Under Minerva Recycles - until October 4th

IS THIS RECYCLABLE?
A GROUP EXHIBITION
Curated by Vanessa Juriga

Exhibition Dates: 26 AUGUST - 4 OCTOBER, 2009

Under Minerva is pleased to announce Is this Recyclable?, a group exhibition that examines how artists utilize recycled products, found objects and other non-traditional materials to create their artwork. This thirteen-person show focuses on artists who break away from traditional materials and use what is often overlooked or readily available to them as catalyst for their creations.

For nearly one hundred years, artists have been using non-traditional objects to create art. In 1915, Marcel Duchamp coined the term readymade to describe his found art. In the 1980s and 1990s, many artists began focusing on mass-produced items. At present, several artists are using discarded objects and recycled materials as their medium. Is This Recyclable? contemplates whether this trend is a response to environmental issues, commentary on the increase in consumerism or an attempt to uncover new meaning for the object.

From sculptures made out of recycled objects, portraits created out of keyboard keys and melted down pill bottles that create a flowing installation, Is this Recyclable? is a dialogue between what the object once was and what the object now is. The artists featured are: Angela Basile, Jasmine Begeske, Mark Cannariato, Travis Childers, Gary Duehr, Jesse Holt, Ryan McIntosh, Desi Minchillo, Raquel Muslin, Anne Percoco, Caitlin Rueter, Ian Trask, and Barbara Wisnoski.



Under Minerva Gallery and Event Space
656 5th Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11215
(Between 19th and 20th Streets)
www.underminerva.com

Under Minerva presents Goddess

Making Funny closed on July 5th, and that will make room for the next exhibition: Goddess.

If you like free champagne, go to the opening reception on July 10th from 7-9 PM. Otherwise, check it out any day but Monday or Tuesday. Hours are posted below.

Under Minerva Gallery and Event Space
656 5th Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11215
(Between 19th and 20th Streets)

www.underminerva.com
718.788.0170

Gallery Hours:
W-F 12PM-6PM
Sat-Sun 2PM-6PM

FREE ADMISSION

Any sales of artwork will mean a contribution to stroke research in women. See below for more information about that.

G O D D E S S
July 8 - AUG 14, 2009

OPENING RECEPTION JULY 10, 7 - 9PM
Champagne compliments of our neighbors at Korzo

Hunter Clarke, Ilene Godofsky, Michelle Orsi Gordon, Matt Harvill, Erin Lee Jones,
Georgina Keenan, Raghava KK, Nia Mora, Jennifer Murray, Sara Woolley

Curated by Under Minerva's Artistic Director, Tony Orrico


G O D D E S S is a group art show that reflects on the wisdom and guidance of the divine feminine. This show is a dedication to Brenda Navas (1977-2008), a prominent business woman in our community whose successful entrepreneurship led to the development of our gallery space. Brenda, a native of Guatemala, and her husband Chris Achong, a native of Trinidad built a financial services company from the ground up, which currently comprises of nearly 200 active representatives and is still growing. In late January of 2008, Brenda died of complications from a sudden stroke at the young age of 30.

In Brenda's honor, a portion of our proceeds from the sale of this artworkwill be donated to The Hazel K. GoddessFund for Stroke Research in Women toassist their efforts in education, outreach, research and endowment for thefuture. The Goddess Fund, based in New York City, speaks ofone clear and compelling intention: toeliminate the impact of stroke in women's lives, the lives of their familiesand society at large (www.thegoddessfund.org).

Did you know? We commonly associatestroke with men, yet 61 percent of deaths by stroke are actually women. 80 percent of strokes are preventable. To order a free Women in Your Life booklet (sponsored by AstraZeneca), call1-800-STROKES.

Need a Laugh?

Under Minerva's exhibition of comedy inspired art is coming to an end on July 5th. Whether or not you checked out the show (and there's still time!), if you need some laughs, come to Under Minerva tomorrow night at 7 PM for art and comedy. Beer and wine will also accompany you, if you like. The comics are local, the location is convenient, and it's free (I think). What's not to like? Check out the website for more information. If you want delicious treats, visit Laurentino's going or coming.

Under Minerva is at 656 5th Ave (between 19th and 20th).

