SOUNDS
FROM THE
GALLERY
Sounds From the Gallery is our free indoor concert series, featuring live music performed within the vibrant atmosphere of our gallery’s art exhibitions!
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Click Here to see what's coming up!
Molding a Community
The Plaxall Family Legacy
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On view: January 30 - March 2, during gallery hours: Thursday & Friday, 5-9pm, and Saturday & Sunday, 2-9pm
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Molding a Community: The Plaxall Family Legacy is an art exhibition that honors the transformative history of Plaxall and its impact on Long Island City. This unique showcase celebrates the pioneering spirit of Plaxall’s founder, Louis Pfohl, whose innovation in thermoforming plastics helped shape industries and communities for generations.
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On view are original molds, equipment, and artifacts from the Plaxall factory, offering a rare glimpse into the craftsmanship and ingenuity behind its revolutionary processes. Accompanying these artifacts is a photographic series and a compelling short documentary by filmmaker Steven Speliotis, capturing Plaxall’s legacy and its enduring connection to Long Island City.
This exhibition invites us to reflect on Long Island City's remarkable journey, from its roots as an industrial powerhouse to its vibrant present as a hub for art, culture, and community. As the neighborhood continues to evolve, Molding a Community reminds us of the importance of preserving and celebrating our shared history while embracing creativity as the foundation for the future.
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The story of Plaxall exemplifies how industrial spaces can evolve to meet the needs of changing times while preserving their historical significance. In honoring Plaxall’s history we acknowledge its contributions to this community and showcase how innovation, artistry, and resilience continue to define Long Island City.
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The People Behind the Names
Black History In Queens
Curated by Queens Memory Project
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On view: January 30 - March 2
Opening Reception: January 30, 6-9pm
Free Admission
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In honor of Black History Month, The People Behind the Names: Black History in Queens, spotlights individuals featured in The Queens Name Explorer whose names carry historical significance. From outspoken ministers to pioneering musicians to female leaders in public service, this small sampling provides a glimpse into the histories of Elmhurst, Corona, Flushing, St. Albans, Jamaica, Hollis, and Kew Garden Hills.
Hina Oikawa Short Songs
Friday, February 28,7:30pm
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Hina Oikawa “Short Songs” is a project combining Japanese tanka poetry with jazz.
Led by saxophonist and composer Hina Oikawa, the performance features a large jazz ensemble playing original music inspired by the beauty and emotions of traditional poetry.
This unique blend of words and music offers a fresh and moving experience for the audience.​
Art Exchange: Italy and America
On View: March 6 - April 20 during gallery hours
Thursday & Friday, 5-9pm, and Saturday & Sunday, 2-9pm.
Opening Reception: March 6, 6-9pm
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Join us in celebrating the opening of Art Exchange: Italy and America, curated by Tess Howsam and Daniela Rambaldi in collaboration with Simona HeArt and Giusseppe Lombardi.
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Sponsored by Carlo Rambaldi Foundation as part of its 2025 Centennial Celebrations, and organized by the Cultural Association of Rambaldi Promotions, this is a one of a kind event dedicated to increasing the international visibility of Italian art, and creating an artistic dialogue that embraces culture, styles and visions.
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Enjoy beer, wine, lighter fare and live jazz!
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Thanks to our sponsors:
Plaxall Inc, TF Cornerstone, Steve Madden,
NYS Council on the Arts, Howard Gilman Foundation
It CAN Happen Here!
Hallie Flanagan and the Federal Theatre
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A multimedia extravaganza celebrating the Federal Theatre and revealing the forces that led to its downfall–forces even more powerful today.
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It CAN Happen Here! is a multi-media experience that weaves together three strands of storyline: the achievements of the Federal Theatre Project, which employed tens of thousands of artists from every demographic working in every theatrical genre and which brought performances into every corner of the U.S.; the ground-breaking work of its fearless leader, Hallie Flanagan, whose vision shaped the story-telling and aesthetics of the most impactful productions; and the political consequences, which encompassed the breaking of racial and social barriers and earned the disapprobation of the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC), whose legacy of attacks on Theatre and the Arts continue to this day.
