The Van Cortlandt House: The Bronx’s Oldest Building

The Van Cortlandt House Museum, like many of the historical buildings in The Bronx, is a hidden gem. Its history isn’t well known to many Bronx residents, and especially not those from out of the borough. It is the Bronx’s oldest building that transformed from a residential property to a museum where anyone can visit and learn more about the Bronx’s rich history. So rich that it is not a only a New York City landmark, but a National Historical Landmark. The museum is frequented by many students and is an attraction for tourists all around the world.

The Van Cortlandt House Museum sits in the Southwestern region of Van Cortlandt Park, near the cross street of 246th and Broadway. The Georgian style house dates back to the late 1600s. It was originally built - with fieldstone and brick - by Frederick Van Cortlandt as a family home for his wife and two daughters (1). The house was built on a wheat plantation, where the current Van Cortlandt Park sits, that had been in the Van Cortlandt family since 1691. Frederick unfortunately passed in 1759 before the completion of the home. In his will, he left the property to his son, James, and gave permanent residency to his wife, Frances Jay (2). The land in which the house sits was owned by Frederick’s father, Jacobus Van Cortlandt, who was New York’s Mayor in 1791 (3). The property was home to a thriving wheat plantation that shipped products across New York State and even to the South.

The house was also instrumental during the Revolutionary War. Though the property was still under British rule, Augustus Van Cortlandt, a city clerk, hid the property’s files from The British. George Washington is said to have inhabited the house on several occasions. It is rumoured that Washington used the house as one of the headquarters for his operations during the Revolutionary War. The house was a site of a decoy where Washington’s troops staged bonfires so that they could evade British Capture (4).

The Van Cortlandt Family owned the home until 1888. The property was then purchased by the City when it purchased the entire park property. The city’s Parks Department then renovated the park, adding new trees and swamps to the area surrounding the house. In 1897, the house was acquired by National Society of Colonial Dames in the State of New York and was transformed into a museum. It is one of the 19 houses under the Parks and the Historical House Trust of New York City. Almost one hundred years later, the house was declared a New York City Landmark (5).

Now a museum, the Van Cortlandt house attracts historical seekers from across the globe. One of its notable attractions is the home’s interior that has preserved its original aesthetic. The house is filled with furniture and art reminiscent of the era in which the house was first built. The staircases and walls throughout the home hold the spirit of its past residents. You can feel energies of the past in the home. As an emblem of the Bronx’s history, I believe it is well deserving of it praise. I strongly suggest taking the time to visit this magnificent structure and taking in its history with your own eyes.

Find out more information on how to visit the Van Cortlandt House Museum on their website. 

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1. "The History of Van Cortlandt House and Museum." Van Cortlandt House Museum. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 May 2016.

2. "The History of Van Cortlandt House and Museum." Van Cortlandt House Museum. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 May 2016.

3. "Van Cortlandt Park." Van Cortlandt Mansion and Museum. NYC Parks Department, n.d. Web. 19 May 2016.

4. "Van Cortlandt Park." Van Cortlandt Mansion and Museum. NYC Parks Department, n.d. Web. 19 May 2016.

5. "The History of Van Cortlandt House and Museum." Van Cortlandt House Museum. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 May 2016.

Rosangelica Live!

Live From Underground is a showcase created by the duo of Rosangelica Lopez and Sunny Vazquez (who you may also know by their names of BRONXINIAN and DJ Sunny Cheeba, respectively). The main purpose of their showcase is to highlight the notable voices in of the New York underground music scene, but LFU is also just open to anyone with a voice. There’s one simple rule: be yourself. Rosangelica, a performer at heart, makes it her mission to spread positivity and love. She talked with us about her Bronx pride, music, and plans for the showcase.

Where in The Bronx are you from?

I'm from the Kingsbridge area. I've lived in the same building on Bailey Ave with my family ever since a baby.

How long have you lived there?

