UES Storefronts Brightened By Art, Photos In New Exhibition

UPPER EAST SIDE, NY — Just in time for darker evenings and colder weather, a new art exhibition has brightened up nearly two dozen businesses and vacant storefronts across the Upper East Side.

Art began appearing in recent days for the exhibition, called "Beyond the Bricks," which officially launches Wednesday and will run through Jan. 17 at 16 businesses and four empty storefronts in the neighborhood. (Find a full list below.)

It's a joint project by Friends of the Upper East Side Historic Districts, Manhattan Sideways, and Art on the Ave NYC, a nonprofit launched in 2020 that aims to "breathe new life" into Manhattan's commercial corridors by livening up unused storefronts.

Works in the new exhibition range from oil paintings to photographs, created by 16 local artists chosen through a public application process. Some installations feature stories and original photography of Upper East Side small businesses and their owners, as well as archival information and images about the buildings they occupy.

Wednesday's launch party at Ryan's Daughter will run from 6-8 p.m., with the historical exhibit on display at 966 Lexington Ave.

The exhibition itself is described as a self-guided gallery walk spanning from East 72nd to 86th streets, between Lexington and First avenues. Here are the participating locations:

• Lady Fleur: 236 East 80th St.
• Dashnor Tailoring: 320 East 81st St.
• Rita's Needlepoint: 303 East 81st St.
• Living With Green: 324 East 81st St.
• Andrea Carrano: 1326 Third Ave.
• Tiny Doll House: 314 East 78th St
• Dempsey & Carroll: 1049 Lexington Ave.
• Ryan's Daughter: 250 East 85th St.
• Little Wolf Cabinet Shop: 1583 First Ave.
• King's Carriage House: 251 East 82nd St.
• Dulce Vida Latin Bistro: 309 East 83rd St.
• Maz Mezcal: 316 East 86th St.
• Pinpoint Bridal: 229 East 84th St.
• Orwashers: 308 East 78th St.
• Artisan Barber: 331 East 81st St.
• Luxe Curations: 230 East 83rd St.
• Vacant storefront: 1016 Lexington Ave.:
• Vacant storefront: 966 Lexington Ave.
• Vacant storefront: 353 East 78th St.
• Vacant storefront: 228 East 86th St.

All three organizing groups will soon publish maps of the participating businesses on their respective websites, with hard copies available to pick up at each business.

All pieces of art will later be available to purchase, with 100 percent of proceeds going to the artist, organizers say.

"We want to highlight this community that is home to smaller, independent businesses, a vibrant creative culture, schools and people from around the globe," said Rachel Levy, executive director of Friends of the Upper East Side, in a statement. "It is the small, century-old buildings which not only contribute to the texture and landscape of the neighborhood, but also provide the backdrop for a diverse array of small businesses serving the community and beyond."

The project was supported in part by the city's Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, including Council Member Julie Menin and her predecessor Ben Kallos.

"As we approach Small Business Saturday, 'Beyond the Bricks' is a perfect event to highlight our vibrant commercial corridors," Menin said.

Learn more about "Beyond the Bricks" on Friends of the Upper East Side's website.