Escape To The Rockaways
Rockaway Studio 6
By Jeff Feinman
Getting Started
“Girl Digging For Shells” is one of the more traditional pieces that can be found at sTudio 6. |
Getting to the Rockaways is always a part of the experience itself. After all, there is really only one way in or out if you’re headed toward Breezy Point. Come across the Cross Bay Bridge, hang a right, and keep on driving. Slowly the buildings and homes open up to sand and surf, with little else to distract you as you head past Belle Harbor and Jacob Riis Park to Fort Tilden.
Known mostly for the beaches, the Rockaways are saturated with surfers and lovers of sand and sun alike. However, there is an art studio within the wildlife preserve that dwells within the most Southern village of Queens that is making waves of its own with spunk and pizzazz.
Digging In
The Rockaway Artists Alliance is a not-for-profit arts organization that views the arts as a fountain of culture into the Rockaway area. Formed in 1994, RAA encourages residents, particularly youths, to participate in the arts and cultural activities. There are numerous free lectures, exhibitions and special events held at the RAA that are accessible to all in the community. The RAA also focuses on mentoring young people in beautifying the neighborhood and adding a few special touches to bus stops, schools, and city parks around the Rockaways.
RAA is part of the “Rockaway Renaissance” that is attracting artists to the peninsula. They not only operate out of Building T-6 (where sTudio 6 is located) but Building T-7, a large unheated barn of a place that is used in warmer months for exhibits and performance art and is a workspace for artists.
Outside, a lacy wall and gate brought from a theater production provides a stage for the Rockaway Theatre Company. On one side of sTudio 6 is an arrangement of painted stones, bricks and seashells put together by the children, and behind Building T-7 is vegetable garden and a sculpture garden.
Finishing Up
Though RAA spent most of the summer teaching the borough’s children in the campkidsmART program, every year the members of RAA and others put on a series of exhibitions - the biggest of which is the annual Artsplash, running Sept. 10-Oct. 16.
Another noteworthy event coming up this year is sure to entice people of all ages. The “Minotaur’s Maze,” open Oct. 28-31, is a simulated labrynth of the mythical beast and will be a collaboration of works of many different artists from sculptors, special effects artists, and dancers. It is sure to provide quite a Halloween treat for artists and spooksters alike. People attending Artsplash after Oct. 1 will be able to see the construction of the maze.
STUDIO 6 IN ROCKAWAY
Fort Tilden
260 Beach 116th Street,
Rockaway Beach
(718) 474-0861
www.rockawayartistalliance.org
Noon-5p.m. Sat.,1- 4p.m. Sun.
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