By HWM
On Tuesday, May 1st, three NYC floral designers flower-bombed sculptures uptown as part of the Harlem Sculpture Gardens initiative.
The selected works for this creative endeavor were “Echoes of the Path” by Dianne Smith and “The Unbroken Project” by Felipe Jacome and Svetlana Onipko in St. Nicholas Park, “Gardening Angel” by Vera Tineo, and “I Dream of Becoming a Tree” by ByeongDoo Moon in Jackie Robinson Park.
In 2024, Harlem embraces a new trend of integrating art into public spaces. Savona Bailey-McClain, Executive Director of the West Harlem Art Fund and co-presenter of Harlem Sculpture Gardens, states, “Local residents can enjoy creative projects like sculpture, dance, and flowers right in their own neighborhood. They get to feel a sense of pride knowing that quality art and design are possible.”
Floral Designers
Louis Gagliano
A native New Yorker, Louis Gagliano studied Floral Design at the New York Botanical Gardens and worked for premier floral design shops such as Ariston and L’Olivier. In 2008, he founded Harlem Flo, a premier floral design shop in Harlem, and expanded his service with la Fleur d’Harlem. Louis has a diverse background, including roles at Hilton Hotels Worldwide and Starbucks, and holds a Master of Science in Service Management from Rochester Institute of Technology. His frequent travels inspire his creativity and keep him attuned to local trends.
Simply Nia Design
Founded in 2011 by principal designer Nia Mozee, Simply Nia Design began as a boutique interior design business, transforming private residences to reflect clients’ styles. Nia’s love for event design grew from her attention to detail in creating temporary spaces with color, themes, florals, and design. Simply Nia Design merges clients’ desires into memorable, awe-inspiring events.
Marc Wilson, The Style Marc Inc.
For over 20 years, Marc Wilson has led The Style Marc Inc., a globally recognized floral design and event production studio in Harlem. Marc’s career began in the home furnishings industry, fostering his passion for design, painting, architecture, and travel. The Style Marc is renowned for creating elegant event environments with a modern twist. His accolades include the 2021 Vanguard Award by the Coterie Retreat and being named a Bizbash 500 “Must-Know Event Pro” for 2020 and 2021. Marc’s work has been featured in numerous prestigious publications, and his clientele includes high-profile figures and organizations.
Harlem Sculpture Gardens Exhibition
Starting May 2, 2024, and running through October 30, 2024, Harlem will host its first large-scale sculpture exhibition across various local public parks. Eight venues will showcase permanent and temporary installations, featuring a diverse array of artists.
Parks and Featured Sculptures
- Morning Side Park: Margaret Roleke, Miguel Otero Fuentes, Jaleeca Yancy, Peter Miller, Zura Bushurishvili, Carol Diamond and Ben LaRocco, Reuben Sinha
- St. Nicholas Park: Luke Schumacher, Felipe Jacome and Svetlana Onipko, Carole Eisner, Dianne Smith, Dario Mohr and Cody Umans, Heather Williams
- Jackie Robinson Park: Zura Bushurishvili, Vera Tineo, ByeongDon Moon, Iliana Emilia Garcia, Kraig Blue, Michael Poast
- Montefiore Park: Sherwin Banfield
- Harriet Tubman Triangle: Alison Saar
- Frederick Douglass Circle: Gabriel Koren and Algernon Miller
- Roosevelt Triangle – Harlem Hybrid: Richard Hunt
- City College of New York Campus: Enrique Sebastian Carabajal, Fletcher Benton, Chaim Gross
The West Harlem Art Fund
The West Harlem Art Fund (WHAF) is a 25-year-old public art and new media organization that creates opportunities for artists and creative professionals in NYC and beyond. WHAF aims to present art and culture in open spaces to promote historical and cultural heritage and community involvement.
New York Artist Equity Association
Founded in 1947, New York Artist Equity Association promotes opportunities and addresses economic issues affecting American artists. It supports emerging artists, especially from underrepresented groups, through exhibitions, educational programming, and a vibrant community of artists and art enthusiasts.
Photo credit: WHAF.
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