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THE FIRST EVENT The first event we held at the WAH center was a Halloween party. Local artists created all sorts of exotic pieces and installations that included a huge spider web and spider on the first floor. They piled up pumpkins in the middle of the floor. In the basement was a huge mechanical fly glowing eyes and a baby in its mouth with wings flapping up and down. One artist got the carcass of a cow, probably from a slaughterhouse and put in in the middle of the basement. Opening night a local circus group did fire eating and other tricks while the bands played. Next day was a mess! The art show continued and after it as finished, the local artists took their works back and although they had promised to come back and clean u the art center, none ever showed up. We were left with rotting pumpkins and a rotting cow carcass. We disposed of the cow carcass a little at a time. I guess the sanitation department thought our business was slaughtering animals. We learned a lot about the youthful, fun loving, irresponsible, devil-‐may-‐care local artists at that time.
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The Yuko Nii Foundation is the holding company for the building and collections. The Williamsburg Art & Historical Center is the presenting organization occupying the landmark building with art exhibits, and performances, plus education programs in the arts. Here is an over view of the first two decades.
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THE FIRST ART EXHIBIT PIONEERS OF WILLIAMSBURG The first show was of local artists who had been living in the neighborhood for many years. They were a mature and excellent group of artists. Remarkably, Governor George Pataki knew about Williamsburg s a growing art community and Yuko’s founding of the WAH Center. Governor Pataki wrote a letter of congratulations to Yuko and personally sent his assistant James Barcia to delver it and read it aloud to Yuko on the opening day of the show. It was an auspicious beginning.
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ON THE MOVE From that point on it was a rocket burn of endless shows every six weeks or so. On top of exhibits we had musical events, lectures symposia, dinners. During the first 7-1/2 years the WAH Center has pursued what Chris Gray in an article in the New York Times called a “furious schedule,” producing over 150 fine art shows incorporating over 2500 artists, and countless performances. Since then till today it has produced many additional shows and events, totaling over 200 fine art exhibitions with more than 3,000 artists’ participants, and over 150 performance programs with more than 1000 performers. Besides local and national exhibitions, the WAH Center has bridged internationally so far, to Cuba, Holland, Islamic Nations, Italy, Japan, Palestine, Russia, Slovenia, Turkmenistan, and Vietnam. The WAH Center plans to bridge to some other countries such as Israel, Germany and Latin America in the near future. The WAH Center also produced an annual Art & Ability show by artists with disabilities. Each year the show became more popular and the number of the participants increased, and included both mentally & physically handicapped artists. Due to the lack of accessibility (an elevator) to the larger gallery space on the second floor, we had to discontinue the program after the 6th annual show. Additionally the WAH Center has created a membership program, the WAH Salon Art Club. Every year the members participate in the annual January Salon Exhibition, and the 11th annual Salon Exhibition was held in January 2010. Depending upon the members’ good standing, the WAH Center offers a solo show in our small gallery and also offers to the members of high artistic merit a solo show at our affiliated exhibition space at the Amarin Café in Greenpoint.
Besides ongoing music, dance, theatrical productions, poetry and stage readings, symposia and lectures, the WAH Center created annual festivals such as the Williamsburg Film Festival, the Williamsburg Dance Festival, the January “Musical Meltdown” with over 20 bands taking turns playing from 4 o’clock in the afternoon to 6 A.M. the next morning, the Williamsburg Spring Festivals, the Williamsburg Fashion Festivals, an annual Williamsburg Historical Walking Tour lead by a local historian, and the Williamsburg Arts & Culture Festival (WAC Festival) that featured galleries, local businesses, artists’ open studios and provided a free shuttle loop bus service. The WAH Center was fortunate to be supported by local business people who generously donated wine, beer, food flowers, promotional considerations, etc. to the festivals.
