Netherlands, France and New York’s Hudson Valley ~ as well as experience of dislocation and popular culture.
Continue reading “Armando Mariño: La Selva Oscura to open at FACTION Art Projects Harlem”
Lenox Avenue unveils an addition to its already fabulous Restaurant Row. Archer & Goat, located next to Il Caffe Latte and Nilu Gift Shop, between 119th and 120th Streets.
Continue reading “Archer & Goat Opens on Lenox Ave in Harlem”
Hank Willis Thomas: All Power to All People, a 25-foot tall Afro Comb will arrive on the Plaza at The Africa Center in Harlem along with a fun-filled weekend including a Community Day on Saturday, April 13th and Sunday Drumming on April 14th.
Continue reading “All Power to All People: Opening Weekend at The Africa Center”
This exhibition tells the story of a year in Alex Katz’s painted-life. A life where landscapes are observed from the edge of his home in Maine. For more than half a century, Katz painted this land with a virtuosity yoked to a consistent elegance. Today, while the elegance remains, something else has beckoned. Katz finds himself in the middle of the tempest.
Continue reading “Alex Katz opening at Gavin Brown’s enterprise in Harlem”
X Gallery opens its doors to the artwork of Ademola Olugebefola, one of the original founders of the WEUSI Artist Collective ~ a movement founded in 1965, created for the purpose of promoting the African-American Culture through art.
Continue reading “Ademola Olugebefola: Past and Present Mixed Media at X Gallery Harlem”
In celebration of The United Nations Conference on the Status of Women, during Women’s History Month, all are invited to share their personal story on Saturday, March 16th.
Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, the Clair Oliver Gallery announced a move from its Chelsea location to a new home in Harlem, with space currently under construction.
Continue reading “Claire Oliver Gallery Relocates from Chelsea to Harlem”
The 2019 edition of The Tribeca Film Festival will open with a documentary on The Apollo Theater! The Roger Ross Williams directed film, which will air later in the year on HBO, will screen at the historic Harlem venue on April 24th.
Continue reading “Tribeca Film Festival 2019 to Open with Apollo Theater Documentary”
Celebrate the life of the trailblazing entertainer and activist, Harry Belafonte, with artists who know him well at the musical event, Turn the World Around: The Music and Legacy of Harry Belafonte at City College of the Arts (CCCA) on Friday, March 1st.
Is it a pediatric clinic inside an art gallery or an art gallery inside a pediatric clinic? Either way, it’s a fun and colorful way for kids and artists of all ages. Follow us inside……
Continue reading “A Visit to a Pediatric Clinic inside an Art Gallery in Harlem”
What better way to kick-off an 85th anniversary than to announce a spectacular Winter/Spring/Fall/Winter 2019 Season ~ at Harlem’s Apollo Theater.
The inaugural exhibition, Sei Smith: Reflections 2 will open at the Ki Smith Gallery on February 2nd. The exhibition will focus on relationships between color, light, shadow, and atmosphere, widening the conversation of contemporary art.
In celebration of what would have been Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s 90th birthday, the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture opened its doors to the exhibition, CRUSADER: Martin Luther King, Jr.
Preview programming began in anticipation of The Africa Center opening its doors later in January, 2019. In addition to the Museum, Chef Pierre Thiam’s Senegalese restaurant, Teranga, opened in February, and Portals, presented in partnership with Shared Studios, an interactive installation that allows visitors to connect in real-time with locations on the African continent and around the world via conversations, dinners, classes and other curated interactions will also go live.
While ’tis the season to be singing ~ let it snow…let it snow…let it snow, many of the kids in Harlem are singing ~ let it grow….let it grow…let it grow ~ and they’ve been doing this at Harlem Grown since its founding in 2011 by (the amazing) Tony Hillery.
Come along as we take a tour of the program’s new farm on 127th Street between Lenox Avenue and Fifth Avenue in Harlem.
Continue reading “Urban Agriculture Harlem Style ~ Harlem Grown”
Kicking-off the New Year with a Parade at the 145th Street and Lenox Avenue subway station, through MTA Arts & Design. Parade, 2018 by Harlem-based artist Derek Fordjour celebrates the African-American parade tradition in all its pageantry.
Continue reading “MTA Arts + Artist Derek Fordjour = a Parade at 145th Street!”
The dates for the popular Black Comic Book Festival have been announced.
The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture announced the 7th Annual Black Comic Book Festival dates to be held on January 18-19, 2019.
The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture at The New York Public Library has acquired the full archive of actors and activists Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee. The extensive archive includes more than 178.85 linear feet of material spanning eight decades of the couple’s careers in theater, film and television; their near 60-year relationship and marriage; and their social, civic and political activities between 1932 and 2014.
Continue reading “The Schomburg Acquires Ossie Davis + Ruby Dee Archive!”
The Wallach Art Gallery at Columbia University and the Musée d’Orsay partner to present an exhibition entitled Posing Modernity: The Black Model from Manet and Matisse to Today in New York and Le Modèle noir, de Géricault à Matisse in Paris.
On the heals of the exhibition, Visual Language, FACTION Art Projects presents a solo show of paintings by the award-winning British artist Lisa Wright in November.
Continue reading “Lisa Wright: In The Eyes of Each to open at FACTION Art Projects”
Apartments, Hotel & Community Facility are coming to West 126th Street, between Morningside Avenue and Amsterdam. The lot, which physically sits next to a historic carriage house at 400 West 126th Street, has already been cleared, permits filed, and construction ready to begin.
Calling all Fashionistas
Fashion Night Uptown ~ Wednesday, September 12th from 6-9pm
Continue reading “Fashion Night Uptown ~ September 12th at NiLu Harlem”
Famed Harlem Celeb Chef JJ Johnson opened his new restaurant, Field Trip, focusing on a “fast-casual grain concept’ with patrons choosing their own rice or barley bowls.
The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture will kick-off its Fall 2018 Season this September with The Queer Black Voice in Fashion on Wednesday, September 5th as part of Talks at the Schomburg during New York Fashion 2018 (September 6-14).
Continue reading “The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture Annouces Fall 2018 Season”
Faction Art Projects returns this Fall in a collaboration with the East Los Angeles Gallery, Subliminal Projects, in a bi-coastal exhibition entitled Visual Language. This group exhibition examines the integration of word and images in art and Western Culture, bringing together a broad spectrum of alternative strategies for expressing contemporary everyday experiences.
The exhibition will run simultaneously at both galleries. In each gallery the artworks will work in parallel or collaboratively, while others will juxtapose and subvert ~ offering a strong critical frame through which to view contemporary culture in this period of “fake news” and “alternative facts.”
The exhibition brings together a wide-range of artists, each taking their own road in expressing experiences, transferred onto canvas. Below are some of the artists and artworks that will be on view.
Continue reading “Visual Language to open at Faction Art Projects ~ Harlem”
Shake Shack Harlem moved into the old Applebee’s space located at 1 West 125th Street, on the north/west corner across from the National Black Theatre ~ and at the entrance to East Harlem, which is preparing for a number of new projects including the Second Avenue Subway.
The spectacular opening unveiled artwork by eleven Harlem students, creating murals through a partnership with Creative Art Works inside ~ with exterior artwork currently underway.
Below is a sneak peek from beginning to end, including an update on Creative Art Works outside.
Continue reading “Shake Shack Harlem Opened at 1 West 125th Street”
