I recommend attending the Gowanus Ballroom — Paint Works exhibition if you are in the New York area. The Gowanus Ballroom is located off of the Gowanus Canal in Brooklyn. It was once a steel mill, but now hosts exhibitions of local artists. These photos were from the September 16th opening, but if you missed it you can experience all the excitement tonight (Sept. 23rd). Not only is the artwork interesting, but the entertainment is also worth seeing. The show features fire breathers, silk aerialists, and live bands.

The exhibiting artist are: daniel Baltzer, Ben Fenske, Robyn Frank, Michael Gormley, Peter Halasz, Jane Hamill, James Herbert, Caitlin Hurd, Michael Kagan, Kristin Künc, Oh Joon Kwon, Allison Maletz, Hyeseung Marriage-Song, Alyssa Monks, Alexandra Pacula, David Pettibone, Jennifer Presant, Matthew William Robinson, Bennett Vadnais, Jovan Karlo Villalba, Melanie Vote, Patricia Watwood, Aaron Yamada-Hanff, and Rob Zeller.

The complete list of featured artists can be found on the Gowanus Ballroom website.

The show features two paintings by Alyssa Monks; Kiss and Stroke. I took a photo of the Kiss shown below, as well as a detail. This is a good chance to see one of her painting close up.

This is an amazing show, and a great chance to socialize with talented, local artists.

Photo credit: Charis J. Carmichael Braun (last 4 photos in gallery)

Friday–9/23
Doors open at 6pm. $5 donation after 8pm.

Bands:
Pendulum Swings
Jenny Luna

Aerialist Seanna Sharpe, whose last public appearance earned her jail time for her performance off the Williamsburg Bridge

Fire performer Flambeaux with Lady C, power pin-up queen Veronica Varlow, and others

Saturday–9/24
Doors open at 6pm. $5 donation after 8pm.

Bands:
Sullied Accolades

Encore performance by aerialist Seanna Sharpe

Fire performer Flambeaux with Lady C, power pin-up queen Veronica Varlow, and others

GOWANUS BALLROOM
55 9th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11215
*Take the F/G train to Carroll Street and walk down to 9th Street and make a left. Or take the R to 4th and 9th Street and walk down 9th and make a right. Map attached.*