More Than 100 Portraits To Celebrate BK At Park Slope Playground

PARK SLOPE, BROOKLYN — A public art exhibit on its way to Park Slope's J.J. Byrne Playground will celebrate Brooklyn's resilience through the coronavirus crisis.

Arts Gowanus is accepting submissions for "We're Still Here...," an exhibit of more than 100 portraits of Brooklynites that will be added to the playground in May.

"After over a year of struggles during COVID, this exhibition is meant to celebrate the resilience, strength, and diversity of our amazing Brooklyn community," the organization writes.

"We're Still Here..." will blow up the winning portraits into 36-square-inch banners that will line the fences surrounding J.J. Byrne, which is found on Third Street between Fourth and Fifth avenues. The art pieces will also be featured online and sold through the organization's gallery.

The exhibit will run from May 15 through June 25 to align with Art Gowanus' artist outdoor market.

It is part of the organizations Gallery Dispersed initiative and is being put on with the help of The Old Stone House.

Submissions can be from emerging or established artists and should include a short description of the subject in the portrait. They can be figurative, abstract, or conceptual, but must depict someone from the Brooklyn community.

"Contemporary portraiture takes many forms and encompasses countless conceptual viewpoints, mediums, and techniques that explore a myriad of subject matter," Arts Gowanus writes. "For this open call we are inviting artists to demonstrate their creative approach to portraiture."

Artists should send in their submissions by April 14.

Find more information here.