Photos: Van Alen Fall Fest 2024

At Van Alen Fall Fest, we welcomed hundreds of neighbors and visitors for a lively open house held in collaboration with Gowanus Open Studios and Archtober. Among our many visitors was NYC Council Member Shahana Hanif, who honored Van Alen with a special proclamation on the occasion of our 130th anniversary.

Mookntaka, the Gowanus-based artist duo Mark Zlotsky and Karyn Lao, brightened up our space with their interactive, inflatable sculptures and a kid-friendly pompom art workshop. Later in the day, artist Tiffany Baker collected personal stories of how Gowanus residents have been impacted by and recovered from flood events — which will inform her upcoming project Dear Neighbor, coming in Spring 2025. Dear Neighbor, is the next public art installation in our Points of Promise series, which support civic engagement in Gowanus amidst the neighborhood’s redevelopment.

We were also joined by organizations working to activate NYC’s public space through art, including ArtBridge, Buro Happold, Center for Justice Innovation – Neighborhood Safety Initiatives, Dancewave, New Project, NYC Department of City Planning, NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS), Powerhouse Arts, TYLin, and Young New Yorkers. Throughout the day, they shared their expertise in creating a more colorful, welcoming, inclusive public realm.

Thank you to all who joined us, from longtime Van Alen collaborators to neighbors just passing through. We’re so glad to have seen you there! And big thanks to Four & Twenty Blackbirds, Sigmund’s, and Treelicious Orchards for the seasonal treats.