NEW YORK — Summer fun at Coney Island just got some new attractions in addition to the beach and amusement park rides. Now, visitors can enjoy colorful murals and artisanal food vendors selling everything from truffle fries to hibiscus ice pops.
Coney Art Walls launched this week a block from the boardwalk and right behind Nathan’s Famous, the hot-dog emporium. Some of the same street artists whose work can be seen in Miami’s popular Wynwood neighborhood were brought in to decorate outdoor walls for the food-and-art experience.
All the food vendors come from the hipster Smorgasburg food market that’s been drawing crowds to Brooklyn’s Williamsburg neighborhood since 2011. Among the popular Smorgasburg regulars featured at Coney Art Walls: Red Hook Lobster Pound and Bon Chovie, known for fried anchovies.
The artwork and yummy offerings are set amid a backdrop of roller coasters and thrill rides, with the sand and surf just steps away. Many of the murals have carnival and beach themes, with motifs such as mermaids and beach umbrellas, while others feature graffiti-like lettering, geometric designs or portraits. Artists include Crash, Futura, Shepard Fairey, Kenny Scharf, Miss Van and Lady Pink.
There’s also an onsite bar and a stage where live entertainment will be offered.
The Brooklyn beachfront neighborhood of Coney Island, while still gritty and filled with character, has, like many areas throughout New York City, been cleaned up in recent years and lately has added new rides, eateries and retailers.
Coney Art Walls was created by Thor Equities, the real estate company that owns the land, and co-curated by Thor CEO Joseph Sitt and Jeffrey Deitch, former director of the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles.
Coney Art Walls is bordered by Bowery Street, West 15th Street and Stillwell Avenue. The food vendors will be open 11 a.m.-8 p.m. daily through the end of the summer. Coney Art Walls hopes to continue throughout the year, with special programming on holidays and other dates.
