Thursday, May 13th , Doors open at  6:00pm

Drink Specials, Food, Silent Auction, Music: 6:00pm – 10:00pm
Art Attack Competition: 7:00pm – 9:00pm

Cheer on your favorite Starting Artists Team (Students vs. Volunteers) as they compete in the Live Art Attack Competition. Enjoy drink specials, food, silent auction, and music all to benefit SA’s free Afterschool Program for teens.

This event is 21+.

BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW!

Smackdown Ticket

Add tickets to your Shopping Cart.
Click on the SHOPPING CART above.
Make a secure, online Payment via PayPal.
(PayPal account is not required.)

To save on the PayPal processing fee please mail a check made out to Starting Artists, Inc. with the name of the ticketholder and “Smackdown” in the memo line.

You may also bring cash or check to:
211 Smith Street, BKLYN, NY 11201.

GALLERY BAR

Thank you for supporting SA this past year.  Because of your generosity, SA has touched the lives of hundreds of additional children and their families in New York City and beyond.  Because of this difficult economic climate, it comes as no surprise that fundraising this year is increasingly difficult.

That’s why your support is more crucial than ever, so please consider donating or supporting SA.

Please visit our April Appeal page to read all about the good work that SA does and the 2010 Starting Artists Times, profiling three of our outstanding students.

Thank you for your continued generosity and support!

SAVE THE DATE: Starting Artists Smackdown!

Think art is not a spectator sport, well, think again! Cheer on your favorite starting artist team as they compete in this live action, art attack to benefit SA’s free Afterschool Program for teens.

Save the date for SA’s Spring Benefit:

Starting Artists Smackdown

THURSDAY MAY 13, 2010
@ Gallery Bar

120 Orchard Street, LES, NYC

The Spring Benefit will feature a silent auction, food, drink (21+) and a live art-making competition. Look for the official invitation coming soon!

Contact Lacey if you have auction items to donate or you would like to be involved in planning the event.

Parents & Students Help Plan SA’s Future

We need YOUR help!  We want to talk to our community of students and parents to find out what is working at SA and what we can improve.  We have partnered with Inspire, an organization that provides consulting services to non-profits, to assist us with this goal.

By filling out a simple, 10-minute online survey, you can help shape the future of SA:

STUDENT SURVEY: Click here.

PARENT SURVEY: Click here.

Parents: Inspire will also be conducting phone interviews with parents about SA.

If you are available for a quick 15-20 minute phone conversation with Inspire consultants, please call Mayuri, Inspire Case Team Leader at 646-562-8779 or email mayuri.shah@inspire-inc.org.

Please contact Marisa with any other questions or concerns. We appreciate your feedback!

SA Paints Mural at The Bookkeeping Center

SA students and volunteers were contracted to paint a mural for Brooklyn’s The Bookkeeping Center!

The Bookkeeping Center is a nonprofit organization which trains aspiring bookkeepers through their DISCOVER BOOKKEEPING program and helps them enter the field of accounting successfully.

SA participants painted their logo, a cheerful little bookkeeper holding a key named Max Green, on their office wall.  We’re happy to partner with a fellow nonprofit with such a positive mission and impact on the Brooklyn community!

See images of the mural painting process HERE.

Special Projects Update

The Girls Club:

After an exciting inaugural meeting of the new Girls Club at SA, we are excited to officially launch on:

Friday, April 9 at 4pm.  The Girls Club will meet on Fridays and choose creative & fun community service projects  to benefit Brooklyn.

Email us or show up on April 9 to get involved!

Hearts for Haiti:

SA has raised over $100 by selling student & volunteer artworks to benefit Art Creation Foundation for Children, a dynamic & nurturing arts organization benefiting children in Jacmel, Haiti.  This week, we sent a care package full of cards, Inspiration Kits, and art supplies to ACFC.

This video, conceived by Angel Band founder & member Nancy Josephson, features Jacmel-based rap group Tresor and ACFC children.  Its message of love & hope is truly inspiring!

“Hope Is on the Way” – Angel Band

Please consider donating to ACFC through their website.

Through a generous grant from the International Youth Foundation and Starbucks Shared Planet Youth Action, SA is piloting the Creative Entrepreneurs Club (CEC), designed both to unleash teenagers’ artistic potential and to benefit local nonprofits through real-world creative services and products.

The CEC announces a Request for Proposals to offer pro bono design services to benefit small, start-up, and grassroots nonprofit organizations located in Brooklyn, NY, or with programs based in Brooklyn, NY.

