PUBLIC ART
I have been making public art since 2007 when I created full scale models and designs for James Forten Playground in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn. Scroll down to see more about this playground and other public art.
United Birds of America (E Pluribus Unum)
Brooklyn Botanic Gardens Brooklyn, NY
June 18 - October 23, 2022
Part of the exhibition For the Birds , June 18 - October 23, 2022, Brooklyn Botanic Gardens, Brooklyn, NY, Cement, wood, metal, plastic, wire, ceramic tile, glass, found objects, paint, beads, crystals, 168in. x 60in. x 60 in. (variable)
For the Birds was centered around a Garden-wide outdoor exhibition of site-specific birdhouses created by artists of international renown. Inspired by bird species in residence at Brooklyn Botanic Garden, each birdhouse provided an opportunity to learn more about birds and their habitats through the eyes of artists working with a variety of materials and points of view. It was a multidisciplinary exhibition inspired by the Garden’s resident birds, as well as “For the Birds: The Birdsong Project,” a multi-album set of original recordings celebrating birds by 200-plus artists, compiled by Randall Poster
James Forten Playground Completed 2007
Location: Underhill & Prospect Place, Brooklyn, NY
Playground art for the New York City Parks Department. Designed and made models for fountains, sculptures, mosaics, and concrete motifs. Click on the images above for more information and larger views. Special thanks to Niko Development and Mixed-Up Mosaics for donating the installation and fabrication of the Leaf Mosaic. It would not be a part of James Forten Playground without their generosity. And thank you to Rick Moody for mentioning James Forten Playground (formerly Underhill Playground) in an article he wrote for the NY Times.
Washington Park Completed 2012
Location: 5th Ave & 3rd Street, Brooklyn, NY
Playground art for the New York City Parks Department. Designed thirty different elements for three play structures/experiences: a colonial themed farm scene with cut-out metal animals, custom panels based on The Old Stone House historic site and custom panels based on a submarine theme, all retrofitted with unique play experiences. Click on the images above for more information and larger views. You can also see great pictures of JJ Byrne at Time Out New York Kids and Mommy Poppins.