We covered the first Bodega Advent Project in Bushwick/Ridgewood last year and now we’re glad to report that the interactive local arts initiative is back. This time, the project’s second run will culminate on Sunday, Dec. 23, with a walking tour of the bodega advent calendar, where residents can expect conversations with participating artists, store owners, and will receive a free copy of the calendar.
If you’re not familiar with the Bodega Advent Project, also known as Bodega de Adviento Project, here’s how the bilingual community project works: art pieces from 24 local artists are displayed at a different neighborhood bodega every day of the advent season. Residents are encouraged to visit the featured bodega to see the chosen art piece displayed, interact with the store owner, and even take a selfie with the hashtag #bodegaadvent.
The project was brought to life by the Episcopal congregations of Bushwick Abbey and Iglesia de la Santa Cruz to increase engagement in the community through works of art.
For this year’s special advent finale, locals can join project organizers for a live tour of each bodega featured in the project on Sunday. The tour lasts for an hour, free of charge, and anyone can join. If you’d rather stay indoors, but you still want to support the local initiative, you can find the project’s calendars and guidebooks for purchase at Kanowa Food at 1711 Bleecker St in Ridgewood.
You can also do your own walking tour of the advent calendar, just follow the route map on the project’s website.