
PROSPECT HEIGHTS — THE BROOKLYN MUSEUM has awarded the UOVO Prize, which recognizes the work of emerging Brooklyn-based artists, to Melissa Joseph. The prize is named for its sponsor, a premier luxury storage and logistics provider for fine art, fashion and wine, with 30 facilities across the U.S. As the awardee, Ms. Joseph is given a commission for a fifty-by-fifty-foot public art installation on the facade of UOVO’s Brooklyn facility in Bushwick, a solo presentation at the Brooklyn Museum, and a $25,000 unrestricted cash grant. Ms. Joseph was selected by a team of Brooklyn Museum curators from among the artists featured in The Brooklyn Artists Exhibition, a major group show that UOVO supports. The artist’s work Olive’s Hair Salon (2023) is included in the exhibition. Last year, her work Getting Reuben’s tuition book (2023) was added to the Museum’s collection. Ms. Joseph will present a mural next June at UOVO Brooklyn and an installation at the Brooklyn Museum, both referencing Italy’s Siena Cathedral. The Museum’s installation will be displayed on its outdoor plaza, publicly accessible day and night.
Working in the media of needle felting and found items, Ms. Joseph’s artwork considers themes of memory, family history and the politics of occupying space. Her art alludes to the labors of women as well as her experiences as a second-generation American dealing with the unique juxtapositions of diasporic life.
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SUNSET PARK — “As a resident of Marine Park, one of the great surprises I found biking around Industry City and visiting Japan Village was to discover Bush Terminal Park. I continue to be amazed at the serene hideaways that the city offers in some of the busiest places — and, still, with an iconic view.”

BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — ‘A miracle that no one was killed …’ That’s what neighbors are saying about the collapse of the Hotel St. George marquee. Shown in this photograph are workmen beginning the removal and repair of the historic, old neon sign at the corner, referencing a relic of Brooklyn Heights’ past: the St. George Hotel.

ATLANTIC AVENUE — Exhausted shopper with cluster of bags and goods from mall at Boerum Place stops to look at huge construction site across the street. “Is that REALLY going to be a jail??” Her male companion is reassuring, “Nothing like Rikers … this is 21st Century.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — Overheard in line at one of most popular pastry outlets on Montague Street: “Hope I can get them into a camp …” A mother with two pre-schoolers in tow was showing a friend the Dodge Y flyer for Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 18.