Welcome!

The Bay Ridge Festival of The Arts has been promoting the arts in the Bay Ridge community since 1968. Our non-profit organization provides scholarships for local high school students in the Bay Ridge area who will be pursuing a college degree in the arts.

We are proud to be teaming up with the Third Avenue Merchants Association to bring you the 2nd Annual Green Art Festival!

Please join us for "The Cannonball Project"—featuring art made 90% out of recycled and organic materials and displayed in local businesses along third avenue.

Inspired by the Cow Parade in NYC in 2000, in which fiberglass cows decorated by different artists and were seen all over the city, “The Cannonball Project” takes the same idea of one object interpreted in many ways, but ties it into the history of Bay Ridge. At times home to Robert E. Lee, Alexander Hamilton, and Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson, the Bay Ridge area and the site that is now Fort Hamilton Army base, have been a part of U.S. history since the Revolutionary war. We are reminded of our history in sites such as John Paul Jones Park, a.k.a Cannonball Park, on fourth avenue and 101st st.

“The Cannonball Project” is a part of the 2nd annual Green Festival and will ask artists to create a “cannonball” with a “green” twist— the guidelines are simple: it must consist of 90% recycled or organic materials and be the size of one of the cannonballs from the park. Artists can use their piece to either make a statement or just to create a pleasing aesthetic. The finished “cannonballs” will be displayed throughout local businesses starting two weeks prior to the Third Avenue Festival. Residents and visitors are encouraged to take an “art walk” and visit participating businesses during that time to see the cannonballs.
Awards will be given out based on concept, creativity and overall design. On the day of the Third Avenue Festival, October 3rd, 2010, there will be an outdoor art show in the high 90s, showcasing work from cannonball creators and other artists as well. Green themed events and demonstrations will take place during the show. “The Cannonball project” will promote Bay Ridge by bringing together local history and art while also raising awareness of the need for recycling and “going green.”

GUIDELINES:

• Each “cannonball” must be created from 90% recycled or organic materials.

• Circumference: Approx. 60–62 inches

• Diameter: Approx. 20 inches

• Weight: Maximum of 15lbs.

• Completed art pieces must be be delivered to drop-off location (TBA) in a sturdy box with handles and a lid. Box must be able to support the weight of your piece. Art pieces will be transported by Green Festival organizers from the drop-off/judging location to their respective host businesses.

• When creating your piece, please keep in mind that it will be displayed in a business open to the public for two to three weeks.

• When using organic materials, do not use food items, as they will attract unwanted critters. Twigs, bark, leaves etc. would be acceptable.

• Make sure that your piece is durable and will maintain it’s integrity for the duration of it’s display.

• While the utmost care will be given to the handling of your work, the business hosting your piece, location of drop-off and opening reception, the Third Avenue Merchants Association, the Bay Ridge Festival of the Arts, Inc. and any Green Art Festival organizers are not responsible for any damage to your piece.

DEADLINES/SCHEDULE:

• Wednesday. Sept. 15, 2010: Cannonball drop-off. Location and times to be announced

• Thursday, Sept. 16, 2010 • 7 to 9 pm: Judging, reception/press conference. All artists are invited to attend—mingle with business owners, local politicians and the press.

• Friday, Sept. 17, 2010:Cannonballs distributed to host business locations

• Saturday, Sept. 18, 2010: The start of the art walk/Green Art Festival begins!

HOW TO PARTICIPATE:

• Participation is FREE.

• Send an email with your contact information, to Chandra Hira, President of the Bay Ridge Festival of the Arts, Inc. at chandra@brfa.us by August 31st to indicate that you will be participating in the Green Festival and to secure your spot. Type “Green Fest” in the subject line. An artist application form will be emailed back to you.

• Artists who participate in The Cannonball Project/Green Art Festival are eligible for a FREE 10ft x 10ft space to sell/display their art (does not need to be “green”) at an outdoor art show on Sunday, October 3rd, from 93rd to 95th streets during the annual 3rd Avenue Festival. If you do not wish to create a cannonball, but would like to participate in the outdoor art show, there is a $25 fee.