Artists Create “Museum Without Doors” for Community

In collaboration with local artists, the Greater Flushing Chamber of Commerce and GrowNYC launched a new pop-up community art project, “Museum Without Doors,” at the Flushing Greenmarket located at Bowne Playground on Sanford Avenue and Union Street in Downtown Flushing, Queens.

The creative director of the exhibition, Xinya Li, says “the concept of the exhibition aims to enrich local art and culture in Flushing, breaking away from traditional gallery and museum spaces, and entering public spaces and people's daily lives, bridging the gap between the general public and art.”

Li stated that the first exhibition this year is a collaboration with artists Chia Hsuan Kuo and Pin Hsin Chu. Kuo's work explores the theme of "sleeping homeless people and their dreams," while Chu will present whimsical sculptures themed around "happy and imaginative children."

A native of Taiwan, Chia Hsuan Kuo specializes in the art of sculpture at The Art Students League of New York, and was honored at the 19th Tokyo-New York Ceramic Competition for his body of work, which includes the captivating "Unknown Objects" series, evoking the forms of underwater creatures, as well as the mesmerizing "Dreams" series, where figures intertwine with elements of surrealism.

Pin Hsin Chu graduated from the Department of Fine Arts at Tainan University of Applied Sciences and opened a studio focusing on ceramic vessels that revolve around human emotions and childlike innocence. In 2022, Chu participated in the "Taiwan: A World of Orchids" exhibition at the Queens Botanical Garden and designed the New Year's print art visual for the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York.

Xinya Li, who was born in China and graduated from the School of Visual Arts, was featured by Forbes for her curation project “One Painting One Prayer” with artist Shih Pao Lin. Li has also interned with the New York City government and has extensive experience in product design within the NFT field. Li’s diverse background has provided her with invaluable insights into the art market and crowd psychology.

The exhibition venue is jointly provided by the Greater Flushing Chamber of Commerce and the non-profit organization Grow NYC at the Flushing Greenmarket to allow New Yorkers to enjoy the work of local artists and participate in Flushing’s rich cultural diversity while purchasing fresh vegetables and nutritious food from regional farms.

The Flushing Greenmarket, managed by Grow NYC, was established in 2016 to expand community access to fresh and nutritious food grown by regional farmers, including baked goods, eggs, apple cider, fresh fruits, and a wide variety of vegetables.

The Chamber curates programming at the greenmarket, promoting environmental education as well as activities that support community wellbeing and health. Alice Lee, Chair of the Chamber’s Advisory Board, will be coordinating monthly programming with local artists to showcase their talents and encourage more people to visit the market.

"In addition to healthy food, cultural well-being is also important. Food culture is often driven by art, and it's delightful to enjoy an exhibition after a meal," said Alice Lee, Chairwoman of the Greater Flushing Chamber of Commerce. “Our initiative, Museum Without Doors, provides an opportunity for New Yorkers to experience world-class art in an outdoors space. By organizing exhibits that combine global culture with local agriculture, we seek to support both artists and farmers as well as our community."

The Greenmarket is open every Wednesday from 8am to 3pm, until November 29. The Chamber partners with GrowNYC to promote the Greenmarket and coordinates programming with local businesses, cultural groups, and civic associations.

“Museum without Doors” will be held monthly and feature different artists and their artwork. The concept was initially introduced by artist Shih Pao Lin in 2020, and the first and second exhibitions of the series took place in Maple Playground, where the Flushing Greenmarket was first located. Maple Playground was shut down by the City last year for reconstruction and renovation.

Farmers at the greenmarket accept cash, SNAP/EBT, Debit/Credit, Healthfirst OTC Plus and Humana Healthy Options, WIC & Senior FMNP coupons, and Greenmarket Bucks. Spend $2 in SNAP/EBT/P-EBT and get a $2 Health Buck bonus, up to $10 per day. Get more information about Flushing Greenmarket at grownyc.org/greenmarket/queens/flushing.