Public Art—Hurly Whirly on 4th Ave
What/Who
Hurly Whirly, a large-scale, kinetic sculpture, designed by Gowanus-based artist David Barthold and fabricated by Beam Center’s Public Art Production Apprenticeship program participants. These five young people along with David, and Beam Center staff, James Cafaro and Em Eason spent seven weeks expanding skills in arts fabrication from woodworking, metalworking and custom painting to bring delight to passerby on 4th Ave this spring. The 11’ x 8’ wood and steel sculpture will be installed in the median on 4th Ave at 2nd Street (map) through partnership with The New York City Department of Transportation’s art program (NYC DOT Art). This sculptural piece was built with intentional collaboration and mentorship of young people, learning practical and job readiness skills.
This temporary public art project was made possible by a coalition of neighborhood groups, including Why Not Art?, Arts Gowanus, Beam Center, Forth on Fourth Ave (FOFA), Gowanus BID Formation Committee, the Old Stone House and the Gowanus Neighborhood Arts Advisory Committee (GNAAC). We are proud to be part of a community project that highlights and celebrates youth capacity, and Brooklyn’s arts community.
Public Art Production Apprentices at Beam Center’s Bushwick shop celebrating their progress and hard work.
Tahied (age 18, Public Art Production Apprenticeship) "This has been a new experience. I like working with schematics and seeing all the pieces come together like a puzzle. Having the artist involved was also great; I liked having him teach us painting."
Justin (age 17, Public Art Production Apprenticeship):
[This] has been a great experience, has helped me learn more about precision and patience. I feel proud because we've come so far, it's turned into a beautiful piece with color and pizzazz, I feel very accomplished."
Brian Cohen, Beam Center's Executive Director:
"We are delighted to collaborate with David Barthold and this incredible alliance of community partners to showcase the capacity and creativity of NYC youth.”
When/WherE
To be installed on Tuesday April 28, 2026; and the sculpture will be on view through Fall 2026. Join the public engagement events on Saturday May 2nd and in October for Arts Gowanus Open Studios 2026. 4th Ave median, at 2nd St median/crosswalk (northside map). Catch it while you can!
how
A group of community-based organizations worked together to support this project presented through the NYC DOT Art Partners initiative including input from Beam Center youth. The project promotes skills training and employment for young people in our community, while also creating public art that enriches the entire neighborhood.
Grace Freedman of both Forth on Fourth Ave (FOFA) and Why Not Art? provided arts advisory and project management. Arts Gowanus, Gowanus Neighborhood Arts Advisory Committee (GNAAC) and The Old Stone House also provided art advisory support and promotion of the project. The Gowanus BID Formation Committee is proud to be a part of the project and aims to provide long-term support once the Gowanus BID is formally established. NYC DOT Art provided support and permitted the project through the Art Partners initiative, which invites organizations to partner with professional artists to permit art on NYC DOT property throughout the five boroughs. Funding sponsorship is from Why Not Art and supporters of Beam Center, including the Jacques and Natasha Gelman Foundation, Altman Foundation, NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, New York State Council on the Arts, and the New York Community Trust.
