Last week a new exhibition called “Northern Manhattan as Muse” opened at the NoMAA Gallery in Washington Heights. The exhibition is a result of photographer Mike Fitelson’s portraits of 17 Artist (Musicians, Actors, Writers, etc) that in some way have used the Northern Manhattan (Washington Heights and Inwood) as their inspirations for creating a body of work.  I am honored to have taken part in this amazing exhibit. To be sharing the same wall space with Tony Award-winning playwright Lin-Manuel Miranda (who happens to be wearing a Peralta Project tee in his photo) of “In the Heights” and accomplished author of  ”When Tito Loved Clara” Jon Michaud is a fantastic accomplishment for me and I grateful that my community recognizes the work that I have done.

Mike Fitelson has captured a very interesting moment in time Uptown.  Now, I won’t go as far as to say there’s an Art Renaissance happening Uptown but there a some great things being created and a  lot of changes, mostly for the good.  I personally feel we need more artist to push the envelope and create more extraordinary work but we do have to start at some point and that’s what I feel is happening.  The exhibit will be on display till Fri., Feb. 10, at the NoMAA Gallery @ Cornerstone Center, 178 Bennett Ave. near West 189th Street. Open weekdays 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.