Closing Out Pride with "Lumina Arcana": Ribbon Cutting Celebration Brings Together Top Officials, LGBTQIA Community, and Local Families to Highlight NYC SBS-Supported Neon Art by Kenny Greenberg
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Sierra Brown | sbrown@licpartnership.org | (718) 705-9941
Long Island City, New York (June 28, 2024) – Long Island City Partnership (LICP) hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 27 for its latest public art project "Lumina Arcana," which features two large neon-light-clad pergolas situated on either side of Vernon Boulevard's primary commercial corridor. In celebration of Pride Month, the installation’s lights were programmed to display a rainbow of colors; the colors are changeable to reflect different holidays and seasons. Taking place at Vernon Mall, where one of the pergolas is located, the event drew elected officials, families, children, and other community members.
Created by LIC-based neon light artist Kenny Greenberg of Krypton Neon, each pergola of "Lumina Arcana" is built from wooden materials and metal railings, adorned with vibrant neon lighting. Measuring approximately 7 feet wide, 10 feet long, and 10 feet high, these installations are strategically placed at Vernon Mall and Gordon Triangle to transform under-lit areas into lively, inviting spaces. The project aims to boost the visibility and allure of Vernon Boulevard, especially at night, encouraging increased foot traffic and supporting local businesses along the corridor. The pergolas will remain in the district for one year.
“We hope people use these installations as a guiding light to visit, stay, and enjoy the many gems we have here,” said Laura Rothrock, president of LICP and executive director of the Long Island City Business Improvement District (LIC BID). “It'll change through the seasons and holidays, so it'll allow us to bring joy throughout the year.”
Kenny Greenberg, owner, Krypton Neon, expressed his excitement about the project. Greenberg, who has operated his business in LIC since 1981 and lived in the neighborhood since 1988, is known for creating neon works for famed Broadway productions such as Mamma Mia!, Jersey Boys, and Miss Saigon. “Art is often provocative, but art can also just be enjoyable. It can just be something that changes your momentary view of everything, whether you're on your way to work or coming back to work, and just for a moment you go, ‘What's that? What's going on?’ It takes you away from whatever is going on. There's nothing deeper than that for me, a moment of joy.”
Lumina Arcana is funded through the competitive New York City Department of Small Business Services (NYC SBS) Commercial Lighting Grant, receiving $100,000 to enhance lighting conditions on commercial corridors. This project exemplifies the grant's mission to improve urban spaces through innovative lighting solutions, with NYC SBS overseeing the grant process to ensure the project's success.
Additional collaborators for this project include NYC Parks, New York City Department of Transportation (DOT), and ConEdison, who provided essential permits and installation support. Plaxall generously donated space for pergola fabrication, and Boyce contributed art signage for both locations. The ribbon-cutting ceremony attracted representatives from these organizations and businesses, who shared remarks and expressed their appreciation for the arts and community engagement.
Elizabeth Masella, senior public art coordinator for NYC Parks, highlighted the collaborative effort behind the project. “This is a real community effort between different city agencies. It was very cold [when we started working on this project, in the winter] and we're here on a great sunny day at the end of June [to launch the project]...it's just great to be here and see this.”
State Senator Kristen Gonzalez, who represents the district and is an LIC resident, praised the exhibit’s significance. “I live right here in the neighborhood and I can just say that this exhibit really is all of the best of us. Art has always been a bedrock here; we have a history of artists in the neighborhood who have made Long Island City what it is. We also, of course, have our neighborhood of incredible small businesses. It's an art exhibit that celebrates pride, that celebrates our LGBTQIA neighbors. And it's a physical representation of the principle that we have here in Long Island City – that this is a neighborhood for everyone.”
