Dec. 13, 2016 Staff Report
The Ramones and Billie Jean King won’t be the only notable figures to be immortalized by murals in Forest Hills.
Michael Perlman, local historian and author of “Legendary Locals of Forest Hills and Rego Park,” has taken it upon himself to begin a series of fundraising events to cover the costs of erecting a mural that will showcase this neighborhood’s historic local figures and scenes. The mural will be displayed in the “heart of Forest Hills,” he said.
Insisting that the artists involved would like to keep details of the project — such as the location — a surprise until spring, Perlman hinted that “the mural will in part be an ode to the ‘Whitepot’ days,” which used to be the name of the land that Forest Hills currently rests on, until the land was purchased and renamed in 1906.
“It will have Civil War roots, and feature between five and seven notables such as early architects, developers, and farmers,” Perlman said. “It will also include historic scenes such as a bird’s-eye view of farmland and buildings which were demolished long ago.”
Perlman hopes to raise $4,000, which will help him secure permits and supplies, such as high-quality paint and primer.
Ridgewood Savings Bank, London Lennie’s and Exo Cafe have each contributed funds for the project, with a series of other local businesses in talks with Perlman to help the group reach their goal.
This past Sunday, a fundraiser was held at Knish Nosh, located at 98-104 Queens Blvd., between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm. For a suggested donation of $50, about a dozen visitors received a “mystery” gift card from Century 21 department store valued between $5 and $500, as well as a holiday wreath valued at approximately $40.
Illustrations by John Stanisci
By the end of the event, the fundraising goal of $4,000 had not been reached. Perlman, however, is planning a second fundraiser with the help of New York Times Bestselling Graphic Artist John Stanisci.
Stanisci, a Forest Hills resident, is best known for his work in Marvel and DC comics featuring Batman, Superman, and Spider-Man to name a few. In 2011, Stanisci’s illustrations in “Batman Beyond: Hush Beyond” helped place the book at #1 on the New York Times Bestseller list of graphic novels.
This second round of fundraising will be held at Roast N’ Co on Wednesday December 21st, at 100-12 Queens Blvd., where between 6:00 pm and 10:00 pm Stanisci will be selling signed prints of his work. Half the sales proceeds will go toward funding the new mural.
Individual donors who contribute a suggested amount of $50 (businesses, a suggested amount of $500) before December 31st will still be eligible to receive one of the gift cards offered by Century 21, as well as a holiday wreath while supplies last.
Donations can be arranged with Michael Perlman by e-mailing: unlockthevault@hotmail.com
Photo from first fundraiser (Left to right: Michael Perlman, Linda Perlman, Chef Ana Vasilescu, local residents Alicia Venezia and Stephen Melnick)
