Culture Guides: Sculpture Center
Located in a cavernous converted trolley repair center, SculptureCenter is NYC’s only contemporary art museum solely dedicated to sculpture. Artists featured in the program of temporary exhibitions range from internationally recognized stars to emerging local talent. After a multimillion-dollar renovation in 2014, it added a bookshop filled with quirky gifts and artbooks and a stunning exhibition space. The 1,500-square-foot enclosed courtyard for outdoor exhibitions is not to be missed. SculptureCenter’s annual exhibition program includes one or two commissioned programs by mid-career artists and three to six solo and group exhibitions. In addition, a series of free public programs and events features artist talks, film screenings and concerts.
INSIDE SCOOP!
Dorothea Denslow founded the “Clay Club” in 1928. Each summer between 1928 and 1939, fellow artists joined Denslow for mud-mixing, creating larger-than-life sculptures from natural clay. SculptureCenter moved in 2001 to the former trolley car repair depot of Derrick & Hoist Co. on Purves Street. It reinstated the mud mixers’ summer tradition in 2017 by welcoming the public to join local artists at its spacious exhibition space in shaping thousands of pounds of clay.
Getting There!
SUBWAY: M, N, W Trains to Queens Plaza
Find out more about the borough’s attractions at ItsInQueens.com
RESTAURANTS: A Few of Our Faves!
Just like in Milan or Florence, this trendy yet cozy espresso bar has limited seating, but they serve an espresso that is potent enough to keep you on your feet. Have a delicate pastry to sweeten the afternoon or a grilled panino to tide you over till dinner.
There’s a reason Burmese Bites was nominated for last year’s Vendys.Myo Lin Thway cooks up finger-lickin’ street food from his lime green truck parked at Court Square Plaza. It’s too delicious and affordable to skip.
For an inexpensive yet flavorful and filling meal in a casual setting with seating, try this cozy Indian canteen where homestyle classics such as tandoori shrimp and butter chicken are served from the back counter.
This round-the-clock classic Queens diner has been serving up platters to hungry patrons since 1946. Take a seat at a booth and revel at the retro interior as you sip an egg cream. Vintage Queens at its finest.
Dutch Kills has a great reputation—and it’s well-deserved. With a dark romantic interior and a focus on small-batch spirits, Dutch Kills is a cozy gem of a spot serving both the inventive and the classics.
French-Canadian chef Hugue Dufour’s quirky take on a chop shop serves unexpected, often deconstructed versions of steakhouse classics with an extensive wine menu to boot. Prices run high but the experience is worth it.
SculptureCenter | @sculturecenter
ItsInQueens.com | @itsinqueens
Etto Espresso | @ettoespressobar
Burmese Bites | @burmesebites
RAJ
Court Square Diner
Dutch Kills | @dutchkillsbar
M. Wells Steakhouse