Ron Zacchi, director of LGBTQ+ Affairs for NYS Governor Kathy Hochul, reflected on his personal connection to the area. “I used to live by the waterfront just a short time ago. It's so great to see the LGBTQ community being represented here in Long Island City. With this art project for Pride Month, I'm honored to be here representing the Governor. She's done so much to support the LGBTQ community,” he said of Governor Hochul, who he said has doubled funding for Health and Human Services from $6 million to $12 million and created a Trans Wellness and Equity Fund, which has expanded year after year to help lift up those in the LGBTQ community who are struggling the most. “Those investments and those things help support the community here in Long Island City, as well as across the state.”
New York City Commissioner of Cultural Affairs Laurie Cumbo, who attended on behalf of Mayor Eric Adams, emphasized the importance of public art. “I'm excited about this because public art is such an incredible part of the identity of New York City. This is the most democratic thing that we can do to bring the arts to all people. Everyone should be able to experience art in their own backyard. How can we utilize this space in a way that we never have before? People are going to be taking selfies in front of it. They're going to be celebrating with their loved ones. This is going to be what New York City is all about. I'm going to continue to remain committed to making sure that we have more public art in every corridor in New York City because this is what makes New York City a truly great city.”
Chief Public Realm Officer Ya-Ting Liu also spoke on the collaborative nature of the project. “It takes an entire village of government partners, external partners like Long Island City Partnership, and the community to come together and make this happen. I'm incredibly honored and proud to help expand public spaces, to bring more programming and activation in our public spaces throughout the city.”
After the speeches, drag performer Malai delighted the crowd with a performance of Miley Cyrus' hit song "Flowers." “Drag queens don't get invited for ribbon cuttings and art installations...I'm thrilled that I get to be a part of this -- this is community making,” Malai said. Malai then read the move-along book "Lil Miss Hot Mess" to about 15 children, who were encouraged to dance along as she read the pages.
Linda Nguyen, local parent and owner of City Owlets, a kids enrichment and entertainment business, attended the event with her children and expressed appreciation for the initiative. “I'm grateful that this has been highlighted, so it helps raise awareness for the pride community that we have in Long Island City. Public art is amazing because it gives us pride in the city that we live in. It makes the stroll around the city a lot more pleasant, and it gives us something to look at. It also gives children an opportunity to pursue a career in the arts if they are inspired by that piece of art as well, too.”
Attendees were encouraged to dine at nearby Safir Mediterranean, an LGBTQ+ owned business located at 47-31 Vernon Blvd., which offered a 20% discount to all lunch patrons. For more information about Lumina Arcana, please contact Sierra Brown at sbrown@licpartnership.org.
Additional Quotes:
“SBS is proud to support Lumina Arcana, a project that not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of Vernon Boulevard but also promotes economic vitality in the area,” said Kevin Kim, outgoing commissioner of NYC SBS. “This initiative is a shining example of how public art can invigorate communities and support local businesses.”
“This project reflects our commitment to supporting community initiatives,” said Richard David, director, Queens Regional & Community Affairs, Con Edison. “We are proud to be a part of Lumina Arcana and look forward to seeing its impact on Vernon Boulevard.”
“We are delighted to be part of a project that brings such a positive impact to our community,” said Paula Kirby, managing director, Plaxall. “Lumina Arcana beautifully illustrates how collaboration can lead to innovative and beneficial outcomes for all.”
“We are proud to support Lumina Arcana and its mission to enliven Vernon Boulevard,” said Charles Boyce, president, Boyce Technologies. “Projects like this are essential in creating a more engaging and attractive environment for everyone.”
About Long Island City Partnership:
Long Island City Partnership (LICP) is the Local Development Corporation (LDC) for Long Island City (LIC), Queens. LICP champions economic development efforts that benefit the neighborhood at large, along with its members, composed of businesses and organizations reflective of LIC’s industrial, commercial, retail, science and technology, residential, cultural and tourism sectors. LICP works to attract new businesses to LIC, retain those already here, engage residents and visitors, and promote a vibrant and authentic mixed-use community. LICP also manages the LIC Business Improvement District (LIC BID) and LIC Industrial Business Zone (LIC IBZ), providing business services and assistance.