Common Build

Ongoing

Friends from the Canal

Now on view through August 2026.

Created by local artist duo Mookntaka, Friends from the Canal responds to Gowanus’ state of flux. Amidst new development and environmental remediation, this multi-site public art installation imagines gentle creatures emerging from the Gowanus Canal to investigate the commotion and meet their neighbors. These three “cheerful mutants,” known as Loofa, Shelby, and Pebbles, have unique silhouettes inspired by the canal’s aquatic fauna. Placed outside at three locations in Gowanus — Cafe Mars, Union Channel, and Wyckoff Gardens — the Friends create play in unexpected places and invite people to break their usual routine. During the day, they’re colorful, welcoming creatures, and at night, they provide a soft, radiating light.

Mookntaka was selected through an open call held in Fall 2025, and chosen by a committee of local residents and community leaders in collaboration with Van Alen Institute.

Friends from the Canal is produced by Van Alen Institute and made possible by a Public Realm Grant for Commercial District Lighting awarded through the NYC Department of Small Business Services; public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council; and by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

Locations

• Cafe Mars, 272 3rd Ave at President St (map)
• Union Channel at Gowanus Wharf, 240 3rd Ave at Union St (map)
• Wyckoff Gardens, 1987 Nevins St at Warren St (map)

Scavenger Hunt

To encourage more exploration of Gowanus, Friends from the Canal is accompanied by a scavenger hunt of local cafes, shops, and restaurants. Visit each local business on the map to collect a unique sticker designed by Mookntaka. When you collect all 18 stickers, stop by Van Alen Institute to redeem prizes from local businesses. Printed maps with scavenger hunt locations and instructions can be found at Van Alen and From Here to Sunday, a local gallery and gift shop located at 567 Union Street.

Enhancing the scavenger hunt, local artist HiBye has created ceramic tiles that resemble the Friends. Dubbed the “Mookntiles,” they’re installed at 16 unlisted locations around Gowanus — encouraging more unexpected discovery as you move around the neighborhood!