Downtown Alliance Partners With Art on the Ave NYC for “Art Above the Mantel”

11/16/2023
Downtown Alliance Partners With Art on the Ave NYC for “Art Above the Mantel”

This upcoming holiday season, the Alliance for Downtown New York will partner with Art on the Ave NYC for “Art Above the Mantel.” This program will run for six weeks from November 25 — Small Business Saturday — through the end of December. The program consists of holiday-themed visual art installations and events taking place in empty storefronts along the Nassau Street corridor in Lower Manhattan.

The unifying theme across all the spaces will be the fireplace mantel – a symbol of warmth, home and holidays. Each participating storefront will be converted into a whitebox containing a mantelpiece that an artist will design to their own unique style. Each artist will create a signature piece to go above the mantel along with other smaller pieces — all viewable to those walking by. Featured art will be available for purchase. 

Locations for “Art Above the Mantel” include 72 Nassau St., 80 Nassau St., 25 John St., 33 Maiden Lane and two spaces at 28 Liberty St. An opening reception for the activation will take place on Wednesday, November 29 at 33 Maiden Ln. 

“This holiday season, we are bringing art and cheer to empty storefronts along Nassau Street.  These pop-up galleries, created by local NYC artists, should brighten up both shop windows and our spirits,” Downtown Alliance President Jessica Lappin said. 

The Downtown 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. Activities will include live painting, musical performances, holiday markets and other art related activities.

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.  

“We’re happy to again partner with the Downtown Alliance in support of our mission to create highly accessible exhibitions that amplify underrepresented voices in unique ways across the city,” Barbara Anderson, co-founder and executive director of Art on the Ave NYC, said. “The holidays offer the perfect backdrop to come together to enjoy art, and Art Above the Mantel will add some warmth and cheer to Lower Manhattan.”