Making Funny Artist Talk and Comedy Show

Thursday, July 2nd, beginning at 7PM at Under Minerva

This lighthearted event is taking place during the closing week of the current exhibit, Making Funny, a show examining the use of humor in contemporary art. We will begin with an open discussion forum featuring the exhibition artists and guest curator. Humor, of course, will be the primary subject, however all issues and questions will be entertained. Following the artist talk will be several short stand-up and improv acts, performed by local comedians. A variety of original comedy will be on display to elicit a bunch of laughs. Beer and wine.

Comedians: Jon Wunder, Georgie Porgie, Kendra Cunningham, North Coast

Artists: Daniel Genova, Russell Mehlman, Miho Murashima, Tony Murray, Vincent Romano, Daniel van Benthuysen and curator John Olsen

Fat Free Guacamole at Under Minerva

So I saw the Rolie Polie Guacamole post that Under Minerva put up on Twitter, and I got really excited. I love guacamole. I figured they had decided that champagne is nice with art, but guacamole will really bring 'em in. However, going over to the website description of the event proved to be slightly disappointing. But only for a couple of seconds.

Apparently, Rolie Polie Guacamole is a band that makes music for kids. They are playing at Under Minerva on Saturday at 3 PM. It's $5, but kids 0-2 are free. Check out the details at the website.

Gallery Etiquette and Inner Workings for the Young Ones

Under Minerva, on 5th Avenue and 19th Street, is hosting a pretty cool kiddie activity every Saturday in June. And it's free. And they get a juice box. And you can take them walking in Green-Wood afterwards. Check it out.

CHILDREN'S GALLERY WALK:
Meet Tony, Under Minerva's Art Director. Learn gallery etiquette, see behind the scenes, and discuss the current exhibition, Making Funny. Get a free juice box and a treasure map to find Minerva in Greenwood Cemetery!

2-3PM Saturdays, June 6, 13, 20, 27
Age: 5-9
Cost: FREE

Making Funny has Begun at Under Minerva

Unfortunately, I was out of town for the opening reception of Making Funny at Under Minerva. There was free champagne from Eurotrip, and you know I like some free champagne. However, the show will be around through the holiday. Independence Day, that is.

MAKING FUNNY
MAY 27 – JULY 5, 2009

Featuring Aaron Bowles, Daniel Genova, Russ LaChanse, Mark McLeod, Russell Mehlman, Miho Murashima, Tony Murray, John O’Donnell, Vincent Romano, Andrew Small, Daniel van Benthuysen and YaChin Bonny You

Under Minerva is pleased to present Making Funny, a group show examining the use of humor in contemporary art. The exhibition brings together various media and methods of utilizing the funny side of life as a vehicle for artistic expression. Historically, humor was often a solecistic tool for the artist; but in our Modern and particularly post-Dada world, humor has become a legitimate means to an artful end. Humor is employed by the show’s artists to take aim at everything from sexual identity, to consumerism, to the art world itself. The show runs the gamut from overt to subtle. Making Funny hopes to bring a little levity to everyone’s life, at a time when we could all use it.

Making Funny is the brainchild of guest curator, John Olsen, whose day job as a corporate art curator has him responsible for the art collection of a major financial firm on Wall Street. This exhibition gives him the unique opportunity to play against that role while offering a wonderful assemblage of work to the community.

Reminder: Opening Reception at Under Minerva

Off the Grid opened on Wednesday, but tonight is the true opening reception. Stop by to take in some art and sip on some of the complimentary champagne.

When: Friday the 17th, from 7 PM to 9 PM
Where: Under Minerva at 656 5th Avenue, between 19th and 20th.
www.underminerva.com

Under Minerva Goes Off the Grid

Check out Under Minerva's website for more details about the upcoming exhibition Off the Grid. The show features Brooklyn based artists, but I don't know which areas of Brooklyn are the focus. Sunset Park ought to be featured, naturally, but my guess is other, more northern areas are the highlights. ;)

Here are the basics from the site:

Opening on April 15th and closing May 24th, and curatred by Meghan Jewett, Associate Director of Tibor de Nagy Gallery, Under Minerva Gallery is pleased to present, OFF THE GRID, with selected photographs, paintings and mixed media collages by Joe Davis, Elise Toide and Michael Scott. The exhibition celebrates the diversity of our environment, and the artistic influences that are acquired from the city. These works draw inspiration from the community and the free exchange of thought that is constantly surrounding us. They find value in the gritty, the mundane, and the everyday sources that make up our experiences.

