FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 16, 2009
Contact:
CIH James Saunders, (718) 616-4125
BSAG – Arthur Melnick, (718) 998-2421

Coney Island hospital Celebrates Community Art

Brooklyn Streetcar Artist’s Group to Exhibit at City Hospital

September 16, 2009 – Brooklyn, NY – Coney Island Hospital, joined by Brooklyn Streetcar Artists’ Group, today announced the opening of an exhibition entitled “A Celebration of the Arts” highlighting Brooklyn’s rich and diverse community of artists and their works.  The installation features more than 40 works of art by a wide range of local artists.  On view until November 27, 2009, these eclectic works of art reflect and celebrate life.

“It is a wonderful opportunity to be able to partner with the Brooklyn Streetcar Artists’ Group and support Brooklyn’s talented and remarkable artist community,” said Arthur Wagner, Sr. VP Excutive Director, Coney Island Hospital. “Hospitals are places of healing and nurturing and it is only fitting that we nurture local artists and their works within this healing space.”

Over 20 artists are represented in the exhibit, almost all of whom reside in Brooklyn.  The works on display exemplify the immense creative talent within the borough of Brooklyn.  Many of the pieces depict iconic images of Coney Island and its’ unique character – one that has always generated a special creativity among those who live and visit the neighborhood.

“Coney Island is a wonderful source of inspiration, and it’s only appropriate that Coney Island Hospital is providing this backdrop for vibrant work from local artists,” said New York City Councilman Domenic M. Recchia, Jr., chairman of the Cultural Affairs Committee.  “This artwork will create an atmosphere of warmth and healing for the people who come here.”

Participating artists range from first time exhibiters to those with world wide reputations. The show is the first indoor long-term exhibit facilitated by the Brooklyn Streetcar Artists’ Group.

“The Brooklyn Streetcar Artists’ Group wants to expand the world of art throughout the borough of Brooklyn,” said Arthur Melnick, Executive Director, Brooklyn Streetcar Artists’ Group. “This begins the art world’s invasion of Southern Brooklyn.”

“I have been fortunate enough to be able to show my artwork in museums and galleries all over America, including the Smithsonian Institute, but never had a chance to show my work in the neighborhood that I grew up in,” said Beryl Brenner, Artist. “This hospital is the birthplace of the art scene for Coney Island.”

The exhibition is slated to run from September 16 through November 27, 2009.  The space is open Monday through Friday, from 9:00 AM until 6:00 PM.  For more information about BSAG or the artists, please contact BSAG at (718) 998 – 2421.

To view the images online visit www.exhibitartgallery.com

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From its beginnings in 1875 as a first-aid station for summer beach goers, Coney Island Hospital has grown into a multi-site community medical center with more than 350 beds.  Part of the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC), Coney is a designated Stroke Center and provides over 267,000 clinic visits and 70,000 Emergency Room visits to the communities of southern Brooklyn.  For more information about Coney, visit www.coneyislandhospital.com

A subsidiary of the Brooklyn City Streetcar Company, the Brooklyn Streetcar Artist’s Group seeks to create opportunities for artists and art lovers of all ages.