Be Part of The New Starving Artist
Thanks for all your generosity! Phase 1 - the stage, the kitchen in the back, all new tables - is completed.
On Sunday, July 29, we opened the new stage and launched #TheNewArtist, as we celebrated the 69th birthday of The Artist himself, Elliott Glick.
This was all made possible by your generous help - and the loving efforts of the Glick family and our extended family of friends.
Now PHASE TWO - turning the other back room into a sitting room and fixing the bathroom, AND electrical upgrade of our service for air conditioning. We have some funds left from Phase One, but need approximately $2,500 more to finish these tasks.
We send our thanks and love to you for your help on this journey, so far - and in advance for your help for Phase Two! Hope to see you at #TheNewArtist soon!
Cheers!
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ORIGINAL APPEAL FOR PHASE ONE:
21 years ago, Elliott Glick opened the Starving Artist on City Island in the Bronx, NY, showcasing his jewelry and the fine art and craft creations of artists in the community. 7 years later, he moved his shop down the block, and, as a musician and songwriter for more than five decades, began showcasing music-artists as well.
In March, we shifted the focus away from food service and to the performances: the music shows that have been our standard, and other showcases as well as theatre productions (original plays especially, including two I've written). To do this, we need to put a stage area in where the former kitchen is located -- and move it out of the front door space, making more room in that space for seating for show attendance.
We ask for your help in making this transformation, which will include:
--building a small stage, which will involve materials with labor donated by the Starving Artist "son" Josh Glick, obtaining needed equipment and accessories for better lighting and sound, providing for a curtain track on the ceiling
--providing a "back stage" space, which needs new flooring, and some renovations also in the back room / bathroom areas.
--upgrading our front room, including more cabaret style tabletops (one of our music-acts, The Grace Tones, already provided us with funds for two of these!), additional seating capacity (including re-locating a "counter space"), and floor restoration.
--increasing electricity capacity (a longstanding need); this will account for more than half of what we're seeking in funds, to pay Con Edison for increased service, to replace wiring systems, and to have all work certified by electrician.
--and other things that will come up during the transformation!
We continue to stay open during our transformation, but plan the BIG DEBUT of #TheNewArtist for Saturday, July 7. And we're inviting all who provide help to us to a special reception before that evening's all-star performance night. More details on that!
Every little bit helps, and here are some ideas:
--$25 provides help with furnishings (table tops!) for the front room
--$100 helps with materials to construct the stage
--$500 will be a big help with the electricity upgrade
--$50 can provide for flooring and other needs for the "back stage" and back room / bathroom areas
If you've ever enjoyed time at Starving Artist during these past 21 years -- or if you are a supporter of keeping music and performances alive in a community -- we would greatly appreciate your help!
Cheers,
Elliott