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Runs Thursday, March 6 - Sunday, March 30
Dates in March 2025
March 6, 7, 8, 9 at 7:30pm
March 13, 14, 15, 16 at 7:30pm
March 20, 21, 22, 23 at 7:30pm
March 27, 28 at 7:30pm
March 29, 30 at 2:30pm and 7:30pm
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90 minutes
BIG FEELINGS
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Time to travel the universe and learn about emotions with Smoll. An interactive play with puppets for children 6-10.
About this event: Created in partnership with children's therapist Christie Stiff, the Big Feelings experience aims to create an intergenerational bridge and empower children with the long- term tools they need to spark necessary dialogues about well-being, mental health, and feelings.
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Alma is a little girl who had to leave the island where she was raised, listening to ancient myths and the sound of the ocean. Now living in the big city where she can’t see the stars, Alma struggles to cope and feels overwhelmed by “her bad feelings.”
One day, a scientist Muppet named Smoll shows up in the broken television in the attic. He has a message: He is an expert on feelings and wants to study Alma’s because grown-ups don’t know much about kids’ feelings. In exchange, he will take her out of the Big City and show her the universe.
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Produced by Little Clouds, Big Feelings was a recipient of the NYFA Queens Arts Fund for “New Work” and had a sold out run at the Culture Lab in 2024. The show was featured on the NY DAILY NEWS as one of the best 7 things to do in New York.
Dates in March:
Saturday, March 8, 4pm
Sunday, March 9, 4pm
Saturday, March 15, 4pm
Sunday, March 16, 4pm
Saturday, March 22, 4pm
Sunday, March 23, 4pm
Culture Lab After Dark presents
Nice One! Comedy
Thursday, March 13, 8 - 10pm
Enjoy New York City's funniest standup comics in the unique setting of our art gallery.
Check out the art, enjoy live comedy! ​
As We Enter a New Year...
We invite you to be part of something extraordinary – a movement that uplifts, empowers, and brings our community closer together!
At Culture Lab LIC, we believe in the transformative power of art and culture. But we can't do it alone. Community support keeps Culture Lab running!
Why give?
Culture Lab LIC isn't just an arts organization. We're a hub for creativity, community, and connection. Our programming touches thousands of lives each year through free and low-cost events, art exhibitions, live performances, and community initiatives that bring people together from all walks of life.
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Your gift matters!
Every dollar you give helps us sustain and expand our cultural programming, ensuring that art is accessible to everyone in Long Island City and beyond. Whether it’s a local school participating in an art workshop, emerging artists finding a platform, or neighbors gathering for a performance under the stars – your contribution directly supports these experiences.
Meet the People
behind Culture Lab LIC...
Without our team, none of our programming would be possible. Catch a glimpse into the lives of the people who make up the Culture Lab team, and all of the beautiful qualities and characteristics they posses to "make art happen!"
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And be sure to check out all the ways you can help make 2024 Culture Lab's best year ever!
Become a Member!
Culture Lab LIC is celebrating 5 years & we need you to help us build the next 5!
Thanks to you, in 2024 our mission to bring impactful art to Western Queens has flourished beyond our wildest dreams. Your contributions--whether through donations, volunteer efforts, or simply by spreading the word about our initiatives--have helped us to make a profound difference in the lives of artists and art lovers in our community.
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Your generous support not only fueled our programs but also directly impacted the artists we serve, providing them with invaluable opportunities and resources, and a platform to share their stories, visions, and inspirations with the world.
With your continued support in the coming year, we aim to expand our reach, continue to present local and international artists, and further enrich our community through art.
Here are 3 ways you can help...
Donate so we can continue to present the great art & events you love.
Join the Culture Lab LIC Family by Becoming a Member!
Help us keep our doors open by becoming an Official Sponsor!
Our ART GALLERY is open Thursday & Friday, 5-9pm, and Saturday & Sunday, 2-10pm. Keep your eye on our social media for updates on our upcoming theatre, dance and comedy performances!
As a member of Culture Lab LIC, you directly support dozens of arts, cultural and neighborhood organizations enjoyed by the entire community. As a Thank You for your awesomeness, each of our membership levels offer something for everyone: $2 off drinks, early viewings to monthly exhibitions, artists talks, Culture Lab LIC swag, and discounts to theater, dance, music concerts, and special events. We have an exciting season ahead of us and we cannot wait to share it with you!
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