On Avenue B today: the LES Young Artists of Color Fellowship Showcase

This afternoon on the Open Street of Avenue B, FABnyc is hosting "A Reach to Gauge," an exhibition of artworks from their 2023 LES Young Artists of Color Fellowship cohort. 

Per FABnyc: 

Throughout this spring, 10 fellows, ages 18-26, have been meeting with each other, co-facilitators Alejandra Acevedo and Mark Wilson, and POC artist guests and cultural workers, to share their work and experiences in the field. 

This exhibition is the culminating event where the fellows will share what they have been working on with the public! Performances, ceramics, paintings and much more! 

The exhibit is up from 1-5 p.m. between Eighth Street and Ninth Street.

Saturday's parting shot

As seen on Avenue B this afternoon (thanks to Vinny & O for the photo). 

And learn more about Lower East Side History Month at this link.

Earth Day activities in East Village community gardens and along the Open Street of Avenue B

Today. Loisaida United Neighborhood Gardens (LUNGS) is hosting its annual Spring Awakening to celebrate the neighborhood's community gardens. 

The activities get underway with a parade at 11 a.m. at El Sol Brillante, 522 E. 12th St. between Avenue A and Avenue B. Hit this link for a list of garden events.

There are also activities along the Open Street of Avenue B between Seventh Street and Ninth Street from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. ...

 

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City looking for feedback about the Open Street of Avenue B

Since the spring of 2020, the Avenue B Open Street has hosted a variety of free events, including art shows, musical performances, theater, fashion events and exercise classes. 

The citywide Open Streets program was designed to ease the isolation of the pandemic by expanding outdoor public spaces. 

The Department of Transportation is seeking feedback on the Avenue B corridor, where activities take place between Sixth Street and 14th Street. 

NYC DOT has been conducting community outreach to better understand how the Avenue B Open Street is used, and how the community wants to see these corridors used in the future. 

NYC DOT is currently collecting feedback from the community for a design proposal for the Avenue B Open Street. Members of the community are invited to review the design proposal materials ... 

Here's a look at a preliminary concept...

The biggest proposed changes would occur between Seventh Street and 10th Street, which will better prioritize pedestrians and cyclists, expand public space and add amenities. Specifically, Avenue B between Eighth Street and Ninth Street would be a pedestrian plaza, with "dedicated space for programming, markets and more." 

You can find the feedback form at this link. And go here for the design proposal. Tomorrow (Sept. 30) is the deadline to submit your feedback. 

The Loisaida Open Streets Community Coalition is the DOT's community partner and volunteer group overseeing the Open Street of Avenue B. 

Photo via @loisaida_oscc

Saturday's parting shots

Photos by Derek Berg

The Loisaida Open Streets this afternoon welcomed the Bindlestiff Flatbed Follies to Avenue B between Eighth Street and Ninth Street...

Free fitness classes return to Avenue B

The "14Y Fitness in the Streets" series of free outdoor classes have returned to the Open Streets of Avenue B.

Via the EVG inbox...

The 14Y is proud to partner with Loisaida Open Streets Community Coalition (LOSCC) with support from NYC Departments of Transportation and Small Business Services this summer to expand our group fitness class offerings and support our vibrant downtown community!

Join us on Wednesdays and Saturdays in August and September for Zumba, Masala Bhangra, and Heart and Soul Cardio Dance to stay active, enjoy some sunshine, and connect with your neighbors!

All fitness levels are welcome!

You can find the schedule and more info at this link. 

The program debuted in May 2021.

About the Winter Fest on Avenue B today

Several community groups and artists are coming together today for the Avenue B Winter Fest (which, given the temps in the high 50s today, may feel more like a Spring Fest) ...

Here's some of what to expect from 1-5 p.m. on Avenue B between Eighth Street and Ninth Street:

• 1:15 and 2 — ShapeUp NYC Cardio classes
• 3 — Mazarte Dance Company (Mexican folk dance)
• 4 — FABnyc musical guests
• 4:30 — 3rd & B'zaar Hot Fashion Show
• 5 — Sunset photo op

There will also be an interactive tape art installation via the artist Kuki and coffee and cocoa courtesy of the recently opened Hekate Café and Elixir Lounge.

Plus! Reps from the Department of Transportation will conduct a survey and outreach about the Avenue B Open Street. If you can't make it, then you can fill out the survey online here.

You can read more about the city's Open Streets program at this link.

Open Culture on the Open Streets of Avenue B

Tomorrow (Saturday!), several community groups and artists are coming together for Open Culture, an afternoon "to lounge, listen to music and help draw a giant street mural with tape artist Kuki." 

This is happening from 1-5 p.m. on Avenue B between Eighth Street and Ninth Street.