The Art in the Park Meetup: Vending, Networking & Creative Workshops
About this Event
The Art Meetup: Community Art Day
Saturday, July 11 · 3–7 PM
Maria Hernandez Park, Bushwick, Brooklyn
Volunteer and vendor setup begins at 2 PM, and free giveaway line begins at 2:30 PM.
All ages are welcome, but this event is designed primarily for adults to connect, create, and build community.
This is a major opportunity to share your work, meet new people, and become part of one of NYC’s fastest-growing creative communities. RSVP now before free registration closes.
About the Event
The Art Meetup is an outdoor community gathering featuring local artists, independent vendors, live art, music, creative programming, giveaways, and space to connect with the community.
Come spend the afternoon in Maria Hernandez Park surrounded by creativity, music, and some of the kindest people you will meet in NYC. Bring a blanket, enjoy the park, discover local artists, and connect with neighbors and creatives at your own pace.
Many people attend alone. Others bring friends, children, partners, or family. Everyone is welcome.
Special Giveaway
The first 100 guests at 3 PM will receive a special Art Meetup giveaway, one per person while supplies last.
Only guests who RSVP will be eligible, so make sure your name is on the list.
Agenda
2:00 PM
Vendor and volunteer setup
2:30 PM
Free Giveaways for the first 100 attendees with RSVP
3:00–7:00 PM
Outdoor art gallery, local vendors, free crafts, community art, and time to connect
3:00–4:00 PM
Short sound meditation with
4:00–5:00 PM
Conversation about the school-to-Pr*son pipeline with
5:00–6:00 PM
Workshop on plants, healing, and caring for the planet with
6:00–7:00 PM
Networksing and building friendships, support systems, and community.
Hosted and produced by
Instagram:
The Art Meetup:
This Event Is Free to Attend, but It Is Not Free to Produce
Please contribute $5, $10, or $20 when you RSVP to help make this community gathering possible.
The Art Meetup is funded through personal time, labor, and resources, along with donations from people who believe artists deserve accessible places to gather. There is currently no business, nonprofit, institution, or major sponsor covering the cost of this event.
Your donation helps pay for permits, art and craft supplies, sound equipment, signage, printing, transportation, programming, giveaway items, and the labor required to keep attendance and vending accessible.
Once we reach 200 RSVPs, free registration will close and all remaining entry will be donation-based. Please do not wait until the day of the event to support the space you plan to enjoy.
RSVP and support The Art Meetup
Donate through Cash App
Donate through Venmo
PayPal: [email protected]
Zelle: Contact @nonlocalai
Support Lailani through her website
RSVP for The Art Meetup
Vend for Free
Artists, makers, and independent vendors can showcase and sell their work completely free.
There is no application fee, table fee, commission, or percentage taken from your sales. Bring your own table, chair, blanket, rack, tent, or display and keep everything you earn.
Vendors are responsible for their own setup, products, payment methods, and cleanup.
Join The Art Meetup Vendor Group Chat
Complete the vendor form to be featured on the event page
Vending is free because independent artists should be able to meet their community, test their ideas, build visibility, and earn money without paying to enter the space.
What to Expect
Local artists and independent vendors
Live art and creative showcases
A community mural and public art-making
Free creative workshops and programming
Handmade artwork, jewelry, crafts, and goods
Special giveaways
Opportunities to meet collaborators and new friends
Open areas for relaxing and connecting
Picnic energy throughout the afternoon
A welcoming environment for artists, adults, families, neighbors, and culture lovers
What to Bring
A picnic blanket, folding chair, or umbrella
Water, snacks, and anything you need to stay comfortable
Games, chalk, sketchbooks, or art supplies
Business cards, stickers, or information about your work
An open spirit
Why The Art Meetup Exists
The Art Meetup was created to make space for underrepresented artists, neighbors, and friends to share their gifts with the community.
Our mission is simple:
Make art. Make friends. Make space.
We believe art belongs to everyone. When we gather in public spaces, we celebrate more than creativity. We create opportunities for connection, healing, visibility, and joy.
