In October 2004, the Art Gallery at Queensborough Community College reopened after a multi-million dollar renovation. Located on the campus of a CUNY community college in the far reaches of eastern Queens, it's a great surprise to see the high-quality exhibition space and artwork. The renovations included museum-quality lighting, security and environmental controls, more exhibit space, a theater, and an art research library, while also restoring the building's original 1920s design elements.
Art and Research at QCC Art Gallery:
The permanent collection includes traditional African art and works by contemporary American and Hispanic artists. Gallery Director Faustino Quintanilla has been the force growing of the collection since he joined QCC in 1991. Students learn by doing in the gallery, as Faustino teaches curatorial studies. QCC also plans to offer an Associates Degree in Conservation. The gallery includes a research library open to the public, including photo documentation of the Civil Rights movement.
History:
The art collection at QCC started in the 1960s, and was housed in the library. In 1981, the Gallery opened in the Oakland Building, the highest point on campus as well as the oldest structure at QCC. The facility allowed QCC to expand its art programming for students and the general public. A full-time director joined the staff in 1988, and the collection has grown ever since. Lecture series and other arts programming are offered to students and community members.
Oakland Country Club:
The Oakland Building served as the club house of the Oakland Country Club and Golf Course in the 1920s. One prominent member was financier Horace J. Harding (1863-1929). Partly to better his access to the Oakland links, he promoted the construction of a highway from Queens Boulevard to the Nassau County line. After his death it was re-named Horace Harding Boulevard, now part of the Long Island Expressway (LIE).
Directions by Car and Parking:
- Long Island Expressway to exit 29. From Horace Harding access road, turn north on Springfield Boulevard. Go 3 blocks and turn right on 56th Avenue. Halfway down the street, the main QCC entrance is on the left. Look for the guardhouse.
- Cross Island Parkway to exit 31 west for Northern Boulevard. Turn left on Springfield Boulevard (219th Street). Then left on 56th Avenue. Halfway down the street, the main QCC entrance is on the left.
- Parking is free for visitors in the lot at the main entrance.
Public Transportation to Queensborough Community College:
- #7 Subway to Flushing, Main Street, and then the Q27 bus to Springfield/57th Avenue. Or Q12 to Northern Boulevard/Cloverdale and walk south on Cloverdale.
- F Subway to 169th/Hillside, and then the Q30 bus to Horace Harding/Springfield. Walk up Springfield and right on 57th Ave.
- E, J, and Z Subways to Parsons/Archer, and then the Q30 bus.
- LIRR to Queens Village and then the Q27 bus to Springfield/57th Avenue.
- LIRR to Bayside and then the Q27 bus to Springfield/57th Avenue.
Contact the Queensborough Art Gallery:
- QCC Art Gallery (CUNY)
- Queensborough Community College
- 222-05 56th Avenue
- Bayside, NY 11364
- 718-631-6396
- QCCArtGallery@qcc.cuny.edu
Hours of Operation:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Wednesday & Thursday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Friday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Saturday & Sunday: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
