QMAil: April 2007

Jump to: |EVENTS| 

As the weather warms up and Flushing Meadows Corona Park begins to bloom, the QMA is also blossoming anew. Two perennials - the Jewish Culture Fest and Immigrant History Week - bring with them the type of unique programming that you've come to expect from us: poetry and a special LGBT film fest paired with a Middle Eastern musical performance and film on Holocaust survivors for the first, and a poignant exhibition, with musical performance and art-making workshops for the second. Also this month, we introduce “The Panorama Challenge,” a fun night of trivia, music and prizes all utilizing your knowledge of New York, and our trademark Panorama. This is one not to be missed. On the exhibition side of life, we invite you to take a look at the world around you on so many levels: Robert Moses and the Modern City begs you to look at the legacy of this singular city builder; Macro to Micro: Grimshaw in New York presents the work of this British architecture firm in the context of their important NYC-based projects (including the expansion of the QMA), and Lillian Ball: GO ECO looks beyond the built environment to draw attention to the impact of mankind on our wetlands. So, as you begin to plan your spring leisure time, I think you might find a few things at the QMA that will pique your interest. See you soon.

April masthead: Rotunda, Riverside Park, Manhattan, c. 1937. Photograph by Samuel Gottscho. Museum of the City of New York, Gottscho Collection, 30346.

CURRENT EXHIBITIONS

Macro to Micro: Grimshaw in New York

Through May 27, 2007

Macro to Micro: Grimshaw in New York presents the body of groundbreaking projects completed by this pioneering architecture firm in the past 25 years. Macro to Micro features the newest work being produced by Grimshaw's New York office, including the plans for the highly-anticipated expansion of the Queens Museum of Art. Recent work on the Experimental Media & Performing Arts Center in Troy, New York, the Fulton Street Transit Center in Manhattan and the Museo del Acero (Museum of Steel) in Monterrey, Mexico will be shown in conjunction with the complete array of new street furniture for New York - bus shelters, public restrooms and newsstands. Fusion, one of Grimshaw's featured exhibits, demonstrates the fluidity between architecture and industrial design. Typically used to transport design materials, the flight cases used in Fusion double as the exhibition itself. Open for public display, the cases reveal the graphics, photographs and castings used in the production process of anything from a building skin to signage. In accordance with this mission to “demystify the process by which a Grimshaw building is designed and constructed,” Macro to Micro offers intimate access into the creative process of an exceedingly dynamic organization. This multi-media exploration will incorporate building elements, drawings, video, images, models and computer generated graphics. Everyone from the novice to the seasoned designer is encouraged to interact with this multifaceted showcase.

Robert Moses and the Modern City: The Road to Recreation

Through May 27, 2007

Our watchword should be that we found our city a wilderness of stone and steel, crowded and inaccessible, and that we opened it to light and air, planted with the green of parks and the laughter of playgrounds, and carved out wide spokes of rims for parkways and expressways to make the city and country one. -Robert Moses

Robert Moses (1888-1981) had a greater impact on the physical character of New York City than any other individual, and given how the process of city building has changed since his time - in response to his controversial methods - it is unlikely anyone will match him in the future. Robert Moses and the Modern City is the first comprehensive exhibition about the vast program of public works he executed as New York's master builder from 1934, when he became Commissioner of Parks, to 1968, when he was ousted from power. The exhibition is organized in three, thematic parts that highlight Moses's strategies and transformation of the city. He built miles of roadway, awesome bridges, every sort of recreational facility - parks, playgrounds, beaches, pools - a convention center, and in a career-ending crescendo, he set in motion one of the nation's largest slum clearance-urban renewal programs.

Moses began his drive to modernize the city by building recreational facilities and roads. Robert Moses and the Modern City: The Road to Recreation presents the beaches, pools, playgrounds, parks and highways that Moses built in the 1930s. They constitute one of the most remarkable and most rapid expansions of the public realm in the history of American urbanism. In a mere decade, Moses restored New York's neglected waterfront with white sand beaches, inserted hundreds of playgrounds into the five boroughs, and connected the city with majestic bridges and landscaped parkways. Never before seen historic docuemnts, models, photographs and drawings join a series of contemproary large-scale photographs by artist Andrew Moore to bring this examination of Moses' legacy to life.

The Road to Recreation joins Remaking the Metropolis at the Museum of the City of New York and Slum Clearance and the Superblock Solution at the Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Art Gallery at Columbia University to form Robert Moses and the Modern City, the first comprehensive exhibition of Robert Moses's unprecedented public works. Please note: Paid admission to any one venue entitles complemetary entrance to the other two.

Robert Moses and the Modern City: The Road to Recreation at the Queens Museum of Art is made possible with funding by the National Endowment for the Arts, the New York State Council on the Arts, Furthermore: a program of the J. M. Kaplan Fund, and the Graham Foundation for Advanced Studies in the Fine Arts.

More information is available here.

