Cash Flows From Waterfalls

The 2008 exhibit, “Waterfalls” overflowed city coffers with $68.6 million in economic activity … $13.4 million over estimates. Approximately 79,200 additional tourists visited New York City to see the East River’s water pouring forth from designer Olafur Eliasson’s four man-made structures. Circle Line reported water tour sales were up 213,000 compared to the same time last year. So what public art project is “on tap” next, Mayor Bloomberg?

A Tree-House Grows In Manhattan

New York residents love public art. Just measure the popularity of “The Gates” or “Waterfalls.” “Tree Huts,” conceived by Japanese artist Tadashi Kawamara may be the next tree-mendous art sensation here in NYC. This project will be on display through New Year’s Eve in the Flatiron District’s Madison Square Park. It features 12 pinewood tree houses in overhead branches. It’s surprising that local tree-huggers, bird watchers and animal activists haven’t "chopped down" the idea yet.

Waterfalls Hard On Brooklyn Trees

“A tree grows in Brooklyn” ... but they don’t grow like they used to! It seems that the Waterfalls have been kicking salt up into the air which damages local trees. In an effort to save the trees along the Brooklyn shoreline near the art exhibit, New York City officials are cutting the hours that the Waterfalls may be turned on. Local residents wanted the water turned off after Labor Day. City officials decided to keep the water flowing less than 50 hours a week. Additionally, the city promises to wash tree leaves daily (That should be an exhibit all by itself!). Opened in June, the water is supposed to pour through October 13th. Let’s hope the trees haven’t been harmed too much and survive the winter.

Falls May Fell River Café’s Trees

August is not the time to see brown autumn leaves. That’s the scene though at Brooklyn’s landmark eatery, the River Café. One of four water displays, which is part of New York City’s newest public arts project, “The New York City Waterfalls” is kicking up a saltwater spray. This mist is turning tree leaves brown and doing damage to the landscaping. Similar harm is being caused at Governors Island. To their credit, the Public Art Fund has responded quickly. They’ve hired a landscaper to get to the root of the problem.