History
Beautifying Queens Plaza since 1999
In an effort to help beautify and improve her neighborhood in Queens Plaza, painter and Long Island City resident Kristy Schopper began installing her works in the darkest corners of this city's transportation hub. Soon Schopper was developing programs and working with local high schools to further her efforts to improve the quality of life in Queens.
The next step was to develop relationships with local area business and government leaders to foster awareness of the value of art and artists in a burgeoning community such as Long Island City. Schopper's goal was to create a relationship between artists and community leaders so that as the Long Island City area developed and grew, the arts and culture of the area would grow along with it.
Collaborative art was the key in what became a phenomenal effort to jump-start the cultural heritage of Long Island City. It also proved to be immensely enjoyable to participants, both artists and community members alike.
In 2001, Bill Modell donated property for artists to continue Schopper's efforts, which quickly became known as THE SPACE. The response in the community was overwhelming, with 1,000+ members joining the project in the first month.
Amidst the chaos of creation, cleanup, and moving,The Space managed to complete one of its most ambitions youth outreach efforts to date. A digital short, "The past, present, and future or Queens Plaza", a large scale sculpture "Dream Tree", a series of "My Version of the American Dream" paintings, and a collaborative painting of the "Future of Queens Plaza" were all produced in and around this period.
Concurrently, adult artists from Austin, TX and Long Island City, NY found time for major individual efforts as well. A public sculpture series, "Chicks+1" was installed, a large scale group show, "Fardom Gallery" was curated and opened to the public, and Space artists hosted, "A Celebration of Creativity", a public awareness event to highlight Space educational happenings.
Art and artists continue the struggle to remain on the agenda of development in the Long Island City area today. As property values soar and development continues, the availability of affordable work space will continue to decline, and consequently the availability of local art and culture to the community will decline as well.
Artist and current SPACE executive director Kristy Schopper's goal remains the same today. It is shared by the artists in residence currently working at THE SPACE, as well as the numerous volunteers and generous supporters who have enabled THE SPACE not only to survive, but to prosper and grow.
We hope you will join us in our campaign to improve the cultural heritage and environment in Long Island City. Donations of property for short and long term use, and donations of funds and supplies are always greatly appreciated.
Sincerest Thanks to Bill Modell and the Arthur Levine Foundation for their ongoing support