Photo: QueensPost
April 3, 2015 By Michael Florio
A Queens-based arts group will be taking over a vacant 47th Avenue store next week to showcase what people are prepared to do to be in love.
The store, located at 39-11 47th Avenue, has been vacant for more than six months and the organizers hope that the campaign will generate interest in the location, which will help the landlord find a new tenant.
Children from P.S. 206, in Rego Park, as well as nearby residents were asked: “What are you willing to do when you love someone?”
There were 15 responses that stood out, which will soon be displayed with hashtags in the store windows.
Some included: #MakeQualityTime, #SupportThem, #GiveBreakfastinBed , #RubFeet and #BuyJewlery.
The answers have been placed on several posters, which will be plastered on the windows and front door of the vacant store.
The idea was developed by RPGA Studio, a non-profit arts group based out of Long Island City. Yvonne Shortt, the executive director, said she reached out to the storeowner, who was very excited about the project.
The posters and artwork are being made using inexpensive painter’s paper to show that art does not have to be costly.
The group also created a 12-by-5 foot banner that poses the “What are you willing to do…” question– which will be displayed on the store, along with the phone number for those interested in renting the space.
“We want the community to think about what they are prepared to do when they love someone…and incorporate their thoughts into their action,” Shortt said. “It promotes good feelings and ideally, great actions.”
Once the art is installed on April 8th, Shortt said the property owner is likely to have the gates up from 9 am to 5 pm.
This is the first vacant store that RPGA has adopted in this fashion, Shortt said. She said the organization will be looking to do this with more vacant stores.
“We want to do this everywhere across Queens,” she said.
