Close this window

Dear Friend of the Lower East Side, Robotic sculptures, honeycomb hives, and outdoor installments are just some of the artistic treasures that regularly pepper the Lower East Side's eclectic galleries. This Summer into Fall, urban art lovers and collectors are invited to explore these inventive works and creative forms during the ELS-LES Art Gallery Crawls, a series of guided tours through the Lower East Side's artist community. Sponsored by the Lower East Side Business Improvement District (LES BID), ELS-LES -Every Last Sunday on the Lower East Side- takes place on the last Sunday of every month. Each free guided tour of the Lower East Side's independent studios, artist-run galleries, and performance spaces include a LES discount guide and neighborhood map featuring historic points of interest and direct access to many of the area's fabled artists. "ELS-LES is part of the LES BID's ongoing efforts to pay tribute to the varied cultural and institutional groups," said Roberto Ragone, Executive Director of the LES BID. "The neighborhood's art and small businesses are what make the LES a fascinating day-to-evening destination." Earning its eclectic energy from the multi-generational establishments in the area juxtaposed with its ever-evolving assortment of residents, new businesses, and galleries, the Lower East Side has experienced continual residential and commercial development over the past few years. In an effort to showcase the distinct flavors of the various artistic offerings that have populated the area for decades, the LES BID began working with local artists to organize ELS-LES tours over five years ago. Since the LES BID's establishment in 1992, the organization has been working with local artists to link the neighborhood's artistic presence and cultural tourism with economic development.  In 2008, the LES BID began a cross promotional partnership with the New Museum of Contemporary Art, including a co-branded GO EAST!, a neighborhood discount card and shopping program produced by the LES BID. Over the past two years, the LES BID worked with ArtLog to help organize the first and second annual Collect LES, a self-guided "art walk" of the Lower East Side that attracted nearly 1,500 people. With the City still hurting from a recession, ELS LES offers a free outlet for one's artistic curiosity in hipper, edgier alternative to Chelsea.  Aaron Thompson, founding artist of art.les.nyc studios noted that "The many local artists and emerging galleries have helped build the Lower East Side over time and continue to help give the neighborhood its unique flavor." DETAILS: What: ELS-LES Art Gallery Crawl When: Every Last Sunday of the Month April - October Where: Meet at LES Visitor Center, 54 Orchard Street, NYC 10002 Time: 1PM Cost: Free More information: (212) 226-9010 or www.lowereastsideny.com Participating ELS-LES galleries have included: Bridge Gallery, CANADA, Eleven Rivington, Fusion Arts Museum, Gallery Bar, Luxe Gallery, New Museum of Contemporary Art, Number 35, Simon Preston Gallery, Sloan Fine Art, Thierry Goldberg, White Box, LMAK Projects, Woodward Gallery.   About the Lower East Side BID Established in 1992, the Lower East Side Business Improvement District (LESBID) is a non-profit, economic development organization created to revitalize the Orchard Street Shopping District while preserving its unique and diverse character. Today, the LESBID is a community of over 600 merchants and property owners managed by a Board of Directors and consisting of local merchants, property owners, residents and elected officials. The LESBID promotes the local businesses, hosts events and provides community beautification services. For more information, call 212.226.9010.