LIC Arts Open
May 16, 2019 By Shane O’Brien
This weekend the Long Island City Arts Open will be in full swing for the ninth successive year in celebration of the neighborhood’s most talented artists.
Taking place across multiple venues, scores of galleries will be open to the public this weekend, where residents can view art, converse with dozens of artists and get a feel for their lifestyle.
This year’s LIC Arts Open is organized by a group of volunteers whose aim is to shine a light on those who keep the cultural heart of the area alive and vibrant.
The four-day festival began on May 15, but most artist studios will only be open this weekend starting at noon.
Kicking off the “open studios” segment of the festival will be ‘Ars Longa, Vita Brevis’ at 43-01 21st St., featuring artists from multiple mediums including painting, photography, sculpture and installations. This exhibition takes place on Friday, May 17 from 6 p.m. -9 p.m. and will be open to visitors this weekend.
This year’s festival will see the continued relationship between Long Island City-based artists and the plastics manufacturing company Plaxall. Works of art, which will be showcased at the Plaxall Gallery, will include items created using a process called thermoforming, a process invented by the company’s found Louis Pfohl.
The Plaxall Gallery, located at 5-25 46th Ave., will also play host to an event Saturday night which will be accompanied by live music and performances on the main stage. The event will take place from 9.30-11 p.m. and there will be food and drinks on offer.
For more information on the festival, visit the LIC Arts Open website.