Lillian Ball: GO ECO

Through May 27, 2007

GO ECO is an interactive installation that illuminates the different perspectives of several participants involved in a wetland preservation project. The concept is metaphorically based on the ancient Asian game of Go, (originally, one of the Four Arts of China along with music, painting, and poetry) which uses strategies to capture territory through balancing tactics. GO ECO also functions as an informational "serious game" installation of video vignettes. Digitally manipulated images with sound are projected in quadrants on the screen to lead players through to the next move. The final outcome of the game is determined by the teamwork of players making their way toward a solution that enables all sides to win or to lose together. GO ECO allows players of many ages to be empowered and to learn about the issues through an art experience that maps paths of action.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Opening Reception for “ID” by Local Project Exhibition for Immigrant History Week 2007

Wednesday, April 4, 6:30 - 8:30 pm

A small reception next to the community gallery and in the small theater for “ID” (on view April 4 - 22, 2007), an art exhibition to be used as a tool for discussion around the confrontation of identity within a New York City environment of old and new immigrants and identities – envisioned and expressed by the Local Project artist collective. The exhibition and related events will explore issues of identity in a new territory as experienced by contemporary immigrant artists living and practicing in Queens.
Sponsored by the Mayor's Office on Immigrant Affairs. Trolley service will be provided between QMA and the Shea Stadium subway stop from 6 to 9 pm.

The Panorama Challenge – The Geography Trivia Event of the Year!

Saturday, April 7, 6 - 8 pm

Think you know New York? Get out your binoculars, grab your friends, and head out to the Queens Museum of Art for an interactive game challenge at the newly-refurbished Panorama of the City of New York. The Panorama Challenge pits teams against one another for prizes and prestige. Directed by laser-wielding Game Controllers, teams will identify landmarks, parks, neighborhoods, bridges, and more from the Panorama's almost one million structures. Individuals as well as groups are welcome to participate. The Panorama Challenge was created and produced by Levy's Unique New York!, NY's first family of tour guides, performers, and event impresarios.
$25, includes two free drinks and chance to win prizes. For advance tickets and more info contact City Reliquary or via email, or phone 718-RU-CIVIC. Free trolley provided between Shea Stadium 7 Train Stop & QMA from 5:30 - 8:30 pm.

Note: Sundays, April 29 & May 27, 5 - 6 pm - easier Family Fun Panorama challenges will be held immediately after open gallery hours.
$5 Tickets at QMA info desk on the day of event, no advance RSVP required. Free trolley between Shea Stadium 7 Train Stop & QMA from 2 - 6:30 pm.

CINEMAROSA: Queens Only Queer Film Series & QMA Jewish Cultural Fest 07 presents “Queer Heebs: Portraits of Gay & lesbian Jews in the USA and abroad”

Sunday, April 15, 3 - 6 pm

Special Short Poetry Performance by Corie Feiner
Called "wonderful" by The New York Times, and "captivating," by Backstage Magazine, Corie Feiner was recently featured on NY1 news for winning the "Vent Your Inspiration" Subway Poetry Contest. You can reach her through her web site.

BUBBEH LEE & ME (Andy Abrahams Wilson, USA, 1996, 35 min.)
This Emmy-nominated documentary is a hilarious portrait of an extraordinary, ordinary Jewish grandmother and a touching account of her grandson's search for his place in the world. For her filmmaker grandson, a young gay man born to a Jewish mother and Protestant father, 87-year old Bubbeh Lee is a vital link to self, cultural identity, and unconditional love and acceptance.

A DIFFERENT WAR (Nadav Gal, Israel, 2003, 15 min.)
Set in Jerusalem during the Intifada, Nuni, a 4th grade student from the Gilo frontier neighborhood has been chosen to play King David in the end-of-year school play. Deep down he longs to play the role of a dancing princess instead.

MY SISTER, MY BRIDE (Bonnie Burt, USA, 2004, 26 min.)
This touching documentary follows the heartwarming and historic journey of two Jewish lesbians as they seek to celebrate their commitment to one another. The women put their own personal twist on a Jewish affirmation ceremony by creating their own: a B'rit Ahuvah and get married in San Francisco two years later.

The screening is followed by light refreshments. Visit Cinemarosa's website for more info.

“ID” Family Workshop

Friday, April 20, 3 - 7 pm

“ID” examines issues of immigration within the urban melting pot of New York City. Join us for an afternoon of family-friendly activities which will include making art projects based on the exhibition.

Documentary Screening & Discussion

Saturday, April 21, 3 - 5 pm

SENTENCED HOME (David Grabias, Nicole Newnham, USA 2005, Color Video, English & Khmer with English ST, 76 min.)
Brought up as Americans in inner-city projects near Seattle, three young Cambodian men each made a rash decision in their teen years that irrevocably shaped their destiny. Now, years later, they are unwillingly being deported back to Cambodia and find themselves caught between a tragic past and an uncertain future.
Followed by discussion with Many Uch, one of the subjects of the film. Co-presented with Breakthrough: Building Human Rights Culture.

