FUNKtional Art Fair kicks off today

From the EVG inbox...

Looking for a relaxed and joyful holiday shopping experience? Visit the East Village's very first FUNKtional Art Fair, a holiday fair of functional art for the funky at heart.

When: Saturdays & Sundays, 12pm-9pm
December 14, 15, 21, & 22
Where: La Plaza Cultural Community Garden at the southwest corner of 9th St. & Avenue C.
What: A fair that features an amazing selection of seasonal gifts; Christmas wreaths & trees, holiday decorations, clothing, costumes, jewelry, housewares, leather goods, paper goods, custom millinery & children's items.

A portion of the money raised will go to La Plaza Cultural Community Garden

Find more info about the vendors here.

You better watch out: Miracle on 12th Street pops up for the holidays

[Miracle on 12th Street]

For the fifth consecutive year, Miracle on Ninth Street — a Christmas inspired pop-up bar — opened inside Mace, the cocktail bar at 649 E. Ninth St. at Avenue C.

Mace owner Greg Boehm is behind the holiday pop ups, an empire that has grown to 80-plus worldwide.

And as 12th Street residents learned yesterday, there's also a Miracle on 12th Street that just popped up for business between Avenue A and Avenue B in the former Double Wide space...



Boehm also took over the lease from Double Wide, which closed back in March after seven years in business.

Apparently the address will serve as a pop up before the planned cocktail lounge opens. Unlike the Ninth Street location, the 12th Street bar will take reservations for five people or more during the holiday.

Said one local resident: "I feel duped as a neighbor. They sold this as an upscale cocktail bar that was going to be quiet as opposed to the loud shit show that we had to endure when it was Double Wide."

And if you need another holiday pop-up choice, Boehm's bar Boilermaker on First Avenue at First Street is now a tiki-themed Sippin' Santa (as it has been this time of year since 2015).

So you want to buy a tree for the holidays in the East Village

[Tree Riders on 2nd Avenue]

EVG correspondent Stacie Joy braved the wilds of the East Village tree stands in recent days. Here's a look at what some of them have to offer...

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Location: Rite Aid, 5th Street and First Avenue, Evergreen’s temporary homemade hut’s address is 77 First Ave.
Name: Evergreen
Vendor: Jonathan Papillon Blanc, you can contact him by email



Jonathan (above), and his business partner, Ben, have been selling trees and Christmas goods at this location for five years. From Canada, they come down to sell holiday supplies for the season. They have everything from tiny $5 Charlie Brown “trees” (think a branch or two on a wooden base) and homemade reindeer sculptures, $30 3-foot Douglas firs to $65 6-foot balsams.

There are $20-$25 tabletop trees with stands (a popular choice while I was there), and wreaths in the $15 to $20 range depending on ornamentation level. Also at this location: garlands (2 feet for $5), homemade swags decorated with bows and a hook for $5, tree wrapping/netting, and some of Jonathan’s girlfriend’s homemade sand dollar-based tree ornaments.







Trees are sourced mainly from North Carolina and Tennessee, and delivery options exist. Jonathan is especially eager to help people get the right tree for their needs, and was willing to work within people’s budgets. This was the only place I saw frosted Fraser firs for sale.

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Location: Key Food, 4th Street and Avenue A
Vendor: Raymond



Most of the trees here are North Carolina based, with Fraser firs going for $35 for a 3- to 4-foot tree, and living, potted mini-cypress trees at $30. Also for sale, large decorative pine cones for $5, holly boughs for $6, poinsettia for $8, and 6- to 7-foot Frasers for $70. Christmas cacti from $5 to $10, Charlie Brown trees with wood stands for $20, decorated wreaths from $15 to $25, depending on size.



Raymond will trim the trunk for you, and offers local (note: very local) delivery options. There was also the new-to-me swag with juniper berries named Daddy Burger for $10 (I would love to know the story behind the Daddy Burger but wasn’t able to find the etymology online).



While I was visiting, living potted mini spruce trees ($10 to $30) with large red bows seemed to be selling fast, as well as $10 Christmas amaryllis plants wrapped in holiday foil, and a bunch of $40 tree-based reindeer sculptures were just being delivered to people’s delight. Lots of options for home decoration are available here, and they are open 24 hours per day.