22 years. Born and raised.

What personas do you go by?

I go by Rosangelica, Rosie or Rose. Never forgot where I come from and I never will. I am who I am. Trying to fit another standard of beauty, or attempting to fit into another person other than who I am, requires more work than necessary. I'm cool with me. I won't respond to any other name. My existence is not an act for the enjoyment of others. When I'm on stage or creating, then we can fit my art into the category of performance and entertainment.

When and how did your love for The Bronx develop?

My love for The Bronx is deep rooted. Starts with my family. When my parents came here from Cuba and Colombia, they came to and were completely on their own in the South Bronx. True warriors of their time, they came here to send money back home where things were way worse. I can only imagine what they saw growing up here. My parents are decades older than me, believe it or not. I didn't have the usual upbringing. They have seen a lot and lost many friends in the process.

I went to the same school from K-8th grade. Although it was a small school, we had a strong sense of community. Everyone lived within blocks of each other so running into one another still is a common thing today. We'd have our usual days like heading to the local park on a half day, or going to McDonald's and causing havoc. We would slide down the slide with plastic trays as well as play spitball in the play place. I've got nothing but good memories growing up in this neighborhood and to see it transform now is both a blessing and a curse.

On the one hand, we have more venues for live music. On the other hand, we've got another mall architecturally designed to resemble a jail. We don't need another mall. Especially not a mall without windows. What a huge slap in the face. An accessible community center close to the train would be ideal. Guess it's up to us to build it.

“People who know me know and that’s all that matters. I’m not looking for an award sticker or star for being the Bronx #1 achiever. I’m just me.”

— Rosangelica Lopez

Where did your love for Hip-hop and music stem from?

My father used to sing with me as early as 3 years old. He would play salsa for me and sing Guantanamera with me all the time. I'm thankful for him because a fear of singing in public was never really an issue I had. It's almost like I was born to perform. I started taking piano lessons and theory in The Bronx, and then moved on to continue in Scarsdale. A highly fortunate child, my Dad bought me a piano when I was nine and the rest was history.

Around the same time, I bought my first couple CD's: Kanye West's "Late Registration," Eminem's "The Eminem Show" and Alicia Keys' "Diary of Alicia Keys.” These albums broadened my understanding of hip-hop as a universal genre where women and men could participate and grow together. These individuals molded many of my philosophies and, most importantly, my musical tastes. In high school, I participated in musical theater and always scored a lead role. The last role I played was Motormouth Maybelle in Hairspray. There's nothing like performing in front of hundreds and having them reciprocate your energy. This is what I want to do. When I turned 20, I purchased my first guitar. I've been writing hits ever since and I don't think I'll ever stop. The philosophy behind picking up guitar was, "The greatest songwriters have all played guitar and used it to further their songwriting abilities." Since buying my guitar I've written over 50 songs.

Where did the name "BRONXINIAN" come from?

BRONXINIAN was a word I coined back in 2012 as I needed a word to define being a Bronx native/resident in modern times. My generation came way after the term "Bronxite." We need something a bit more groovy; a word we can identify with. Since coming up with the word, so many people I know use it freely. It's all good, we are Bronxites, Bronxinian, one love! There is no right or wrong term for someone in The Bronx, unless they want to be hard headed and deem BRONXINIAN as "incorrect." They're not God and neither am I. However, I have every right to define my identity here and tell my story. It's just as valid as anyone else's.

When I heard the song Kush & Corinthians on Kendrick's Section 80, something sparked in my mind. Not only was the mixtape (or album) one of the best of my time, but it further advanced my mind. Help me continue to remove the parasite of the mind and dig deeper into who I am and what defines me. Corinthian and BRONXINIAN rhymes and I have a strong feeling I developed the word around the time I heard the song and mixtape over all. 2011 into 2012 was a great time for self discovery.

“My existence is not an act for the enjoyment of others.
When I’m on stage or creating, then we can fit my art into the category of performance and entertainment.”

