Art Comes to the Streets of Smith Houses

A row of vacant stores at NYCHA’s Smith Houses on the Lower East Side of Manhattan – formerly a laundromat, doctor’s office, and fast-food restaurant – has been reimagined as a sidewalk gallery, transforming a city block into an immersive art experience. 

Artists were invited to submit work interpreting the idea of the LES as “everybody’s neighborhood.” And so the “Here, Now, Always: Everybody’s Neighborhood” exhibition celebrates the people, languages, food, architecture, and spirit of the Lower East Side.  

The exhibition was created by Art on the Ave NYC, a nonprofit organization that transforms unused commercial spaces into interactive art exhibitions featuring work by underrepresented artists for all to enjoy. It is sponsored by New York Presbyterian and NYCHA, which donated three vacant storefronts to host the project. 

“We’re proud to partner with Art on the Ave NYC, which has transformed the vacant storefronts at Smith Houses into vibrant gallery spaces that showcase and support local artists — including talented NYCHA resident artists,” said NYCHA’s Chief Operating Officer Eva Trimble. “By bringing art directly to the streets where our residents live, walk, and gather, this collaboration helps turn everyday spaces into places of inspiration. We welcome opportunities to work with local organizations that enrich and beautify NYCHA communities.” 

The exhibition’s street-level accessibility sets it apart: the artwork, which is installed behind storefront windows, is entirely viewable from the sidewalk, inviting neighborhood residents and passersby to engage with the art during their daily routines. Each piece includes a large display label featuring the artist’s name, artwork title, and a QR code that links to a website with more information, including audio recordings of the artists speaking about their work.  

Among the 22 artists featured are two local NYCHA residents: painter Peter Z. Passuntino and photographer Ivy Shields. Ms. Shields was also hired by Art on the Ave NYC to document the exhibition through photography. 

“It is truly a heartfelt pleasure to capture Art on the Ave’s ‘Here, Now, Always: Everybody’s Neighborhood,’ and I feel a deep connection to this community that I call home,” Ms. Shields said. “I am so grateful for the opportunity to be part of this exhibition, which allows me to embrace my roots with pride. Thank you for your support!” In her artist’s message on the website, Ms. Shields has a special message of affirmation for NYCHA residents. 

In preparing the spaces for the exhibition, the Art on the Ave NYC team cleaned and painted the storefronts. A convenience store between the vacant shops also received a fresh coat of paint as part of the beautification efforts. In addition, Art on the Ave NYC Executive Director Barbara Anderson received a donated piano through Sing for Hope, which will be outside the gallery on Thursdays and Saturdays to bring live music to the space. 

“Art on the Ave NYC is dedicated to supporting artists, but it is equally dedicated to bringing art straight into the heart of communities,” Ms. Anderson said. “This collaboration with NYCHA is a beautiful example of how empty space can be utilized to bring color, life, and real stories right into people’s everyday moments – a walk to work, a run to the store, or just a stroll in the neighborhood. Maybe people notice it, maybe they don’t. The idea is simply to create an opportunity where there was none the day before. We are grateful to all the residents who have stopped to ask about the art, shared some stories about Alfred Smith Houses, and admired the work of talented NYC artists.” 

“Here, Now, Always: Everybody’s Neighborhood” is open now through September 15. No ticket is required to experience the neighborhood through the eyes of the exhibit artists, so stop by soon. 

Featured photo, and all photos in this article are by Ivy Shields.