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Location: Sunny & Annie’s Deli, 6th Street and Avenue B
Vendor: Juan, with assistance from local building super, also named Juan



Sunny and Annie’s has a small selection of trees, wrapped and ready to go. They were a bit shy regarding images and information but they offer balsam and Fraser firs, with a 4-foot tree going for $35, and a 6-footer for $60. They will trim the bottom of the tree for you and wrap it, and they offer stands for $15 to $20. No delivery or decorations at this time.



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Location: St. Mark’s Church-in-the-Bowery, 10th Street and Second Avenue
Name: Tree Riders NYC
Vendor: (from left below) Kevin, Joseph and Edward



The Tree Riders, selling at this location for the past five years, had the largest selection of trees and Christmas supplies I saw, a staff of people who prided themselves on their commitment to the environment, and were very knowledgeable about the trees they sold.



They sell a wide selection of trees from family-farm Fraser firs from Virginia, Pennsylvania-raised Douglas firs, and the Canaan fir, a balsam-like, East Coast-based affordable hybrid. Prices were also wide ranging here and a bit higher than other tree sellers, from the 2- to 4-foot trees in the $25 to $55 range, 6-foot trees from $70 to $120, and 9-footers from $120 to $250. The Charlie Brown trees here weren’t tree tops; they were small but fully grown harvested trees.

All the trees I was shown had been hand-selected and cut within the past 72 hours, and the vendors offered a lots of add-on services, such as custom tree decoration at your home or office, tree set-up and removal (which is then mulched), specialty tree orders (I spied a 20-foot-tall tree), plus delivery all over Manhattan, often by custom cargo bike.



Wreaths were available in heart shapes, peace signs, and traditional rounds in varied sizes, made on-site by Erica, and priced from $15 to $130. This was the only place that sold mistletoe, which I was informed, was hand-harvested recently in Oregon. Lights, tree-disposal bags, decorations and holly boughs also available, as were instructions on the care of the tree.



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Location: East Houston and Essex Street
Name: Holiday Tree Stand
Vendor: Tim (on left) and Brian



This family- and friend-run stand (staffed by folks from Brooklyn) has been at this busy and well-trafficked location for nine years and while they sell a wide range of trees and supplies, they would not quote any prices (but from what I overheard during my visit, prices seemed competitive). Available trees were Fraser firs and balsams, from 2.5 feet tall up to approximately 10 feet.



Trees were sourced from Nova Scotia and North Carolina. All the Charlie Brown trees were sold out, but there were some tabletop trees. Local delivery available, wrapping and netting, trunk trimming and plenty of lights, decorations, and wreaths for sale.

Plus, tags supporting TreeCycle/MulchFest 2016 (January 9-10, see nyc.gov/parks/mulchfest for more information). I also spied some “snow in a can” here, which I didn’t see at other locations. Tim reminds tree buyers to keep their trees standing in fresh water, and far away from radiators and heat sources.



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Location: Whole Foods, East Houston at Bowery
Vendor: Dario



Whole Foods has some rules about photographing their employees, but they were happy to have me take photos of their merchandise. Only Fraser firs available at this location, and sizes from tabletop (complete with stand) for $20, and 5 to 6 foot firs for $50, 7 to 8 footers at $60, garlands at 20 feet for $7.50.



Wreaths with red bows were also available for $12. Whole Foods offers wrapping, trunk trimming, delivery below 20th Street, and also had some potted lavender trees, living Euro cypress (in burlap) and potted lemon cypress for $6 to $16. Decorations and additional foliage for sale indoors and upstairs.

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Location: St. Mark’s Market, 21 St. Mark’s Place between Second and Third Avenues



No one was available to talk to me, but there was signage indicating that unwrapped trees were $40 for a small and $60 for a large, and stands and wreaths were $14 apiece.

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Location: 14th Street and First Avenue



This vendor refused to speak to me, so I don't have any information or anything except for some images, which I was permitted to take. Despite the festive nature of the giant blow-up Santa, snowman and nutcracker, the vendor didn’t seem too happy to be there. The trees and wreaths looked nice though.