— Rosangelica Lopez

Live From Underground is a little over a year now. What were your expectations when you started it and how has it exceeded your expectations?

Live From Underground truly has exceeded both Sunny and my expectations for sure. We've been able to build a huge email list and fan base for our collective as a whole. We've curated over 25 shows since our birth and we've received nothing but love and support from the community. LFU is a family of various creators of all genres across the board who come together to support, inspire, and give a creative push to all involved. The Bronx has art outlets where people can come together and share their work, however there's many other factors which make the experience valuable other than a mic and crowd. People who come to listen and connect with the artists are an important part. As the head MC, I have always pushed since our first open mic for a silent and respectful crowd. If people are being disrespectful, they are not being present. They're disrupting the entire vibe while everyone else is there for the experience. Many open mics and events fail to truly have a commanding MC who captures the crowd and makes sure the art is being respected. LFU provides an experience, a family, a support system, a local PR firm, underground label, and - soon to come - live streaming for our resident artists.

How else do you engage your community?

People who know me know and that’s all that matters. I’m not looking for an award sticker or star for being the Bronx #1 achiever. I’m just me.

Is there anything else that we should be looking out for from you? In terms of music or programs?

This June I'll release my first single along with music video. Stay tuned! I'll also start my radio show The Morning Bloom as well as participate in other radio shows from BX Live Studios. Live from Underground has a residency every last Thursday at Port Morris Distillery. Free admission. 21+. Starting in June, we will bring back our First Friday open mics again at Andrew Freedman Home! $3 donation and all ages welcome!

Follow Rosangelica on Soundcloud, Twitter and Instagram. In addition, be sure to stay updated with Live from Underground events.

The Banknote Building: Hunts Point's New Beacon of Hope

Given its rich history, it is no surprise that the Bronx is home to many historic infrastructures. From the Kingsbridge Armory to the Andrew Freedman Home, there’s no shortage of famous buildings throughout the borough. However, many of these buildings are unknown to the borough's own residents and New Yorkers around the city in general - making them underutilized, and their beauty and importance, neglected.

I would like to think of the BankNote Building as a hidden gem. I had no knowledge of the building’s existence until I began working for a small business nonprofit in 2014. After accepting the position and getting the building’s address, an internal alarm went off. My preconceived notions of the Hunts Point area deterred me initially. The area’s well documented history of crime and prostitution, plus the distance from my Kingsbridge home, made the task of traveling to the BankNote daunting. But on my first day at work, my mind was immediately changed. I would go on to spend many days exploring the building during my tenure there and engulfing myself in its external and internal beauty.

Sitting in the Hunts Point and Longwood sections, the massive structure may seem unassuming at first glance. But a self inspired tour around the building’s campus will change your mind. The brick exterior is telling of the structure’s age as it was built in 1909 and widely known as the “penny factory” for its function. The building was part of The American Bank Note Company, who printed paper and coin money.  According to the building's website, the 410,000-square-foot structure is comprised of four buildings: The North, Garrison, Barretto, and Lafayette. It’s easy to spot from the Bruckner Boulevard Expressway, and if you are on the higher points of the building then you can look down into the famous Hunts Point Markets and Rikers Island.

According to the Real Deal, after being abandoned in 1985, the building laid vacant until 2007 when Taconic Investment Partners purchased it for over $32 million dollars. The developers had several ideas for creating a loft styled space for small business owners and creatives alike and even invested $25 million dollars into the buildings developments. The impact of the recession that year stalled the developers plans and the building laid dormant once again. Taconic Investment Partners then sold the property to Perella Weinberg Partners and Washington, D.C real estate investment firm Madison Marquette for a whopping $114 million. The new owners immediately began plans to revive the space. Since its turnover, the building has been transformed to a beautiful incubator for creativity, business, and opportunity.

