Art On The Ave NYC Announces New Artist-in-Residence At The Iconic Oculus of Westfield World Trade Center
The Org Has Selected Franck de las Mercedes to Occupy a Creative Space at the Heart of Manhattan's Financial District
Art on the Ave NYC announced Franck de las Mercedes as the new artist who will be taking over one of their "Creative Spaces" at the iconic site and a major NYC hub and attraction. The artist is about to go on a life-changing residency where he will be able to explore new ideas, learn more about his trade, and engage with a wide range of people, from employees, commuters and visitors of the Oculus at Westfield World Trade Center.
"Franck de las Mercedes is an innovator and an artist. With his finger clearly on the pulse of the community, he creates art that comforts and provokes at the same time. His art is an embodiment of what exists in all of us: a creative spirit, a conflicted personality, and a resilient heart. His vibrant colors, strong marks, and symbolic references give the viewer reasons to stop and reflect not only on the individual, but also on the strengths and weaknesses that exist in all of us."
says --Barbara Anderson, Co-Founder and Director of Art on the Ave NYC
As part of his residency, de las Mercedes will develop new series of works, offer exhibitions, and maintain open studio hours to discuss his practice with the public. He will also have the opportunity to develop events and collaborate with artists in other disciplines. Art on the Ave aims to highlight artists who have traditionally been underrepresented, enlisting empty retail storefronts to act as display spaces for exhibitions, and most recently art studios. They work with local businesses to host art exhibits, and add a level of interaction for the community. Designated as a space to create, the workshop also doubles as a private gallery in which the artist can exhibit his works and open its doors to the general public.
About Art on the Ave NYC:
ART ON THE AVE NYC is a non-profit community organization founded by school teachers in the summer of 2020. They are dedicated to the elevation of local artists and the revitalization of neighborhoods. Art on the Ave uses both empty storefronts and existing businesses to create street-facing displays for everyone to enjoy.
About Westfield World Trade Center:
Located at the gateway to Lower Manhattan, under the magnificent roof of the iconic Oculus designed by Santiago Calatrava, Westfield World Trade Center has become a landmark where 13 subways/PATH trains, multiple ferry lines and millions of global travelers converge. This architectural marvel in New York City features more than 80 fashion, health, beauty, lifestyle and technology brands, as well as art galleries that seamlessly connect the entire WTC campus. The Oculus at Westfield World Trade Center and the adjacent open-air Oculus Plaza have become Lower Manhattan's newest gathering places and home to a multitude of community events, world-class entertainment, arts and cultural programming, and social activities.
Locale:
Art on the Ave Creative Space at Oculus.
From the H&M entrance - 18 Church St, New York, NY 10007, go two levels down the escalator to the South Concourse of the Oculus on the Ground floor.
Comments