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Location: TD Bank, 1st Street and Second Avenue
Name: Wulfgang and Beyon’s Fresh Cut Trees
Vendor: Wulfgang (left) and Beyon



This artistic duo, whose tree shop is new this year, has been operating 24 hours per day since Thanksgiving. Available trees are the Fraser fir and Douglas fir, sourced from upstate New York and western Massachusetts. There appeared to be some confusion between the two owners over pricing, but in general, Charlie Brown trees go for $20 to $25, 3-foot trees for $30 to $35, 6-foot trees for $60 to $100, and larger trees anywhere from $150 to $250. Wreaths and handmade wooden ornaments (some secular ones too) available for sale here, plus tree trunk trimming, tree wrapping/netting, and local delivery (that is, anywhere within East Village “walking distance”).



What made this tree-selling stand different was that they named their trees, mostly after friends’ dogs. You could take home a large Lieutenant Dan tree, or a sweet 5-footer named Doughnut. A bushy Gandalf was being looked-over when I visited.



All photos by Stacie Joy

A visit to The Baroness

Text and photos by Stacie Joy 

I am a wee bit nervous as I approach the Baroness and her eponymous latex shop at 530 13th St. (between Avenues A and B). I’d never worn latex before and tend to go through life in jeans and tees, which is a definite no-no at the elegant, well-appointed and provocative showroom where the Baroness designs, creates, fits and sells her line of custom, bespoke, and ready-to-wear latex fashion.

It is always a challenge to step outside one’s comfort zone, but the Baroness’ no-nonsense yet encouraging and confident demeanor guided me through the process. And I saw myself differently in the mirror…speaking of which, the fitting room mirror at the atelier is kind and the dressing room space is set up to allow for best-case scenarios when trying on outfits.

Due to COVID-19, people are not dressing up that much, there are fewer parties and events, and although the Baroness wears latex on the regular, most people would be looking for something special, maybe for a holiday? In that light, I ask the proprietrix to show me what the store has for Halloween as we chat about her history in the neighborhood and her passion for latex.

Can you speak a bit about the history of the shop and how it came to be? What drew you to the East Village and what has kept you here? Are there any special challenges to living and working in the neighborhood? 

When I first started my business (almost 30 years ago) I ran it from my studio. Then the building required work on the front wall, which would mean a total disruption, so I set out to look for another workspace. I needed to keep it close-by as I had been spoiled and feared that if I had to travel too far I would not.

I was very fortunate to find more than an atelier, the ideal workspace came with a shop at street level. Prior to my moving in the space had been poorly used but that both allowed and necessitated renovations including knocking down walls, replacing flooring, establishing lighting and electrical outlets (all in the perfect locations). As our workspace is below-ground, I painted it in lighter tones of purples, pinks and greens and had work tables and closets built so everything was at hand. 

Upstairs I chose soft blues, pinks and purples forgoing the traditional red and black of other fetish shops. I wanted it to be a place that would welcome women and make them feel safe. The dressing room was huge and hung with fabric and fitted with flattering mirrors. 

What I hadn't realized is just how much help it would be for my fit and designs as I now saw more varied body shapes in my elegant latex fashions.

Being on a side street and in the East Village meant that although I had limited foot traffic (which didn’t matter much as The Baroness is a destination) my rent was also lower than in other parts of New York. After all the work involved in renovating and establishing myself on East 13th Street it was easiest to stay put as we have for the last 12 years (despite the steady yearly increase in rent).

Of course, now with COVID-19 and having the boutique closed for months, everyone has been affected and there are many empty storefronts throughout the neighborhood. My business has been particularly affected as many of my customers now have limited funds and the usual parties and events that they would wear latex for have been canceled or simply postponed until next year. I am fortunate that much of my business comes from elaborate custom creations commissioned by loyal longtime clients and that my landlady has been most understanding during this troubled time. 

Latex is both more complicated (in construction of the garments) and more simple (in cleaning and caring for the clothes) than I’d realized. What made you choose latex as a fabric, and what can you tell beginners about wearing it?

My background has always been in clothing, fabric and art, and my motto is "any occasion to dress is an occasion to overdress," so when I discovered latex my life was instantly transformed. 

Once I began to work with latex, I enjoyed learning and exploring its mysteries. The largest being how to make it! Everything is glued and when I started, I was one of only three latex designers in North America. Latex is still a niche market and now The Baroness boutique is the ONLY shop in the U.S. that makes and sells only its own latex!