Your presence helps keep this energy alive and ensures that NYC artists continue to be seen, supported, and connected to their community. Your contribution helps keep the experience accessible for everyone.
RSVP and donate now
Stay Connected
Event updates: Follow @nonlocalai
The Art Meetup: Follow @theartmeetup
Meet the organizer: Visit LailaniGibson.com
NYC art jobs and creative resources: Explore LailaniGibson.com
Upcoming events: View The Art Meetup on Eventbrite
The Art Meetup playlist: Follow and save on Spotify
Rain Plan
This gathering will only take place weather permitting.
In the event of rain, check @nonlocalai for the latest updates.
The Art Meetup was created to give NYC creatives a real place to connect, create, and feel seen. Join us for live music, art, conversation, and community. RSVP now before tickets run out.
The Art Meetup Vendor Collective
Shop Joinoir on Ko-fi
Rooted in the Work · @rootedinthework
@jss.arts
@dandy_in_the_underworld.brand
Celestial Wallflower
@ladybrownart · LadyBrownArt.com
@midorimonday
@byumeyu
@color.me.tasty
@beadsbymimi
Luxer Eats
@boribooksandcafe
Netanyahs.com
@coachkayconnect
@mimisartroom
@ghostcityqueers
@ghostsofcrows
@sea.gravez
@amilakapothecary
@doggy.collar
@cecilia_loher
@daisyl4
@uniique.s
@bellerss_creates
@shopglossedgold
@turnheadsoils
@tonibtells.nyc
@kleoshoes_
@space_chains
@nwao.wav
@aaabrightcreationllc
Local Eats Near Maria Hernandez Park
Coffee, Breakfast and Light Bites
Knickerbocker Bagel
367 Knickerbocker Avenue · 7 AM–3 PM
Bagels, breakfast, and coffee.
Abracadabra Magic Diner
566 Onderdonk Avenue · Saturday and Sunday, 9 AM–9 PM
Turkish-Mediterranean brunch.
Molasses Books
770 Hart Street · 12 PM–12 AM
Coffee, books, and a relaxed neighborhood atmosphere.
Hive Mind Books & Coffee Shop
219 Irving Avenue
Independent books and coffee.
Wyckoff Starr Coffee Shop
30 Wyckoff Avenue · Saturday and Sunday, 8 AM–5 PM
A neighborhood coffee favorite.
Your Way Cafe
17 Wilson Avenue · 7 AM–4 PM
Classic breakfast and diner dishes.
Dayglow
8 Wilson Avenue · 8 AM–5 PM
Craft coffee and colorful drinks.
Sips
5 Central Avenue · 8 AM–4 PM
Espresso and natural wines.
Nook
45 Irving Avenue
A cozy cafe serving coffee and light bites.
Lunch, Dinner and Late-Night Food
El Regalo de Juquila
1209 Myrtle Avenue · 10 AM–4 AM
Authentic Mexican food.
Rebecca’s
610 Bushwick Avenue · 4 PM–4 AM
Bar food and a backyard gathering space.
Birdy’s
1215 Myrtle Avenue · 2 PM–4 AM
A neighborhood dive bar with casual food.
Little Mo
1158 Myrtle Avenue · 12 PM–11 PM
Vietnamese comfort food.
2 Chix
1022 Broadway · 10 AM–4 PM
Brunch and fried chicken.
Zatar Cafe & Bistro
1294 Myrtle Avenue · 8 AM–1:45 AM
Mediterranean dishes with late-night hours.
Queen
247 Starr Street · 12 PM–10 PM
Mediterranean food and cocktails.
Tony’s and Orazio Pizza
336 Knickerbocker Avenue
New York-style pizza.
Pacaya Guatemalan Restaurant
251 Wilson Avenue
Homestyle Guatemalan food.
El Jardin Azuyo
266 Suydam Street
Ecuadorian meals and a neighborhood bar.
Arepera Guacuco
44 Irving Avenue
Venezuelan arepas.
