Coney Island Odes: Artwork Inspired by Iconic Seaside Locale

Coney Island is one of the most famous and iconic neighborhoods in the State of New York. Renowned as a seaside playground, Coney Island’s history as a go-to summer hotspot stretches back two centuries, with the zenith of its popularity occurring in the early-to-mid-twentieth century, when the freak show was as much of a draw as the amusement park rides. After suffering through a decline in the 1970s that stretched into the early years of the 21st century, Coney Island is now enjoying a revitalization. Lunar Park is up and running with scores of rides and games. Since 1983, an annual Mermaid Parade has occurred every June, and attracts increasing numbers of participants and onlookers every year. The famed Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest is another annual event that draws crowds every July 4th weekend, and the Polar Bear Club continues to take dives into the ocean during the frigid winter. Meanwhile, the boardwalk and New York Aquarium can be enjoyed all year long. Given its solidified place as a beacon of New York, and arguably the crown jewel of Brooklyn attractions, it is unsurprising that the BWAC (Brooklyn Waterfront Artists Coalition) — an artist-run gallery and cooperative nonprofit organization operating in Red Hook — periodically produces an exhibition that showcases art which either depicts Coney Island or was somehow inspired by its unique and funky vibe.

From July 13 to August 11, 2024, BWAC is presenting two exhibitions: The Art of Coney Island 3 and In the Neighborhood. A juried exhibition, The Art of Coney Island 3 is an ode to a neighborhood that has served as a muse for artists — and a haven that fosters and celebrates the weird and outrageous — for decades. The artwork in this exhibition includes depictions of the boardwalk, sideshow, Mermaid Parade, Luna Park attractions, Nathan’s hot dogs, the beach, and more. Highlights of the show include vibrant banners painted by Coney Island royalty Marie Roberts, 3D dioramas created by Luis "Inca" Ramos and paper pop-up scenes by Erin Mathewson. In total, more than 90 artists are participating in the exhibit, which spans across two floors in the expansive 25,000 square-foot BWAC gallery; paintings, sculptures, collages and photographs are all featured.

Running alongside the Coney Island-inspired artwork is the member’s summer exhibition: In the Neighborhood, where BWAC artists explore their personal perspective on their surroundings. Hence, each piece illustrates the attachments human beings create for the places where they spend their lives.

The gallery is open weekends between the hours of 1 to 6 pm in the Civil War-era Beard and Robinson Warehouse Stores at 481 Van Brunt St. in Red Hook, Brooklyn. For additional info on upcoming events, visit bwac.org.