Green Space has announced the artists selected for its 2026–27 D.I.G. Artist Residency. The residency includes eight work sessions and two personal and professional development workshops, giving the artists time to develop and share new work. The program will conclude with two performances at Green Space in Long Island City, May 13–16, 2027. The participating artists are: Zev Haworth Anna Marchisello Carl Ponce Cubero Anna Paterson Miaotion Sun West Devaney Colin Heininger Teresa Fellion Green Space is located at 37-24 24th Street in Long Island City. More information and tickets will be available beginning in January 2027 at GreenSpaceStudio.org.

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A favorite cookie spot in Astoria has abruptly closed. Chip City, the popular cookie chain founded by two childhood friends from Queens, shut down all of its remaining locations on Friday after 10 years in business. What began as a local Astoria shop grew to more than 20 locations across New York and beyond, including New Jersey, Texas and Virginia. The company cited “significant macroeconomic headwinds” for the closure. The sudden shutdown comes amid a lawsuit involving co-founder Peter Phillips and the company’s investors and executives. The circumstances surrounding the closure remain unclear, and the lawsuit is ongoing. It’s the end of a notable Astoria-born business story, but luckily there are many cookie spots and local eateries still around Astoria to enjoy. If you have access to NY Times, you can read more here.

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October brings a full schedule of family programs to The Noguchi Museum, with opportunities for children of different ages and their caregivers to explore Isamu Noguchi’s artwork through art-making, movement, nature, and hands-on activities. Free First Friday On Friday, October 2, the museum will offer free admission throughout the day, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visitors of all ages can also take part in art-making activities in the galleries from 3 to 5 p.m. Advance reservations are not required. Gallery Kit On Saturday, October 3, families can participate in the Gallery Kit program. This scheduled family program helps visitors explore the museum and connect with the artwork at their own pace. Open Studio: Sound & Movement On Saturday, October 10, families with children of all ages can participate in Open Studio: Sound & Movement. This interactive studio program invites families to engage with the museum’s spaces through sound and physical movement. Art for Families: Nature On Saturday, October 24, families with children ages 5–11 can participate in Art for Families: Nature. Children and their families will explore the sculpture garden and create artwork using natural materials. Advance registration is required. Stroller Tour On Sunday, October 25, The Noguchi Museum will host a stroller-friendly tour for parents of newborns ages 0–12 months. The tour combines time in the galleries with an opportunity for families to connect and engage babies through music and sensory activities. Registration is required. For Long Island City families, October offers several ways to introduce young children to The Noguchi Museum through hands-on activities, art-making, and exploration. With programs designed for newborns through school-age children, there are opportunities throughout the month for families to experience the museum together. For details and the complete schedule of October family programs, visit the Noguchi Museum’s calendar here: https://www.noguchi.org/museum/calendar/

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Looking for film activities to attend this October? MoMI has a packed schedule with film, exhibitions, and free community events. Highlights include Handcrafted Horrors, a month-long Halloween screening series featuring classics such as Nosferatu, The Exorcist, The Wolf Man, and Poltergeist. The series runs October 3–31. Other October highlights include: October 4–9: New York Film Festival screenings October 10: The Adventures of Prince Achmed 100th-anniversary screening and the opening of Seeing the Cinema October 17: Faust 100th-anniversary screening and Arcade Science Day of Play October 23: Persona 60th-anniversary screening October 24: Annual Halloween Party October 30: Nosferatu with live musical accompaniment MoMI will also host Phone-Free Fridays, free Open Worlds programs, special New York Comic Con events, and more throughout the month. Read the full October newsletter and schedule here.

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Last week, OANA President Richard Khuzami toured Con Edison’s Vernon Substation to learn more about the electrical infrastructure in Western Queens. One takeaway was the importance of managing electricity demand when the system is under stress. That’s why Con Edison sometimes asks customers to reduce their electricity use. During periods of high demand, even small reductions made by residents can help relieve pressure on the system and reduce the risk of equipment problems or outtages. For us, that can mean lowering the air-conditioning, postponing laundry or dishwashing, turning off unnecessary lights, or waiting to use other high-energy appliances until Con Ed says the coast is clear. The tour also gave OANA a better understanding of the extensive infrastructure and ongoing work required to keep electricity reliable in Western Queens. To learn more: How Con Edison’s transmission system works How Con Edison sources electricity OANA thanks Con Edison for hosting the tour and helping community representatives better understand the system our neighborhood relies on every day.

