The High Line in winter,  from Washington St. & Gansevoort St.

Last weekend, I finally made it back to New York. City, that is. You’d think that since I’m an artist living in Providence, RI, which is only three hours away from NYC, I’d get there frequently to be immersed in art + culture. Alas, ’tis not the case. So, the first big thing on my list was to walk The High Line. (Other things, like getting to the MoMA, or the Whitney, or the Balthus exhibit at the Met, just didn’t happen.)

Railroad tracks & birches& winterberry

For a wonderfully written and creatively comprehensive overview of the High Line, go see Michelle Aldredge’s blog post  from her extraordinary art blog, Gwarlingo. It’s where I first heard about the High Line project. Here you’ll find dozens of Michelle’s  stunning photos, along with lots of historical reference photographs, and you’ll learn all about this phenomenal project. Just reading about the High Line can make you want to get involved, even if you don’t live in New York.

you can’t see it, but the Statue of Liberty is right out there…

Just think– this is what can happen when a few highly creative, driven activists with vision and a lot of hutzpah get together to make something happen. And millions of people, not to mention all of New York, benefit from the beauty of this project. Since I read Michelle’s High Line piece over two years ago, I’ve wanted to get to the city to walk the High Line and revel in experiencing this incredible park, which is perhaps the most beautiful urban success story ever.

Incredible white wall, windows included

Quite the bright mural, 23rd Street, ( I think.) 

To learn more about the High Line, including its public programs and art installations, visit the High Line website.

Walking from my daughter’s tiny Lower East Side apartment up to the meat packing district to get onto the High Line, we went through Washington Square Park and were lucky enough to catch some Chopin and Debussy from the crazy piano man. Astonishing, really. Talk about commitment and creative drive, and sharing one’s passion and talent. People get to hear this guy every weekend in the park, as long as it’s not raining.

Remarkable classical pianist, Colin Huggins

The one gallery I was able to get to was Rooster, to check out Providence artist Max Van Pelt’s  solo show: an intriguing and exuberant wire, wood, string, and odd-bits-of-things installation, along with his delicate and curious counterpoised wire sculptures and works on paper. Wonderful and beguiling.

Max Van Pelt’s installation at Rooster

My all-too-brief NYC visit was all about walking (and eating), and we walked over to Brooklyn across the Williamsburg Bridge in the rain on Sunday afternoon.  I can’t wait to get back to NY and walk the High Line in the spring, and/or summer (the plantings are incredible) and get to all the other places I just HAVE to go. (Of course, that would take more than one lifetime….no more excuses!)