A flock of drawn, painted and carved pigeons landed in Coney Island this month as “Pigeons by the Seashore,” a group art exhibition celebrating the beloved birds, opened at the Freak Bar.
Pigeons arrived in the U.S. back in the 1600s, brought over by European settlers who mostly used them for food. They carried critical messages across the front lines during the World Wars, and pigeon breeders lovingly tended to massive flocks in rooftop coops across New York City in the mid-20th century.
Now, there are only a few coops left, but more than 1 million feral pigeons live wild across the five boroughs. Despite their long and loving history with humans, some New Yorkers see the birds as “rats with wings.” But exhibit curator Allison Garber — better known as burlesque performer Little Brooklyn — sees magic in the humble pigeon.
A collage made of MetroCards by artist Nina Boesch.
“You can see these underrated creatures everywhere,” she said in a statement. “On sidewalks, rooftops, shop awnings, subway platforms, always adding a little monochromatic beauty with a splash of iridescence wherever they go.”
She invited the 26 artists taking part in “Pigeons on the Seashore” to take a closer look at their feathered friends, exploring them as symbols of survival, beauty, community, and much more.
“The pigeon represents so much in all of us. It’s a survivor, it’s scrappy, it’s persistent, it’s always in motion,” Garber said. “The pigeon is equally goofy and elegant at the same time. On top of all that, they can fly, which is something many of us can only dream about.”
“Fortune Teller Pigeon” and a small beaded bird, both on display at “Pigeons on the Seashore.” Images courtesy of Caryn Cast/Hands of Julia/Coney Island USA 
Steve Ellis’ detailed illustration showing a pigeon and some of Coney Island’s most beloved attractions. Image courtesy of Steve Ellis/Coney Island USA
The exhibit includes a range of pieces, like collages showing the birds enjoying Coney Island’s sights, sounds and shorelines by artists Erin Mathewson and Isabel Roxasl; a piece comprised of sliced-up MetroCards by Nina Boesch; and a tiny, beaded pigeon by Hands of Julia.
The brightly-colored “Fortune Teller Pigeon” by Caryn Cast captures Coney Island’s unique, magical offerings; while Duke Riley’s detailed embroidered pieces pay homage to the city’s long history of pigeon-keeping.
“Pigeons by the Seashore” debuted on Oct. 18 at the Freak Bar, 1208 Surf Ave. in Coney Island, and will remain on view through January 2027.