Premium Content BWAC brings Coney Island to Red Hook with new juried art exhibition
Bonus feature: ‘Coney Island in the Movies’ (see below)
From left: Artist Marie Roberts and Alicia Degener in front of Roberts’ “Coney Island Maker Faire.” Brooklyn Eagle photo by Wayne Daren Schneiderman
By Wayne Daren Schneiderman
July 23, 2024
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RED HOOK — In Southwestern Brooklyn lies a neighborhood with an incredibly rich and storied history.
Recently, the Brooklyn Waterfront Artists Coalition (BWAC) launched a national juried art exhibition dedicated to “the playground of the world,” more commonly known as Coney Island.
Artist and author Janet Morgan with her book, “Coney Island Awakes.” Photo by Wayne Daren Schneiderman
On display at BWAC’s headquarters in Red Hook, “The Art of Coney Island 3,” is the latest edition of its popular series.
It celebrates all the attractions of the boardwalk, including the sideshow, mermaid paraders, the Cyclone, Nathan’s hot dogs and the beach. Highlights include sideshow banners, 3D dioramas, photos, paintings and sculptures by more than 90 artists.
Artist Candy Heiland beside two of her works. Photo by Wayne Daren Schneiderman
Why Coney Island?
Alicia Degener, president of BWAC, told the Brooklyn Eagle that Coney Island is special because it never gets old.
“This is our third time doing this type of show,” Degener said. “Artists are always inspired by the location. It’s simply the gift that keeps on giving.”
Artist Christopher Spinelli beside three of his creations. Photo by Wayne Daren Schneiderman
Originally from Detroit, Degener lived in Coney Island in the 1980s “when it was quite gritty,” She continued, “But I do like dilapidated, crazy, wild things, and I think that’s what originally attracted me to the area. When I think of Coney Island, first and foremost I think of its sense of community.”
Artist Marie Roberts, a Coney Island local, explained that the area “is where the sea and the sky come together and magic happens.”
Artist and author Hawley Hussey holding her book, “The Lonesome Threesome.” Photo by Wayne Daren Schneiderman
“Either you get it or you don’t,” Roberts said. “There is something here for everybody. It’s such a welcoming place.
Artist Wilfredo Santiago and his “pyrography” creation, “Come Out And Play.” Photo by Wayne Daren Schneiderman
“I grew up with the sideshows,” Roberts continued. “My family was involved with the Dreamland Circus Sideshow. But I ultimately ran away from sideshow life to get an education and become a painter. So, in a way, Coney Island is kind of a coming together of both halves of my life.”
Artist and author Susanna Plotnick and her book, “Coney Island During the Pandemic.”Photo by Wayne Daren Schneiderman
Janet Morgan, artist and author of “Coney Island Awakes,” a children’s book based on Coney Island, said what inspires her to create art in Brooklyn’s “playground of the world” are the real people there.
“They come in all shapes and sizes,” Morgan said. “There is also always so much going on. The space is so vast. When I think of Coney Island, the first word that comes into my mind is freedom.”
“Astroland Cyclone” by Eileen Burgess. Photo by Wayne Daren Schneiderman
Vibrancy and energy
Artist Luis “Inca” Ramos is a Sunset Park native and former graffiti artist.
“I’ll Take The Q Train,” by Janice Weiss. Photo by Wayne Daren Schneiderman
“When I was growing up in the early 1970s, it was either you would join a gang, do drugs or do what I did: immerse yourself in painting,” Ramos said. “I have so many fond memories of Coney Island growing up, which I would visit very often, and to this day it inspires me when I create my art. When I think of Coney, I think of vibrancy and energy, in addition to mixed cultures, food and entertainment.”
Artist and author Hawley Hussey reading from her book, “The Lonesome Threesome.”Photo by Wayne Daren Schneiderman
Artist Janice Weiss, who is also BWAC’s publicity coordinator, currently resides in Homecrest, but said she has many memories of her experiences visiting Coney Island.
Spectators inside “The Art of Coney Island 3” exhibition. Photo by Wayne Daren Schneiderman
“When I was young, my mom would take us there on the weekends, and we would stop and eat at Nathan’s, then spend the day on the beach,” Weiss said. “We would also go to the boardwalk some Friday nights to see the fireworks.
She continued, “Now that I am a senior, I look out my window and can still see the parachute jump and the fireworks every Friday night. It’s so great to be able to relive all those fabulous memories of my Coney Island visits.”
Robert and Robbie Bailey’s “New Year’s Day Polar Bear Plunge.” Photo by Wayne Daren Schneiderman
BWAC’s “The Art of Coney Island 3” will run through Aug. 11 and is open on weekends from 1-6 p.m.
An artist-run nonprofit organization in existence for nearly half a century, BWAC showcases the artwork of local and national artists with seasonal exhibits that include national juried and local member shows. These exhibitions present a wide variety of contemporary visual arts, from the traditional to the experimental cutting-edge.
Artist Luis “Inca” Ramos discussing his work, “Come Out And Play.” Photo by Wayne Daren Schneiderman
The gallery is housed in a massive Civil War-era warehouse on the Red Hook waterfront.
Art lover and Brooklyn local Theresa Dellegrazie beside one of the works at “The Art of Coney Island 3.” Photo by Wayne Daren Schneiderman
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.
