Nextdoor Renews Focus On The Arts

Deck The Walls will include art by Pancho Abalos

Nextdoor heralds in a renewed focus on the arts with Deck the Walls, An Art Show, from 6 to 10 p.m. Dec. 3, featuring paintings, handcrafted jewelry, ceramics, sculptures and more by various local artists.

In many ways, it’s a throwback to an earlier era in Chinatown — one that Nextdoor owner Daniel Gray remembers fondly. (Before taking over Nextdoor last fall, Gray ran SoHo Mixed Media Bar — which he founded with the premise of having it be both a club and a gallery.)

“On First Friday, people would walk around and check out the different galleries and then eventually go to the bars later, after the art walk,” Gray recalls. “And over the years it kind of evolved into just a mini block party … Nobody really focuses on the arts anymore. It’s just a bunch of people partying, which is fun and I enjoy it, but at the same time, I feel that there is something more we can do.”

Artists include Maya Ball of Maya Papaya and Henna Love, Sarah Porter of Sarah’s Shiny Things, Pancho Abalos of S.A.N.D. Clothing, Norman Kau of No Squirrels, Aaron Ota, Luke DeKneef and Erin Marquez. Live painting demos and henna tattoos also will be offered.

The show doubles as a sort of Christmas craft fair — items will be available for purchase, and Nextdoor promotions and events coordinator Jenna Ushijima says they’ll make perfect holiday gifts.

“I wanted to offer a variety of artists as far as their background,” explains Ushijima, “and I wanted to give the people coming to this show a variety of art pieces to choose from.”

While you check out the art, enjoy music by DJ Billy G, DJ Kesh and DJ Northstar. Chicken and beef tacos will be available for purchase ($3 each, or two for $5), and Ocean Vodka will be on special for $6. Entry is free.

Henna tattoos by Henna Love PHOTOS COURTESY JENNA USHIJIMA

This event is just the start of something that Gray has had in the works for a while: Every First Friday, Nextdoor will feature an installation by a different artist. Then, that artist will be featured at the bar throughout the entire month, including a meet-the-artist gathering.

“I’ve always been interested in the arts — and I feel that it is not represented in the community as much as it should be,” Gray explains.

“For up-and-coming artists, all they need is that one person who takes their hand, or that one venue or that one art show that can launch them,” Ushijima says.

“It’s a way for the artists to get their work up there and get exposure,” Gray adds.

For more information on Deck the Walls, An Art Show, visit nextdoorhi.com or find Nextdoor on Facebook.