By MOHAMED FARGHALY
mfarghaly@queensledger.com
This November, Flushing Town Hall is showcasing the vibrant and multicultural spirit of Queens through The World’s Borough Exhibition, a collection of diverse artworks made by more than 70 New York City-based artists. The exhibition, which runs through November 25, celebrates the rich history and evolving identity of Queens, a borough renowned for its distinctive neighborhoods, immigrant communities, and global influence.
Courtesy of Flushing Town Hall
Tell Me About Queens by Oba Iman (2024). Digital Art on Canvas with Acrylic
The exhibition marks Flushing Town Hall’s first open call in five years, expanding its invitation beyond the borough to artists from across New York City. Over the summer, the institution received submissions from artists working in various mediums including paintings, drawings, photographs, and mixed media. The result is a dynamic display of work that honors the borough’s legacy and the people shaping its future.
“From the flavors of local cuisine to the sounds of street life and the iconic landmarks that define the area, this exhibition offers a unique perspective on what makes Queens such an inspiring and exceptional place—through the lens of visual art,” said Flushing Town Hall’s Director of Arts Services Dan Bamba. “We plan to hold these open calls annually, on different themes, and we are excited to expand our visual arts program to be able to connect with and present more local artists.”
Our Family-Backyard in Queens Village-Celebrating 50 years plus by Julia D. Shaw, Mixed-media, collage, with acrylic paint
Curated by Stephanie Lee, a Flushing Town Hall Teaching Artist, the exhibition features a broad range of artists, from emerging talents to established figures in the art world.
“We are thrilled by the incredible response from all the talented local artists to our open call,” said Lee. “We invite visitors to embark on this visual journey through one of the most diverse regions on earth, as we celebrate its neighborhoods, history, and the people who call it home.”
Stephanie Lee, who has curated several exhibitions at Flushing Town Hall—including the popular Lunar New Year show—has long been involved with the institution. She noted that this year’s exhibition included a larger-than-usual number of artists due to the open call format.
“We used to have about 30 artists in previous shows, but this time we expanded our reach and invited artists from outside Queens,” Lee explained. “That’s how we ended up with more than 70 artists participating.”
Many of the featured pieces depict scenes and symbols that are uniquely Queens—such as local grocery stores, subway stations, and the iconic Unisphere in Flushing Meadows Corona Park.
“Some artists created art specifically for this show. You can see Queens as it is every day—its dynamic and cultural diversity reflected in the artwork,” Lee said.
One standout piece in the exhibition is Lee’s own work, Modern Wish, which draws on the tradition of Korean folk art.
Modern Wish by Stephanie Lee, Color pigment & ink on Hanji
“I took the format that my ancestors used for painting and adapted it to reflect modern-day desires,” Lee said. “I incorporated luxurious, modern items that we aspire to have, which reflect our contemporary culture.”
The exhibition features artists not only from Queens, but also from Brooklyn and Long Island, showcasing the diverse artistic voices across the New York metropolitan area.
Borough Check, Queens! by Sherwin Banfield, Resin, stainless steel, solar power light system, wood, mason jars, rhinestones
The exhibition is open seven days a week from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Flushing Town Hall, and visitors can also check the venue’s website for specific events and schedules. Admission is free, and the gallery is accessible to the public until November 25, 2024.
Flushing Town Hall hopes to continue expanding its visual arts program, encouraging a broad range of artists to submit work for future shows. The World’s Borough exhibition serves as a testament to all of the artistic talent and creative power of the borough.
In Lee’s words, “You can see so much art in one place, and it’s all local. You don’t have to travel far to experience something truly special. And there’s always something happening at Flushing Town Hall—so it’s definitely worth checking out.”
