David Hammons Plans Yonkers Gallery, Gets Mayoral Shout-Out

Keep your eye on Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano, folks. The first-term Democrat managed quite a coup last week, apparently getting

39 Lawrence Street in Yonkers. (Courtesy Google Maps)
39 Lawrence Street in Yonkers. (Courtesy Google Maps)

Keep your eye on Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano, folks. The first-term Democrat managed quite a coup last week, apparently getting the famously reclusive David Hammons to attend his State of the City address.

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It seems that Mr. Hammons is planning to build an art gallery in Yonkers, just a bit north of Van Cortlandt Park in an old warehouse at 39 Lawrence Street. It looks like it’s a breezy 45-minute walk from the end of the 1 line, according to a little bit of Google Maps research.

Mr. Hammons is the latest artist to set up shop in Yonkers, following Maya Lin and Daniel Wolf’s decision to buy one of the city’s old jails to create an arts center, as The Journal News reports.

From Mayor Spano’s speech:

Now others in the art world want to join the transformation taking place in Yonkers. Last summer we announced plans to develop a South Yonkers Greenway along the Putnam Trail, extending from Lawrence Street to the New York City border at Van Cortlandt Park. It will provide park and recreation space, and a bike path for commuting and exercise.

Tonight we are excited to announce that world-renowned artist David Hammons has purchased a property on Lawrence Street, at the footsteps of the future Greenway, and plans to open a new art gallery in the neighborhood.

Mr. Hammons’ work is part of the permanent collection at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. But soon you won’t have to go to Manhattan to see Mr. Hammons’ work. You’ll be able to see it right here in Yonkers.

Mr. Hammons was gracious to join us tonight and share in the celebration of his new space in Yonkers. Please join me in welcoming David Hammons to Yonkers.

Can’t wait!

If you’re in the mood for some Hammons before he gets that gallery up and running, one of his very handsome tarp paintings is on view now at Greene Naftali in a great group show—it also includes Laura Owens, Jack Goldstein, Wade Guyton and more—that runs through April 26.

David Hammons Plans Yonkers Gallery, Gets Mayoral Shout-Out