The CEC is an opportunity for teen designers with experience in illustration, graphic design, photography, video, animation, and branding to use arts and business skills to benefit their community through donating their creative services. 1-2 grantees will be selected to receive a creative project free of charge each school semester while CEC student leaders earn stipends for their work.

The new CEC Spring 2010 Application is now available. Click here for more details.

Spring 2010 Applications are DUE by THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2010 by 6:00pm.

Spring Arts Intensive: The Arts of Performance

The Spring Arts Intensive includes lunch every day, Open Studio Time, a field trip to an NYC cultural institution, access & guidance to all SA supplies, and will culminate in a Student Presentation Night on Thursday, April 1st where SA students will show off their work to parents & community members at 6:00pm!

Monday, March 29 – Thursday, April 1, 2010
4 Days: 11am – 5pm

Student Presentation Night: Thursday, April 1st @6:00pm

Apply: In person at 211 Smith Street, or online at the SA Programs Page.

Download the 2010 Application on the SA Programs Page.

Conact: Lacey with any questions.

ELNYA: The Future of Arts Education Panel

Join us March 1st for the Emerging Leaders of New York Arts’  Creative Conversation:
“How Do We Create a Future for the Arts Through Education?”

This panel, featuring three NYC arts leaders, including SA  board member Katherine Gressel, will discuss the challenges of sustaining arts institutions, fostering artistic development, and more.

See images from this event HERE.

ELNYA is a New York City-based networking and professional development group that explores new ideas, best practices and challenges in the field of arts management. SA’s Executive Director, Marisa Catlaina Casey, is a founding member of ELNYA.

Where: Jerome L. Green Performance Space, 44 Charlton St.
When: Monday, March 1 from 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Fee: $10 suggested donation at the door

Sponsored by: Emerging Leaders of New York Arts (ELNYA), a Program of the Arts & Business Council of NY.

Fridays February 5th, 12th, & 19th
12:30pm & 8:30pm

Time Warner – Channel 56
Cablevision – Channel 69
RCN – Channel 85
Verizon – Channel 44

We were thrilled to host the crew of Brooklyn Independent Television’s Neighborhood Beat to film a profile all about Starting Artists.  Make sure to tune in – we’re famous!

Stream it online: BIT Neighborhood Beat Website or view it below!

Brooklyn Indie Market comes to SA for Valentine’s Day

Saturday, February 13th

Starting Artists is teaming up with Brooklyn Indie Market and The {newnew} to host “A Valentine Fling: A day of fun, flirting, and handmade shopping on Smith Street.”  Come to SA to browse through the wares of local designers and artists (including SA students!) and pick up a little something for that special someone in your life…or for yourself!

Family-friendly art activities will be led by Starting Artists students and volunteers to entertain and amuse younger visitors while parents browse!

Date: Saturday, February 13, 2010
Time: 11am – 6pm
Admission: Free!

For more information, visit www.brooklynindiemarket.com or www.thenewnewny.com.

Winter Arts Intensive: Careers in the Creative Sector

Tuesday, February 16th – Thursday, February 18th

In this 3-day crash course, students ages 12-19 learn from creative professionals and master hands-on techniques from arts educators to explore careers such as product design, graphic design, and photography.

Intensive includes daily lunch (pizza, sandwiches, and Mexican food), Open Studio Time, and access to all studio supplies and software including Nikon digital cameras, Flip Video cameras, and Adobe Creative Suite 3 Programs (Photoshop, Illustrator, Flash, After Effects, among others).

Date:Tuesday, February 16 – Thursday, February 18
Time:11am -5pm each day
Cost: $125.00 per student (Some internships, scholarships, and sibling discounts available)

To Enroll:
1.Download the Application
2. Pay online or by check

To pay online via credit card or checking account: Add your enrollment to the Shopping Cart by clicking the “Add to Cart” button below. Then, click the Shopping Cart link in the top menu to process the secure, on-line payment via PayPal. Please add the participant’s name in the comment box on the PayPal page.

Winter Arts Enrollment

To pay by check: make out a check to: Starting Artists, Inc. with the participant’s name in the memo line. Bring it in person or mail to 211 Smith St. BKLYN, NY 11201.

Email Lacey with any questions.

Celebrate the birthday boy or girl in your life with a customized birthday party at Starting Artists, Inc. Staff members work with each family to plan the perfect party from choosing a theme to creating unique decorations! All you have to do is fill out a Birthday Party Planning Worksheet, and drop it off in-person, or through email to: info@startingartists.org. The worksheet details the preferred date, time, number of participants, theme, and choice of activities.

