With a scorching week of sultry weather beginning to fade, I wanted an early start on this glorious weekend! Not far from my apartment is Socrates Sculpture Park. It's named after that Greek scholar, thanks to the Greek populous that dominated Astoria in the 1970s. Nowadays, Astoria is a diverse and cosmopolitan area. The park is both busy and serene. Its five waterfront acres are open every day of the year, are dog/cat friendly, and have temporary bathrooms from Spring through Autumn. There are 90 species of trees and plant life.
Begun in 1986 from an illegal garbage dump site, the landfill area was transformed by a famed metalwork artist, Mark di Suvero. It's now an internationally renowned outdoor museum & artist residency program. To save it from a developer's intent to build hi-rise apartments, Mayor Giuliani gave the area official NYC Park status in 1998. The park's Board of Directors keep it brimming with wonderful cultural events and free public programs.
Located along a curving boulevard, both of its entrances use orange metal gates. They signify a "transporting experience", as you enter.
Here is a caption from one of the installations: a great motto!
... it's being assembled in this "studio/shelter"--resembling an airplane hanger.
They offer free bicycle tune-ups, fishing, free kayaking, free outdoor concerts, and free outdoor movies: indie & foreign films.
They have French musicians for Bastille Day.
The Metropolitan Opera gives an annual free concert.
The Metropolitan Opera gives an annual free concert.
"Dance at Socrates" involves world-class choreographers and dancers, each Saturday of July. Rehearsals occur throughout June... which are pleasant to watch.
Steadfast through the warm months, Drew rides his bicycle from Kings County (a.k.a. Brooklyn) to Queens County to bring his freshly-roasted beans for sale. (Both of those NYC counties/boroughs are named for the monarchs of England in 1683: King Charles II and Queen Catherine). I love Drew's pour-over coffee and espresso.
We admired artwork made of varying media: metal, mini-chain fence, mirrors, clay, wood, pieces of glass, canvas, and rope. Some pieces were pure whimsy.
Attendees mingled afterwards, before suntanning or biking.
We exited the park feeling revitalized and refreshed. On a whim, Lewis decided to skip buying brunch because we had plenty of nutritious treats to enjoy at home! I agreed.
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