Studios team up to blend art with movement

paintings on wood and Gesimondo’s mixedmedia assemblages.

Gesimondo’s three-dimensional “Tree of Life” series features tiers of glow-in-thedark tiles symbolizing the body’s chakras, energy centers prominent in Hinduism and Buddhism that yoga is said to revitalize.

Aside from yoga, the works were inspired by Swedish artist Hilma af Klint, says Gesimondo. They are made up of materials like

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laser-cut steel from the nearby Edison Price Lighting factory and leather, wallpaper and mirrors that she would use as an interior designer by trade.

Once a hub for artists, the area of LIC just north of Queensborough Plaza has been transformed by development. But tucked away on 41st Avenue is Studio 41, open on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m. with art, jewelry and gifts for sale.

“Our goal is really to be a source for local artists and handmade artisan items in the neighborhood,” said Gesimondo.

Studio 41 offers pop-up shows and workshops like drawing and memory-box making.

“We’re trying to be a very dynamic spot,” said Gesimondo. “We’re really listening to what the community wants and saying ‘yes’ because we want people to come in and to know that we’re here,” she said. “For me, it’s a really important thing because I feel strongly that artists deserve to thrive, that artwork is in fact work and we ought to be paid for our work.”

Studio 41’s theme is “What’s on your walls?” explains Gesimondo.

“A lot of the new neighbors own these lovely brand-new apartments and, you know, we imagine they need some art on their walls,” she said.

The brainchild of Martin, Studio 41 opened last Labor Day weekend.

On weekends, the artists, who also include Violet Baxter, Jason Cina, Casey Concelmo, Joachim Marx and Sheila Ross, take turns holding down the gallery fort.

Gesimondo can be found welcoming in people on the street while Martin operates her etching press with stencils of plants plucked from her own garden.

Martin and Gesimondo are part of the Long Island City Artists nonprofit, which promotes Queens artists. Studio 41 also joined the Long Island City Partnership, which advocates for all different sectors, including culture and tourism.