What I tell latex virgins (my absolute favorite customers) is to give in, to allow their senses to take over, to inhale the vanilla milk-chocolate aroma, to savor the sensual feeling of it against your body or the touch of another latex-clad enthusiast, to marvel in the gleam, the shine, and the highlights and lowlights of this amazing material as they watch it in motion. There is no material more sensual than latex. 

On the practical side I inquire as to their budget, their intentions, and where they will wear it to help in their choice. I explain and demonstrate how to shine  and care for their latex along with assuring them of my lifetime guarantee. 

I believe wearing latex should be comfortable not only on the body. If you want discomfort, buy it super tight, our sizes range from extra-small to extra-large, along with queen size and custom for both men and women, but also to your personal style and body image. If you aren’t comfortable in what you wear you will never look the best you can and probably that garment will be relegated to the back of the drawer or closet.

You go all out for Halloween. What do you recommend for people who may be interested in wearing latex for a holiday event but have little experience?

Halloween is my birthday and even as a child I fantasized about watching a gathering of well-dressed people. When I moved [from the UK] to the U.S. and discovered it was a holiday where everyone dressed, my dream came true.

Halloween is (as you may imagine) one of our busiest seasons, although this year is obviously an exception. We usually do the best when it falls on a Friday or Saturday and there are many vanilla parties. The most common requests are either Catwoman or a dominatrix, although we also have made an assortment of custom creations including Britney Spears, various cosplay characters, crossdressing and regular ensembles that are so unusual for the customers life as to be considered a costume, but which I hope shall be the start of their latex addiction!

Your shop sign announces You Want Latex. As the Baroness, aside from latex, what do you want?

You missed the sign’s other side, which says "You Need Latex!" What I want currently is what everyone wants: An end and cure for the virus. That, and for a world dressed in Baroness latex!

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You can keep up with the Baroness via social media @LatexBaroness, and from now through Halloween the Baroness’ popular waist-cincher (available in both black and purple) is on sale for $100 off while supplies last.

A sign at the Holiday

My pulse quickened a bit yesterday when I saw a sign attached to the front of the now-closed Holiday Cocktail Lounge. I hoped that it would say:

All is well. We will reopen this Friday.

Or something like that.



Hmm.

Meanwhile, Patrick Hedlund notes the story in his Mixed Use column in this week's issue of The Villager:

The no-frills pub, between First and Second Aves., has served as a watering hole for artists and eccentrics for more than four decades. It’s worth noting that another East Village dive, Sophie’s on E. Fifth St., encountered similar troubles a year ago due to the failing health of its owner, but managed to negotiate a deal to stay open. Stay tuned.

True, though Sophie's and Mona's never closed for any business while the bars were being sold...the bars did stay in the family.

Now that Halloween is over with...

The Christmas holiday lights are going up on Ninth Street between First Avenue and Second Avenue this morning, as these photos via Steven show...

A little early this year, as we've seen them arrive as late as Dec. 5 in the past...

Anyway, it's always festive on this block during the holidays... and if we've ever needed some holiday cheer, the time is now... 

Updated 7:50 p.m. 

Steven shared a few photos of how the lights look tonight...

May 1

In submitting this photo from St. Mark's Place near Avenue A today, EVG regular Jose Garcia (jg) asks a reasonable question: 

If there is any sort of "Best in Show" category might this specimen be worthy of consideration given how much fancier it is than the average belatedly discarded holiday tree?

The question is now in the hands of the holiday steering committee 

 

The holiday tree of Tompkins Square Park

Several readers have asked about history of the Tompkins Square Park holiday tree... there's a new sign, unveiled during last Sunday's tree-lighting ceremony, that provides the detail.



Per The Villager:

The event also marked the installation of a sign designating the tree as an East Village AIDS memorial. The Parks Department donated the spruce in 1992, at the request of former Community Board 3 Chairperson Albert Fabozzi, in remembrance of Glenn Barnett — an advocate of the park’s restoration — also in observance of neighbors’ continuing efforts to maintain the park, and in commemoration of community members lost to AIDS.

[Sign photo courtesy of Bobby Williams]