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At the Mayor’s request, NYC has begun installing 17 new public bathrooms across the five boroughs as part of a $4 million pilot program designed to provide more free, accessible bathrooms in public spaces. These are new modular designs which are ADA-accessible and fully touchless, with a flushing toilet, running-water sink, and a baby-changing station. They will be free and open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. The city says the one-year pilot will allow it to evaluate how the facilities can best serve neighborhoods across New York. Several of the new facilities are planned for Queens, including locations at Astoria Boulevard South and 31st Street, Northern Boulevard and 31st Street, Northern Boulevard and 54th Street, and 34th Ave and 64th Street. For Astoria, improved access to public restrooms could also be an important consideration at Whitey Ford Field. A permanent restroom facility at the field would make the park more accommodating for families, organized baseball and community events. OANA welcomes continued discussion about how these types of facilities could be incorporated into the future of Whitey Ford Field and other public spaces in our neighborhood. Read the City’s full announcement: NYC Mayor’s Office — 17 New Public Bathrooms

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As usual, this October brings a full schedule of exhibitions, tours, workshops, and other programs to the Noguchi. The upcoming exhibition, No Ordinary Light: Akari at 75, opens Wednesday, November 4. It celebrates the 75th anniversary of Isamu Noguchi’s Akari light sculptures and explores the different ways Noguchi presented the works throughout his life. Half-Price Admission Through Sunday, November 1, the museum is offering half-price admission while the second floor is closed for installation of No Ordinary Light: Akari at 75. The museum’s first-floor galleries and garden remain open, with daily public tours at 2 p.m. Free First Friday On Friday, October 2, the museum will hold its monthly Free First Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is free throughout the day, and advance reservations are not required. From 3 to 5 p.m., visitors of all ages can pick up art materials from museum educators and explore Noguchi’s work through art-making activities in the galleries. Noguchi Museum × Ikenobo On Saturday, October 17, and Sunday, October 18, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., The Noguchi Museum will present Noguchi Museum × Ikenobo. This is a two-day exhibition that celebrates four decades of the Ikenobo Ikebana Society New York City Chapter. There will be flower arrangements that act as a temporal sculpture exploring time, place, and attention in the museum’s Education Studio. Drawing from a Distance The museum’s free virtual drawing program returns Monday, October 19, from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Drawing from a Distance takes place monthly and combines drawing with an opportunity to learn more about Isamu Noguchi’s work and connect with other participants. The program is held online, making it possible to take part from home. For Long Island City residents, October offers several opportunities to visit The Noguchi Museum, including free admission on October 2...

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The NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY) is proposing to increase the penalty for failing to keep a vacant lot clean from $100 to $250. The proposed rule would apply to violations including dirty sidewalks and areas around vacant lots, sidewalk obstructions, and other requirements. DSNY says the change is in response to increased complaints about dirty vacant lots around the city. A public hearing will be held Friday, October 30, at 10:00 AM via Microsoft Teams. Written comments can also be submitted through October 30. Residents who wish to speak at the hearing should sign up by October 29 at 5:00 PM by emailing mliguori@dsny.nyc.gov. Speakers will have up to three minutes. Comments can be submitted at rules.cityofnewyork.us or email at nycrules@dsny.nyc.gov.

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Queens developer is seeking zoning changes to build a 20-story mixed-use development at 31-01 Vernon Boulevard, across from Socrates Sculpture Park and next to the historic Sohmer & Company Piano Factory Building. The proposal calls for 402 apartments, including 101 affordable units, along with 10,108 square feet of retail space, a community facility, 26 parking spaces and private outdoor space. The developer, Across The River Realty Development LLC, filed its application with the NYC Department of City Planning on September 24. The proposed building would rise on portions of the site currently occupied by low-rise warehouse buildings and would be constructed above an existing underground parking garage. The historic Piano Factory building, which was converted to condominiums while retaining its original facade, would not be altered under the proposal. OANA has deep concerns regarding the effect a 20 story building has on Socrates park, especially the shadows it may cast, and it calls for a shadow study be initiated as soon as possible. If found to be a negative impact to Socrates Park, one of our neighborhoods premier cultural and recreational facilities, we feel this zoning change should not be supported. Read more here: https://www.crainsnewyork.com/real-estate/commercial/cny-developer-20-story-building-astoria-piano-factory-20260925/

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In this op-ed, titled “Words Matter,” OANA President Richard Khuzami draws on his lifelong experience as a musician to examine the debate over “cultural appropriation.” He argues that the term can blur the distinction between cultural exchange and genuine exploitation, discouraging the creative exchange that has shaped art and civilization for centuries. Khuzami contends that the real injustice occurs when artists and cultures are financially exploited, their work is taken without proper credit, or their contributions are denied. He calls for protecting creators from exploitation while keeping culture open to collaboration, influence, and artistic fusion. Read the op-ed here. Photo of OANA President Richard Khuzami at the Amnesty International Human Rights Festival, 2021

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