Get out the Vote Jackson Heights

Catalyst Commission awardee Dovecote Collective presents their second GET OUT THE VOTE live silkscreen events this Sunday June 6, 9am-2pm, at theJackson Heights Farmers Market - on the 34th Avenue Open Street between 79th and 80th Streets in Jackson Heights, Queens. Artists Helen Quinn and Ondine Crispin will present silkscreenable designs to amplify the importance of voting and realizing community needs.

In Queens, where less than 54% of the population votes, the June 22 primary is important. Helen and Ondine note that “Five offices are up for election: Mayor, Borough President, City Council, Public Advocate, and Comptroller. This election will shape the city and borough we live in.”

Helen and Ondine have designed 3 different prints, a poster advertising the 5 office races, birds speaking to voting as democracy’s foundation, and a community-based poster encouraging Jackson Heights to vote. The birds on the prints: the carolina wren, black & white warbler, and eastern meadowlark - are local, native birds. They are relief prints carved by Ondine. Helen is silkcreening the final images. Helen notes “These birds are a beacon of spring and a beacon of hope. They are helping us get the word out about the importance of being a voter!”

At each event Helena and Ondine ask passersby to write down what you want from your elected officials. Collectively, they compile a compelling visual of community needs. Their hope is that “together we will see these needs”, and as people silkscreen bags and posters, and wear them and display them, it will encourage NYC voting in the upcoming June 22nd election. “

Helen and Ondine note “Bring your old t-shirts, dish towels, etc from home and try your hand silkscreening one of our images." and meet us on 34th Avenue between 79th and 80th Streets in Jackson Heights, Queens. Sunday, May 23 and Sunday, June 6 from 9am - 2pm.” This event is funded Creative Sanctum’s The Catalyst Commissions: Protect Democracy Edition.