Public Art on Myrtle

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Noticed that many of the storefronts on Myrtle are featuring large paintings?  It's all part of a month-long public art installation!  I like how the art hangs in both the street's newer, fancier establishments as well as storefronts like the laundromat.  A very cool way to tie the avenue together!

(photo by MARP)

For the next month, three blocks of Myrtle Avenue will play host to the artwork of Fort Greene-based artist Anne LaFond as the first exhibit in our new Myrtle Windows Gallery program. Myrtle Windows Gallery aims to create an open-air art gallery that ‘breaks down the walls’ of the traditional private art gallery to bring two-dimensional art to the public arena via the storefront window, where it is accessible to anyone simply walking down the street.

LaFond’s paintings touch on issues of social justice and consciousness like the effects of violence and the New York working class experience. Paintings in the “Subway Series” exhibit are dynamic and colorful depictions of everyday people on their daily commute on the New York City subway with a focus on how they interact with each other and the daily news.

The paintings will be on display until November 17, 2008 in the following ten storefronts, all located within three blocks on Myrtle Avenue between Hall Street and Clinton Avenue: Anima (458 Myrtle); Five Spot Supper Club (459 Myrtle); Joseph Tyler Salon (456 Myrtle); Karen’s Body Beautiful (436 Myrtle); Karrot Health Food (431 Myrtle); Miracles Unisex Barber Shop (473A Myrtle); Move with Grace Dance & Yoga Studio (469 Myrtle); Optimum Care Rehab (474 Myrtle); Thai 101 Restaurant (455A Myrtle); Three Stars Laundromat (439 Myrtle). The paintings are all available for sale by the artist, with a printed guide to the gallery and pricing inside each participating storefront.

Election Day Events!

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This is the most exciting election I've ever lived through, and I intend to show some solidarity locally.  I'm sure many of you are looking to do the same.  Despite my call for election events, no one sent me anything :(  Here's the info I DO have: Tamboril: election party, live DJ, starts at 5:30pm candidate cocktail specials all night: obama slama, mccain "maverick" juice, biden bounce and the palin "i could see russia from my house" martini. 2 for 1s happy hour 5:30 to 7:30pm

Moe's: In '04, this was the place to be.  They already have signs up.  Check it out tonight!

Le Grand Dakar: PIERRE THIAM INVITES YOU TO HIS PLACE TO VIEW ELECTION NIGHT RESULTS. WHERE:          LE GRAND DAKAR 285 GRAND AVENUE CLINTON HILL, BROOKLYN 718.398.8900 WHEN: TONIGHT AT 7 PM UNTIL WHAT:            WATCH HISTORY UNFOLD AS SOON AS THE VIRGINIA POLLS CLOSE AT 7 DJ AYO  provides a long set of socio/politico commentary/satirical danceable funk from the 70s and 80s before embarking on the celebratory AfropunkSalsaElectroreggaefied disco sound system

Long Lines to Vote!

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I left the apartment at 6:15 this morning, thinking I could potentially beat long lines closer to commute time.  I even brought gym stuff, assuming I could zip on over to the Y before work. However, this is what greeted me (and a few other neighbors who walked over with me): 6:15 am

A line, stretching ALL THE WAY DOWN WAVERLY AVENUE!!

While I might normally be annoyed (I mean, really, the voting system in NY State is inefficient!), it was an awesome experience.  I saw several neighbors, everyone was chatting and taking photos, people were thrilled to see those long lines.  There were even families taking photos together inside the gym to mark the historic moment.  Folks were also looking out for their elderly neighbors and allowing them to move up to the front of the line since the wait was so long.

Clinton Hill is the place to BE for this election.

VOTE!!!!

Election Day Bake Sales at Polling Places

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An important reminder to keep an eye out for the PTA bake sales happening at the local public school polling places next Tuesday!  Personally, I think it's pretty brilliant, especially in the morning.  Easy to pick up a coffee and pastry to go on your way out of the booth.  Plus, it's really nice to see involved parents! (I'm talking to you, friendly folks at PS11!) I hope they'll be up and running at the ass-crack of dawn, which is when I plan to go vote. (Lord knows how long the lines will be when I normally head out for work!)

Here's the press release:

Council Member Letitia James, Borough President Marty Markowitz, other public officials, and many members of the educational community gather

to support Public School Bake Sale Fundraisers at Poll Sites next Tuesday

(Brooklyn, NY) -  On Tuesday, November 4th, an election of historic proportions will take place in our country.  Record turnouts are anticipated.  Public Schools used as poll sites have the opportunity to take advantage of Election Day foot traffic by organizing bake sales; these PTA fundraisers will also be of historic proportions.

New York City Public Schools want to remind the community about the impact of contributions to bake sale fundraisers on General Election Day, and how important donations are to the success of our children’s futures.  Some goals of public schools that funding is needed for are: more field trips; books for libraries; science labs; and arts programs.  We encourage voters, and bake sale participants to act generously on Nov. 4th, because their contributions are an investment in all of our futures.

On Thursday, October 30th at 4:30 pm, a press conference will be held on the Plaza Steps of Brooklyn Borough Hall, in order to help our local schools promote their Election Day Bake Sales. Let’s all do our part to take advantage of this historic election year by voting and buying baked goods, and let’s make sure our children benefit in every way through this process.

