Fashion Institute of Technology Presents "Chalk FIT"

Fashion Institute of Technology  (“FIT”) Senior Illustration students are currently showcasing their talents along the walls of the FIT building along 7th Ave between 27th and 28th Streets. In tune with the 10th anniversary of “Chalk FIT” this year’s theme is "celebration."

The exhibit beautifully captures what “celebration” means to the students, revealing the variety of their thoughts and interpretations. A lot of the beautifully detailed artwork seems to draw inspiration from the diverse multicultural backgrounds of the artists themselves.

Lucky for us, many of these artists have thoughtfully included their Instagram handles and contact details above their work, providing an easy way for art enthusiasts like us to follow along their captivating artistic journeys! We are so fortunate to call such a highly esteemed and creative institution, FIT, our neighbors. 

"Our Herd of Hope" Presented by Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

During a weekend stroll in London,  we experience déjà vu when we came across lifelike bronze statues of elephants gracefully adorning Spitalfields Market. They reminded us of the herd in Berkeley Square. But these magnificent sculptures are the creation of Gillie and Marc, celebrated for promoting love, equality, and conservation worldwide.

This artistic exhibit, titled "Our Herd of Hope,"  is inspiring in that it serves a vital purpose - to generate support and awareness for the conservation of elephant species. Each smaller sculpture symbolizes a real elephant herd, emphasizing the importance of their protection. Partnering with the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, this installation plans to migrate to various locations across London, making a powerful impact on its journey.  We will be following along! 

“In every language there is Land/En cada lengua hay una Tierra,” by Nicholas Galanin

As we prepare to celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day this coming Monday, we thought it apt to share this magnificent thirty-foot tall steel sculpture presented by the Public Art Fund currently at home at Brooklyn Bridge Park, artfully spelling out the word "LAND." Created by indigenous artist Nicholas Galanin, “In every language there is Land/En cada lengua hay una Tierra” is reminiscent of Robern Indiana’s 1966 sculpture, “LOVE.” Galanin's perspective, emphasizing that "barriers to Land directly reflect barriers to love, love for Land, for community, and for future generations," underscores the thematic resonance between the two artists' works.

Galanin, a respected member of the Sitka Tribe of Alaska, incorporates his heritage into his art, fostering a dialogue between Native and non-Native communities. His sculpture, crafted from the same material as the U.S.-Mexico border wall, challenges the concept of border walls and advocates for Indigenous approaches to land ownership and national borders, promoting freedom of movement .

The title, “In every language there is Land/En cada lengua hay una Tierra,” is in both English and Spanish to represent both languages imposed by colonial powers on either side of the U.S.-Mexican border. This artwork serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and enduring presence of Indigenous peoples, persisting and transcending borders despite the unjust loss of rights, languages, and access to their ancestral lands.