RAA’s ‘Lean on Me’ Exhibit Opens Friday

Rockaway Artists Alliance, in conjunction with the National Parks Service, and the support of NYC Councilwoman Joann Ariola, is pleased to announce their 2025 opening exhibition: “Lean On Me: Everyday Acts of Humanity.” The juried exhibition at the RAA T-7 Gallery in Fort Tilden, opens May 30 and runs through July 13.

In light of 2025’s crushing blows to humanity including: the LA fires; North Carolina Floods; continuing record high numbers of people experiencing homelessness; war torn nations;  ongoing military conflicts – and the personal devastation we as humans experience throughout our lives: the loss of a loved one; economic instability; mental unwellness – Rockaway Artists Alliance sought artwork that depicts, embodies or promotes the theme of help.

In “Lean on Me: Everyday Acts of Humanity,” artists illuminate the hope in the darkness without cheapening the need of the sufferer. Curated by Dr. Eva Zak (PhD, Courtauld Institute of Art (2017); MA, NYU, Institute of Fine Arts (2012); BA, Boston University (2010) and including the work of nearly two dozen artists from across the United States, the work on display, both literal and figurative, explores the complexity of the helping relationship and sheds light on an issue or an emotion occurring within the setting of providing assistance in its various forms.

The works include photographs, sculptures, paintings and drawings in different mediums, mixed media and even chlorophyl prints. The artists stem from Utah to Connecticut to Michigan to all over New York, including three Rockaway-based artists, photographer Margaret Daly, mixed media artist Katie Corby and a lenticular work by Johnny Selman.

As an ocean-adjacent arts organization that suffered and survived Superstorm Sandy, the RAA keenly remembers the loss and the profound gratitude they experienced as a result of the overwhelming kindness and willingness of those who were not affected. All proceeds after operating expenses, will be donated to the LA Arts Community Fire Relief Fund.

“Lean On Me: Everyday Acts of Humanity” will open with an opening reception event from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, May 30. The exhibit will then be open Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. or by appointment.