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Another merit we have pursued has been Nii’s wish to establish a permanent collection for the sake of the important historical record of the constant changing artistic climate of the current New York art world. Thus, the WAH Center started acquiring contemporary works mainly from the exhibitions held at the center, and also works not exhibited at the center, but donated by the center’s generous friends. And while many works are from artists in New York City, we also have works by artists from across the United States and abroad. The WAH Center is most thankful to have received so many works donated by generous artists, and is especially delighted and honored to have works by some particularly outstanding artists who are highly respected in the International Art World, such as Ilya Bolotowsky, Judy Chicago, Yayoi Kusama, Faith Ringgold, Jerry Rudquist, Toshiko Takaezu, and more. For the most part, however, they are working professionals of high talent some of whom have been already recognized, having had wide exposure in the New York art world and beyond, and some of whom have started receiving recognitions since they had their first exhibitions at the center, whose works have been acquired in the WAH Center’s permanent collection, and some of whom might be well known in the future. We are following their progress with great interest. To honor the artists, the WAH Center presented their works to the public the fall of 2009 under the title, “Selected Contemporary Works from the Permanent Collection.” Because the number of the works in the collection has exceeded the center’s ability to show them all at once (more than 300 works), it was decided to divide the show into two parts: Part 1 show (collected from 1998-2001), started Oct. 3rd, ended Nov. 1st, and Part 2 show (2002-present), started Nov. 21st to Dec. 27th. The exhibit witnessed the rich collection that historically documents the past 13 years of wonderful experiences at the WAH Center. Despite the financial hardship of the many expenses related to our operational costs and artistic projects, the WAH Center has been able to survive, thanks to many generous volunteers who have kindly donated their talents, time and energy, providing whatever they can to keep the Center going. Some of the volunteers have been with the center more than 12 years without payment. We have been very blessed by the human spirit of giving. Thus, the WAH Center tried to follow it’s mission as much as possibly in the past 13 years by serving to the local, national and international art & cultural communities as well as the public in general.
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Recognition In 1998 Howard Golden, then Brooklyn Borough President, named Nii one of Brooklyn’s “Women of the Year” for her “unparalleled devotion to her art and commitment to the artist community of “Williamsburg/Greenpoint.” And he said that the WAH Center’s activities have resulted in “tremendous cultural & economic activity throughout the northern Brooklyn area,” an area recently designated an “historic district” and “economic development zone.” In 2001 Governor George Pataki named Nii one of “New York States’ Women of the Year”, and called her a “Woman of Excellence with Vision and Courage.” He also congratulated Nii on turning the historic Kings County Savings Bank Building into a multipurpose art center that serves the needs of artists and art aficionados of diverse backgrounds. In 2003, Borough President Marty Markowitz named Nii as one of Brooklyn’s “Women of the Year” and gave Nii the “Betty Smith Arts Award” for her outstanding achievements and contributions to the arts in Brooklyn. And in the same year, 2003, City Councilwoman Tracy Boyland gave her the “Outstanding Citizen Award.” In 2008, during Asian Heritage Month in May, Borough President Marty Markowitz honored six outstanding Asian leaders for their achievements and contributions to their communities, and gave Nii the “Asian Cultural Award.” The WAH Center received the kind financial help given by New York City Councilmember Ken Fisher who provided a yearly $20,000 line item grant for a number of years in his budget until his term ended, and also $68,000 by a joint effort of the The New York Landmark Conservancy and the New York City Landmark Commission in 2000 to help restore the clock tower, a part of which fell during a hurricane. In 2004, the center’s insurance company required that a fire escape had to be installed under threat of canceling our policy. Borough President Marty Markowitz, along with local councilwoman, Diana Reyna secured and saved the center with a $120,000 grant through DCA for the installation of the fire escape to the building. This construction took over three and half years to complete, during which time the center was allowed to have events/activities only on the ground floor, which had a second aggress, which limited in being able to produce only small scale but nonetheless very colorful local artists’ exhibitions. Last year, the WAH Center received $5,000 grant from the landmark commission to repair the leaking roof.
