Art on the Block, a new arts initiative, is opening in February at 107 West 86th Street (between Columbus and Amsterdam avenues). The space offers a unique opportunity for visitors to directly engage with artists and experience the creative process firsthand.
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“My goal through this organization is to remind people that art is, and can be, a part of their daily life,” said Greer Kudon, executive director and founder of Art on the Block, in an interview with ILTUWS. Kudon began her career as a public-school elementary teacher in Washington Heights and Harlem, instructing fifth-grade bilingual Spanish and third-grade classes, with a dream to work in museums. “I was lucky enough to get a job early in my career at the Whitney [Museum of American Art], working in the education department, particularly with school programs,” she said. Kudon cherished connecting young people with art during their museum visits, an experience that would later lay the groundwork for the creation of Art on the Block more than two decades later.
Greer Kudon, Founder and Executive Director of Art on the Block
Kudon went on to hold key roles at The Jewish Museum and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, where she directed school, youth, and family programs for twelve years. In 2022, she paused to reflect on what she loved most about her work. “One was working with artists,” said the New York University Master of Arts Administration graduate. “But not necessarily the artists whose art was hanging on the walls of these museums.” Kudon noted that New York City is home to a wealth of talented artists, many of whom don’t have their work on museum walls. “I really enjoyed having the opportunity to work closely with these artists, support them in their careers, and witness the magic they create when they engage with people—being a part of that process, as they share their love for art-making with others.”
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Art on the Block seeks to bridge the gap between artists and the public by creating a space that is both accessible and interactive. “I really want to ensure that the artist’s process is part of this experience, rather than just looking at art as you might in a gallery or museum,” said Kudon. In this residency model, artists will be on-site daily, actively working in the space. Kudon explained that on a typical day, you might be heading to the bank or the grocery store and notice an artist through the window, creating something that sparks your curiosity. You could then walk in, connect with the artist on their work, and even sign up for a potential workshop, such as collage making, depending on the artist’s focus. “It’s a space for people to participate in the arts, not just see them. They can engage in a much more interactive way,” added Kudon, who intends for all audience programs to be free to the public.
In late 2024, Art on the Block issued a call for artists to apply for their 2025 residencies, receiving around 200 responses. Beyond artist statements and technical skills, the panel looks to select artists who are eager to participate with the community. Kudon understands that this approach may not resonate with every artist, and she supports that too. Once selected, Kudon will collaborate with the artists to develop programs for youth, families, and adults, offering opportunities for art-making, artist interviews, and more. She is also exploring potential partnerships with local organizations across the Upper West Side.
Art on the Block’s debut artist will be Allison Green, whose work will be featured when the space officially opens its doors on February 7. A textile artist, Green creates soft sculptures and wall hangings primarily using fabric, says Kudon. “Her work is, to me, aesthetically incredibly beautiful the way she uses the material.” One example of Green’s work is a food platter made entirely of fabric. Other recent projects include crafting costumes and props for Sesame Street (from its Emmy Award-winning 53rd season to the present), prop and scenic design for Macy’s Herald Square Holiday Windows, and scenic and puppetry work for Marcel Dzama’s To Live on the Moon (For Lorca) at the Performa Biennial. “It’s just exquisite to see this kind of technical ability,” praised Kudon. You can learn more about Green by visiting her homepage here.
The Art on the Block panel is currently finalizing the artists who will follow Green.
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Kudon shared that while moving into their space on 86th Street last week, people waiting in line at the UPS store next door were already approaching to ask what was happening. “People were really eager to hear about what we were up to when they saw the art—that’s exciting,” she said.
This will be Art on the Block’s first full-time location, though they did have a pop-up in Harlem in the fall.
To keep up with the latest Art on the Block happenings, visit their website here. You can also check out their Instagram page.
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