Warrior Politics (2008). Used motor oil mixed media on paper

By coincidence, the Sunset Park-themed events this weekend all have a green bent. Given that it is apparently emerging as the “newest, biggest, fastest-changing neighborhood” according to the Brooklyn Eagle, that it is avant garde should be no surprise. You can take or leave the Eagle’s claim, but certainly take the neighborhood up on these free events.

Obama, in Oil: Sunset Park-based Artist David Macaluso Paints the President

Watercolor, acrylic, gouache, India ink–these are the common tools for painters who work on paper. But used motor oil?

Yet that viscous substance is what makes up the strokes and curves of David Macaluso’s portraits of Barak Obama on show at Tillie’s in Fort Greene, where there is reception is this Friday, January 8 from 7-9 pm. The Sunset Park-based artist has painted with motor oil since 2005, and says the material reflects the contemporary moment in this oil producing nation. It also puts to use a material generally considered waste. And his newest portraits have people talking. You can check out videos of Macaluso painting these pieces on his website. The show will be up through February 6. Artist’s reception at Friday, January 8 from 7-9 pm at Tillie’s, 248 DeKalb Ave in Fort Greene/Clinton Hill.

(F)RE-(E)G(AN)IFTING DAY

For those of you who received some unwanted packages this holiday season, the Very Very Free Market is having its re-gifting day this weekend at Trinity Lutheran.. Bring what you hope to part with, and come ready to find unappreciated gems. Your trash, as they say, could be someone else’s treasure.  Saturday January 9 from 1-5 pm, Trinity Lutheran Church at 4th Avenue between 45th and 46th Streets.

MulchFest

And speaking of reduce, reuse, recycle, Saturday and Sunday mark the city’s MulchFest. For those of you who have not yet kicked your Christmas Tree to the curb, grab a friend and bring it down to Sunset Park. Rather than going into trash, it will be mulched and put back into the New York’s parks and green spaces. Just make sure your tree is free of all lights and ornaments. Tree collection takes place at 44th Street and Sixth Avenue entrance to Sunset Park.

Those who want mulch of your very own can bring bags to Prospect Park, where you can have as much as you can carry home.

Información sobre Mulchfest en Español.

Information about Mulchfest in Chinese.

Are there other events the Chron has missed? Send an email to sunsetparkchron@gmail.com/ Hay otros eventos que no hemos notado? Mande un correo a sunsetparkchron@gmail.com.