The Williamsburg Art Scene: It started as a village within the town of Bushwick, now a neighboring community. Williamsburg was industrial with a shipyard and many factories–all are now gone except for the old Domino Sugar factory. Williamsburg has been home to many ethnic enclaves including Hasidic Jews, Italians, Puerto Ricans and Dominicans. Now, it’s also an influential hub for indie rock, hipster culture and fine, contemporary art. All of this is associated with its main thoroughfare, Bedford Avenue. Join Savona Bailey-McClain, curator and arts producer. Stroll through one of the hippest communities in Brooklyn. Mixed between great cafes, restaurants and shops are wonderful galleries showing forward thinking artwork.

Time: 12:00pm-2:00pm

Date: Sunday May 6, 2012

Event Route: Bedford Avenue and N. 7th Street, “L” train from Manhattan to Bedford Avenue (1st stop in Brooklyn).

Host Organization:   Savona Bailey-McClain, Executive Director of the West Harlem Art Fund, Inc. and NYC Arts! (Walking tour initiative of the West Harlem Art Fund)

Registration: No need to sign up, just show up at the posted meeting location.

Accessibility: Not Accessible – stairs, obstacles, uneven terrain, steep paths

Williamsburg Rise will be a platform for dialogue centering on the upcoming socio-economic changes converging on the neighborhood. With the sudden descent of multi-unit housing, Williamsburg’s physical appearance is not the only characteristic that will be impacted. New residents will move in, while a few of the current residents may have to move out. Walk host Sheilla Sumayang welcomes you to her neighborhood and encourages you to meet her neighbors.

*This walk will be happening 3 times, on both May 5th, and May 6th

Date: Saturday May 5, 2012
Time: 1:00pm-2:30pm

Date: Sunday May 6, 2012
Time: 11:00am-12:30pm

Date: Sunday May 6, 2012
Time: 2:00pm-3:30pm

Event Start/End:  Wythe Hotel (NW corner of Wythe Avenue and North 11 Street)/Domino Sugar Factory (NE corner of Kent Avenue and South 2nd Street)

Host Organization:  Sheilla Sumayang. Williamsburg resident, food explorer and lover of concrete jungles.

Registration: No need to sign up, just show up at the posted meeting location.

Accessibility:  Partially Accessible – curbs, uneven terrain, busy sidewalks