You are reading

Art Exhibit in the Clocktower Starts Tonight

Dec. 12, 2012 By Bill Parry

The art group No Longer Empty is putting the finishing touches on its “How Much Do I Owe You’ exhibit, which opens tonight inside the vacant Bank of Manhattan Building (also known as The Clocktower).

The exhibit, which includes 27 artists from 15 countries, has many components to it and it has taken a lot of organization to set up in the empty bank. The exhibit will feature daily events, readings, lectures and workshops.

“When we got here three months ago this place was a wreck,” said Manon Slome, the group’s founder and curator, referring to the old building. “You can’t imagine the amount of dust; it’s been empty since the early 80’s.”

The group transformed the vacant bank into three floors of a site-specific art exhibition.

The clock tower will also come back to life with the work of Seattle’s Chris Jordan. He’ll project images that can be seen from nearby buildings and the subway system at Queensboro Plaza.

This will be the group’s 14th exhibit since 2009 and its first in Queens. “Our last show was in the Bronx and everyone said no one will come,” said Slome. “On opening night 3,000 people showed up.”

Some local youth are also showcasing their work.

Through an association with ArtsConnection, 21 public high school students will have their work displayed in the exhibit—including two Long Island City students.

“They’re being trained to be curators,” said Jodie DiNapoli, the group’s director of programs. “Their art is being displayed with the professional works. It’s really going to stand out on their college application.”

Yiou Chen, a student at Newcomers High School, has a noteworthy piece entitled called “Catish Life,” a charcoal drawing of Times Square.

Canadian artist Paulette Phillips has one of the exhibit’s signature pieces, which is stunning video and sound installation called As Could Be. It was originally shown in Toronto in 2009. “Manon [Slome] heard about it and gave me a call,” said Phillips. “In a lucky coincidence I happened to be in New York City.”

Of the three month process of transforming a long vacant bank into a vibrant art exhibit, Slome said, “I think in my head how things are going to look and sometimes it falls short and other times it defies expectations…This building is alive and I am thrilled.”

Opening night is Wednesday, December 12th from 7-9pm.

Location: The Clocktower is at 29-27 41st Ave.

The exhibit will be open for 3 months

Clocktower (Bank of Manhattan Building)

email the author: news@queenspost.com
No comments yet

Leave a Comment
Reply to this Comment

All comments are subject to moderation before being posted.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Recent News

Finding Room to Grow: NYC Apartment Buildings Designed with Families in Mind

Jul. 29, 2025 By Tara Lustberg

Finding family-friendly housing in NYC can be a challenge, especially with the average rent of a two-bedroom apartment in NYC averaging over $5,400 per month, according to apartments.com. According to reports, this is significantly higher (148%) than the national average and has increased by 7% since December 2023. But some properties offer thoughtful amenities for families, making city living seem more manageable.

Borough President recommends approval of One LIC Neighborhood Plan with conditions

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards announced on Monday a long list of recommendations to approve the city’s One LIC Neighborhood Plan with conditions.

The sweeping proposal entered the city’s Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP) in April, following certification by the City Planning Commission, and aims to transform a large portion of Long Island City with new zoning rules that would create nearly 14,700 housing units—including 4,300 affordable homes—alongside 14,400 jobs, over 3.5 million square feet of commercial and industrial space and expanded access to the East River waterfront.

Cool off this summer with margaritas in Queens

Jul. 25, 2025 By Paulina Albarracin

The summer season ushers in outdoor adventures, extended daylight hours and sweltering heat, making it the perfect time to kick back at a local restaurant or bar and order a refreshing margarita. Sipping on this tequila-infused cocktail is one of the best ways to beat the heat and revel with margarita connoisseurs in your neighborhood.