While it opens on Wednesday, Friday the 17th, from 7 PM to 9 PM, is the opening reception. So if you've had a rough week, check in there for some free champagne and art.

Under Minerva is at 656 5th Avenue, between 19th and 20th.

Are You an Artist Who Knows How to Make Funny?

I have little artistic talent (although I draw a friendly looking brontosaurus), and I have no sense of humor. I will not be submitting any art to Under Minerva's show Making Funny. Some of you, however, may want to consider submitting. It says all mediums will be considered, so go for it. Detailed submission notes are on the website.

from the email:

Making Funny curated by John Olsen explores the concept of humor in contemporary art. All mediums. Submissions postmarked by April 20th. Exhibited May 27th-July 3rd. Up to 5 images/$15.

Under Minerva's Artists Discuss Passing By

Under Minerva, a gallery and art space and yoga/meditation studio in Greenwood Heights, is having an artist talk this Wednesday at 7 PM. All indications are that this is a free event.

from Under Minerva's email:

Join Artistic Director Tony Orrico and Curator Vanessa Juriga for a discussion with artists Eric Graham and Chris Hagerty about their work presented in the current exhibition, Passing By. Eric and Chris will be speaking briefly about their process and their pieces, followed by any question/answers.

Under Minerva Gallery and Event Space
656 5th Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11215
(Between 19th and 20th Streets)

www.underminerva.com
718.788.0170

Yoga, Beer, and Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Walking on the other side of the street is truly informative.

After attending the Spanish story-time and sing-a-long at El Pequeno Artista, my neighbor and I crossed 5th Avenue to walk down to Eagle Provisions and check out the plants. Before we got there, however, we dawdled in front of a gallery gone yoga studio called Under Minerva (presumably because if its proximity to Green-Wood Cemetery's Minerva). As we turned to go, a young woman (Sorry, I don't remember her name. Blame it on sleep deprivation.) jumped out of a car and asked if we were interested in yoga classes. After letting us know that there is a "bring a friend and you both just pay $5" deal, she told us there were classes almost every day of the week.

According to the postcard she gave me, Under Minerva is an Art Gallery and Event Space. We were admiring the chandelier in the window and the style of the logo on the storefront while we dawdled, so I'm sure the rest is worth an actual stop. They have an Artist's Den (which makes me think of a nook that's carpeted from floor to ceiling) with 24 hour access and a Wifi lounge (weren't we just wondering about that?). It also hosts meditation, yoga, children's classes - there's even a book club.

The website isn't the easiest to navigate or most informative I've seen, but I'm sure a phone call would help. I have an email in asking for prices and more information; stay tuned.

Continuing on 5th Avenue, we went to Eagle Provisions where the plants looked good, but the beer got bought. Happily, I didn't go nuts in the chocolate section of Eagle because I was about to discover my new favorite Green-Wood Heights Happy Place.

Laurentino's Pasticceria Caffe (with an accent over the e) has been open since October, but since that's also when I had a baby, I guess I've been a little out of it. I had passed this place by a few times, but never crossed the street to check it out. What attracted me this time were the chairs and tables in the window. Then we got a whiff of the baking inside. Oh. My. Goodness. Take a look at the chocolate covered strawberries.
I didn't buy one. I can't believe I didn't, but I didn't. They were only $1 each, but I resisted. I did, however, buy their pignoli. (I know, so much more naughty.) Having lived on the outskirts of Bensonhurst for several years, I was skeptical about whether or not these cookies would be worthy of being called pignoli. Let's just say I'll be purchasing some for when I need a treat for visiting miei amici. Next time I want to try one of the cheesecakes. My neighbor bought one of the blueberry mini-pies. She wanted to take photos, so hopefully she'll let me post those up when she's done.

The women who waited on us were incredibly friendly and helpful, and they encouraged us to check out all the pastries. They weren't annoyed by our many questions and paltry purchases. There are several cozy tables for sitting while you snack and have a cappuccino. There aren't yet any high chairs, but there is enough room to stash a stroller in the corner.

In the summer months they make their own gelato and ices. Oh yeah.

Check out Laurentino's on 5th Avenue between 20th and 21st. They do "cakes for all occasions" and they are looking forward to serving you treats and coffee.