Brooklyn-based photographer Chris Arnade set out to East New York, the Bronx, and Bushwick looking to photograph pigeon-keepers, and instead found another fascinating subculture: bike clubs. Arnade compared them to motorcycle clubs, with members taking on positions like president and secretary, wearing club vests, and even establishing clubhouses. If you want to see more of his incredible work, check out his show Pigeons and Portraits, whichopens this Friday at Urban Folk Art Studios on Smith Street. All proceeds will go to charities in the neighborhoods where Arnade has taken these photos.
Brooklyn Torch
Yikes, this is embarrassing. Somehow, I was unaware that a project is under way to provide North Brooklyn (Williamsburg, Greenpoint, Bushwick and DUMBO) with its own paper currency, otherwise known as a torch. This is actually legal and has a long list of supporters and vendors looking forward to accepting torches (1 torch = 1 dollar). I guess I’m not surprised? There’s still a lot of kinks to be worked out, including what the bills will look like (Kyp Malone’s face on a background of American Apparel models?) but word is they’ll will be circulating by Fall 2012.