Maa Ka Dhaba
67 Stanhope Street
Indian takeout.
Ayat Bushwick
242 Knickerbocker Avenue
Palestinian comfort food.
Santa Salsa
234 Starr Street · 12 PM–2 AM
Venezuelan street food.
Sea Wolf
19 Wyckoff Avenue
Seafood, tacos, and cocktails.
Rosie Pizza Bar
128 Central Avenue · 12 PM–Late
Pizza and drinks.
Alegria Bar and Grill
266 Suydam Street · 12 PM–12 AM
Salvadoran pupusas and neighborhood energy.
Tortilleria Mexicana Los Hermanos
271 Starr Street
Tacos and freshly made tortillas.
Black Seed Bagels
379 Suydam Street
Hand-rolled bagels.
El Encebollado de Víctor
280 Knickerbocker Avenue
Ecuadorian seafood stew.
Drinks, Bars and Nightlife
Starr Bar
214 Starr Street
Community-focused bar and event space.
Jupiter Disco
1237 Flushing Avenue
Retro-inspired dance club.
Bunna Cafe
1084 Flushing Avenue
Vegan Ethiopian food and a cozy bar atmosphere.
How to Get to Maria Hernandez Park
Subway
L Train: Take the L to Jefferson Street. Walk northeast on Wyckoff Avenue, turn right onto Starr Street, and continue toward the park.
M Train: Take the M to Knickerbocker Avenue. Walk southeast on Knickerbocker Avenue, then turn left onto Starr Street.
Bus
B38: Stops near DeKalb Avenue and Knickerbocker Avenue.
B57: Stops near Flushing Avenue and Knickerbocker Avenue.
B60: Stops near Wilson Avenue and Suydam Street.
Driving From Manhattan
Take the Williamsburg Bridge into Brooklyn. Continue onto Broadway, turn left onto Flushing Avenue, right onto Knickerbocker Avenue, and left onto Starr Street.
The park is located near Starr Street and Knickerbocker Avenue.
Driving From Queens
Take the Jackie Robinson Parkway west and exit toward Bushwick Avenue. Turn right onto Bushwick Avenue, left onto Flushing Avenue, right onto Knickerbocker Avenue, and left onto Starr Street.
Parking
Free street parking may be available along Starr Street, Suydam Street, Knickerbocker Avenue, and the surrounding side streets. Always read posted parking and street-cleaning signs carefully.
Nearby paid parking options may include:
115 Stanwix Street Garage
Approximately a 10-minute walk.
60 Cedar Street Garage
Approximately a 15-minute walk.
The Art Meetup creates welcoming spaces across NYC where Black creatives, artists, culture lovers, families, neighbors, and community-minded people can connect, share their work, discover opportunities, and feel less alone.
RSVP early, invite someone who needs community, and meet us in the park.
Agenda
The Art Meetup
Info: Join us for an afternoon of art, creativity, and community in Maria Hernandez Park. Enjoy local artwork, a community crafts, free workshops, vendors, and opportunities to connect with neighbors. All ages and experience levels are welcome.
🕑: 02:00 PM
Vendor/ Volunteer Arrivals & Set Up
🕑: 03:00 PM - 07:00 PM
Art Gallery with Free Workshops and Crafts
Info: Browse artwork by local artists, participate in free workshops and creative activities, make crafts, and connect with community members in a welcoming outdoor setting. No experience necessary and all ages are welcome. Vendors are welcome to participate at no cost. Simply bring your own table and setup.
🕑: 03:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Micro-Meditations by Sólful Sounds
Host: @solful_sounds
Info: Trade the noise for peace with a bite-sized, restorative sound session brought to you by Sólful Sounds.
🕑: 04:00 PM - 05:00 PM
School to Pr*son Pipeline with Rooted in the Work
Host: @RootedintheWork
🕑: 05:00 PM - 06:00 PM
The Impact of Plants and Healing Our Planet with Sugaa.e
Host: @Sugaa.e
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00 to USD 10.00
