Tags archives: Art

  • New York City Non Profit to host Michael Alan’s “Living Installation” Friday, November 9th at ABC NORIO Art for Progress (AFP), a NYC 501C (3) nonprofit, is proud to announce its hosting artist Michael Alan’s “Living Installation, Family Misfit Healing” on Friday, November 9th   at ABC NORIO in NYC’s Lower East Side. The epic art performance piece which has been featured in The Huffington Post, Marie Claire, Gothamist, Hyperallergic and many others, is the creative genius of artist Michael Alan. As described by Alan, The Living Installation Project is a human activist art mission. The main goal is reinforcing that humans are living installations by creating a space for people to open up, come together and are all equal through the process of creating art. After 8 years of creating performance art, Michael Alan was recently severely injured and suffered major spinal damage as well as a concussion. His injuries have affected his ability to walk and perform. Despite his physical challenges, the Living Installation Project will return November 9th @ ABC NORIO for a special 8 hour healing show. Family Misfit Healing: No matter how different and odd we all might be we all have the power to heal. Alan while healing after intense spinal surgery will team up with 7 performers to create a world based on acceptance and growth. A strong dynamic family portrait will be born, created from scratch. The 8 hour mega show, a true experience/happening, will be an escape where guests can d[...]
  • Mixed Greens returns this month with a new date, but you can expect the same fresh, diverse music, brilliant performance art and thought-provoking video installations you've come to expect at AFP events.  Plus,  The Paper Box is in the coolest neighborhood in Brooklyn and the tacos can't be beat! What more can you ask for on a Saturday night? Our original opening band for the evening, The Disappointment have another commitment, but El Pueblo has been added to the ticket.  They're a fantastic reggae, dub band (latin and jazz influences) who are known for their powerful performances.  We are sure El Pueblo will get the night started properly. Not walking the line between na trapeze, epic-symphonica, and electropunk, the music duo Muj is a mish-mash of musical styles.  In their performances, they are known for playful improvisations and unexpected intense instrumentations. Muj segues seamlessly from ferocious, soaring guitar jams to moving melodic departures. They are now working on a feature-length documentary including an original soundtrack. When The Coffin Daggers take the stage, get ready for an all out assault on your senses. A staple on the New York live music scene,  The Coffin Daggers forge a new sound that will both overwhelm and delight the senses. The NY based surf-punk, instrumental rock band has released a full length album  and two singles to critical acclaim. The super-talented, creative, architect, performance artist Caridad Sola has rightfully become the r[...]
  • Saturdays late press and artist information.. Morning Fuzz: In 2011, the Brooklyn based band released their second EP titled, "Shadows in the Rearview" to rave reviews.  They recently performed at Spike Hill and have some dates coming up next month in the midwest. Thunda Vida: With four original albums released since the band formed in 2006, Thunda Vida has been bringing roots reggae to the masses across NYC for over 5 years. Mariami: She's been featured by Indie Music Universe and recognized by Skope Magazine as an "Artist to Watch."  The Georgian born soul, R&B, jazz artist Mariami, immigrated to NYC with her family when she was 7 years old. Caridad Sola: The Cuban-American multi-media visual artist has performed at several AFP events over the past year including Fountain Art Fair, Miami and New York as well as the "Brooklyn Beat Festival" in June.  Although you never quite know what to expect, Caridad always leaves you wanting more. Sindy Butz:  Sindy is a Berlin based visual and performance artist currently residing in New York City. Sindy likes to create discourse between fashion, science and technology in her conceptual work. Cat Del Buono: The daughter of Italian immigrants, Cat is a video installation artist  whose work focuses on how society defines beauty. She incorporates performance, interactive video, and humor as a way to engage her viewers. Andy Slate: Andy is a highly praised DJ/Producer currently residing in Miami Beach, Florida. His recent product[...]
  • Join Art for Progress on Saturday, July 21st featuring live music from Morning Fuzz, Thunda Vida and Mariami, performance art from Caridad Sola and Sindy Butz a video installation from Cat Del Buono DJ sets from Gatto and special guest Andy Slate more details coming soon! Doors 8pm. Music 9pm-2am. Cover $8 The Paper Box, 17 Meadow Street, Brooklyn, NY Directions:L train to Grand Street Stop (4 blocks from the subway)
  • Day 2 As we arrived on Saturday, we found our friend Gilf in the early stages of her impressive  Wall(Russ) mural in the art garden. We're so thankful for her hard work, as she completed the mural in about 6 hours! Saturday's musical festivities began with a set from DJ Jago. Jago is a young man who we've had the pleasure of seeing develop over the last few years after he won AFP's Clash of the Artists competitions at age 13.  Jake has developed a  forward, high energy sound that appeals to anyone who likes to shake it on the dance floor. Taking the stage around 7:30pm, Minnie and Aya delivered our first live music performance of the day, and they did not disappoint.  Their smooth, soulful sounds were the perfect start to a great night of music.  Next up, was long-time friend of AFP and talented DJ Sal Leone. Sal treated our guests to a mix of deep and classic grooves as we got ready for Lachi and Meridian Gold to perform.  In the art garden, Caridad Sola was preparing for her performance piece, "Deliver us from Eve-Il" which morphs the urban legend of razor blades in apples with the story of the forbidden fruit and original sin.  Caridad has a way of enticing people into her world, and then completely turning the tables on what's expected.  Sherri Aliberti's "Green Cocoon" performance piece was also a crowd pleaser, while Iliana Quander's interactive "Trash Couture" installation involved some unexpected additions. We'll just say that the takers likely puffed away as they st[...]