Birthday Party Includes:

• 12 child participants and:
• 2-hour birthday party
• 1/2 hour set-up
• 1/2 hour clean-up
• 2 staff members
• 3 activities
• Decorations (choice of themes & colors)
• All arts & crafts supplies
• speakers for music
• digital projector for movies
• additional supplies are negotiable

Reserve your date for your party today!

Reserve the birthday party date by sending in a $100 deposit via check made out to Starting Artists, Inc. or online via PayPal. Activities include painting, button making, dancing, crafts, improv games, photo studio portraits and more! Reserve your birthday party at Starting Artists today. Check out the SA Birthday Brochure for more information.

SHOP SA ONLINE

Browse items you would like to purchase.
Add them to your Shopping Cart.
Click on the Shopping Cart above.
Make a secure, online Payment via PayPal.
Items will be sent USPS Priority (2-3 days) within 24 hours of placing your order.

100% of proceeds go towards SA’s free Afterschool Program benefiting under-served teenagers.
Contact Marisa with any questions.

SHOP SA IN PERSON

Join us at 211 Smith Street to buy items in person.

INSPIRATION KITS

$7.00 each

Inspiration Kit

These Inspiration Kits are filled with hand-picked items including glitter, ribbon, paper, and fabric to help you follow the SA motto: “Get inspired. Get creative. Get to work!

Inspiration Kits are available in Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Purple, Pink, Silver, and Black & White. Please specify your choice of color by clicking the “Special Instructions” option on the PayPal page.

Each Kit is unique; contents will vary.

The contents of a sample Red Inspiration Kit appears to the left and includes: circular paper, large square paper, small square paper, origami flapping birds, pipe cleaners, glitter, stickers, feathers, yarn, design-your-own pinwheel, strawberry sequin patch, leather cording, two pieces of black & white paper, and colored pencils.

Email Marisa with questions,
or call our offices: 718.701.5483.

PEACE HOLIDAY CARDS

$10.00 Pack of 8 Cards with Envelopes

8 Pack of Cards

These 4.21″ x 5.47″ Holiday Cards are printed on one side and blank on the other. Designed by starting artist Jauhara, each pack of either 4 or 8 cards with envelopes includes an equal number of each variation of the design.

Each front features the signature of the artist.

STARTING ARTISTS T-SHIRT

$15.00 each

Small T-shirt

Medium T-shirt

LARGE SOLD OUT!

Made from 100% cotton and designed by starting artist Emerson (see left), this is the official Starting Artists T-shirt for School Year 2010. This Gildan shirt is available in Small and Medium in Green only and run on the large side.

PURPLE CLOTH HEADBAND WITH ROSES

$8.00 each

SOLD OUT!

Made from cotton and sewn by hand, these cloth headbands are designed as one size fits all.

Similar styles available with slight variations in color of flowers including purple, pink, gray, and blue.

FEATHER BARRETTE

$3.00 each

Feather Barrette

Hand-made feather barrette with glitter embellishments.

**Exact barrette pictured has been sold but similar styles available with slight variations in color of feathers and glitter are available.

Barrette is a French enclosure.

DOVE EARRINGS

$5.00 a pair

SOLD OUT!

Hand-made earrings featuring plastic doves, green material, and glass beads.

Earring hook is sterling silver.

Unique design.

Only one pair available.

Email Marisa if you are interested in more than one pair of earrings. These can be made to suit.

KNIT SCARF

$15.00 each

SOLD OUT!

This hand knit scarf features soft gray acrylic yarn with a dark green hand crocheted flower on one side only.

Unique design.

Only one available.

LARGE SHELL NECKLACE

$20.00 each

Large Shell Necklace

Large Shell Necklace with silver detail on silver chain.

A variety of shell necklaces in several sizes and colors are available on silver chains.

Each necklace is unique.

Email Marisa with any questions, call our offices: 718.701.5483

if you are interested in other shell necklaces, or visit us in person to see more.

SMALL FEATHER BUTTONS

$2.00 for a Pack of 3

Small Feather Buttons

Small buttons measure 1.25″.

Each button is unique and includes a selection of multi-colored feathers sealed in plastic.

Buttons come in assorted packages of 3.

CLOTH WRAPPED BRACELETS

$20.00 each

Cloth Wrapped Bracelet

Original cloth wrapped bracelets are available in a variety of colors. Each curl is wrapped individually by hand and strung together on stretch cord.

