“Art Above the Mantel” Offers New Take on the Classic Holiday Window

This holiday season, Lower Manhattan is getting a festive dash of color and cheer. The Downtown Alliance has partnered with Art on the Ave NYC for “Art Above the Mantel,” a six-week stretch of holiday-themed visual art installations and events taking place in empty storefronts along the Nassau Street corridor in Lower Manhattan.

Starting on Small Business Saturday on November 25, participating storefronts will be converted into a white box containing a fireplace mantel — a symbol of warmth, home and holidays that an artist will design to their own unique style. If you’re walking down Nassau, you’ll be able to view the signature mantelpieces, along with other artist-designed pieces, from the sidewalk. (If you like what you see, note that featured art will also be available for purchase.)

You’ll be able to spot “Art Above the Mantel” pieces at 72 Nassau St., 80 Nassau St., 25 John St., 33 Maiden Ln. and two spaces at 28 Liberty St. And if that’s not enough holiday cheer for you, the Alliance and Art on the Ave NYC will pair the installations with a series of events offering creative activities and opportunities for holiday cheer in unexpected places. Events will take place on Wednesdays from 4 to 7 p.m. and on Saturdays from 1 to 4 p.m. from November 25 to December 23, with activities including live painting, musical performances and holiday markets.

Saturday events include the following, with each taking place at 33 Maiden Ln.:

• December 2: Paint by Number Mural: A collaborative painting activity based on the design of a local artist.
• December 9: Storytime Above the Mantel: Artist and author Amir Diop reads his children’s story, “Lionel the Lying Lion,” featuring AR where Lionel comes to life. Hot chocolate will be served.
• December 16: Holiday Singalong: Church Street School of Music will lead a holiday sing along around the Sing for Hope piano.  

“Art Above the Mantel” runs through the end of December; stay tuned for more info on related events and activities in the weeks to come.