New York City Williamsburg

The Bohemian pilgrims that moved into Williamsburg in the 80s quickly made it a magnet for up-and-coming artists. The neighborhood now boasts over 30 galleries, and new ones spring up constantly. Young artists who have yet to break into the commercialized world of Manhattan exhibit here. As a result, local art is vital and fresh. Many galleries cluster around Bedford Avenue and Grand Street but smaller gems are tucked deeper into Williamsburg.

Call Ahead. Most Park Slope galleries keep irregular hours, often opening only on the weekends and closing for weeks at a time between exhibitions and in the summer. Be sure to call ahead before visiting.

Brooklyn Bridge Anchorage, Cadman Plaza W (☎212-206-6674; www.creativetime.org), on the corner of Hicks and Old Fulton St. S A, C to High St. A gallery and performance space housed in the cavernous suspension-cable storage chambers of the Brooklyn Bridge. Cutting-edge multimedia installations make spectacular use of the vaulted ceilings. Open mid-May to mid-Oct. M-Tu and Th-Su noon-8pm, W noon-7pm.
Parker’s Box, 193 Grand St. (☎718-388-2882; www.parkersbox.com), between Bedford and Driggs Ave. S L to Bedford Ave. Showcases a variety of international contemporary artists, in both solo and group installations. Features short films, sculpture, painting, and explorations of emerging media. Recent exhibits have included work by Caroline McCarthy, Bruno Peinado, and Samuel Rousseau. Open M and F-Su 1-7pm.
Pierogi, 177 N 9th St. (☎718-599-2144; www.pierogi2000.com), between Bedford and Driggs Ave. S L to Bedford Ave. Hosts 2 solo shows per month by artists like Gene Oldfield, Andrea Way, and Lawrence Weiner. Monthly openings feature free pierogis and vodka. Flip through the legendary “flatfiles” of bundled art; most of these pieces can be purchased for under $200. Open M and Th-Su 11am-6pm; Aug. by appointment only.
Figureworks, 168 N 6th St. (☎718-486-7021; www.figureworks.com), between Bedford and Driggs Ave. S L to Bedford Ave. Contemporary sculpture, painting, pencil drawings, and stained glass, focusing on the human form. Artists include Howard Eisman and Bonnie Faulkner. Open F-Su 1-6pm.
The Williamsburg Art and Historical Center, 135 Broadway (☎718-486-7372; www.wahcenter.net), at Bedford Ave. S J, M, Z to Marcy Ave.; L to Bedford Ave. The epicenter of the Williamsburg arts scene. Beautiful 2nd-floor gallery in a historic building. Local and international artists. A monthly musical performance, annual dance festival, and biannual international show keep it bustling with artists of all kinds. Theater and music events. Periodic auctions and rummage sales. Open Sa-Su noon-6pm.