"Between Coincidences", photographs by Alex Harsley June 19, 2009

Fourth Arts Block (FAB) will open "Between Coincidences", an exhibition of black and white photographs by Alex Harsley. As part of ArtUp, FAB's public art program, the photographs will be enlarged and installed on a scaffolding bridge on East 4th Street between Bowery & 2nd Avenue. With more than $16 million in renovations to the East 4th Street Cultural District underway, ArtUp seeks to transform the stodgy and dodgy look of construction sites and scaffolding into a streetside gallery.

"Between Coincidences" presents the magnetic energy of East 4th Street by introducing the viewers to community leaders, members, and ordinary moments of the past that in present day are testament to legacies of perseverance and will. A crowded Cooper Square Committee meeting, a bustling block party on East 4th Street, a stomping ground for the usual suspects, and cool fire hydrant water shooting across the street are bold images of the neighborhood. Independent from each other, Wilbert Tatum and Jean-Michel Basquiat strolled, pondered and operated on this street, while Ellen Stewart and Alex Harsley continue to do so. These photographs provide the audience with a glimpse of the vitality that existed in this petri dish that we know today as the East Village.

Image: Alex Harsley, "4th Street", 1984, digital print, open exhibition, 16" x 20".

When: Opening takes place on Friday, June 19, 2009 from 6:00PM-8:00PM Exhibition will run from June 19 to September 12, 2009 Viewing hours from sunrise to sunset (outdoor installation)

Where: ArtUp Streetside Gallery / East 4th Street between Bowery and 2nd Avenue Best viewing spot is in front of Cuppa Cuppa 75 E. 4th Street
Metro: F,V to 2nd Avenue / 6 to Astor Place

Note: Opening reception will begin at 6:00PM at East Fourth Street Gallery, 67 East 4th Street. All guests will receive a FREE FAB Pass, providing discounts to shows, readings, classes, and workshops. Viewers should take advantage of FAB Fridays and purchase tickets to shows as low as $5 for viewing that evening. FAB Friends will receive a complimentary open edition digital print courtesy of Alex Harsley. FAB is in collaboration with ArtForward to produce "ArtUp". This rotating public art program embellishes scaffolding with artwork to encourage a revitalization of the East Village and the Lower East Side.

Official Website: http://www.fabnyc.org/