BBQ Truck Opens in Bed-Stuy

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There's a new 'cue in the BK, and this one's served out of a cool truck!  Kings County BBQ opened just a few weeks ago on Quincy just past Bedford.  Natives of Kansas City, owner Chris McGee and his wife have lived in BK since 2001.  Prices and menu look great, and I love a unique dining experience! It's also dangerously close to the Y, which means it'll be easy to undo that workout

Check out Bed Stuy Blog's in-depth post on the truck here!

I stopped by on Sunday, on my way to the gym.  Owner Chris hooked me up with a small sampler to take with me, and it was delicious!

For now, they have one small table outside with more to come.  Best of all?  THEY DELIVER.  Those of you east side Clinton Hillers should stop by and pick up a menu!

Free Bellydancing at Move With Grace

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Sunday at Move With Grace (Myrtle bt Washington and Hall):

Join our next session of Belly Dancing for Beginners with a FREE class (6-7:30pm)!
Egyptian Belly Dance (Beginners with Alexandra)

Free Belly Dancing Class + 6 week series...

Enjoy not only a free class, but reduced rates when you sign up on or before SUNDAY November 2nd. Enjoy a full 90 minute introduction to the ancient dance of African and Eastern Culture "Rak Sharshi". Visual Artist, Teacher and Dancer Alexandra Zevin will guide you with shimmies, swaying and figure 8's.

This is a wonderful workout for your body and soul, a great stress relief and a way to get away from day-to-day rituals.

What to wear: Come as you are. No shoes will be needed in the class. Please wear comfortable, breathable dance or fitness attire. You may bring a hip scarf if you have one.

Time: 6pm-7:30pm Please arrive at least 5 minutes early as class will begin at 6pm sharp! Students must join the class before warm-up is over (15 minutes into class)

Our Price: $84 Reduced price when you sign up on the day of or before the FREE class 11/2 List Price: $92 when you sign up after this demo class. Drop in Fee: Drop-ins are welcome at $16/class or Pay $135/10classes and you may take both the Tuesday 7pm class in addition to the Sunday Class!

Root Stock & Quade Makes Myrtle Their Home Base

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Received a blog post notice from the fine floral/plant gurus at Root Stock and Quade on Myrtle.  It seems their Park Slope headquarters were damaged in a fire, and they're making Myrtle their official home base. Sad to hear about the original store, but nice to know they'll be investing even more into their gorgeous Clinton Hill shop!

NYC Marathon: SUNDAY, NOV 2

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Anyone who's lived in the 'hood for more than a year should be eagerly anticipating this Sunday's big neighborhood event: The NYC Marathon! The marathon runs straight down Lafayette Avenue, through Fort Greene and Clinton Hill into Bed-Stuy, from Ashland to Bedford.

Crowds fill the streets, high school marching bands replay the Rocky theme, people wave signs and call out the names of the runners, people blast sound systems.  It's really quite inspiring (especially to me this year, nursing a sprained ankle).

Lots of people have Marathon brunches for friends- it's a great day to invite people out to Clinton Hill!

closeup of the action

Updates at Il Porto

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Il Porto, the tremendously tasty new brick-oven pizza outfit on Washington near Flushing now has a beer/wine license (to fill out that huge bar they have in the sit-down dining room!). I checked out brunch a few weekends ago, and it was delish.  The portions were ginormous.  And there is absolutely no reason why you can't have the dessert pizza after the crabmeat eggs benedict.

Didn't have the camera, as I was meeting friends with a new baby, and just wanted to socialize, but trust me.  Giant. Portions.

Resources South of the 'Hood

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Received this from a reader and neighbor: Hello.  I am opening a cafe on Washington between Pacific & Dean avenues.  Although technically in Prospect Heights I live in Clinton Hill and look forward to reaching this community as well.

I am also trying to contact some block associations in the area but am having trouble finding any contact information.  Could anyone help me with this?  I am trying to find contact information for the Wa-Greene Association, the Prospect heights heibghborhood Development Council and the Atlantic Avenue Betterment Assocation.

Please leave your tips for Sarah in the comment section.  This isn't too far from us, so I suspect it could be a good hangout for neighbors in the soutn end of CH!

PUPkin MOVING TO RAINDATE (SUNDAY)

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(This probably also means the Ft Greene Conservancy activities will also be Sunday, but I haven't received the official word on that.) Due to the rain forecast tomorrow, we will definitely be moving the Pupkin event to SUNDAY, OCT. 26. The Conservancy is also moving their event to Sunday. The time for the Pupkin will be the same: registration starts at 11:30, judging starts promptly at noon.

Set up crew arrive around 10:30. Registration folks please arrive around 11:00. Judges please arrive by 11:45 at the latest. Judging MUST start at noon so it is important that all judges arrive by 11:45.

If there are other volunteers you know of who are coming to help out, please let them know we are changing the date. Also, please spread the word with other dog folks you know who may be entering the contest.

dorothy!

Condos on Clinton

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When I first moved to the neighborhood, this brownstone (Clinton bt Fulton and Gates) was not in the best shape.  That big bay window in the front was covered up by various doors (anyone remember this??) and the whole place itself looked pretty crumbly.

Now it's condos, though I can't find a single bit of info on this place online.