The Bronx Business Incubator are one of the residents of the building. They rent out space to start up businesses, nonprofits, and health agencies. Some of the incubator’s tenants include the nonprofit Start Small Think Big and businesses like Luscious Wines, and even the office of Congressman Jose E. Serrano. The building houses two public schools and is home to programs such as Sustainable South Bronx and the Knowledge House. A walk around the building, to Garrison Avenue, will bring you to The Point - which is a one stop shop for creativity and grabbing a great lunch. The Point is a nonprofit dedicated to youth development by offering art programs and employment opportunities for large community of color that surround it. There are so many opportunities that Hunts Point Residents and all Bronxites can take advantage of in the BankNote.

The revitalization of the BankNote has attracted many residents, old and new, of the Hunts Point area. The building serves as a great example of restoration in an area that so desperately needs more showcases of hope and inspiration. With a little faith and time, so many things are possible.

Visit the BankNote building at 1231 Layfayette Ave, Bronx NY.

Bronx Narratives & Everyday Bronx Walk

Our second photowalk was in partnership with Everyday Bronx. We walked the Bronx River Park and stopped along the way for photo opportunities and shared laughs, (and chatted of course).

Thanks to everyone who came out to the #EDBXNriverwalk and braved the weather like champs.

Video recap by Kevin De Los Santos

For our first photowalk of the year, we decided to partner up with Everyday Bronx and explore the Bronx River Park. Shot and edited by Kevin De Los Santos Music by Froyo Ma - Hot http://www.bronxnarratives.com

Fine Food Cuisine

From a very young age, certain traits are instilled within us that pave the way for whom we will become. Whether it's from family, friends, or just by observing. Al Jallow, owner and chef of Fine Food Cuisine in Morris Park, can attest to this. Growing up in his hometown of Gambia, Al envisioned what his life would be like in the future. His mother, although unaware at the time, would gauge his interest as he watched her prepare dinner many nights. His father then showed him the ways of becoming a businessman. The combination of these two sides of life became important to who Al would grow to be.

His journey began in 1999 as a dishwasher for a small restaurant downtown. Soon after, Al was given the opportunity to become a chef. It was at this moment that Al truly fell in love with the culinary world. He went on to work for a host of various restaurants including Bolo, which was owned by a legendary Iron Chef: Bobby Flay. Fast forward nearly two decades and now Al is the proud owner of his own restaurant in the Bronx, Fine Food Cuisine. 

Dondre had suggested Al’s spot to me on numerous occasions, making the claim that they make the best jerk chicken in the Bronx (don't let his Mom find out he said that). On a recent day, we finally headed over together and it's safe to say that this place did not disappoint. They have it all. Pizza to ribs, nachos to chili, and tacos to paella. The menu is sure to fill anyone’s craving. 

The place was a little packed when we visited, which did result in a longer wait time. However, that disappointment didn’t last once our food arrived. We started with Voodoo wings as an appetizer, and were reassured the wings had nothing to do with actual voodoo (phew). For my entree, I tried the panko chicken with macaroni and cheese and string beans. Dondre had jerk chicken, mac and cheese, and tostones. Their wings are covered in a “secret sauce,” Al’s very own recipe. It was like no other - sticky, sweet, and just a little kick of spice. It was an explosive combination of flavors that were highly enjoyable.  

The panko chicken was cooked to perfection, but the homerun was the mac and cheese. It was so velvety, almost to the point where Webster's dictionary might want to update the definition of velvety and make it Al’s mac and cheese. Dondre thought the jerk chicken wasn’t as spicy as he had from here prior, but it was still flavorful. He also thought the tostones were nice and crispy, while the mac and cheese also hit the spot.

Towards the end of our meal, management did come out and apologize for the wait time and assured us that this never happens.

