The outsized effect of COVID-19 on the central queens neighborhoods of Jackson Heights and surrounding areas, has given us the unenviable distinction of this pandemic’s global epicenter. Our community has a more enduring reputation to uphold as the global symbol for the efficacy of a pluralistic society. Right now, the people, restaurants, businesses and institutions that define this place, are facing an unprecedented challenge.

Art From the Epicenter is an exhibition/auction of local artists who have generously donated their work to raise money for local organizations helping to provide basic resources to sectors of the community most in need.

Included in the auction is:

“Manhattan at Dusk”, color photograph, giclée printed on acid-free archival matte paper, unmounted/unframed.  
by Ellen Sturm Niz
Bidding starts at $20.

How it works

Browse the exhibition.
Visit the exhibition by following our Art from the Epicenter Instagram page.

Place a bid from June 1-10.
Bid on a work you are interested in by leaving a comment on the post. Make sure the dollar amount you enter is at least $5 higher than the most recent bid (and above the minimum bid value.) Auction closes at 9 pm EST on June 10.

If you win, donate!
If you are the highest bidder, you win the artwork. Within a week, make a monetary donation in the exact amount of your winning bid to one of the three organizations listed below. Make sure you receive a receipt for this donation.

Get your artwork.
Email an image of the receipt and your mailing address to art.from.the.epicenter@gmail.com.  Once we have seen proof of your donation, we will notify the artist, and they will mail you their work within a week.

Suggested Organizations

Covid Care Neighbor Network. is a Mutual Aid group covering Jackson Heights, East Elmhurst and Woodside. We are all volunteers–neighbors helping neighbors. To donate, click here.

Make the Road New York builds the power of immigrant and working class communities to achieve dignity and justice. It has set up a COVID-19 Emergency Response fund to provide critical support to our communities. To donate, click here.

Meals for Elmhurst hospital is purchasing large quantities of meals from local restaurants to feed the staff of Elmhurst hospital. To donate, click here.

Questions, comments?

email art.from.the.epicenter@gmail.com