The 5Pointz Aerosol Art Center, Inc. also known as 5 Pointz: The Institute of Higher Burning is located in Long Island City, Queens, and is considered the “graffiti mecca” of the world. 5Pointz is an outdoor art space, with art covering the outer surface of a 200,000-square foot complex. Artist studios are within, and the 5pointz community has organized numerous events for each of the independent art space’s 10 years. Jonathan Cohen, also known as “Meres One” curates the building’s art, and the structure itself is owned by David and Jerry Wolkoff.

To have a piece in 5Pointz, the artist needs submit a work sample to Meres to be approved and properly placed. While the Wolkoffs have been supportive of the 5Pointz Aerosol Art Center and have allowed the building to be used as an artistic canvas for a decade, they are now proposing for the building to be knocked down to allow space for two new residential towers. The members of the 5Pointz Aerosol Art Center community are fighting this construction through petitions and by voicing their concerns and beliefs about the need for 5Pointz to community boards. While they continue down that path, they have also started the process to landmark the space. This includes asking all of the visitors and supporters of 5Pointz to sign a NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission form.

5Pointz is easy to get to and is accessible via the G, M, E, and 7 to Court Sq.  Curator-led tours for $35 have been reviewed as educational and fantastic, but it is not necessary to pay for a tour. You can to wander around the outside of the building and view the art on your own time. The space is incredible, and is a necessary stop for any New Yorker or a visitor to New York. Make sure to visit 5Pointz while you still can!

To find out more about 5Pointz or to book a tour click here.

Source: 5ptz.com

Image Source: Pam Seltzer