The Old Community – before Urban Renewal

The Old Community – before Urban Renewal

By Megan Fitzpatrick Today we are bringing you a little known story about a community of Black artists that took place in the West 90s of the Upper West Side. The image on the left shows West Park Village which was built in the spot where previously sat six blocks of rowhouses. Deemed a ‘slum’ by City officials these buildings and the...
Ever-expanding and Kaleidoscopic Change

Ever-expanding and Kaleidoscopic Change

By Claudie Benjamin Columbus Circle has been a moving target for decades with its character and the geography of its traffic routes changing over time.  In the early 1940s, artist Henry E. Schnakenberg (1892-1970) who then lived on West End Avenue, captured the vitality of the southeast corner of West 58th Street. The painting, now part...
Balancing UWS studio with Upstate Pig Farming

Balancing UWS studio with Upstate Pig Farming

By Claudie Benjamin Celebration is the way Melanie Wesslock describes life. Her professional life as a portrait and event photographer involves her in many profoundly special celebratory moments. Take, for example, her images of a surprise proposal on Bow Bridge in Central Park last fall. Then another photo...
UWS JANE’S WALK – Saturday May 5th, 11am

UWS JANE’S WALK – Saturday May 5th, 11am

    FREE UWS Jane’s Walk!  RSVP via Municipal Art Society Website. The East River Fifties Alliance’s (“ERFA”) Lisa Mercurio joins Save Central Park NYC to explore megatowers in development and invading our skyline. Casting shadows on residential blocks, landmark designated buildings and Central Park,...