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SETBACKS
Hurricane A major hurricane in FY 2000 blew off a board that was rotting on the ancient structure of the clock tower. Thanks to the intervention of Ken Fisher, our former city councilman, we received emergency grants totaling 66,000from the New York City Landmark Commission and the New York City Landmark Conservancy who worked together on the project.
Landmark Violations t was necessary to remove a preexisting landmark violation of a billboard sign on the west side of the mansard roof. At the same time we cleaned a century of accumulated dirt on the remainder of the mansard roof and repaired the sagging cornice and rotting pieces of dormer windows, etc. This was done by a kind grant from a private individual ($50,000), who wished to remain anonymous. Cancellation of Insurance In 2004, the center’s insurance company required that a fire escape had to be installed under threat of canceling our policy. Borough President Marty Markowitz, along with local councilwoman, Diana Reyna secured and saved the center with a $120,000 grant through DCA for the installation of the fire escape to the building. This construction took over three and half years to complete, during which time the center was allowed to have events/activities only on the ground floor, which had a second aggress, which limited in being able to produce only small scale but nonetheless very colorful local artists’ exhibitions.
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THE WAH CENTER OVERCOMES AND MOVES FORWARD Integration with Strategic Priorities of Brooklyn, New York City and New York State The location of the building is one of New York’s most historically significant areas and an economic development zone. Williamsburg has also been in the last 16 years one of New York’s largest art communities. The building and the art center are vital resources for the city & state, and the building's restoration is essential. We are pleased to note that we are helping to fulfill the objectives in the New York State Historic Preservation Plan by “promoting preservation as a catalyst for economic development and tourism,” and by “integrating historic preservation into the planning process through close coordination among federal, state, regional and municipal agencies,” and by “fostering pride in community.” The WAH Center is committed to investing in areas that enhance quality in all areas of its operations. Priorities for investment include recruitment and retention one of the best curatorial individuals with emphasis on diversity. Accordingly, investment in quality of life for staff, volunteers and interns is also a high priority. In pursuit of excellence, the WAH Center recognized from day one the importance of internationalization, pursuing today’s necessity of “globalization” and ensuring that our communities understand the world’s cultural diversity. The WAH Center is a valuable asset to the New York community who demand great cultural amenities where they live, work and enjoy their lives. With its diverse collections and exhibitions featuring art from all over the world, the WAH Center contributes to the city’s emphasis on internationalization and cultural diversity.
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WILLIAMSBURG BRIDGES TIBET! July 18- Aug. 2, 1998 Lecture: TIBETAN BUDDHISM by Daniel Berman & Dr. Robert Thurman (tentative) Poets: Annie Bien, Edwin Bokert, Arjun Kochhar, Edwin Torres Dancers: Trish Doherty, Muzaffer Ali Khan, Luis Lara, Alice McIntyre, Philippa Wooley Music: Jim Baron, Ladislav Czerneck, Akin & Daniel and the "World Artists for Tibet" Band Plus: Tibet Foods, wine, beer, coffee, goodies
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WIDE AWAKE Russian Art Exhibit April 8-30, 2000 Russian Art: Curated by Kevin Vais of InterArt Gallery, Huntington, New York American-Russian Art: Curated by Yuko Nii, The WAH Center Opening Reception Saturday, April 8th, 4-6 P.M.
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WILLIAMSBURG BRIDGES TURKMENISTAN
Feb. 17- Mar. 4th, 2001 Reception Feb. 17, 4-6 P.M. Thanks in part to a grant from MAFCO WORLDWIDE CORP.
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WILLIAMSBURG BRIDGES JAPAN
Nov. 11 - Dec. 3, 2000 Reception Nov. 11, 4 - 6 P.M.
