An underground artist pop-up that started with a small group of creatives back in 2015, has become Twisted ‘N’ Brushes, a colorful event art space, officially opened on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14 with a ribbon cutting to welcome patrons.
The space is located at 109-19 Rockaway Blv’d., Ozone Park in Queens.
Creator, Anthony Springer, told Caribbean Life that after the concept took off, patrons wanted more, so “we became more mainstream and decided to take the business to the public. We knew we had to take a few steps to get the required permits to accomplish this,” said the painter who grew up in the neighborhood from age 4.
“The next step was passion for art, and how we can see the love in the images created,” explained Springer, whose warm personality and artistic style are part of the hallmark services he will offer patrons.
The three-level building has a total capacity for 200 persons, inclusive of the lower and upper levels, and a summer roof garden that caters to events for both children and adults including birthday parties, baby showers and bachelor/bachelorette parties.
He hopes to attract art lovers to the space, who will enjoy the amenities of a tranquil environment, being offered. In addition to painting supplies, canvas, food, drink, and music, for a small fee. Guests also have the option to rent the space for a private event.
However, Springer would prefer patrons to rent the space with the art on canvas sessions, to get the full experience of the colorfully decorated soothing surroundings, that is adorned with an expressive mural on the back wall of the gallery.
“I feel painting can bring family, or a parent and child, together. It gives them a time to bond,” said Springer of the vivacity space, that also showcases sketches of popular cartoon characters, creative motifs, and tables of miniature canvas on easels, ready to be utilized.
The artist is also motivated to bring kids off the streets, to Twisted ‘N’ Brushes that he calls a safe heaven.
“You can take a moment to come here and express yourself. A person like me who has a lot of experience, can guide somebody to better them self, or they can take whatever route they like to improve themself, while painting,” said Springer who uses his artistic expression to get through tough emotions.
The space is specialized to accommodate the art community, said Springer who collaborates with Woke Arts, a non-profit, whose mission is to bridge the cultural divide between communities and respective classes through the arts by highlighting social issues that affect “all of us as human beings without any distinction,” said the statement.
Artists Juicy and Toca of Woke Arts are also on hand to guide patrons to realizing their expressive creations.
Springer, the son of Guyanese-born, Bibi Ali, “Power of the Soil” author and founder of non-profit Culture of Blessings Inc., said he was passionate about giving back to the community that had given him so much. As such, he will use his artistic freedom to welcome everyone, to give them his full suaveness in private painting classes, party rental, kids party, and corporate party, et al.
The hours of operation are Monday – Wednesday, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Thursday – Sunday 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
For more information call, 718-964-8635, 929-255-0046
Instagram @twistednbrushes.
