‘Park of Dreams’ brings vibrant public art to Brooklyn’s Grand Army Plaza during renovation
All photos by Javier Romero courtesy of ART FOR CHANGE
A new site-specific public art installation is livening up Brooklyn’s Grand Army Plaza during the renovation of its famous Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Arch. ART FOR CHANGE and the Prospect Park Alliance this week revealed “Park of Dreams,” a public art exhibition displayed on the construction fencing surrounding the iconic Arch. The large-scale artworks, created by contemporary artists like Jules de Balincourt, Marcus Brutus, Kelly Beeman, Danielle Orchard, Amy Lincoln, and others, will be on view through the spring.
“Parks are a crucial part of any community and Prospect Park in particular holds a special place in my heart as a Brooklynite. Parks not only connect city dwellers to nature and offer a respite from the hustle and bustle, they support an incredible ecosystem of flora and fauna,” Jeanne Masel, founder of ART FOR CHANGE, said.
“Environmental conservation is a central tenet of ART FOR CHANGE’s mission. Curating and producing this project enables us to leverage our deep relationships with artists and, in turn, show our respect for a park that is both a vital aspect of the Brooklyn community and an important ecosystem in itself.”
Grand Army Plaza’s Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Arch is currently undergoing an $8.9 million restoration to replace its roof, clean and restore its brick and stone structure, repair its interior bronze and iron staircases, and add modern lighting to its exterior.
The surrounding plaza and three landscape berms that frame the plaza will also be restored and new native trees and shrubs will be planted.
“Park of Dreams” was funded in part by a $25,000 grant from Assembly Member Brian Cunningham, with additional funding from Council Member Crystal Hudson. The project was conceived through the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs’ City Canvas Initiative and in partnership with the city’s Parks Department.
ART FOR CHANGE is selling limited-edition prints of each image featured in the exhibition on its website.
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