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February 9 - March 4, 2002 WILLIAMSBURG BRIDGES SLOVENIA "Escape from Alkatraz" 15 Artists from Slovenia Sponsored by the Sloveiian Ministry of culture Curated by Jadranka Ljubicic
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Williamsburg Bridges Palestine The Face of Palestinian Humanity through Art & Culture November 2-24, 2002
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WILLIAMSBURG BRIDGES VIETNAM
Vietnam Now March 8–30, 2003
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Strategic Plan The WAH Center is committed to making its space accessible, welcoming and meaningful to diverse audiences and in the next five years will focus on collaborating with Brooklyn partners and beyond to increase and improve its service to all people and our aging population, among other underserved audiences. Among the highest immediate priorities is to install a handicap elevator so the elderly and disabled can access the second & third floors to enjoy our fine art exhibits and performing art programs. Interdisciplinary collaboration is also important. Recognizing the incredible potential of creative collaboration across disciplines, from the fine arts, to science and humanities in the academic world, the WAH Center has taken the lead in activating the “interactive art center” concept. An interactive art center is one where creativity and innovation are encouraged and fostered in all areas, often through collaborations across disciplines. The WAH Center takes pride in its successful interdisciplinary partnerships in education; fine arts; performing arts, and literary arts. In prioritizing dialogue about global ideas and issues in its exhibitions and programs, the WAH Center demonstrates its commitment to work creatively with colleagues from many different disciplines to pursue groundbreaking and innovative artistic endeavors. Another borough-wide priority is Brooklyn’s cultural revival sustainability. This initiative is led by Yuko Nii who seeks to make the art center a model of sustainability, integrating the goals of artistic excellence, with creating an atmosphere that will enhance tourism and economic development and social equity in its operations, exhibitions, performances, and outreach. The WAH Center values its close working relationship with the Borough of Brooklyn, academic institutions such as Pratt Institute, Brooklyn College, and the WAH Center partners with the local community on
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Vision The WAH Center distinguishes itself among local art organizations as a creative laboratory for innovation in the visual arts. Accordingly, WAH Center makes great works by living artists of diverse groups (local, national and international) accessible to diverse audiences by using a variety of innovative approaches to the fine art & performing art using science and technology and uses the interpretation of art to express opinions about environmental and social concerns. We also want to present shows that reveal our historical context, for humans of today are a product of their past.
Values Innovation: The WAH Center will exemplify not only innovative leadership in the international art community, but other creative fields as well, pursuing original research to develop stellar collections, engaging exhibitions, creative publications and unique programs that includes an artists membership program, international shows, integrating fine art exhibits with performing arts as well as lectures and symposia. Education: The WAH Center places education and scholarship about art at the forefront of its activities, providing visitors with engaging and inspiring experiences that enhance visual literacy and promote cultural diversity by inviting fine artists, craftsmen with video & slide presentations, demonstrations of new techniques, and critical discussions on the state of the arts. Community: The WAH Center contributes to an interconnected, international community by being accessible to all and employing art to explore and celebrate the diversity of world cultures. Excellence: The WAH Center achieves excellence through diligent stewardship of resources and collections in its care, maintaining the utmost integrity and accountability in all areas of its operations.
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First Biennial Special Guest Artists: Judy Chicago, Faith Ringgold, Toshiko Takaezu plus Yoko Ono’s “Imagine Peace” Part 1: March 7 – April 12; Opening Sat. Mar. 7, 4–6 pm Liz Surbeck Biddle, Lili Bita, Hildy Burns, Janet Fish, Regina Granne, Amy Greenfield, Samia Halaby, Gloria Kennedy, Donna Moran, Carmen Porfido, Carol Quint, Kunie Sugiura, Cynthia Winika Part 2: April 25 – May 31; Opening Sat. Apr. 25, 4–6 pm Nivi Alroy, Bahar Behbahani, Elle Burchill, Rodriguez Calero (RoCa), Fei Cui, Andrea Cukier, Irene Hardwicke Olivieri, Soojung Hyun, Elodie Lauten, Alexandra Limpert, Leonor Mendoza, Olek, Yupin Pramotepipop, Shan Shan Sheng, Kumi Yamashita Curated by Yuko Nii
Catalog available, with essay by Robert C. Morgan (Email wahcenter@earthlink.net to reserve your copy)
See the Opening Ceremonies on
Reviews "Women Forward, a terrific exhibition of Women artists...will explore the importance of female artists in contemporary society" Michael R. Bloomberg, Mayor of the City of New York, March 7, 2009 "Brooklyn is at the forefront of recognizing not only the enormous contribution women have made to the visual arts—but also the obstacles and hardships that women have had to overcome to get their due in the male dominated art world." Marty Markowitz, Brooklyn Borough President, March 7, 2009
WOMEN ARTISTS IN WILLIAMSBURG BROOKLYN – Celebrating Women’s History Month Review by James Baldwin Cohen
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The Royal Danish Consulate General and WAH Center hosted a special evening reception for The Danish Crown Prince Frederik on Thursday, September 26th, 2002. The purpose of the event was to present the Crown Prince with works of professional Danish artists living and working in New York. It was a casual and private evening, where the Crown prince met and and talked to the Danish artists and saw examples of their work.
