GOWANUS — Following the five-alarm fire that ripped through the Beard and Robinson Warehouse Stores at 481 Van Brunt St. last year, which was the home of the Brooklyn Waterfront Artists Coalition for 35 years, the organization returns with a new exhibition.
Starting May 21, the first in-person exhibition since the blaze, “Unmoored/Unbound,” will be free to view at Powerhouse Arts, 322 Third Ave.
The artwork that will be featured in the exhibition “Unmoored/Unbound.” Photo: BWAC
BWAC is an artist-run nonprofit that provides opportunities for artists to show their work, develop professionally and engage the public in the experience of art. It is celebrating its 48-year history.PHA is also a not-for-profit creative production center in Gowanus that opened to the public in 2022.
According to BWAC, the center brings together artists, fabricators, educators and neighbors and connects them to the tools, spaces and support they need to express themselves and support their practices.
Following the massive loss of a space, BWAC is happy to make its return.“The loss of our space in Red Hook has been completely overwhelming, but the outpouring of support from the community, especially the artists who have shown with us, has been what has kept us going,” said Alicia Degener, BWAC president and exhibition co-curator. “Now we’re getting our heads around starting over and what new opportunities.”
“BWAC is still getting back on its feet, and with the help of our neighbor and friend in Powerhouse Arts, this exhibition is a testament to the freedom and opportunity in starting over,” added Ryan Frank, co-curator and BWAC co-vice president.
The exhibition aims to speak to the perseverance and resiliency of artists in the face of adversity. It features 40 artists working across a wide range of mediums who explore themes of loss, transition, liberation, freedom and deliverance in their work.
A GoFundMe was set up to help BWAC find a new home. As of May 5, it raised $50,000.
“The BWAC team has been searching Brooklyn to find a space to continue offering NYC artists and beyond a place to exhibit their work, foster professional development and continue the great community that BWAC has always supported for the past 48 years,” Degener said. “We have a great offer in an amazing space we would love to sign the lease on, but we need a last push to afford it! Please consider donating so we reopen permanently this September.”
“At a time of political, economic and technological upheaval, art serves as a powerful expression of our uncertain and liminal existence,” said BWAC in a statement. “This exhibition presents how art can be a vessel for transition, a source of strength and wisdom and a conduit for community in times of disruption. ‘Unmoored/Unbound’ will provide viewers with inspiring and expansive accounts of how artists survive and thrive in dark and challenging times.”
The exhibit will be open until Aug. 9. An opening reception is slated for May 21 from 5 to 8 p.m. The regular hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends.
“A lot of us right now are feeling very unmoored, and I thought it would be a great opportunity for artists to address all of the ills that are going on in the world right now,” said Eric Shiner, president of Powerhouse Arts. “Not to delve into it, but to make us all heal, to really take it full throttle and take back our ability to be creative and expressive. We hope that this exhibition shines a light on the great work of this great artist community.”
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.