Our experience at Fine Food Cuisine was very enjoyable. The food was great and management was great. Throughout all the bites was a well crafted playlist that included my favorite song “Brown Eyed Girl.” What stuck with me were the words uttered by Al, “I just want to do good work.” This man is all about giving back. He teaches in his spare time at a mosque and is working on ideas for Fine Food’s one year anniversary. Its safe to say that I’ll be returning for some Voodoo wings really soon. 

Fine Food Cuisine is located at 671 Morris Park Ave, Bronx, NY, 10462

Hector's Thoughts - 4 out 5. The service on the day I went was just a little too slow for my liking. Food was great but the wait kind of took away from the experience.

Celebrating Latina

Each year we are ushered into Women’s History Month, a time designated to celebrating women’s contributions in society. This March, the women of Bronx Women’s Photo Collective, Rhynna Santos, Sandra Ayala, and Lizzy Alejandro debuted their first photography exhibit, Living Latina, a visual documentation of the unique lives of Latinas in New York City.

Rhynna, a former UCLA Women’s Studies major and an avid feminist realized she was a minority among photographers as a woman and a Latina. “I understood this [dynamic] well, but experiencing it in 2015 was maddening and depressing. I had a few negative incidences happen to me that summer with male photographers and I decided, instead of waiting for a safe creative space for women, to start my dream organization which would include my love for the Bronx, photography and female creative spaces within photography.” Soon after, she joined forces with Sandra Ayala and Lizzy Alejandro to create Bronx Women’s Photo Collective, which went public January 1, 2015.

They recently partnered with Lincoln Medical Center, earlier this month, to showcase their exhibition, which catalogued the identity and culture of latina women. “Who really creates culture and nurtures culture but women? We wanted to pick a specific theme on how Latina women live in New York, how we think, and the issues that surround us. It was really important for us to host our debut during Women’s History Month,” exclaims Santos.

Santos, who prefers to use photojournalism and portraiture, was able to capture this style of shooting in her recent work, “A Transcendent Calling: Latina Muslim Portraiture,” a collection of photos that reflected the rise of Islamophobia and the negative stigma placed on Latina muslims.  She asked herself, “what’s happening in the United States right now? What is the most disturbing issue that people are talking about? And that was the rise Islamophobia in our country and abroad.”

Ayela created a re-imagination of famous and influential Latinas in her piece titled, “Inspired to Dream.”  Rhynna shared, “[Sandra] chose to deal with luminaries, those who inspired us when we were little and even now, as adults. Women such as Rita Moreno, Celia Cruz, and Justice Sonia Sotomayor.”

Described as a “trophy to reward women for not fitting a small Latina stereotype,” Alejandro, the youngest in group, focused on identity and expectation of women in the Latina community. She chooses to draw focus to women whose non-traditional roles challenge stereotypical societal norms in her project Untraditional Latinas. I think, regardless of age, every Latina has been faced with those kind of questions about what are going to do with your life. Having certain levels of expectation from other generations, from other people period, on being Latina and what you can and cannot do, what choices you can and cannot make,” she states.

Although the purpose of Living Latina is to give us a glimpse of what it means to be a Latina in New York, the exhibit will also speak to many women and their experiences. In addition to the exhibit, Bronx Women’s Photo Collective would like to connect with women creatives who may be interested in pursuing photography, “we want to expand the organization, there are a lot of women shooters out there. We specifically want to work with women who haven’t had any kind of exposure and are from the Bronx. We’re going to start social events for Latina women from all of New York to talk, network, and encourage each other to create work.”

(Sandra Ayala of The Bronx Women's Photo Collective)

Living Latina will be available at the Lincoln Medical Center Exhibition Space until April 14 and will be displayed in the Poe Center in August with additional pieces. They’ve also confirmed another exhibit in Taller Boricua.

Woodlawn Cemetery

If you are from the northwest of the Bronx, you might know about Woodlawn Cemetery. Not for ghosts or urban legends, but for its beautiful, delicate landscaping. The tastefully organized 400 acres cemetery is designed with a lake, hills, meadows, mature trees, streams, and curved pathways while overlooking the Bronx River.

