Join the urban design nonprofit Van Alen Institute for an open house! Learn more about our work, interact with public art projects, and meet your neighbors. Drop in anytime for a lively afternoon of food, family-friendly games, tunes, artist-run activities, and a public art resource fair. See more at the website.

1–2:30 pm: Mookntaka

Mookntaka (MOO-kin-tah-kah) is a Gowanus-based artist duo by Mark Zlotsky and Karyn Lao that creates art to encourage people of all ages to connect through play. They will feature The Friends and Follies, a cast of interactive, inflatable sculptures, as well as lead a drop-in style pompom workshop!

3:30–5 pm: Dear Neighbor

Artist Tiffany Baker is collecting personal stories of how Gowanus residents have been impacted by and recovered from flood events. Past and present residents (ages 12+) are invited to talk or write about their experiences of flooding through this guided workshop. Your stories will help to create a unique community art project launching in 2025!

Public art resource fair

Meet local art organizations, design firms, and city agencies at our public art resource fair. Whether you’re a local artist, designer, community organization, or Gowanus resident, get insight from the experts on activating NYC’s public realm through art and design projects.

Featuring: ArtBridge, Buro Happold, Center for Justice Innovation — Neighborhood Safety Initiatives, Dancewave, NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS), Powerhouse Arts, and TYLin.

Time: 1:00-5:00 pm EDT

Free!

Registration