Colors include: Sea blue (pictured left), royal blue, black, magenta, red, and sea blue/royal blue combination. Please specify color when you order.

KNIT HEADBANDS

$8.00 each

SOLD OUT!

Hand knit headbands feature a hand crocheted flower.

Colors include: Yellow headband with red flower, green headband with yellow flower, blue headband with yellow flower, red headband with green flower, and red headband with yellow flower. Please specify color when you order.

PURPLE KNIT HEADBAND

$10.00 each

Purple Knit Headband

This hand knit headband

is designed as one size fits all

with a back tie enclosure.

Only one available.

CLOTH TWISTED HEADBANDS

$10.00 each

Cloth Headband

This hand twisted cotton headband is designed

as one size fits all with a back tie enclosure.

Available in a variety of colors including:

gray, blue, purple, and pink. Please specify color when ordering.

PLEXIGLASS COASTERS

$8.00 for a Pack of 8

Plexiglass Coasters come in Packs of 8 in the colors of the rainbow.

Each package contains 8 individual coasters in a variety of monochromatic hues.

Available in hues of blue, green, orange, gold, brown, purple, and white.

Translucent plexiglass is water and stain resistant.

Blue Plexiglass Coasters

Green Plexiglass Coasters

Orange Plexiglass Coasters

Gold Plexiglass Coasters

Brown Plexiglass Coasters

Purple Plexiglass Coasters

White Plexiglass Coasters

MP3 PLAYER SOCK

$5.00 each

MP3 Player Sock

Cute MP3 Player Socks come in a variety of natural colors and textures with animated faces on the front.

Lined with soft material, these MP3 Player Socks will keep your music player or phone safe and virtually scratch free.

Email for more designs or visit our store in person.

SQUARE FACE NECKLACE

$10.00 each

Square Face Necklace

These adorable Square Face Necklaces hang from sterling silver chains

and feature 3D eyes of varying sizes.

Material is soft and pliable and suitable for children

and for the young at heart.

DRAWSTRING TRAVEL BAGS

$4.00 each

Medium Drawstring Bag

SMALL AND LARGE SOLD OUT!

These hand-made Drawstring Travel Bags are perfect for your everyday bag or your suitcase and come in three sizes: small, which can hold earrings, rings, or other small items; medium, which can hold glasses, razors, or toothbrush; and large, which can hold CDs, travel-sized bottles, or electric razors.

FELT MP3 SLEEVE

$5.00 each

Felt MP3 Sleeve

This hand-made MP3 sleeve is made of soft felt that won’t scratch your MP3 player’s screen and features a hand-sewn button with yarn enclosure.

Variations on this same design will be available in person the weekend of December 19th and December 20th at the Pop Up Shop from 12 – 4pm.

LAVENDER POUCHES

$5.00 for a Pack of 3

SOLD OUT!

Enjoy these sweet smelling Lavender Pouches in your dresser drawers, inside your suitcase, or display them around your house for a pleasant, therapeutic lavender scent.

Lavender is from an organic farm in Cape Cod and the ribbon and cloth of each pouch varies. Each pack includes 3 unique pouches.

MOODY BUTTONS

$3.00 per Pack of 2

Moody Buttons

Wear your mood on your sleeve…or backpack… Each features 3-D eyes, 2-pack includes 2 distinct emotions, and colors vary.

BEADED MEMORY WIRE BRACELETS

$5.00 each

Beaded Memory Wire Bracelets

Beautiful beaded bracelets in a variety of colors and styles – all handmade and will fit any wrist!

Available in a blue, black and white, green, blue and silver, or gold – please specify your choice in the “Notes” section of your order.

PLASTIC TOY NECKLACES

$5.00 each

Plastic Toy Necklaces

Fun and silly necklaces made from childhood toys – wear your memories around your neck!

Necklaces come on a long red leather string

Please specify if you would prefer an Army Man (with or without a peace dove in his gun) or a Spaceship in the “Notes” section of your order.

TIE-BACK LEATHER BRACELETS

$7.00 each

Tie-Back Leather Bracelets

Hip and stylish, these leather bracelets come in black, tan, or grey.  Simple tie-back closure makes them both worry-free and able to fit any wrist size.

Available with decorative cut-out circles or classic plain.

Perfect for either boys or girls, teens or adults! Quon, pictured left, seems very enthusiastic about his bracelet, right?

Please specify the color and/or style in the “Notes” section of your order.

