Stroll Into Local Art This Weekend

Fort Greene and Clinton Hill’s booming arts scene will be on full display this weekend.

South of the Navy Yard Artists (SONYA) has their annual SONYA Studio Stroll on Saturday and Sunday from 12:00-6:00 p.m. The event is a self-guided tour of SONYA artist members’ studios and galleries within the Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Wallabout, and Bed-Stuy areas, and will feature never before seen pieces in a variety of mediums from all of the participating artists.

“We’re all working together in trying to help create opportunities for artists in the area,” said Kennis Baptiste, one of the participating artists in the event.

SONYA was created 12 years ago by a small community of artists that has expanded to more than 70 in the years since. The members are all visual artists who come from diverse backgrounds and skill sets, ranging from entry level artists with day jobs, to a select few who make a living off their work.

The group offers several exhibitions and public events throughout the year, but the SONYA Studio Stroll is by far their biggest event, with over 1,000 people typically checking out the work of these local artists.

“It’s an opportunity for neighborhood artists to get more exposure and promote themselves to the community,” said Baptiste. “They also have the chance to sell their work to the public.”

For many of the members, the annual stroll is their biggest chance to establish themselves each year.

“I’ve gotten contracted for other work in past years through the Studio Stroll, and had a lot of people express interest in my art,” said photographer Chris Sorensen. “People from all over the city come through the neighborhood for this event, so it’s a great opportunity to showcase your art.”

Check out the neighborhood map of participating artists and galleries here.