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QC08042016

60 The Queens Courier • buzz • AUGUST 4, 2016 for breaking news visit www.qns.com Dubai-based artist brings colorful art to Astoria underpass By Angela Matua amatua@qns.com/@AngelaMatua buzz Tarsila Schubert never received any formal art training, but her work has appeared all over the world. Now, her colorful murals are displayed on a wall near an underpass at 48th Street and 25th Avenue in collaboration with a local nonprofit. The organization called 501(See) (Streets) was started by Queens resident Noah Sheroff. The community group aims to enhance and beautify neighborhoods through art, and Sheroff invites a rotating roster of artists to paint murals across different neighborhoods. Schubert, who is originally from Brazil and now lives in Dubai, met Noah through a mutual friend when she visited New York recently. She became involved with street art in 2011 and moved to Dubai in 2012, where she noticed a lack of public art. She said many of the people who visit Dubai are there mostly for business, which makes it difficult to establish a strong art scene. After hearing complaints about the lack of green space and the “superficial” look of the city, she decided to introduce colorful landscapes to its walls. “Dubai is known for its moderns skyscrapers, luxury and Islam religion,” Shubert said. “What people do not know is that there are many abandoned and poor areas as in any big city, where low-income workers live. My idea was to bring art to these places and try to make it a more welcoming, warm and cultural space, because it is where people Dubai-based artist Tarsila Schubert painted a mural in Astoria. who are away from their country of origin lives and they have to work hard to survive without much access to leisure and culture.” In Dubai, her murals also portray women because Schubert wants to challenge the idea that all Islamic countries treat women poorly. “At least in Dubai, for being an international city, I did not suffer any prejudice for being a female street artist,” Schubert said. “Dubai is a city that has a wide variety of cultures and nationalities living together in peace, and all this influenced me artistically.” In Astoria, her mural is bright, colorful and depicts free-form shapes, which contrasts strongly with its surroundings – train tracks used by Amtrak, houses, auto repair shops and warehouses. “My art is made with feelings and emotions, and leaves them on the streets,” Schubert said. “It’s a way to share it with people. Street art enriches the city in cultural terms. The real idea of street art allows Photo courtesy of 501(See)(Streets) artists to contribute to the community with free access for everybody despite age, social class, religion, nationality or gender.” Artists participating in 501 (See) (Streets) have painted murals in Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Mount Vernon and more. This mural was co-sponsored by Councilman Costa Constantinides and U.S. Rep. Joe Crowley. To learn more about 501 (See) (Streets) or to donate, visit 501seestreets.org. Your New SPEAKEASY STAPLE By Angela Matua amatua@qns.com/@AngelaMatua The craft cocktail scene in Astoria will soon have a new addition when The Last Word opens on Aug. 16. The speakeasy-style cocktail lounge, located at 31-30 Ditmars Blvd., will be headed by Astoria resident Tommy Demaras, who also owns Maiella in Long Island City. Demaras has partnered with bartender Padraig O’Brien, who has worked at The Raines Law Room and Park Hyatt New York, to offer classics and signature creations like the Rabble Rouser with rhum agricole, muddle raspberries, dolin blanc, rhubarb water, fresh lemon and sparkling water. O’Brien said it has taken the group approximately one year to open the lounge but the concept is much older. “The concept itself was 10 years in the making,” O’Brien said. “‘The Last Word’ is named after the gin-based prohibition-era cocktail — the cocktail that made me fall in love with the craft, and ignited this passion for bartending.” Demaras, an Astoria native, had a lot of say in the design of the lounge and wanted to honor the Square Hardware store, which was a staple in the community for more than 50 years, and recently shut down. The owners have replicated the hardware store’s foyer and blocky, black-and-white storefront sign. “There will definitely be a few people that come by thinking it’s really a hardware store, but I think they’ll be happy once they realize we’re mixing up some great drinks inside,” O’Brien said. Offerings will include creations such as the Mumbai Daiquiri with white rum, Batavia-arrack curry syrup, lime and rose water and bar snacks such as Burrata Truffle Balls, housemade jerky, local charcuterie, pickles and cheeses. Drink prices will range from $13 to $16. O’Brien said the menu will change four to six times a year to incorporate seasonal, local ingredients. A number of hot cocktails will also be included. The 2,000-square-foot, 60-seat venue will be decorated with plush seating, decorative light fixtures, vintage tin ceilings and a mix of antique and custom-made furniture. A 16-foot marble and oak bar will act as a centerpiece. “At The Last Word, we wanted to create a space where people can come in and enjoy a high-quality, craft cocktail,” O’Brien said. “It doesn’t matter who you are, or what you’re doing — if you’re alone, on a date, with friends or family — this is the place to sit back and relax with a great drink in hand.” The Last Word will be open Sunday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 3 a.m. Photo courtesy of Francine Dominguez


QC08042016
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