PEACOCK FEATHER EARRINGS

$5.00 per each pair

Peacock Feather Earrings

In the words of this student, ShaQuanda, “I gotta have these!!”

Fabulous peacock feather earrings are a statement for even the most bold of fashionistas!  Dress up any casual outfit or pair them with a night-on-the-town ensemble for extra glamour.

CASSETTE TAPE KEYCHAINS

$5.00 each

Cassette Tape Keychains

Go old school with your keys – or, ol’ skoo’ if you prefer.

Classic cassette tapes are painted and sport slogans such as: “Peace,” “Love,” and “Art.”  Represent the ’90s!

MATTED ORIGINAL ARTWORKS

By Alicia

$12.00 each

Alicia Pink Sky Image

Original images by various starting artists measure 4″ x 6″, are matted 8″ x 10″, and come in a clear glassine bag for protection. These unique pieces of artwork are ready to be framed in an 8″ x 10″ frame.

By Alicia

$12.00 each

Alicia Building Image

Original images by various starting artists measure 4″ x 6″, are matted 8″ x 10″, and come in a clear glassine bag for protection. These unique pieces of artwork are ready to be framed in an 8″ x 10″ frame.

By Lily

$12.00 each

SOLD OUT!

Original images by various starting artists measure 4″ x 6″, are matted 8″ x 10″, and come in a clear glassine bag for protection. These unique pieces of artwork are ready to be framed in an 8″ x 10″ frame.

By Chloe

$12.00 each

Chloe Pipe Image

Original images by various starting artists measure 4″ x 6″, are matted 8″ x 10″, and come in a clear glassine bag for protection. These unique pieces of artwork are ready to be framed in an 8″ x 10″ frame.

By Duncan

$12.00 each

SOLD OUT!

Original images by various starting artists measure 4″ x 6″, are matted 8″ x 10″, and come in a clear glassine bag for protection. These unique pieces of artwork are ready to be framed in an 8″ x 10″ frame.

By Duncan

$12.00 each

Duncan Dog Image

Original images by various starting artists measure 4″ x 6″, are matted 8″ x 10″, and come in a clear glassine bag for protection. These unique pieces of artwork are ready to be framed in an 8″ x 10″ frame.

By Duncan

$12.00 each

Duncan Orange Image

Original images by various starting artists measure 4″ x 6″, are matted 8″ x 10″, and come in a clear glassine bag for protection. These unique pieces of artwork are ready to be framed in an 8″ x 10″ frame.

By Duncan

$12.00 each

Duncan Jump Image

Original images by various starting artists measure 4″ x 6″, are matted 8″ x 10″, and come in a clear glassine bag for protection. These unique pieces of artwork are ready to be framed in an 8″ x 10″ frame.

By Rochelle

$12.00 each

Rochelle Faces Image

Original images by various starting artists measure 4″ x 6″, are matted 8″ x 10″, and come in a clear glassine bag for protection. These unique pieces of artwork are ready to be framed in an 8″ x 10″ frame.

By Rochelle

$12.00 each

Rochelle Pink Image

Original images by various starting artists measure 4″ x 6″, are matted 8″ x 10″, and come in a clear glassine bag for protection. These unique pieces of artwork are ready to be framed in an 8″ x 10″ frame.

By Rochelle

$12.00 each

Rochelle Grass Image

Original images by various starting artists measure 4″ x 6″, are matted 8″ x 10″, and come in a clear glassine bag for protection. These unique pieces of artwork are ready to be framed in an 8″ x 10″ frame.

By Jauhara

$12.00 each

Jauhara Stop Image

Original images by various starting artists measure 4″ x 6″, are matted 8″ x 10″, and come in a clear glassine bag for protection. These unique pieces of artwork are ready to be framed in an 8″ x 10″ frame.

By Jauhara

$12.00 each

Jauhara Sunflower Image

Original images by various starting artists measure 4″ x 6″, are matted 8″ x 10″, and come in a clear glassine bag for protection. These unique pieces of artwork are ready to be framed in an 8″ x 10″ frame.

By Jauhara

$12.00 each

Jauhara Thread Image

Original images by various starting artists measure 4″ x 6″, are matted 8″ x 10″, and come in a clear glassine bag for protection. These unique pieces of artwork are ready to be framed in an 8″ x 10″ frame.

By Chandani

$12.00 each

Chandani Heart Image

Original images by various starting artists measure 4″ x 6″, are matted 8″ x 10″, and come in a clear glassine bag for protection. These unique pieces of artwork are ready to be framed in an 8″ x 10″ frame.

