When people think arts, they think Manhattan. But for those of you looking for the off-the-beaten-path, or those of you who want something closer to your outer borough homes, here are a few locations in Queens and the Bronx that are cool to check out. (For Staten Island events, see the arts calendar!)

Queens :

The Queens museum of art: $5 suggested donation
This museum is the home of the famous Panorama of NYC: a miniature model including every single building constructed before 1992, which is currently being updated. You can find the 1939 and 1964 World Fairs exhibits here, as well as the Queens International 2013 exhibit, which focuses on the collaboration between artists and curators. ( Nov. 9 – Jan 14, 2014)

Noguchi Museum: $5 with a student ID
This small museum would be fun for a day trip if you are into Japanese art. It features the art and sculpture of Isamu Noguchi. Here, you will find sculpture exhibits, a Japanese garden, and a gift shop (where you can purchase light sculptures).

P.S 1: $2 with student ID
This museum is housed in an old school building. It is affiliated with MoMA, and not surprisingly is dedicated to contemporary and avant-garde art. You will find the most off-the-wall exhibits here, like Mike Kelley’s “dark and delirious” examination of American pop culture and modernist traditions, which includes colorful blobs suspended from the ceiling.

Queensbuzz can keep you up to date on smaller arts events happening in Queens.

Bronx 

Bronx Museum of the Arts : Free for everyone!
This museum has performance events every first Friday of the month, including the upcoming FREE Holiday party with flamenco dance performances on Friday, December 13th, 6-8 pm.

The BCA Art Gallery @ Hostos is showing El Diario/La Prensa 100th Anniversay Celebration In The Headlines: Latino New Yorkers 1980-2001 (through Dec 20 2013).

Check out the Bronx Council on the Arts website for up to date information on small arts events happening in the Bronx!

Staten Island (By: Merlyn George)
Tattfoo Tan
New Earth MRE
October 1 til November 31, 2013
GALLERY HOURS: Wednesday – Sunday, 12 – 6pm
Exhibition Opening & Kale Chip Workshop, Tuesday, October 8 from 6:00 -8:00pm
67 Monroe Avenue
Staten Island, NY 10301
Cost: Free

In this event, you can learn about dehydrating food. Its is beneficial because it does not affect the nutritional content of food that much. The artist, Tattfoo Tan dehydrates these special package.

Artist Confessions: Making
Artist Confessions: Making Things
October 29, 2013 7:00 pm
It is a discussion group whose main theme is “making things” in any form of art. This includes cooking, painting, writing, thinking, composing, and more.
Also on 12/17, 2/25, 4/29, 6/24
Cost: $10

Art Intersects #1: Assessing Your Cultural Inventory

November 12, 2013 6:30 pm

Location: SI Makerspace, 450 Front Street, (entrance on Thompson) 10304
Date/Time: Tuesday, November 12; Doors at 6:30 (mingle time), Workshop starts at 7:00pm
Fee: $10adv/$15door & Free to Members

This is a workshop that helps artist entrepreneurs learn about selling their works.

Art By the Ferry Festival 2013

May 31, June 1,
JUNE 2, 2013
St. George, Staten Island

Friday, May 31st:
Storytelling at 60 Bay St.
7-9 PM

Opening Reception:
Saturday, June 1st, 7-9 PM at
60 Bay Street
Food & Drink, A Preview of the Art,
Music Performances

Sunday, June 2nd:
All day Festival (10AM – 8PM) at the Ferry Platform, 60 Bay Street,
and 70 Bay Street.

It is an art festival that includes dancing, music, performances, and art and children workshops.

Staten Island Botanical Garden
1000 Richmond Terrace, 718-273-8200
Cost: $5 if you choose to enter the Chinese Scholars Garden, otherwise it is free

You can find art in nature. It is a beautiful garden that has beautiful ponds and courtyards. It is a great place to enjoy nature at its finest.

Staten Island Ferry
In Manhattan: 1 Whitehall Street at South Street
In Staten Island: 1 Bay Street, Richmond Terrace
Cost: Free

Explore the scenery in New York Harbor and the lower Manhattan skyline as you ride on this ferry.

Staten Island Museum
75 Stuyvesant Place, 718-727-1135
Cost: $2 for adults, $1 for children 12 and older, and kids under 12 are free. Check out this museum for some great art. It is also a great place to for kids to learn about new things, such as animals in their exhibits.

Clay Pit Ponds State Park
83 Nielsen Avenue, 718-967-1976
Cost: Free

Take advantage of breathing in fresh air in this gorgeous nature preserve. This is a great place to get away from the city for a little bit and be in tuned with nature. It is also a great place to get inspiration for art. There are unique habitats in its ponds and woodlands. You can also learn about the Leni Lenape Native Americans by exploring their artifacts.