Nilda Mesa, Yuko Nii, Prince of Denmark, Peter Dizozza, Terrence Lindall
The Prince had just finished dinner at Peter Luger’s Steakhouse across from the WAH Center around 9 P.M. while the gathering of artists and friends of the WAH Center eagerly awaited his arrival. Members of the Danish Press were also in attendance and were hoping to get some comment from him on the expected announcement of his engagement to be married. The Danish Consulate, however kept the press from asking any questions directly of the Prince, since the evening was meant to be informal and relaxed. The Crown Prince is a handsome young man much adored by the ladies. Furthermore he had a keen interest in art in all of its forms.
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WORLD’S LARGEST SHOW OF CONTEMPORARY SURREALISTS with a GRAND SURREALIST COSTUME BALL Click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yr2V3XZvvpE
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April 9th - 8 PM April 10th - 3 PM and 8 PM April 11th - 3 PM Post-performance talk An adaptation of Shakespear’s drama into Japanese traditional “Noh” theater with Dance, Opera, Percussion, and Piano. The attempt is to translate the indispensable musical elements found in Noh, which is Japanese traditional theater, into Western music. Adopting Shakespear’s drama, Japan’s young traditional performers embark on a new interpretation of a Noh play as theatrical art. Performers of Noh play and Japanese dancers demonstrate their art, opera singers sing, and percussionists and a pianist accompany the other performers. This project is an experimental contemporary Noh performance set in the hybrid city of New York. It expresses the current moment of Japanese culture. Presented and
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NEW YEAR’S GREETINGS 2005, Ad in 11211 Magazine
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In a Brooklyn Parlor — an evening of forgotten music a concert of 19th century music performed by
Dolcy Jones Friday, June 17, 2005 at 8:00 PM Tickets are $20 at the door Dolcy Jones is a lively costumed quartet established in 2003 by Arthur Kirmss to perform early American vocal music at its best — from the dawn of the colonial era through the Civil War years. Its principal singers — soprano Susan Hugelmeyer, alto Lisa Kelly, tenor Dan Entriken and bass Arthur Kirmss — are each accomplished musicians who have done a wide variety of solo work with voices and instruments in venues ranging from small museums and concert halls to the Broadway stage. Named "Dolcy Jones" after an 1850's song of that title by Stephen Foster, the quartet presents a wide dramatic range — heroic, nostalgic, sentimental and joyous. Celebrating the richness and hidden beauty of historic American music, Dolcy Jones brings new life to little-known or forgotten examples. In a Brooklyn Parlor comprises mostly forgotten or neglected music that was written in Brooklyn and New York City during the 19th
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NEW YORK TIMES ARTICLE: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/26/books/26milt.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0 ABOUT THE SHOW: http://www.wahcenter.net/exhibits/2008/milton400/
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CINEMA VII PRESENTS
THE OCEAN FLOATERS October 26 & 27, November 2, 3, 9,10 2012 Final Two Performances Friday and Sat urday, November 9th, 10th >Buy tickets online >FaceBook Page (2012) An excursion through family heritage with script, music and songs by Peter Dizozza, Produced on the stage of the WAH Theater for the Performing Arts to occur concurrently with THE HOLOGRAPHIC SEA CAFE, an exhibition of artwork by Sam Moree, and just in time for The Grand Harvest International Juried Show. The album, "Songs of The Ocean Floaters" recorded at Galuminum Foil is also available through CVII Recordings: Engineer: Jeff Berner. Drums: Charlie McKenna