By Chandani

$12.00 each

Chandani Booth Image

Original images by various starting artists measure 4″ x 6″, are matted 8″ x 10″, and come in a clear glassine bag for protection. These unique pieces of artwork are ready to be framed in an 8″ x 10″ frame.

By Chandani

$12.00 each

Chandani Adobe Image

Original images by various starting artists measure 4″ x 6″, are matted 8″ x 10″, and come in a clear glassine bag for protection. These unique pieces of artwork are ready to be framed in an 8″ x 10″ frame.

By Chloe

$12.00 each

Chloe Paint Image

Original images by various starting artists
measure 6″ x 4″, are matted 8″ x 10″,
and come in a clear glassine bag for protection.

These unique pieces of artwork are
ready to be framed in an 8″ x 10″ frame.

This image is meant to be viewed vertically but can be viewed horizontally, as well.

By Malissa

$12.00 each

SOLD OUT!

Original images by various starting artists
measure 6″ x 4″, are matted 8″ x 10″,
and come in a clear glassine bag for protection.

These unique pieces of artwork are
ready to be framed in an 8″ x 10″ frame.

This image is meant to be viewed vertically but can be viewed horizontally, as well.

By Eliza

$12.00 each

Eliza Pear Image

Original images by various starting artists
measure 6″ x 4″, are matted 8″ x 10″,
and come in a clear glassine bag for protection.

These unique pieces of artwork are
ready to be framed in an 8″ x 10″ frame.

This image is meant to be viewed vertically but can be viewed horizontally, as well.

By Marisa

SOLD OUT!

Marisa Manhattan Bridge Image

Original images by various starting artists measure 4″ x 6″, are matted 8″ x 10″, and come in a clear glassine bag for protection. These unique pieces of artwork are ready to be framed in an 8″ x 10″ frame.

By Marisa

$12.00 each

SOLD OUT!

Original images by various starting artists measure 4″ x 6″, are matted 8″ x 10″, and come in a clear glassine bag for protection. These unique pieces of artwork are ready to be framed in an 8″ x 10″ frame.

By Marisa

$12.00 each

SOLD OUT!

Original images by various starting artists measure 4″ x 6″, are matted 8″ x 10″, and come in a clear glassine bag for protection. These unique pieces of artwork are ready to be framed in an 8″ x 10″ frame.

By Marisa

$12.00 each

SOLD OUT!

Original images by various starting artists measure 4″ x 6″, are matted 8″ x 10″, and come in a clear glassine bag for protection. These unique pieces of artwork are ready to be framed in an 8″ x 10″ frame.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

Utopia: An ideal place or state, usually imaginary; any visionary system of political, social, environmental, or moral perfection

What would a “Brooklyn Utopia” look like? What is the role of artists in shaping a more ideal Brooklyn?

Brooklyn Utopias? is a series of art exhibits and public programs in Fall 2009 that engages artists, youth, and community organizations in an urgent dialogue about Brooklyn’s future.

This includes two group exhibitions of over 30 artists at The Old Stone House (Sept 15-Oct 31) and the Brooklyn Historical Society (Oct 1-Jan 3), and a corresponding Teen Art Show (Nov 12-Dec 18) at Starting Artists. The Brooklyn Utopias? project invited professional artists and emerging youth artists to identify and respond to these often-conflicting visions of the most livable and sustainable Brooklyn, and/or imagine their own Brooklyn “Utopias.”

From colonial religious settlements to western frontiers to urban renewal efforts to planned suburban enclaves, the US has historically been obsessed with Utopian communities. Brooklyn is no exception to this, with its history as a home for Dutch colonial and myriad immigrant settlers, 19th Century social reformers like Alfred T. White, influential artists and writers from Walt Whitman to Spike Lee; and its distinctive neighborhoods ranging from the Coney Island amusement paradise to luxury “Manhattan suburbs” like Brooklyn Heights and Park Slope. The past decade marks Brooklyn’s growing popularity and often competing and controversial attempts to re-plan and rebuild Brooklyn– from luxury developments to new sports and entertainment complexes to affordable housing and “green” architecture initiatives. Brooklyn has also traditionally nurtured grassroots organizations—community arts centers, urban farms, bicycle advocacy groups–practicing alternative models. How effective are all these efforts? What harm is being done? What additional innovations are possible? And what can survive recent economic and environmental crises?

Brooklyn Utopias? is made possible by the Brooklyn Historical Society’s Public Perspectives program, and funding from the Puffin Foundation.