The Omnibus Roundup – Beaux Arts Ball, meet-ups, Floating Pool, billyburg walks

2008 Beaux Arts Ball, The Architectural League of New York, photo by David Malosh

Welcome to a very out-and-about edition of the Roundup. Who says life slows down in the summer?

Tomorrow night come rage with us at the Architectural League’s Beaux Arts Ball at Omnibus home base The Old American Can Factory (tickets still on sale!). Why? Take your pick: open studios by Can Factory artists-in-residence (visit us in the Omnibus office in room A218), DIY collaborative manufacturing in The Factory, dancing ’til the wee hours with DJ Chris Annibell/Afrokinetic, food by the Vendy-award-winning Dosa Man (we’re all about the street vendor love) and Brooklyn favorite Blue Marble Ice Cream, and a very cool lighting installation by Wingspace Theatrical Design.  And, last but not least, because all proceeds support the League, our beloved parent organization.

Next up on the calendar, on Tuesday the 9th, is our second meet-up, this time in the Bronx for a walking tour of the Grand Concourse with our friends at the Design Trust for Public Space and WNYC’s Cityscapes.  If you can’t make the tour, bring some food and drink and come by for the Public Space Potluck.

Maybe you’re more in the mood for some super-fun Superfund knowledge.  Back at the Can Factory again, this time on the evening of June 15, we’re working with our friends at the Center for Urban Pedagogy and XO Projects to explore the issues surrounding this contentious debate.  Artist Brooke Singer and historian Sarah Vogel will discuss the history of the Superfund program, the politics of designation, and the changing legal definitions of toxins, risk, and responsibility.

The League is on board with our enthusiasm for the Floating Pool. Next Thursday, Jonathan Kirschenfeld will be presenting the project as part of the League’s 2009 New York Designs lecture series. Speaking of floating structures, if you like them for recreation, would you consider water-based living?

If the thought of braving the crowds in Times and Herald Squares on a weekday afternoon unnerves you, how about Vanderbilt or Bedford Ave.?  Sunday afternoons in June, enjoy car-free Vanderbilt Ave. (music! ice cream! skateboarding!), or head to Bedford for Williamsburg Walks on Saturday afternoons (friendly neighborhood organizations! rhubarb workshops! sock puppets!) both starting this weekend.  Next weekend Jackson Heights joins the fun with the 78th Street Play Street.

Still looking for more activities?  Yesterday Shumi gave us the skinny on West Harlem’s new waterfront park.  Break out your fishing poles on June 13th if you’re looking for an excuse to go visit it yourself.  Or, if you can’t get enough of life around the 7 train, the fun doesn’t stop with ecology: Jump on board for Queens Art Express ’09.  And The Putting Lot opens this weekend!

By the way (if you haven’t already heard), it’s official: Gehry’s out as designer of the Atlantic Yards arena, but that doesn’t mean he’s gone from the project completely. It looks like the little bird whispering in Alec’s ear knows his stuff.  That just might merit a new chapter in the production of Brooklyn at Eye Level.

The Roundup keeps you up to date with topics we’ve featured and other things we think are worth knowing about.