However, you might not know the deep history behind it.

Woodlawn Cemetery was founded in 1863 and designed by James C. Sidney as a rural cemetery according to The Cultural Landscape Foundation. However, in 1867, the cemetery trustees moved toward a lawn cemetery style that could accommodate monuments and mausoleums. For those who don’t know, mausoleums are buildings for tombs. Woodlawn Cemetery historian Susan Olsen in WNYC’s “The Hidden History of NYC’s Woodlawn Cemetery,” details the rich history of these mausoleums. These architectural monuments set Woodlawn Cemetery apart from the rest.  

Known in some circles as the cemetery of the “rich and famous,” New York’s wealthiest citizens built these grand mausoleums to show off their style and wealth. Notable American architects such as McKim Mead & White, Carrere & Hastings, John Russell Pope and many more showcased their artistic talent and expertise in designing the mausoleums that mirrored their clients’ Fifth Avenue mansions while they were still alive. Olsen states that there are 1,316 private mausoleums, the largest collection in the country.

The cemetery houses notable residents that include Duke Ellington, Herman Melville, Fiorello LaGuardia, Joseph Pulitzer, Madam C.J. Walker, Alva Vanderbilt Belmont, Celia Cruz, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and many more. According to Lloyd Ultan and Shelley Olson’s The Bronx: The Ultimate Guide to New York City’s Beautiful Borough, the funeral and burial of Admiral David Farragut in 1870 put “Woodlawn on the map” as Farragut was a personal friend of General, then president of the United States Ulysses S. Grant. Because of the number of participants that marched behind Farragut’s hearse which as the president, vice president, and every member of the cabinet, no one has ever received such an honor. In 2013, Farragut’s grave and monument was named a National Historical Landmark.  

In 2011, Woodlawn Cemetery was declared a National Historic Landmark. Today, there are over 300,000 people buried at Woodlawn Cemetery.

The Woodlawn Cemetery is located on 233rd street and Webster Avenue with another entrance on Jerome Avenue near the north end of Bainbridge Avenue. It is open to the public every day from 8:30am to 5:00pm. Admission is free.

A Weekend in the Bronx

Originally screened at the Bronx Museum.

Starring Justin White, directed by Dondre Green and filmed and edited by Kevin De Los Santos. 

Artists of A & C

It was a nice summer day the first time I visited Artist & Craftsman, a few months after it opened. I needed supplies for an art project and decided to explore the store while picking up the materials. Before entering, I would have described the store in one word: unassuming. It is wedged between a Footlocker and a discount clothing store on the busy street of White Plains Road and is easy to miss if not you’re paying attention. Once inside, I was shocked to discover the store exceeded my expectations. I went back a few weeks ago but this time I spoke with Alice, the assistant store manager, Devin, a clerk, and Carlos, a clerk, to find out more about their experiences while working at Artist & Craftsman.

When was the grand opening of Artist & Craftsman?

Alice: This location opened May 1st. We’re coming up on the one year anniversary.

Do you have anything planned for the anniversary?

Alice: We’re thinking about doing a one year anniversary exhibition that features the artwork of staff members and other local Bronx artists. We’ll utilize the classroom area and turn it into a gallery space for the evening. It’s still in the works.

Since opening, what has the response from the community been?

Alice: It’s been really positive. Especially since we’re offering classes and they’re pretty affordable. Every day we have someone coming in saying they’re happy we’re here.

Devin: Newcomers are intrigued by the space, along with the array of products we have. It’s good to know that we have what people need to get things done. Whether it be for school or a leisure project. I think that’s the beauty of this particular spot. Customers don’t have to go out of their way to (have the chance to) create.

Carlos: This neighborhood is a little more family-oriented so a lot of parents come in with their kids. The kids are always excited to run around and look around at everything.

What are some challenges you have been facing?

