It's officially fall. Mornings are brisk, sunsets are early, and much of the landscape on the High Line has taken on an airier, golden brown look as its grasses go to seed. Remembering, of course, that brown is also a color, there's a lot to look for in this new fall landscape.
If you've been up to the High Line recently, you may have noticed a particular scent coming mostly from Chelsea Grasslands. It's been described as smelling like coriander, a combination of honey and cilantro leaves, or popcorn. I've also overheard it described, strangely, as a "burning crayon smell", or a "strong chemical odor".
Spencer Finch's The River That Flows Both Ways is the spectacular installation of 700 panes of colored glass that covers the western wall of the Chelsea Market Passage on the High Line. Come hear this articulate and engaging artist speak about that piece and others, this Wednesday evening at 6:30 in the 14th St. Passage. FREE. RSVP recommended but not required.
At the end of July, we went to the opening of No Longer Empty, an exhibition inspired by the High Line and located nearby the in an empty storefront space.
Now, in conjunction with that exhibition, the show's organizers are presenting a panel discussion on public art and alternative art spaces, featuring 7 speakers... including me!
Earlier this summer, the Daily Beast's Matthew Dakotah interviewed co-founders Joshua David and Robert Hammond on their thoughts about the High Line's opening season. The piece is now up, and offers a nice look into the minds of the guys behind the park.
This Saturday brings the Kitchen Block Party, free neighborhood street festival the High Line, put on by the Kitchen, one of our favorite arts partners.
It happens from 12 Noon to 5 PM on West 19th St. between 10th and 11th Aves.
Park(ing) Day, one of our favorite yearly public space happenings, takes to the New York City streets this Friday!
This international event transforms metered parking spaces into playgrounds, parks, creative installations, and unusual meeting-grounds for all to hit the pavement and enjoy. Converting car-intended spots throughout the five boroughs, these park(ing) spaces are a great example of street-space reclaimed. Park(ing) Day's mission doesn't sound too far off from the High Line's reclamation of space for the public.
Last year the High Line participated in the Park(ing) Day extravaganza, one of 57 spaces across the city. This year, our newly-opened park hovers 30 feet higher than most parking spaces, but encourages you to check out a nearby Park(ing) Day space on ground level. A map and description of all the spots is here.
One of our favorites is right here in the neighborhood. Weave the Hearts, sponsored by the West Harlem Art Fund and created by Japanese artist Shintaro Tokairin, can be located at 400 W. 14th Street, near 9th Avenue. Tokairin has created a woven installation piece which will encapsulate the space, inviting visitors to relax and indulge in the artistically-inspired parking spot.
