www.queenscourier.com • april 2013 • lic courier 15 all new Queens Council on the Arts has new Astoria home BY ADJANI SHAH Queens Council on the Arts has moved from its long time location in Forest Park to the bustling streets of Astoria. “We’re very excited,” said Lynn Lobell, QCA’s managing director. “It’s a beautiful space…and open to all.” On April 8, QCA made the official move to the new location, located at 37-11 35th Avenue, which provides accessibility, the main issue that hindered QCA at its Woodhaven location. Artists like Valerine Green, of the Valerie Green/ Dance Entropy dance company, are also very excited about the move. “I think QCA will grow as a result of the location change, and in turn be able to provide even more opportunities for…the arts community in Queens,” she said. The Astoria location is situated within walking distance from the M and R trains, and is two blocks away from Steinway Street. Street parking is also available. The Museum of Moving Image in the Kaufman Astoria Studio is across the street, along with The Frank Sinatra School for the Arts. Queens Council on the Arts will offer programs that aide in skill building workshops for artists, art groups, grant makers, curators, and the general public. The QCA funds over 90 Queens based artists, nonprofit organizations, and non-profits that are in partnerships with local schools to provide in-school arts education projects. The Build Your Own Business program helps 500 artists and arts organizations engage in professional career development and networking, building opportunities. The High School Arts Development Program will provide free portfolio development for 65 students, gaining them college admission and scholarship awards. Many can look forward to the Queens Arts Express, which is an anticipated spring arts celebration. Lastly, Third Space will gather 500 artists and creative citizens and will encourage them to create new projects, develop online marketing materials, and attend networking events. Astoria also welcomes QCA’s move with open arms, encouraging the addition of a new arts center. “This is just another addition to our cultural campus,” said Councilmember Jimmy Van Bramer. “We are very excited.” He believes the residents of Astoria will also benefit from the addition of QCA, making the neighborhood a more desirable place to live and work. Queens Council on the Arts was founded in 1966 by several cultural organizations. Its goal is to develop artists and their crafts adding to the cultural diversity of Queens. The organization is also a granting agency for the city and state, providing grants to artists to create their work. Lobell hopes the move will continue to make Queens a wonderful, cultural community. WIN A FREE MAKEOVER With spring in bloom and summer just around the corner, it is important to have time to put things aside and treat yourself to a day of beauty. A few lucky readers will get that chance to win a free makeover with Salon Saloon in Astoria. “Hair is a personal thing. We want to make their day,” said Frank Arcabascio, owner of Salon Saloon. “You want to give a person who is low maintenance a style they can maintain.” Aiming to treat individuals in the community who are constantly putting others first before themselves, Salon Saloon hopes to give winners lessons on styling and caring for their new hair. The makeover will include a hair style consultation, wash, haircut, brush/style and styling products to help the lucky winners have the tools they need to get the style they want. “We want to make it as good of an experience for you as it is for us,” said Arcabascio. “We are excited for making someone look good for the spring and the summer.” If you are interested in the makeover or would like to recommend someone, please email [email protected] with the following information: • Your name or the name of the individual you are recommending • Phone number and email address • A brief letter on why you think you or your recommendation need a makeover
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