Photo via MSR Galleries website
The Woodhaven Art Circle (WAC) is set to welcome neighbors to its upcoming art market on Saturday, June 13, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The anticipated event will feature over 25 local contemporary artists, artisans and creatives. Set in Forest Park, the showcase will also run in conjunction with the park’s Flag Day celebration at the bandshell and carousel areas.
Photo via MSR Galleries website
Photo via MSR Galleries website
Organized by the neighborhood’s artist collective, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to bringing accessible arts programming to Woodhaven and surrounding areas, the biannual event will exhibit “original art pieces from paintings to illustrations, prints, photographs, stationary and greeting cards, magnets, home goods and decor, jewelry, accessories, clothing, custom henna tattoos and more all made by local artists,” as confirmed in a press release.
Alongside Jennifer Lambert, the Co-President of the WAC, the collective hosted its inaugural art exhibition, titled “Love, Left Open,” earlier this year, honoring the nonprofit’s mission to display original works of art from independent artists in the area. Mahfuza Shammy Rahman, the Co-President of the WAC, reflects on the meaning of Flag Day as it relates to immigrants’ essential contributions to the city’s artistic diversity.
The Co-Presidents of the Woodhaven Art Circle, Mahfuza Shammy Rahman and Jennifer Lambert, with Louise Naples, a local quiltmaker. Photo via MSR Galleries website
“As we celebrate Flag day we must acknowledge that America’s very fiber is comprised of immigrants. First from England as they refused high taxation without proper representation, and then from all the different continents. Today we celebrate unity, which thrives here in America. This year’s summer market is curated to showcase the best of our tight-knit culturally diverse neighborhood,” said Rahman in a statement. “Our handpicked artisans honor traditional techniques and materials, while working to innovate and captivate their audience. We are honored to be hosting the World Cup this year as well, so to a celebration of all flags and boosting representation, we bring you our local makers. Let’s celebrate the skill, dedication, resilience, and beauty of the melting pot, that is Queens. We invite you to visit Forest Park to support our talented artists, and celebrate the rich culture and creativity that makes our country so amazing.”
Photo via MSR Galleries website
Photo via MSR Galleries website
Interested art enthusiasts can enter the market at the George Seuffert, Sr. Bandshell, Carousel Amusement Village and Forest Park Drive. One of the main entrances is located at Forest Park Drive and Woodhaven Blvd. The admission is free, with an optional donation for those who wish to support local arts in South Queens.
To access the area via public transit, commuters can take the Queens-bound J train to Woodhaven Blvd. or the Q11 to Woodhaven Blvd./Forest Park Dr. The Q52/53 and Q55 buses are also available for drop-offs at Woodhaven Blvd./Myrtle Ave. and Myrtle Ave./Woodhaven Blvd., respectively.
You can register for the Art Market prior to your arrival. To learn more about the Woodhaven Art Circle, follow their Instagram.