Published at 3:36pm
Published on 10/14/08
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Click here to view a map of these locations.
1 Art-O-Mat L.I.C.
Opening in 2005 after finding success in an online incarnation, this store/gallery features artisan-made items, with a special emphasis on Long Island City talent. The space also holds poetry readings on the first Sunday of every month, as well as various other community events and workshops. Check out the miniature neon Pepsi sign in the shop! 46-46 Vernon Blvd between 46th and 47th Rds (artomat@licweb.com, licweb.com/artomat). Fri, Sat noon–7pm; Sun noon–5pm; other times by appointment. Free.
2 Bridgeview School of Fine Art
Founded by classically trained artists, Bridgeview offers a unique program in traditional drawing, painting and sculpture based on the centuries-old techniques developed by a long line of European masters, now handed down by the mostly Russian teaching staff. 10-27 46th Ave between Vernon Blvd and 11th St, second floor (718-937-1300, academicart.com).
3 The Chocolate Factory Theater
This 5,000-square-foot multiarts facility hosts theater, music and dance performances, as well as a storefront gallery space emphasizing the work of Queens-based artists. It’s also home to the annual fund-raising event “A Taste of LIC,” featuring food and drink from eateries all over the neighborhood. 5-49 49th Ave between Vernon Blvd and 5th St (718-482-7069, chocolatefactorytheater.org). Gallery open Fri, Sat 1–6pm.
4 Dorsky Gallery Curatorial Programs
This nonprofit offers independent curators a chance to exhibit contemporary art. A recently completed program featured works by groundbreaking female artists, including Jenny Holzer, Kiki Smith and Dana Schutz. 11-03 45th Ave at 11th St (718-937-6317). Mon, Thu–Sun 11am–6pm. Free.
5 Fisher Landau Center for Art
From mid-20th-century modern to new-millennium masterpieces, this 25,000-square-foot facility is home to more than 1,100 pieces, spanning 1960 to the present. Exhibitions have included works from artists including Kiki Smith, Jasper Johns and Andy Warhol. 38-27 30th St between 38th and 39th Aves (718-937-0727, flcart.org). Mon, Thu–Sun noon–5pm. Free.
6 5 Pointz/Crane Street Studios
Emerging from the tunnel on the 7 train, it’s impossible to miss 5 Pointz, the massive graffiti-covered complex at the corner of Crane Street and Jackson Avenue. The sprawling, ever-evolving block-size “canvas” has held work by some of the world’s most noted street artists. Inside, you’ll find (surprise!) studios, which occasionally open their doors to the public. Check their website for dates and details. 46-23 Crane St at Jackson Ave (css-lic.com).
7 Flux Factory
A dynamic not-for-profit arts organization and “incubation and laboratory space” with a focus on collaborative artworks, Flux provides a computer center, darkroom, performance space, musical recording studio and publishing equipment. 38-38 43rd St between Northern Blvd and 37th Ave (718-707-3362, fluxfactory.org). Call or check website for events and tours.
8 Juvenal Reis Studios
More than 100 artists from around the world work in this vast space. It regularly opens to the public for artist talks, workshops, open-studio tours and shows. Check out their website for information about internships and visiting-artist programs. 43-01 22nd St at 43rd Ave, fourth floor (718-570-3663, juvenalreisstudios.com).
9 Krypton Neon
The neon artisans at Krypton have crafted glowing creations for the stage and screen, and their works have been exhibited in various galleries and museums. Free tours are available by appointment. 5-51 47th Ave at Vernon Blvd (718-728-4450, neonshop.com).
10 LaGuardia Performing Art Center
Located in CUNY’s LaGuardia Community College, LPAC offers a range of arts programming, including dance, theater and music (from classical to jazz and rock). You’ll also find a variety of children’s, teen and family programs, and prices are generally kept low to keep arts accessible to the local community. Inspired to get involved yourself? They also offer a certificate program in arts administration. 31-10 Thomson Ave at 31st St (718-482-5151, lagcc.cuny.edu/lpac). Box office open Mon–Fri 10am–4pm, and one hour before curtain.
11 Laguna Music and Dance Studio
Under the auspices of Argentine maestro Horacio Laguna, this school offers instruction in various musical instruments and forms of dance. 43-02 22nd St at 43rd Ave, suite 114B (718-729-0967).
12 Long Island City Artists, Inc /LIC Artlofts
The nonprofit collective Long Island City Artists, Inc, sponsors and organizes shows throughout Queens and beyond. LIC Artlofts is yet another neighborhood art-studio megaplex that regularly hosts open studios. 37-06 36th St at 37th Ave, third floor (718-784-2935, licartists.org). Call or check website for open-studio and exhibition dates.
13 Noguchi Museum
This museum offers a comprehensive collection of sculptor Isamu Noguchi’s works in stone, metal, wood and clay. The small, serene garden is a blissful urban oasis. Don’t forget to stop at the museum store, which carries a full line of Noguchi lamps and furniture. 9-01 33rd Rd at Vernon Blvd (718-204-7088, noguchi.org). Wed–Fri 10am–5pm; Sat, Sun 11am–6pm. $10, seniors and students $5, New York City public high-school students and children under 12 free.
14 P.S.1 Contemporary Art Center
The superstar of Long Island City art spaces, MoMA-affiliated P.S. 1 is the oldest and second-largest nonprofit arts center in the United States devoted solely devoted to contemporary art. Summertime finds revelers from all over the city and beyond drawn to the massively popular Warm Up party (see “Global warming”) held in the museum’s courtyard. 22-25 Jackson Ave at 46th Ave (718-784-2084, ps1.org). Mon, Thu–Sun noon–6pm. Suggested donation $5.
15 Repetti Gallery
Founded in 2002, this huge complex encompasseses 12 private artist studios and a 1,500-foot gallery space for exhibitions and events. 44-02 23rd St at 44th Ave, fourth floor (718-670-3226, repetti.org). Wed–Sun noon–5pm. Free.
16 SculptureCenter
This institution is dedicated to experimental and innovative developments in contemporary sculpture. Located in a former trolley-repair shop, you’ll find exhibits by emerging and established national and international artists. 44-19 Purves St between Jackson and Thomson Aves (718-361-1750, sculpture-center.org). Mon, Thu–Sun 11am–6pm. Suggested donation $5.
17 Socrates Sculpture Park
This former riverside landfill and illegal dump site is now an internationally renowned outdoor museum with an artist residency program. It offers a great chance to see large-scale work in a unique NYC environment. In the warmer months, catch outdoor screenings of art films from around the world and free fitness classes. 32-01 Vernon Blvd at Broadway (718-956-1819, socratessculpturepark.org). Daily 10am–sunset. Free.