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We very much need your help this year. Our building is in need of major repairs. We also want to restore areas completely and finally put in an elevator. There are many ways to give. Individual Philanthropist – $5000 and above Benefactor – $2500–4999 Patron – $1000– 2499 Sponsor – $500–999 Associate – $250–499 Friend – $100–249 Contributor – $10– 99 Corporate Demonstrate your company’s commitment to the arts and become a Corporate Member of The WAH Center (The Williamsburg At & Historical Center). Corporate contributions are critical to The WAH Center’s ability to present its world-class exhibitions and acclaimed public programs. In return for your generous support, enjoy the many advantages that accompany Corporate Membership. Benefits of Corporate Membership include free employee admission, entertaining privileges, special access to exhibitions, and exclusive shopping discounts. Sponsor – $60,000 and above Partner – $40,000–$59,999 Leader – $25,000– $39,999 Benefactor – $15,000–$24,999 Associate – $7,500–$14,999 Friend – $3,000– 152 $7,499
Planned Giving/Bequest Members and friends may support The WAH center in a number of ways. The most common forms of giving are outright gifts of cash and securities, but there are other types of assets that may be donated as well and planned giving options that have favorable financial and tax benefits. Today planned gifts are more important than ever to the WAH Center’s stability and future success. The term "planned giving" refers to any major gift that involves financial or estate planning. Such gifts can provide important benefits both to you and to the WAH Center. The different types of planned gifts include bequests, life income plans (charitable gift annuities and charitable remainder trusts), charitable lead trusts, gifts of life insurance policies, and gifts of tangible personal property. The Williamsburg Circle is the recognition society for individuals who have chosen to make planned gifts to The WAH Center. We would be pleased to work with you and your advisors to structure a gift that best fulfills your charitable goals. Before making a gift to The WAH Center, you should consult with your financial, tax, and legal advisors for a thorough analysis of your individual situation and the tax consequences and to decide which of these ways of giving might work best for you.
Many thanks to the following for their generous support Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, Former Brooklyn Borough President Howard Golden, NYC Councilwoman Diana Reyna, Former NYC Councilman Ken Fisher, NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, New York City Landmark Commission, New York Landmark Conservancy, New York Foundation for the Arts, New York State Council on the Arts, Brooklyn Historical Society, Brooklyn Arts Council, Consulate General of Japan, Consulate General of Denmark, Independence Community Foundation, Asian Cultural Council, Joseph W. Donnor Charitable Trust, The George Backer Family Foundation, Dorothy Levitt Beskind Foundation, New York Community Trust, Milton & Sally Avery Foundation, Fifth Floor Foundation, Peco Foundation, Gillespie Global, Signature Bank, Dime Savings Bank, Greenpoint Savings Bank Verizon, Brooklyn Brewery, Crest Hardware, Amarin Café, And numerous individual generous donors. Thank you Materials for the Arts.
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Special thanks to Mayor Michael Bloomberg Former New York State Governor George Pataki Thomas F. Schutte, President of Pratt Institute Liz Koch, Office of the Brooklyn Borough President Dr. Robert J. Wickenheiser, 19th President of St. Bonaventure University And many artists, volunteers, and community business people.
WAH Center (Williamsburg Art & Historical Center) • 135 Broadway, Williamsburg Brooklyn, NY 11211 USA (718) 486-6012 or (718) 486-7372 • wahcenter@earthlink.net ©1997–2014 Williamsburg Art & Historical Center
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