  • Art For Progress is gearing up for an exciting weekend of music, art, film and fashion! The action will all go down in East Williamsburg at Paper Box. The festival will coincide with Bushwick Open Studios, so don't miss it. A few of the confirmed live musical acts are Lachi & Meridian Gold,  Comandante Zero, Push Method, Argotec, Redheadphone, and Inky Glass. Jon Samson of CoCreative Music will perform a special set for kids of all ages on Sunday. Confirmed DJs are Brooklyn fave, Punches, Jeannie Hopper (Liquid Sound Lounge), Kervyn Mark (Melting Pot), Bruce Tantum (Time Out NY), Gatto, Jimmy Sky, Bass Control, Brett from Boundless, DJ Jago and Sal Leone. Gashouse Films will host an intriguing selection of films Sunday evening, while artist Caridad Sola  curates performance art for the weekend festivities. AFP will transform the outdoor space at Paper Box into a garden of art installations from artists Max Greis, Jeanne Wilkinson and others. Additionally, fashion designers Iliana Quander, Tom Sohung, Paula Collins, Alicia P, Akilah Stewart of Sweet-n-Salty, and Allyson Jacobs will bring design to life with interactive fashion installations. Artists and other details are still being confirmed. Check back soon for more details!
  • It was a cold, Wednesday night in New York City, and I was an hour late for an art opening. Finally, I met up with my friend who was patiently waiting for me at a hotel on the upper west side holding a small exhibition for a local artist. After walking around, starring and pointing out pieces we liked, I decided to engage in the common dialogue when I usually attend exhibitions. And this is how the conversation started: Me: I'm not really drawn towards to abstract art. What do you think about the artwork? Friend: (long pause) How do you critique art? Do you look at the skill or craftsmanship? Who decides what is art and what isn't? I sat there for a few minutes dumbfounded, asking myself the same questions. It was such a simple question-how do you critique art? Being an art critic I should have a straightforward list of how to analyze art for outsiders. I was at a lost of words. My response, "I suppose you do, but whenever I look at art I search for the message or meaning within it. Just say what you like and don't like about the artworks-color, composition, anything." From there opinions started pouring out. It sparked dialogue. Aroused the imagination. But the last question asked "who decides what is or is not considered art" is one that I've been fighting to answer. Sure there are different factors--culture, social movements, gender and political issues, etc.--that steer what fills the blank walls of large museum institutions, but there are so many artists and limite[...]
  • Miami Art Basel is this weekend and, as promised below is the update about Art For Progress and Fountain Art Fair exhibit. Rounding up the art-infused session from Friday, December 2 through Sunday, December 4, let's celebrate: Please join us again for the Fountain Art Fair closing party, smART, on Sunday, December 4th, 7-10:30pm. APF is proud to produce this special event, where we will bring you the best and brightest in fashion, performance art, music, and film! If you're in Miami for the Art Basel, you don't want to miss the exhibit and event! -Heather Liggins
  • Possessed of a scrappy, youthful verve lacking in its more prestigious neighbors… Fountain was distinguished by a vintage street/self-taught aesthetic… —ArtForum Mark your calendars! In less than a month, Art For Progress is going to be part of the highly anticipated Art Basel Miami participating in the Fountain Art Fair, "the installation-based exhibition of avant-garde galleries and art collectives," from December 1st-4th. Last year, the Fountain Art Fair celebrated it's 5th year anniversary featuring musicians No Age, G. Love, Ninjasonik, and many more amazing artists alongside. In closing to the art-packed weekend, AFP is hosting a party on December 4th at The Vagabond in Miami. The party will be a mash-up of art and music. With films curated by Daniel Maldonado, a fashion show featuring Lila Nikole's swimwear collection, and funky beats dropped by Gatto, this party is one not to miss! Keep up with AFP, as we will share more details about Miami Art Basel. -Heather Liggins