Soundview community celebrates grand opening of new public art space

soundview
The ribbon cutting ceremony with Youth Ministries for Peace and Justice members, including ribbon-cutters featured artist Suki Watashi (center left) and Executive Director David Shuffler (center right), and New York City Council Member Raphael Salamanca (center), as well as many others.
Photo by Jewel Webber

Representatives of multiple Bronx organizations and Soundview community members and leaders gathered to celebrate the grand opening of a new public art space on Thursday, Oct. 4.

Photo by Jewel Webber
Youth Ministries for Peace and Justice Executive Director David Shuffler (second from left), Daniel McPhee (back row, seventh from left) and Gina Lee (red shirt, far right) of the Local Center and many others celebrate the opening of the Soundview Economic Hub. Photo by Jewel Webber

The Soundview Economic Hub, located under the Bruckner Expressway on Bronx River Avenue, will be filled with art, music, workshops, cultural programs, activities and local vendors.

One of the art exhibits by Tats Cru (Nicer). Photo by Jewel Webber

The opening of the arts space was organized by the Youth Ministries for Peace and Justice (YMPJ), in partnership with Council Member Raphael Salamanca Jr. and the New York City Department of Transportation, among other organizations.

(Left to right) New York City Council Member Raphael Salamanca, Youth Ministries for Peace and Justice Executive Director David Shuffler and Fidel Malena, the Bronx Regional Representative from the Office of Governor Kathy Hochul, conversing during the event. Photo by Jewel Webber

In addition to a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the Soundview Economic Hub’s opening, the celebration also featured a table filled with coffee, different flavors of tea, desserts and more, courtesy of Chef Chrystina Casado of Brunch at Zion’s. Wilde Flowers and Books Founder and CEO Concetta Gleason was also present, with a table full of books.

Wilde, Flowers and Books Founder and CEO Concetta Gleason (left) and Winsome Bingham (right), the author of “Soul Food Sunday” and “The Table,” holding her books. Photo by Jewel Webber

Youth Ministries for Peace and Justice Executive Director David Shuffler said the new space will feature 20 different pieces of art, including paintings, sculptures and more. He also expressed appreciation for the local vendors who came out to show off their products and take part in the grand opening celebration.

Gina Lee and Daniel McPhee of the Local Center speaking to attendees about the new art space. Photo by Jewel Webber