January 24 , 2008
Art Show at Niagara
Paintings, photos and a giant vagina ... oh my
By Stephen Bailey

I made my way thru what I thought would be a hipper-than-thou upper portion of Niagara (112 Ave A, NYC). Oh sure there was a fair share of guys looking all Brooklyn and girls way over dressed, but it would turn out to be a crowd as diverse as the Niagara's own assortment of spaces. I stood for a moment trying to figure out where the art show I had come for was being held.

Photo Courtesy of niagarabar.com. See my photos here.

It wasn't in the crowded, dark front area where folks wrangled for a spot at the bar and then dared not move to let others by. Nor was it in the spacious back area lined with small tables and an old-fashioned photo booth. I followed the staircase off to the side down into the bar's tiki bar called the Lei Lounge. Still no art to be found, but I was happy to see a familiar face in my friend Roland Ramos. He directed me into yet another room where finally there was the art.It was bright, crowded and hot with an interesting array of work showcased.

And none more than the giant vagina by artist Wendi Gueorguiev. I met painter Benjamin Paul Pante whose images of figures wearing Homer Simpson and Squidward masks were completed just that afternoon. They needed to be dried with a space heater in order to be ready in time for the show. But the person whose art I was really here to see was my friend Ali Brief whose work is moving and inspirational. She was having fun posing in her new green short-shorts and dancing with me to no music. We've joked about auditioning for dancing with the stars. My partner would be Phyllis Diller, hers would be Fred Savage.

Niagara's owners promoter Johnny T from Motherfucker and D Generation's front man Jesse Malin have done a fine job creating a joint that has something for everyone. I was however a bit freaked out when I noticed there were no sinks in the bathrooms. No worries though. Like a cheap hotel, they was right outside. The drinks are reasonable and the people I met that work there seem pretty cool. I did miss out on the working women letting loose in the tiki bar that I heard so much about. Perhaps next time.

Links:
Niagara
Ali Brief
Benjamin Paul Plante
Wendi Gueorguiev
Photo Gallery
Stephen Bailey