Omonia Cafe By Elinore Schnurr (All Photos By Gail)
Artist Elinore Schnurr has been painting scenes of New York city since she first moved here 50 years ago. A good selection of her oil on linen paintings of scenes from NY restaurants, cafes and lounges can be seen in her new exhibit, Out and About in New York, which opened at the Dougherty Gallery last Friday. Continue reading Elinore Schnurr, Out and About in New York at Dougherty Gallery
A Day at The Guggenheim, Diorama inside a Parking Meter, By Conrad Stojak (All Photos By Gail)
Artist Conrad Stojak was taking photographs in his neighborhood one day when he happened to take a closer look at a defunct New York City Parking Meter. He noticed how the domed glass, with its tiny built-in shelf, reminded him of the dioramas he used to make in school. And then he got an idea: why not make use of the literally thousands of disused meters to make a different kind of street art?
Zeppelin Parking Only, Close Up
Having had some experience as a graffiti artist, and having realized that dressing in all black was not necessarily the way to go, Conrad ventured out at night in florescent clothing like that worn by construction workers, thus hiding in plain sight. With tiny figurines he purchased from a hobby store, he used chopsticks and glue to carefully create dioramas that would tell stories of various aspects of city life.
Bag Lady
Bag Lady, Close Up
Overnight, the glue on his tiny figures would dry and he would return with his camera to immortalize the scene forever. The best part about this project is that the artist wasn’t leaving any permanent mark or anything that could be construed as vandalism on private, public or city property.
Conrad also used Parking Meters as Flower Vases
Looking at photographs of these dioramas encourage endless imaginative extrapolation regarding the story behind these tiny scenes, and there is a printed version of Conrad’s back story on how the project evolved posted along with the photographs at Daugherty Gallery. This is a must-read, as his completely engaging personal story adds great value to his unique artwork, the likes of which I’ve only seen in the photographs of artist Randy Hage.
The Muse 2, Close Up
Conrad’s beautifully framed photographs are also very affordable, each selling for around $300, so they are quite a good investment, as I am sure he is an artist we will be hearing from for a long time. You can find out more about the art of Conrad Stojak at This Link. The exhibit opened on Friday, May 16th and I am not sure how long it will be up, so call the number below to plan your visit accordingly.
Over the Steel Rainbow, Close Up
The Dougherty Gallery at Crescent Grill is located at 38-40 Crescent Street at 39th Avenue, LIC Queens, NY 11101. Phone 718-729-4040 or Visit Crescent Grill Dot Com for more information or to make a Dinner Reservation.
Currently on Exhibit: Surface Tension, a Solo Exhibition by Robert Lobe (All Photos By Gail)
In the heart of the booming Dutch Kills section of Long Island City, Crescent Grill is a modern American restaurant that’s been open for just over a year. The restaurant is already a local favorite and a destination for visitors to the Long Island City scene, and after just one visit you will know why. Located where a longtime industrial supply house once flourished, the fully restructured and renovated 100-seat space is a family enterprise with a total commitment to Long Island City. We dined there this past Friday evening (note: totally worth the trek from Manhattan) and both the food and service were just outstanding.
And what’s extra cool about Crescent Grill is that the front part of the space is home to the tiny Dougherty Gallery (named for owners and brothers, Daniel and Shaun Dougherty) which showcases work by local artists. Here are a few photos from the current exhibit, which features colorful and contemporary collage work by Robert Lobe.
As far as I know, all of the above works are for sale. Inquire about purchase and pricing at the restaurant.
Statue of Liberty by Craig Alan
In addition to the exhibited work the gallery, the restaurant is a showcase in itself for custom fixtures and work from the personal collections of the Dougherty brothers. The painting above hangs near the bar.
This gorgeous custom light fixture, made from reclaimed vintage glass shades, hangs in the dining room.
A large scale photograph of the Long Island City Skyline is one of several compelling original works that add atmosphere to the main dining space, Daniel Dougherty told us that smaller prints of this photo are available for purchase through the restaurant. We will definitely be returning, not only to check out the new art exhibits, but also for the delicious food!
The Dougherty Gallery at Crescent Grill is located at 38-40 Crescent Street at 39th Avenue, LIC Queens, NY 11101. Phone 718-729-4040 or Visit Crescent Grill Dot Com for more information or to make a Reservation.