By claiming public spaces for artistic enrichment, New York City’s non-profit arts organization BOFFO continues to create ambitious participatory art projects. Their mission encourages engagement with works stemming from collaborations between communities and artists, both emerging and established. And, to top if off, all of their projects are free and open to the public.
For the second time, BOFFO will be summering at the Fire Island Pines with six artists in residence and is offering a new spin on art camp. Every week from 3 June to 4 September 2013 there will be five programs presented by BOFFO and their artists. Each artist has been offered a two-week residency with a view in mind to create art that enriches and informs the local community. From sunset performances and exhibitions to craft workshops and lessons, these artistic presentations will all be contextualized within the history and culture of The Pines.
Art camp commenced with video and performance artist Kalup Linzy‘s live performance of his musical film, Romantic Loner. Linzy will also present the 10th installment of his Conversations Wit de Churn series, titled One Life to Heal, featuring Michael Stipe. BOFFO’s summer will continue with photographer Eve Fowler (17-30 June), performance artist Dawn Kasper (1-14 July), fashion designer and artist Item Idem (22 July-5 August), musicians The Black Soft (5-19 August) and architect and designer Christopher Rawlins (19 August to 2 September). Lunches, meet-and-greets and even family-friendly versions accompany each artist presentation and performance.
While the artists’ residence is steps from the beach at 533 Sail Walk, all BOFFO projects take place at different locations within the one-square-mile island town. Fire Island stands as the perfect place for such a series, as it mandates one of BOFFO’s through-lines: location-specific constant movement.
Images courtesy of BOFFO