Art Is All Around Returns With Two Art Installations, Lunchtime Concert Series

This week the Downtown Alliance’s Art Is All Around campaign returns with two newly installed interactive art pieces — “Optik” and “Roseaux” — plus, later this month, a free lunchtime concert series. The art will be on view through June 21, and the concerts will take place on Wednesdays at 12 p.m., beginning May 17.

“Optik,” on display at Cortlandt Way, was created by the Urban Conga in collaboration with Serge Maheu. It features 10 movable gyroscope-like rings, each producing its own sounds and a spectrum of reflective colors. Passersby can interact with the installation by rotating the rings to create ever-changing lights and tones.

“Roseaux,” located at 200 Water St., was created by 1ToMn in collaboration with UDO Design and Serge Maheu. This interactive installation of 15-foot illuminated reeds invites visitors to step onto the sensors to rhythmically propel a spectrum of colors. The reeds continuously emit gently pulsating lights and audible tones when a participant stands on the base.

New York-based musician and producer Svetlana Shmulyian is programming the weekly concert series — set at alternating locations between 200 Water St. and Cortlandt Way. The series seeks to delight the lunchtime crowd with interactive music and dance performances provided by a mix of some of the city’s most exciting jazz and blues bands. You can check out the concert series lineup here.