Arts in the Parks in Queens

The seat on the bench in Court Square Park in Long Island City appears to have melted and dropped to the ground, but this is not reality - it is art.
The “melted bench” is one of the benches included in Jeppe Hein’s Modified Social Bench I, one of 40 installments in the 40th anniversary of public arts program, “Arts in The Parks.” The program celebrates the Department of Parks’ devotion to public art. Three of the works of art will be displayed in Queens parks.
The exhibit examines social space and how the physical environment affects a person’s behavior, according to the Department of Parks. This installation will be on display until December 2.
The Arts in the Parks program has really become a part of the city, said Abigail Lootens, Parks spokesperson.
“Having [the art displays] in public where people can see them in their daily routine really adds culture to everyday life,” Lootens said.
In Socrates Sculpture Park, 12 Emerging Artists Fellows have displayed their art. The fellows received a grant for their projects, as well as residency in the outdoor studio. The art on display represents a variety of subjects and are produced from a wide range of materials.
Rufus King Park features 24 pieces of multidisciplinary art in the exhibit Jamaica Flux: Workspaces & Windows 2007, presented by Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning. The exhibit is an expanded edition of their 2004 display. The display focuses on issues such as capitalism, technology and immigrant experiences. It will be on display until November 17.
The artists featured in the program apply for the chance to display their work in the park of their choice. While many artists select parks in Manhattan to gain prominence and general attention, the number of displays in the other boroughs has expanded over the years, Lootens said.
Arts in the Parks have featured many notable exhibits, including Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s “The Gates,” which was displayed in Central Park during February 2005.