The Mosaic House

Tucked away on a charming, tree-lined street in the artsy neighborhood of Cobble Hill Brooklyn, one house instantly captures your attention. Among rows of classic brownstones, this home dazzles with a vibrant display of tiles, beads, shells, and gems, turning its façade into a joyful, eye-popping mosaic masterpiece. The Mosaic House is a beloved neighborhood treasure that’s as much a local icon as it is a delightful surprise for visitors. As a result of the diligent work of artist Susan Gardner, who started pasting things on the walls of her house in 2001, every inch of the home’s exterior tells a story, blending colorful elements into a whimsical scavenger hunt that brings smiles to everyone who passes by. Look closely and you’ll spot inspiring messages like “Celebrate Hope” and “Celebrate Life” amongst the images of nature and humanity crafted by Gardner. These words, combined with the house’s joyful design, radiate positivity and creativity. Whether you're in the neighborhood or intentionally seeking it out, the Mosaic House is sure to brighten your day. Let it be a reminder to celebrate the little things, embrace everyday beauty, and always keep an eye out for the hidden gems around you.

Elevar La Cultura NYC” by Victor “Marka27” Quiñonez

Over the summer, we took in Victor “Marka27” Quiñonez’s “Elevar La Cultura NYC” which was housed  at The Shed, an NYC cultural and artistic center in the heart of Hudson Yards, for a limited run through the end of August. Quiñonez, who is professionally known as Marka27, is a Mexican-born, Brooklyn-based artist, who fuses street culture with ancestral tradition in his bold “Neo Indigenous” style. From graffiti roots to large-scale murals, sculptures, and installations, his work pulses with cultural pride, social justice, and community spirit.

“Elevar La Cultura NYC” (or Elevate the Culture NYC)  is no different and reimagines the iconic Mayan pyramids, which he built entirely from portable coolers. These humble containers honor NYC’s immigrant street vendors, the unsung heroes selling water, fruit, and tamales on city streets. The pyramid’s base displays the goods of these vendors along with symbols of the artist’s Mexican heritage. Summoning the sweet nostalgia of summer through sun-soaked memories of picnics and beach trips, Marka27’s installation isn’t just art; it’s a celebration of community, resilience, and playfulness, all wrapped in color, culture, and creativity.

“Mil Veces un Instante” (“A thousand times an Instant”) by Teresa Margolles

As the days get shorter and summer draws to a close, we are back to our regular selection of public art installations. This week we visited the Fourth Plinth, a blank slate for exciting exhibitions located in London’s Trafalgar Square. Currently on display is “Mil Veces un Instante” (“A Thousand Times an Instant”) by acclaimed artist Teresa Margolles.

This powerful installation features plaster casts of the faces of 726 transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming individuals in a rectangular prism atop the plinth. Each cast took over an hour to create, offering Margolles a moment of connection with every participant. The choice of plaster, strong yet fragile, mirrors the resilience and vulnerability of community. Over time, the sculpture will wear as a result of the elements and time, a quiet reminder that visibility and solidarity must be actively nurtured. This piece is a call to reflect on who we stand beside, and how we can hold space for one another, one instant at a time.