September is turning into a pretty banner month for new public art installations in New York City. While the PORTAL Art Show on Governors Island might be the most anticipated, there are some great new pieces in special off-limits locations like the Green-Wood Cemetery catacombs, a military chapel on Governors Island, and a hidden art space below Chelsea Market. And in animal-related works, one large hippo has made a triumphant return to a new location, three large horses are coming to a Central Park entrance, the DUMBO DROP — a festival where thousands of souvenir elephants are released – returns for a third year, and oversized wooden birds are still all along Broadway. Street art remains a big draw in the city, with new work by JR, the comprehensive exhibition Beyond the Streets still up, along with new community sponsored work in Hudson Square.
1. PORTAL Art Show on Governors Island
Previously known as the Governors Island Art Fair, Portal: Governors Island marks the 12th annual art fair organized by the Nonprofit 4heads, Inc. on the island. The fair features a diverse range of artists from across the United States and across the world. Eight historic homes along Colonel Row will be taken over by the fair. Each artist will have an individual room, connective space or exterior green space in which to display their work in the form of an exhibit or to create an immersive installation.
Since the first Governors Island Art Fair in 2008, up to 100 artists each year have been selected through an open call and jurying process. Portal: GI will be open every Saturday and Sunday through September 29.