A Devastating Loss – and a Path Forward for AYB

We write this week with heavy hearts. Early Thursday morning (9/18/25), a devastating fire broke out in the building that housed our ART YARD BKLYN studio, storage, and archives. The roof has collapsed, and everything inside—artworks, supplies, tools, furniture, kitchen items, exhibition materials, and years of documentation—has been destroyed. We are in shock and mourning as we begin to grasp the magnitude of this loss.

And yet—we are moving forward with determination, creativity, and the full force of our community behind us.

Our incredible community of artists, educators, students, families, partners and supporters remains strong and connected. We have built something far greater than any one space or set of materials. We carry forward a long, rich history of creativity, justice, and joy—and that foundation cannot be burned down.

Thanks to the generosity of our friends we’ve secured a temporary new home for Tuesday night Advanced Studio. This immediate act of solidarity speaks to the deep bonds that make AYB more than an organization—we are a family.

We are grateful for your support.