The Garment District Alliance is aflutter over our latest public art exhibit, Avian Avatars. Designed by The Myth Makers, Donna Dodson and Andy Moerlein, this installation features five colossal sculptures, each symbolizing a mythical bird, located on the Garment District Plazas between 36th and 41st streets. 

Crafted from maple saplings, wire ties and found objects, the sculptures stand from 18 to 26 feet tall, with each bird sharing a unique myth. Avian Avatars is meant to indicate transformation, encouraing the public to heed to the stories about current human impact on the changing natural world.

• The Realist represents the Red Tail Hawk, the most common of the raptors and a determined competitor, portraying the notion that everyone has a killer instict, a desire to fly and an ambition to achieve their fifteen minutes of fame.
• The Great Spirit signifies an owl, a humble leader that embraces the strengths and weaknesses of humanity and inspires from a spiritual perspective.
• The Scold symbolizes a crow, a raucous chatterbox and gregarious gadfly that holds a strong opinion.
• The Tourist portrays the Victoria Crowned Pigeon, a lively bird that is drawn to the vibrant character of the city and strives to shape culture with its spontaneous personality.
• Representing a falcon, The Taste Maker is an idealist, a philosopher and an opinionated vocalist with a social vision. 

For a map and information on each, download the
Avian Avatars Brochure

In addition to the art work on the plaza, The Myth Makers are working in conjunction with the Garment District Alliance to bring some very exciting public programs to the plaza this winter. Please join them for the following events:

Saturday January 10th @ 12pm. Join the Myth Makers for a crisp winter adventure! Be some of the first to see these commissioned sculptures along Broadway in the historic Garment District. Walk with the artists and talk about their ambitions for these major pieces, the materials they employ and how the partnership between two independently successful artists contributes to a teamed concept. 

Saturday Feb 14th @ 3pm - Valentine's Day Sculpture, Chocolate and Roses. Join the Myth Makers for a midwinter excursion onto Broadway. Come as a couple or come alone but there will be roses and chocolate for all who RSVP! Chat with Donna Dodson and Andy Moerlein as you study the work. Stroll glove in glove and enjoy the heartwarming attributes of well sited sculptures in a wintery city scape. ALL romantic souls are invited to hear the Myths of the Avian Avatars. Both artists will be present to share your impressions and their chocolate! The group will meet at Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf at 1412 Broadway.

Saturday March 7th @ 10am- If you are in town for the Armory Week Art Fairs – or you have never been – you SHOULD! The Myth Makers will be presenting an early morning tour of the Avian Avatars on Broadway. Start the most exciting weekend in NYC arts with a burst of monumental outdoor sculpture. Meet The Myth Makers in person at Coffee Bean & tea Leaf at 10am dressed for the weather.

Wednesday March 25th TWO exceptional events: 3pm - The Myth Makers will provide a behind the scenes conversation about the staging and presentation of their Avian Avatars along Broadway’s Garment District.
6p-8pm The iconic Artists Talk on Art (ATOA) panel at the Jefferson Public Library6th Ave & 9th St. in New York City. Join us at a panel discussion on Temporary Public art projects (followed by Q&A)

Friday April 24th- International Sculpture Day 2014! 

Artist Talk and Tour - If you have missed Avian Avatars and the Myth Makers in New York City, this is the last day to meet the artists and discuss the challenges and joys of team art making. Join the dynamic collaborative, Donna Dodson and Andy Moerlein for the closing events at either 5p or 7p. Walk through with artists followed by tea/coffee and conversation at Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.

Garment District Art on the Plazas is made possible through Arterventions, part of the Department of Transportation’s Art Program. The Garment District Alliance and DOT work closely to coordinate the exhibit and install the pieces, which enhance the public plazas and make them even more welcoming to New Yorkers and visitors alike.

Press
Huffington Post - The 10 Most Beautiful Public Art Shows Hitting New York This Spring
Nashua Telegraph - From the Granite State to the Big Apple, Bow sculptors carve out success in art world
Concord Monitor - 26-foot-tall Owl Sculpture to go from Bow to N.Y.C.
Boston Art Images - Boston Myth Makers Bring Avian Avatars To NYC
SoWa News - Myth Makers Take On the Garment District in NYC
Asmuge - Avian Avatars by the Myth Makers
Artist Initiative - Avian Avatars
Startup Year - The Garment District Alliance Unveiling Art Installation
Artlog - Avian Avatars
This Week In New York - Avian Avatars
Hippo Press
Row NYC - Free Things To Do In NYC
Asmuge - Meeting Myth Makers
CODAWORX - Avian Avatars
ArtNet - New York's Most Beautiful Public Art Shows
Today Is The Day I - Went Bird Watching On Broadway