ArtWorks 2016 Beckons, Because Your Walls Are Begging For Gowanus Artist Love

If you could hear your apartment walls speak, here’s what they’d say:

“It’s time to infuse your home with amazing works from your talented Gowanus-based artists.”

And it’s a win-win situation:
Win One: You get to have that piece of art in your life.
Win Two: You benefit our extremely gifted art community.

ArtWorks 2016 is a benefit for Arts Gowanus which will take place Thursday, June 2 between 7pm-10pm at the Gowanus Loft (61 9th Street #C8, between 2nd Avenue and the Gowanus Canal).

While the art will be amazing, this is a vital opportunity to support Arts Gowanus, an organization whose mission is “to nurture the vibrant creativity in the Gowanus neighborhood, working for a thriving, supportive, and affordable creative community.”

So how do you get to choose which artwork you take home? Easy:

Each attendee picks a number when they enter, which determines the order that a guest will select from the works available. Arts Gowanus Executive Director Abby Subak tells us that there will be 75 pieces of art work — and she’s impressed with every one of them. “We only have works that I would put on my own wall,” says Subak.

This will be the second ArtWorks to take place. “Everyone was very happy with last year’s event,” says Subak. The 55 pieces of work were sold out during ArtWorks 2015, which took place at Site: Brooklyn.

And of course, food and drink will be had by all. Bombay Sapphire Gin is a sponsor and will be bringing their open bar along with them. (Keep in mind the event is for 21 and up).

In addition, local businesses are on board to provide all sorts of other refreshments. You’ll enjoy wine from Gowanus Wine Merchants, as well as appetizers by Runner & Stone, Lavender Lake, and Whole Foods.

And don’t forgot that you can make a contribution even if you can’t make the fundraiser.

George Del Barrio of Gowanus Loft is looking forward to having the event in the space. “I’m always humbled to have a hands-on role in the movement this generation is bringing to Gowanus,” he says, “And all of us at the Loft are deeply committed to our community — and the incredibly special artists and creators that populate it.”

The last year has been particularly challenging to the artists in the neighborhood. Last October, a protest took place in response to the evictions of artists from their studios. At the time, Subak specified that the buildings affected are “but not limited to 94 9th Street, 98 9th Street, 75 10th Street, 75A 10th Street, and 112 2nd Avenue.”

“One-night pop-ups have a very unique kind of energy,” adds Del Barrio. “You’re there, or you’re not. And we’re going to be careful and deliberate in creating an affair to remember. I’m excited to see the art fly off the walls.”

The Fundraiser Rundown: ArtWorks 2016 – A Benefit for Arts Gowanus
When: Thursday, June 2 between 7pm-10pm
Where: Gowanus Loft, 61 9th Street #C8 (between 2nd Avenue and the Gowanus Canal.
How much: Purchase tickets online here. $250 Individual Ticket: Includes entrance to event for ONE and ONE piece of original artwork; $300 Couples Ticket: Includes entrance to event for TWO and ONE piece of original artwork.
Good to know: Tickets are going fast, so make your purchase quickly! Keep in mind the event is for 21 and up. And don’t forgot that you can make a contribution even if you can’t make the fundraiser.