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A Yellow House Turns 127 in 2017
With the Island closed to the public until May, we’ll take a look at some of the history of Governors Island. Nolan Park is the gem of the Historic District. While Quarters 1, the 1843 Commanding Officer’s Quarters, gets most of the attention for its architectural flair, I’m drawn to the fifteen yellow homes. This is the former officer family housing, built between 1845 and 1902. It’s mind boggling to think how many military families lived in these homes going back to when President John Tyler was in office. Before we study Quarters 19, here is a walk through the history of this part of the island. Originally, the east…
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Barbecue Grills Come to Island
If you are a fan of standing in front of a hot grill with a pair of tongs in one hand and a fork in the other, Governors Island is going to be a little better for you this summer. Last week The Trust for Governors Island announced that for the first time barbecue grills will be available to reserve on the Island. The Trust will have six new grills available that must be reserved in advance. Last year the Picnic Gathering program was launched to reserve picnic tables; now there are grills to go with them. The reservation even gets you a sweet classic Radio Flyer wagon to haul…
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Brooklyn ARTery Brings Local Artisans & Activities to Nolan Park
The arts are represented well on Governors Island, but one special place not to miss is the Brooklyn ARTery. This is where artists from around the world have handmade items on display and for sale, but also where free DIY classes and events are held for all. The group prides itself on having items from local artists and fair trade artisans worldwide. Brooklyn ARTery is in Building 10, an 1878 house built for an officer and his family, on the end of Nolan Park. It is open Saturdays and Sundays, 11 AM to 5 PM, but will stay until 6 if it’s busy. Their online calendar lists special events. We…
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Explore Art Kibbutz in Nolan Park on Sundays
Tucked into Building 6 in Nolan Park, a former Army officers’ quarters built in 1878, is Art Kibbutz. This is the only Jewish arts organization on the island, and it is presenting unique programming that is free and open to the public to view on Sundays. What is the history of Art Kibbutz and how did it start? Art Kibbutz is an international Jewish artist residency, community of 500+ artists and hub. Our mission is to foster global arts conversation and exchange among artists of exceptional talent in an inspiring and peaceful space to work, learn, and seriously explore the rich heritage of Jewish experience that informs their creative process.…
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Sculptors Guild Returns to Nolan Park
Fifth in a Series. Ever since Governors Island opened to the public in 2003, art has been very important to the former military base. It’s been an exciting destination for fans of modern and contemporary art to see the numerous outdoor and indoor pieces. The Sculptors Guild is among those organizations that participates by setting up in Nolan Park. They are located in Building 15, formerly officer’s quarters built in 1878. The exhibit is open Saturdays, Sundays and Holiday Mondays 12-5. We got the information on what is on view for 2015 from Michael Wolf. He said that the opening reception is this Saturday, June 6, 2-5pm. There should be…
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Writing On It All Returns to Put Words on Walls
Fourth in a Series Nolan Park welcomes back Writing On It All for another season on Governors Island. A unique program where writers write directly on the walls of a house, this one-of-a-kind public session is free and open to all. It is in Building 8, officers’ quarters built in 1878. Sessions are held each Saturday and Sunday in June. All open sessions begin at 1pm. The house will remain open for an hour after each session, 3-4 PM. We asked the organizations project manager, Zina Goodall, a few questions about the 2015 season. What is the history of Writing On It All and how did it start? Writing On…
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Lost Amusement Parks of New York City Opens May 24
Empire Historic Arts is back on Governors Island with a new exhibit that will run May 24-September 27 (Saturdays and Sundays). “Lost Amusement Parks of New York City” Building 20B in Nolan Park An installation of ephemera and artifacts from a bygone era of New York’s amusement parks. For more information, visit their site and their Facebook page. Previously Empire Historic Arts exhibited “Tattered and Torn” on Governors Island.
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Annual Family Festival on Sunday, May 24
The Governors Island Alliance has announced the activities for for the 11th Annual Family Festival on Governors Island. Date: Sunday, May 24th Time: Noon-4pm Place: Nolan Park The Family Festival will kick off an exciting summer of programming on Governors Island. This year’s festival will explore the intersection between the environment, conservation, sustainability, and art. Highlights include: Arm of the Sea Theater Arts in Action Visual Art Program Live music with Astrograss The Central Park Zoo Wildlife Theater Rides on the Homespun Merry-Go-Round Theatrical performances by Story Pirates With FREE activities by: Earth Matter The Trust for Governors Island Lisa Abbatomarco OgoSport GrowNYC NY Aquarium Children’s Museum of the Arts…
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OutdoorFest Adventures Day May 30 in Nolan Park
Bring your yoga mat, sneakers and frisbee for a fun (and fit) afternoon. OutdoorFest Adventures Day is Saturday, May 30, 2:00-5:00 pm, in Nolan Park. OutdoorFest is bringing FREE outdoor adventure to Governors Island. It begins with yoga, followed by outdoor fitness classes, field day games, and wilderness skills demos. There will be a group run, bike rides, boot camp, and outdoor skills classes. The partners are: Pop Up Yoga NYC: OutdoorFest’s Official Yoga Partner, Pop Up Yoga brings yoga to urban spaces. Live life better, stronger, and happier. The Rise: An on-going fitness boot camp dedicated to transforming participants from fitness beginners to all-out warriors. You don’t have to…
