The time has come to pass the torch. It’s been an absolute joy and privilege working as Art Editor at Greenpointers.com for the last two years. The amount of creativity and artistry and community that I’ve experienced, not just as a fellow resident but as a journalist, has been overwhelming. You guys are the best!
Now, more than ever before, I’m fully convinced that Greenpoint is the most supportive, most artistic community in New York (and resultantly, one could argue the world). But don’t tell anyone!
Jk jk jk you already know! It’s not a secret. Greenpoint’s beloved artistic community only continues to grow in scope and renown and popularity every year.
Greenpoint Open Studios has grown leaps and bounds in the last two years. (Save the date for June, 2-3, 2018!) I was able to help with past festivals by recommending self-guided walks and studios to visit among the hundreds and hundreds of participating artists.
The Other Art Fair has also planted roots in the neighborhood, taking over the Brooklyn Expo Center for two events last year with an upcoming fair in May. And stalwart galleries like Calico, The Java Project, and The Greenpoint Gallery continue to support emerging talent and host group exhibitions.
Over the last two years, I was fortunate to meet and interview many of the artists and business owners who make Greenpoint the rich and diverse neighborhood that it is, including, Daniel Gardiner Morris, Eric Morrell, Ivy Weinglass, Justin Bolognino, Leon Reid IV, Paulie Gee, Starhawk, and Stevie Van Horn, to name a few.
And I’ve written up gallery openings, locals-only gift ideas, and music conferences. Overall, I aimed to write about artists like musician and painter Ted McGrath alongside curators and business owners like Kim Brown of Greenpoint Hill. Furthermore, I had the great pleasure of working with contributing writers to showcase even more artists and makers through the Thursday Spotlight column.
Thank you to Julia Moak, Publisher of Greenpointers.com, for your commitment and dedication to the local community of Greenpoint and Brooklyn at large. And thanks also to Megan Penmann, Content Manager, for your steadfast work at both Greenpointers and Greenpoint Open Studios. Thank you!
I must say—I was so stoked when Julia and Megan championed my weird LCD sidewalk dance party last summer. That was so much fun! It wouldn’t have happened without Greenpointers.com. Thank you!
Over the last two years, Greenpointers.com has afforded me countless opportunities and introductions and I’ve grown and developed professionally as a result. And that sort of leads me to my main point here: Greenpointers.com is a powerful platform and an extraordinary community; it’s time to give someone else the chance. While I will remain on staff as a contributing writer, I will be stepping down as Art Editor.
Please allow me to introduce our new Art Editor, Billy McEntee.
Billy McEntee moved to Greenpoint in 2015 after “a year or so post-grad living in Berkeley and Colorado,” he says. Billy grew up in New Jersey and studied theater at Boston College. “I used to perform a fair amount,” he says. But when I asked him if he considered himself to be an artist, he replied, “I identify mostly as an arts journalist, more on the editorial side of things.”
His work has appeared in Brooklyn Magazine and The Brooklyn Rail, with an article forthcoming in American Theatre.
Billy McEntee’s favorite cocktail bar is Ramona, and his favorite restaurant is Milk and Roses, though he admits he’s never been to Five Leaves. “Please don’t smite me,” he said, adding, “Say hi! I love meeting fellow Greenpointers.”
For all art related topics in Greenpoint, write to Billy McEntee at [email protected]
If you’d like to reach Andy P. Smith, please visit apsmith.nyc
Let’s welcome Billy to Greenpointers.com and show him the same love and camaraderie you showed me when I first started. Thanks again, y’all! Viva Greenpointers!