Artist Marcus Suarez of Las Vegas, Nev., ponders his next project upon the completion of his mural in the open-air lounge area of the 4 St. Paul’s Café and Gallery in Staten Island, N.Y.

 Free grand-opening exhibition on Oct. 8 to feature works by local artists, and others such as Jon Krawczyk, sculptor of the St. Peter’s Church cross near Ground Zero

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  – Emerging as a living canvas for writers, local artists and musicians, the North Shore of Staten Island, N.Y., is teeming with creativity.

One of newest — and most innovatively eclectic — gathering places on the Island’s northern coastline is the inviting lobby of 4 St. Paul’s Ave. in St. George, which embraces an art gallery, trendy café and street-front FedEx store beneath a sophisticated five-apartment premise.

Like a Renaissance masterpiece veiled beneath layers of an unassuming portrait, the treasure of the “4 St. Paul’s Café and Gallery” awaits discovery; and, all newcomers need to do is simply walk through the FedEX establishment to find it.

The 4 St. Paul’s Café and Gallery will mark its grand opening on Saturday, Oct. 8, from 6 to 11 p.m., with “The Truth About Staten Island,” a free exhibition featuring a variety of art media from notable talents. Visitors may preview the art, as well as the café, beginning at 10 a.m.

The show will include works of Jon Krawczyk, the Malibu, Calif.-based sculptor of the St. Peter’s R.C. Church cross near Ground Zero in Manhattan; digital illustrator Chris LeBlanc of Lafayette, La.; painter Marcus Suarez of Las Vegas, Nev.; photographer and “The Tunge Pit” author Kevin Kato, a former resident of Fukushima, Japan, with lifelong ties to New Jersey, and such local talents as visual artist and architectural designer Sabrina Hamilton, 5-year-old sketch artist “Antonia” and visual artist Sarah Kittinger McArthur.

Krawczyk was commissioned by St. Peter’s R.C. Church to create a cross to replace the I-beam cross, which was discovered in the rubble of  the 9/11 terrorists attacks, and has since been relocated from the church to the memorial at Ground Zero.

During the show, works of art will be available for purchase, including a limited number of tabletop versions of the cross Krawczyk created for the church.

 ‘ART-FILLED CULTURE’

 “The new North Shore is attracting a mix of professionals, entrepreneurs, artists and urban intellectuals,” said visual artist and architectural designer Sabrina Hamilton of Thompkinsville-based DOORtoDOORrealty.

“In addition to inspiring harbor views and a convenient ferry jaunt to Manhattan, the area is unmatched for its variety of architectures, stunning renovations, and affordable residential and commercial spaces,” she said. “These ingredients have fueled an art-filled culture and lifestyle that are fresh and exciting for the area.”

Visitors to the 4 St. Paul’s Café and Gallery grand opening will be treated to light fare in the evening and refreshments throughout the day. Everyone is encouraged to enjoy the entertaining environment, which on milder days includes a casual resort-inspired open-air lounge.

The Café and Gallery will remain open daily, offering freshly prepared specialties and top-of-the-line gourmet beverages, such as Italian import Lavazza coffee.

Art shows — replete with new arrivals, complementary light fare, refreshments and camaraderie — will continue to be held at the cafe on the second Saturday of each month.

“The 4 St. Paul’s Café and Gallery personifies the energy and renewal of Staten Island’s North Shore,” said community-designer and developer George Christo of DOORtoDOORrealty. “Neighborhoods such as St. George and Stapleton have fallen off the radar of visionaries for far too long, and the launching of this artists’ venue is a huge step toward changing that.”

For additional information about the upcoming 4 St. Paul’s Café and Gallery art show, call Jerry Nunez at 718-556-5400.

Media Contact: Barton Horowitz

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