Gowanus Open Studios this Weekend (A.G.A.S.T)

A painting of the Gowanus I found on the street a few years back!

It's time for the ANNUAL GOWANUS ARTIST TOUR or A.G.A.S.T this upcoming weekend. It is an event that is completely free and allows you to wander around the neighborhood, roughly between DeGraw and the Ft. Hamilton Parkway, from Hoyt up to 5th Avenue and enter artist's workspaces as well as galleries.

As per an email I received:

The Annual Gowanus Artist Studio Tour (A.G.A.S.T) will take place in Brooklyn this Saturday and Sunday, October 17-18, 1-6pm.

Near the Gowanus Canal and in it's 13th year with some 150 participating artists, the A.G.A.S.T. tour is considered one of the most robust in Brooklyn. Several new artists as well as artists who have participated in the past will open their doors this weekend, so there's lots to see at more than 30 locations.

If you are traveling by subway, please note that the F/G will not stop at Smith/9th street this weekend because of track work. Instead, you can take the shuttle bus from A, C, F at Jay St/Borough Hall to Smith/9th Street, or N train to 4th Ave/9th Street which runs local in Brooklyn for the weekend.

A.G.A.S.T. Annual Gowanus Artists Studio Tour

Click here for more info which includes down loadable maps.

"The Reanimation Library" in Gowanus.

F.I.B stumbled into a fantastic surprise while checking out the AGHAST Open Studios around the Gowanus on Sunday. You know how F.I.B is somewhat of a scavenger so it was my pleasure to discover a place with the D.I.Y asthetic that F.I.B loves....

The Reanimation Library!

It is a functioning collection of books that “Head Librarian” Andrew Beccone gathered from the streets, thrift stores, garage sales and the like. The books range in subject from technical manuals of all kinds to books on automotive subjects, electronics, nature, cosmetology, chemistry, film, etc. Most books are from the pre-digital age and are the type that have great illustrations,charts and logos.

All books are available as reference sources for artists, writers and “other cultural archeologists” to use. The Reanimation Library is comprised of three distinct yet interconnected collections, each of which supports and is driven by the mission of the Library: the Primary Collection, the Reference Collection, and the Copyright Collection. There is also a small gallery section at the library where works of art that used the libraries services are shown. You have got to check it out!

Andrew is an actual librarian and has catalogued the books using the Library of Congress system. Andrew is also an artist himself. He has made photocopy collage and appropriation work in limited edition books and for fliers for bands he's played in the Minneapolis area as well as for gallery shows. He claims (on the website) his work gets great response from prison inmates but I am sure he is just being modest.

Please note that you can’t take the books home but you can use the available scanner and photocopier to get the info you need. The library is free but a donations are much encouraged!

The Reanimation Library's website is chock full of detailed information about the collection and how Andrew came about making it become a reality.

The Reanimation Library is located in the Proteus Gowanus Complex at 543 Union Street near Nevins.
Hours are Thursday/Friday 3-6PM and Saturday/Sunday 12-6.