Tour Bushwick's Bodega Advent Calendar

BUSHWICK, BROOKLYN -- All advent calendars have doors, but only behinds these ones can you find a bodega cat.

Bushwicks's second annual Bodega Advent Project, a local initiative that has brought local artwork to 24 bodegas, will all be on display during the project's art walk on Sunday. The living advent calendar features 24 pieces of art, one of which went on display in a local bodega every day of the advent.

Brooklyn artist Seth Ruggles Hiler said he contributed to the project because he believes, "It is essential for an artist to enter community."

"Brooklyn artists have the opportunity to do so at the most local of levels,” said Hiler. “Sharing work publicly in these neighborhood hubs is an exciting way of creating connections, which is the magic that is art.”

The bilingual month-long event is sponsored by the Episcopal parishes of Bushwick Abbey and Iglesia de la Santa Cruz.

“In the face of incessant pressure from advertisers to consume beyond our means, the season of Advent presents an opportunity to resist consumer culture," said Rev. Nell Archer, Vicar of Bushwick Abbey and Iglesia de la Santa Cruz.

"The Bodega Advent Project encourages the community to use Advent as a time to engage our imaginations in the work of creating a better world where all are welcome and all can flourish.”

On Sunday, organizers will host a free walking tour of the 24 bodegas that includes conversations with the artists, store owners, and a free copy of the calendar.

For those who prefer to tour solo, the calendars and guidebooks are available at Kanowa Food at 1711 Bleecker St. in Ridgewood, Queens.

Bodega Advent Project Art Walk
When: Dec.23 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Where To Meet: Iglesia de la Santa Cruz/Bushwick Abbey at 176 St. Nicholas St.
Cost: Free

Photo courtesy of the Bodega Advent Project