Elmhurst Sculpture Garden

For New Yorkers with a keen eye for culture and a love for innovative urban spaces, the Elmhurst Sculpture Garden in Queens offers a truly distinctive experience. Established in 2017 by local artists Yvonne Shortt and Mayuko Fujino with the help of dedicated community volunteers, this garden is far more than just a collection of plants; it's a dynamic outdoor exhibition space and an arts incubator. What was once an "overgrown empty lot" has been transformed into a vibrant public area where artists can display sculptures, multimedia installations, and even host musical and dance performances.

The garden’s mission is to not only provide a platform for artistic expression but also to inspire community engagement and urban revitalization. It's a living testament to the power of art to transform spaces and foster dialogue. As one reviewer noted, the garden features "interesting use of a traffic triangle," demonstrating how even unconventional urban plots can become centers of creativity. The current exhibitions include thought-provoking works, such as Yvonne Shortt’s material investigation with rope, which, as a reviewer highlighted, is a "BRAVO" response to important contemporary conversations. With additional funding from grants, the Elmhurst Sculpture Garden continues to expand its offerings, featuring a diverse range of artists and addressing community issues through art. It’s a compelling destination for anyone in Queens looking to experience art in an accessible and engaging outdoor setting.

The Elmhurst Sculpture Garden is conveniently located at 59-59 92nd St, Elmhurst, NY 11373, USA, within the heart of the vibrant Elmhurst neighborhood of Queens. This strategic placement makes it easily accessible for local residents and visitors alike. You'll find the garden specifically on 92nd Street, nestled between 59th Avenue (near the Olive Garden restaurant) and just off Exit 19 of the Long Island Expressway, making it identifiable for those navigating by car.

For New Yorkers relying on public transportation, the garden is remarkably well-connected. The most direct subway access is via the M or R train to the Woodhaven Blvd. station, from which the garden is a manageable walk. Additionally, a multitude of MTA bus lines serve the area, providing even broader accessibility. These include the Q11, Q21, Q29, Q38, Q52 SBS, Q53 SBS, Q59, Q60, and Q88 bus routes, ensuring that no matter where you're coming from in Queens or even other boroughs, there's a convenient way to reach this unique outdoor gallery. While there are no set hours, the garden is "open and free to the public," and it is generally "ideal to visit during the morning and afternoon." This easy accessibility by multiple transit options underscores its role as a true community art space, inviting everyone to experience its installations and performances.

• Outdoor Sculpture Exhibitions: The primary service is the display of diverse sculptures and multimedia art installations from local, regional, and national artists. The garden acts as an open-air gallery.

• Performing Arts Space: Beyond visual art, the garden also hosts musical and dance performances, providing a platform for various artistic expressions in a public setting.

• Community Art Programs: The garden offers community art programs, including collaborative sculpting initiatives, encouraging local participation in the creation of art.

• Public Green Space: Formerly a vacant lot, the garden provides a revitalized green space for the community, contributing to the aesthetics and environmental quality of the neighborhood.

• Educational and Inspirational Hub: It serves as an inspiration for other artists and communities to revitalize public spaces through art, offering guidance and a safe place to create outdoor art.

• Seating Areas: The garden includes benches for visitors to sit, relax, and contemplate the art, fostering conversation and community engagement.

• Dynamic Outdoor Art Installations: The garden continuously features a rotating collection of sculptures and multimedia installations, offering a fresh experience with each visit. Notable pieces like Yvonne Shortt's "Waking Blind" and "African American Marbleization" series are displayed.

• Community-Driven Transformation: A significant highlight is its origin as an abandoned lot, transformed by local artists Yvonne Shortt and Mayuko Fujino and community volunteers. This grassroots effort underscores its authenticity and connection to the Elmhurst neighborhood.

• Focus on Local and Diverse Artists: The garden actively provides a platform for local, regional, and national artists, showcasing a diverse range of artistic voices and mediums.

• Engaging with Social Themes: Many of the installations address community issues and broader social themes, prompting reflection and dialogue among visitors. Yvonne Shortt’s work, for instance, delves into themes of sustainability, equality, and race.

