We’re Outside 2025

A Pop-Up Visual Art Exhibit in Marcus Garvey Park

Saturday, August 23 | 3:00–7:00 PM

Northwest Lawn, Marcus Garvey Park | Free & Open to the Public

Now in its third year, *We’re Outside* returns to Harlem’s historic Marcus Garvey Park for an unforgettable day of art, culture, and community. Taking place during the City Parks Foundation’s SummerStage Charlie Parker Jazz Festival, this vibrant pop-up exhibit showcases the work of 22 contemporary artists working across painting, fiber art, photography, installation, and mixed media.

Curated by Saundra Heath, Director of Heath Gallery and President of the Mount Morris Park Community Improvement Association (MMPCIA), *We’re Outside* brings together a powerful mix of emerging and established artists who reflect the spirit, resilience, and rhythm of Harlem and beyond. This event is presented by MMPCIA in partnership with Heath Gallery and NYC Parks as an official ancillary event of the City Parks Foundation SummerStage Charlie Parker Jazz Festival.

Featured Artists: Aleathia Brown, Mayowa Nwadike, Fitgi Saint-Louis, Stefen Reed, Mike McManus, Gary Higgins II, Jamel Carroll, Shanequa Benitez, Airco Caravan, Destiny Santana, Christopher Ender Coryat, Shungaboy, Laura Gadson, Larry Bentley, Wilhelmina Grant-Cooper, Gabrielle Baker, Anna Macon, Bonnie Phillips, Christina Tapper, Misha Shipman, Debora Clark Fairfax and Jannette Jwahir Hawkins.

This year’s theme invites artists to interpret the dynamic legacy of jazz—not just as music, but also as metaphor: improvisation, spontaneity, individuality, history, living, learning and being. The result is a highly-engaging, open-air gallery experience that pulses with creativity.

What to Expect:

• 22 visual artists with work on display on the Northwest Lawn of Marcus Garvey Park

• Live jazz performances from the City Parks SummerStage Charlie Parker Jazz Festival at the Richard Rogers Amphitheater

• A live sculptural demo by one of our featured artists

• An eye-candy selfie station for playful, art-inspired photos

• A downloadable artist catalog featuring all exhibiting artists

• Opportunities to engage directly with artists and learn about their work

• A chance to bring a blanket, relax on the lawn, and take in the atmosphere

• A welcoming space to chill with friends and neighbors—or meet someone new

• Connect with representatives from MMPCIA, the community advocacy organization for the Mount Morris Park Historic District, and learn how you can get involved.

This project is made possible with generous support from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, the New York State Council on the Arts, the Howard Gilman Foundation, and the Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone Development Corporation, and is administered by LMCC. Private  support is provided by City Parks Foundation and Partnerships for Parks through the NYC Green Fund.