By Tammy Scileppi
Kew Gardens Community Arts Day took over the neighborhood last Sunday with an afternoon of creativity, connections and collaboration.
Organized by Carol Lacks and business owner Grace Anker, with help from area artists, the event showcased artworks in nearly every genre, including pottery, knitted and crocheted items and painting.
“The event was a lot of fun and helped people appreciate how lovely the neighborhood is. It also brought together the talented, creative artists in Queens,” said Anker, whose Empty Bowls fund-raiser helps artists and art students. “We hope to further expand the scope of this successful event. The Kew Gardens community look forward to making a difference for our neighbors in need.”
The day was truly all about art.
Local businesses like Austin’s Ale House, Odradeks, Comic Den, Homestead Gourmet and Potter’s Wheel, the local pottery studio, offered special items and discounts throughout the day.
“It was a beautiful fall day, and a great experience enjoying all the local artists,” said painter Susan Sendek. “I find it inspiring that there is a wide array of artist talent hidden inside the apartments and homes in Kew Gardens.”
Sendek said she had not expected to sell so many of her paintings during the event.
“It is very complimentary and exciting for me,” she said. “I thank Carol Lacks and all members of the art coordination team for preparing for such a wonderful event.”
Another artisan, Joanne Nichols, showcased her jewelry at the fair. She had moved to Kew Gardens a couple of years ago.
“In just the past two years, I am so much more a part of this community than I ever was in Long Island City,” she said. “I wanted to participate, obviously to sell my jewelry, but also to mix with other local artists — some I knew and some I just met. There are many challenges that face a small, independent artist and the art fair gave us a chance to touch base.”
For Lacks, a quote from Pablo Picasso written on a sign and hung in a store window seems to sum it all up.
“Art washes from the soul the dust of everyday life.”