• Accessible Public Space: Being open and free to the public with no set hours (though best visited during morning/afternoon) and excellent public transportation access makes it highly inclusive.

• Unique Urban Integration: Its creative use of a "traffic triangle" space demonstrates innovative urban planning and the potential for art to revitalize unexpected pockets of the city.

As a community-focused outdoor sculpture garden, the Elmhurst Sculpture Garden is inherently designed to be accessible and free for all visitors. Therefore, it does not typically offer commercial promotions, discounts, or special offers in the traditional retail sense. Its core "promotion" is its continuous, free access to inspiring art and a revitalized green space.

However, "special offers" in the context of the Elmhurst Sculpture Garden would manifest as free public programs, workshops, and events that enhance the visitor experience and engage the community. The garden is known for hosting various activities, including:

• Art Installations: Regular rotations and new additions of sculptures and multimedia pieces provide a constantly evolving "offer" of fresh artistic perspectives.

• Musical and Dance Performances: Occasional free performances are held, transforming the garden into a dynamic cultural venue.

• Community Art Programs: These may include free collaborative sculpting sessions or workshops that allow community members to participate in the artistic process.

To stay informed about specific upcoming events, new installations, or community workshops, New Yorkers should regularly check the official website of the Elmhurst Sculpture Garden (www.elmhurstsculpturegarden.org). You might also find announcements on local Queens community calendars, social media pages dedicated to Elmhurst arts and culture, or through local art organizations. The garden’s commitment to providing free access to high-quality art and engaging community programs is its ongoing and most valuable "special offer."

For New Yorkers and art enthusiasts interested in learning more about the Elmhurst Sculpture Garden, its current exhibitions, or opportunities for artists and volunteers, direct contact is the best approach. As a community-driven initiative, communication channels are primarily managed by the garden's founders and volunteers.

Address:

Elmhurst Sculpture Garden

59-59 92nd St

Elmhurst, NY 11373, USA

(Located on 92nd St, between 59th Ave and off Exit 19 of the Long Island Expressway)

Phone:

While a direct, publicly listed phone number for general inquiries about the garden itself is not readily available through common channels, the provided numbers appear to be general New York City Parks & Recreation contact lines (or a similar public service). These are:

(212) 639-9675

+1 212-639-9675 (Mobile Phone)

For the most accurate and specific information related to the Elmhurst Sculpture Garden, it is highly recommended to visit their official website: www.elmhurstsculpturegarden.org. This website typically provides details on current installations, upcoming events, and contact forms or email addresses for direct communication with the garden's organizers, including artist Yvonne Shortt, who is instrumental in its operation. This direct approach will ensure you receive the most relevant and up-to-date information.

For New Yorkers, particularly those residing in Queens, the Elmhurst Sculpture Garden is an exceptionally suitable and enriching local destination. Its very existence is a testament to community spirit and artistic ingenuity, transforming an overlooked urban space into a vibrant cultural hub. The primary reason for its suitability lies in its accessibility and its unique role as an outdoor art gallery. In a city known for its world-class museums, having a free, open-air space where diverse and thought-provoking sculptures and installations are exhibited allows for casual, spontaneous encounters with art, enriching daily life without the formality or cost of traditional galleries.

The garden’s focus on community engagement, including collaborative sculpting programs and featuring local artists, fosters a sense of ownership and connection among residents. It's a place where art isn't just observed but experienced and often, created, by the community itself. As one reviewer noted with enthusiasm for Yvonne Shortt's work, it provides a platform for meaningful artistic responses to contemporary issues, prompting thought and discussion right in the neighborhood.

Furthermore, its easy accessibility via multiple subway and bus lines makes it a convenient cultural stop for anyone in Queens. The fact that it offers "some green in the area" is an added bonus, providing a much-needed visual respite from the urban landscape. The Elmhurst Sculpture Garden isn't just a place to see art; it's a testament to the power of public space, community collaboration, and the enduring human desire to create and connect, making it an invaluable and beloved part of the Elmhurst local fabric.

Elmhurst Sculpture Garden

59-59 92nd St, Elmhurst, NY 11373, USA