Alice: As a company we don’t really do advertising outside of word of mouth and social media, so establishing ourselves is one of the biggest challenges.

Devin: For me, I’m stilling learning about certain mediums and products. When a customer asks about a particular product that I may not be familiar with, it helps me learn why they want it, why they use it, and what they create with it. It builds inspiration both ways.

Carlos: Spreading awareness, people from the Bronx still shop in Manhattan for art supplies and they don’t need to go that far. They come here and are surprised because they didn’t know we were here and how convenient it is.

What does it mean to you that you work at the only art store of this caliber in the Bronx?

Carlos: It feels good to know that we are a good resource for the community. Aside from the art supplies, we have classes. We also provide a network of artists of each other, you meet people, get more exposure and we’re surrounded by products that we’re enthusiastic about and invested in, so when you’re telling customers “I love this,” you’re not insincere, you don’t have to lie and pitch products to people.

Devin: It is a growing network of people that come in. Even art legends have come in here to shop and when they see the store it’s a huge thing because they grew up out here. Being that this is a first for us, it’s truly incredible. To see legends feel the same feelings that newcomers or new artists feel. It also means support for each other. I feel like that’s one thing with the Bronx, we don’t get enough credit for the culture that we put into the world. They take away things that we use to interact. I grew up out here, I used to go to (P.S) 21 Park, they took away the basketball courts because of drug dealers, so it’s beautiful to have another outlet so we don’t have to be out here in the streets.

What are some of the classes you offer?

Alice: Painting and drawing are our main classes. Aleathia Brown teaches Paint and Sip, it’s basically revamping an old item of clothing by painting on it, maybe tearing it and adding fabrics scraps with a little sip on the side. If you’re 21 and older you're definitely welcomed to take that class and enjoy a little conversation and wine on the side.

We’ve had a gentleman come in who does soap making from scratch so we’re trying to set that up. Someone has inquired about calligraphy classes and another about knitting and crocheting. We get our instructors from the community so if someone comes in and says we want to teach this or take this, we’re very open. We just need to find the instructor.

If someone is interested in teacher a class here, how do they go about that?

Alice: They can call or stop by the store for a teacher consent form. They would also have to come up with a lesson plan, how much they would charge and the supplies. Some supplies we can donate to them depending on what they need.

What are the most bought items?

Alice: Knitting and crocheting items, Montana spray paint cans, Copic markers and leather paint to customize their sneakers.

What are your favorite products?

Carlos: I’m a watercolorist, so I nerd out over paper, watercolor and paints.

Alice: The Williamsburg oil paint is gorgeous but I can’t just pick one (product).

Do you have a site where you put art up?

Alice: On Instagram, @artsandcraftsmansupply_bwp.

Are you engaged in any art projects?

Carlos: We all have art shows on our spare time. Devin takes commission on the side for customizing sneakers and jackets.

Alice: We’re all working artists, so we’re trying to get our work exhibited. Which can be difficult, especially in New York City, it’s very competitive.

How do you guys see this growing into something bigger?

Alice: I think the fact that people are still surprised at our presence here means that once we really get a foothold, things are going to get better. Hopefully we’ll have more students, families, and people who are interested in taking classes. We’re going to expand our roster of teachers. And then there are partnerships, we do outreach. Our store manager, Shak, is responsible for outreach. We go to colleges, schools, art galleries to talk to people. I think it’s all uphill.

Visit the Artist & Craftsman Supply store located at 3961 White Plains Road, Bronx NY and let them know we sent you there to redeem a 10% discount on your next purchase!  

Neighborhood Tales (Episode 03): Ivelyse Andino Austria

 Episode 03 of Neighborhood Tales featuring Throggs Neck native, Ivelyse Andino Austria.

Neighborhood Tales:  A new editorial series that'll highlight the diversity of Bronx neighborhoods and help provide a visual identity, with stories told by the people who live there.