Immigrant History Week Exhibition “ID” & Events with Local Project; Closing Celebration : Musical Performance & Panel Discussion

Sunday, April 22, 2 - 7 pm

2 - 4 pm Art-making Workshop
A family activity on the creation of a city in which participants construct a model of their home using shapes and colors that relate to their personal identity.

4 - 5 pm Panel Discussion
A panel discussion moderated and presented by Carlos Rovelo will include other guest speakers discussing immigration and art. Rovelo's research focuses on the visual aspect and representation of the immigrant subject, including painting, sculpture and photography, as well as ephemeral art. Rovelo will present art that relates to the immigration phenomenon viewed from the perspectives of the immigrants and those who are left behind in the home country.

5 - 7 pm Live Music Performance
Green Supreme mixes reggae, rock, ska, dub, cumbia, and punk into a fresh urban New York sound. The lyrics deal with each member's everyday experiences as immigrants and residents of New York City.

Jewish Culture Fest 07 Screening + Performances

Sunday, April 22, 2 - 5 pm

2 pm VOICES OF CHILDREN (Zuzana Justman, video, 56 min.)
The Emmy-winning story of three people imprisoned as children in Terezin, a WWII Nazi concentration camp for Central European Jews, many of whom were eventually shipped to Auschwitz. The filmmaker, herself spent two years in Terezin, so her profile of the survivors and their experiences conveys an unusually personal quality. Interviews are blended with excerpts from diaries and drawings from wartime years.
Followed by Q&A with filmmaker.

3:30 pm Live Music Performance
Divahn, a word common to Hebrew, Persian, and Arabic, means a collection of songs or poetry. Through its music, Divahn seeks to underscore common ground shared between diverse Middle Eastern cultures and religions. The group captures the breadth and diversity of Mizrakhi (Jewish music from the Middle East and North Africa) and Sephardi music throughout the centuries, infusing traditional songs with sophisticated harmonies and arrangements using tabla, cello, rabel, doumbek, violin and other acoustic instruments, plus vocals in Hebrew, Judeo-Spanish, Persian, Arabic, Aramaic and Turkish.

Walking Tour of World's Fair Architecture

Saturday, April 28, 2 - 4 pm

Learn about the history and architectural details of many of the existing structures from the World Fair, including the Unisphere, NY Hall of Science, NY State Pavillion, and Terrace on the Park. Led by John Kriskiewicz, architectural historian, Lecturer at Municipal Art Society, The Cooper-Hewitt and The Cooper Union on the development of New York City and metropolitan area architecture and planning. BArch., Pratt Institute.
Free, No RSVP's Required. Meet outside the Gift Shop.

“Poetic Legacy”

Sunday, April 29, 3 - 5 pm

“Poetic Legacy” is a multimedia presentation showcasing diverse female poets from Queens and Brooklyn. This eclectic group of women will be sharing their powerful free verse and spoken word poetry inspired by the everyday and the extraordinary, spanning the joy of motherhood to the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina. Poets include Frieda H., Phyllis Dean, Christine Wilborne and many more.

Family Fun Panorama Challenge

Sunday, April 29, 5 - 6 pm

The Geography Trivia Event of the Year! Panorama challenges will be held immediately after open gallery hours. Think you know New York?
$5 Tickets at QMA info desk on the day of event, no advance RSVP required. Free trolley between Shea Stadium 7 Train Stop & QMA from 2 - 6:30 pm.

FOR SENIORS

THE FILM SERIES - Patriots and Traitors

When are heroes less than noble, and "traitors" really "patriots"? What are thetensions between national allegiance and personal integrity? What kinds of people transcend self-interest for a cause? Join Mark Ethan and see ten films that are sure to spark lively discussion. Films obtained courtesy of Columbia University's Film Division.
Mondays, 2 pm, Free.

Deceptive Heroes
April 16 - The Great Dictator (1940) starring Charlie Chaplin
April 23 - The Nasty Girl (1990; Germany) starring Lena Stolze
April 30 - A Self-Made Hero (1996; France) starring Matthieu Kassovitz and Jean-Louis Trintignant

THE LOOKING SERIES - Looking at Special Exhibitions in New York

In this series of slide talks we focus on special shows that are on view at major New York museums and galleries during the 2007 season. In each case, we consider the artists involved, the movements to which they relate and the general context in which they work. The idea is to prepare the viewer for a comfortably informed interaction with the show, its ideas and the work within it. The Looking Series is organized by Miriam Brumer, former QMA Coordinator of Adult Programs and an artist who recently exhibited at Skoto Gallery, New York.
Thursdays, 2 - 3:30 pm, $5 per session, free for members.

March 15 - Spanish Painting: El Greco to Picasso
April 12 - Robert Moses and the Modern City: The Road to Recreation, on view at the Queens Museum of Art through May 27th 2007
April 19 - Private Treasures: Four Centuries of European Master Drawings, The Morgan Library and Museum, on view through April 2007
April 26 - Two Gallery Exhibitions: Philip Pearlstein at Betty Cunningham, April 2007 and Joan Mitchell at Cheim & Reid, on view through June 2007

Back to the top...