I was born and raised in NYC and when I was a kid I used to go upstate all the time. Mostly camping in Harriman State Park or the Catskills, a little skiing at Hunter and Wyndham, and an occasional trip to the Adirondacks. Camping and the outdoors were pivotal for me as they paved the way to travel and camping in other countries. It was an amazing break from the city. You really don't have to go that far to see what a small bubble the city is and how much upstate has to offer.
NY is rich with art experiences, so many that it’s hard to keep up. It’s easy to hit the regular spots, but there are countless hidden gems! I wanted to make an effort to seek out more of these spaces and site-specific works in NY. Each place is special, from location, to the space, to the collection. It’s an ongoing and rewarding adventure. In celebration of the Krink I Love NY collection, I’m sharing seven of my favorite places off the beaten path, you’ve possibly passed right by them without knowing!
- Craig Costello
Storm King Art Center
My first time here I was surprised and impressed with the grounds as it’s quite grand. It has an impressive 500 acres that are immaculately kept with a world class sculpture collection. A great place to picnic and relax, best to go on a nice day as it’s all outdoors. Stroll the grounds and enjoy Alexander Calder, Maya Lin earthworks, Andy Goldsworty, Richard Serra, just to name a few. A must for sure.
Bonus points: Bring drinks and snacks! Blooming Hill Farm is closeby and has delicious wood-fired pizzas and a farmers market. It is a great place to grab a bite of local flavor before or after hitting Storm King.
All Photos: Storm King Art Center
Dia Beacon
My first time visiting Dia Beacon I was astounded by the space. The space and light are incredible, the space is lit solely by natural light, so I recommend going on a sunny day. The collection is also incredible! Dan Flavin, Sol Lewitt, Richard Serra, John Chamberlin, and many more. There’s a solid permanent collection plus great rotating shows. Take a scenic train ride if you’re coming from NYC. Beacon is a cute town to have a meal and walk around, it is right on the Hudson River.
Bonus points: Dia Beacon has a bookshop that is often stocked with hard to find books at regular prices.
All Photos: Dia Beacon
Dia Bridgehampton
A real crowd pleaser! Everyone enjoys this space, kids, parents, non-art loving friends. Dan Flavin is a legend of minimalism, this is an excellent place to experience his works. The downstairs gallery has rotating shows that are well curated.
Bonus points: There is a huge Richard Serra sculpture nearby. Ask for directions at Dia Bridgehampton. It's interesting to see a Serra in someone's front yard. I saw it once during a blizzard and it was stunning.
All Photos: Dia Bridgehampton
The Noguchi Museum
When I first visited I was blown away. It’s so good! The architecture, the collection, the garden, the space, everything is considered. The collection contains amazing public work projects that never got off the ground.
Bonus points: Socrates Sculpture Garden is across the street and worth a gander while you're in the hood. It was founded by Marc DiSuvero and he used to make works here.
All Photos: The Noguchi Museum
Judd Foundation
When I was a teen I’d walk by this spot in Soho all the time and wonder what it was. I’d press up against the glass and peer inside the front windows. There was a neat stack of bricks, a desk, and a red light bulb. It was clearly some art type of thing, but no one ever knew what. About 10 years ago it went through a major renovation and turns out it was Donald Judd's studio and home. The pile of bricks was a Carl Andre piece–amazing! You have to make an appointment in advance and pay a small fee to take the tour, it’s well worth it. A very interesting and incredible building that is the only single-use building of its kind in Soho. It's full of art, but clearly a living space that you can imagine a family living in. The original Judd furniture, Dan Flavin drawings, and light works are highlights.
Bonus points: Walter De Maria’s The Earth Room is within a few blocks.
All Photos: Judd Foundation
Keith Haring, Crack is Wack
The history of graffiti and street art is so important to NYC and the world. Unfortunately, so much has been vilified and painted over. Keith Haring’s Crack is Wack mural is an important piece that speaks to the power of art in the streets and the artists who will find any means to express their creativity and give back to communities. This piece was originally painted in 1986 without permission. Handball-court walls were a common place for graffiti writers to paint.
Bonus points: There is another original Keith Haring mural at the Carmine Street rec center on Carmine St in the West Village, you can see it from the street.
Photo: James Leynse/Corbis via Getty Images
Photo: CC BY 2.0 by edwardhblake
The New York Earth Room
Since 1977!! What!?! It's incredible how much change Soho has gone through and this piece continues to exist through all of it. It's free and easy, you just ring the bell and go up stairs. A true art relic of downtown days of yore. It’s fun to pop in real quick with friends visiting from out of town. Lit by natural light, so I suggest a sunny day, but anytime is good to drop by and take a peek.
Bonus points: Walter De Maria’s The Broken Kilometer is right down the street, another great site-specific piece from the late ‘70s.
Photo: John Cliett, Dia Art Foundation
