Some things just feel like Queens in the winter.
The crunch of snow under your boots in Alley Pond Park. The warm smell of bagels from your favorite corner spot on a Sunday morning. And every year, right around February, the return of a local gem that brings neighbors together in a way few things can: the Bayside Historical Society’s Winter Art Show.
Now in its 24th year, this show isn’t just a tradition—it’s a reminder of what makes this community so vibrant, layered, and deeply connected. And this year, it’s more inclusive than ever with both in-person and virtual exhibits, so everyone has a chance to feel the magic.
More Than Art; It’s a Window Into Who We Are
Sure, you’ll see paintings, sculptures, and photography. But this event is about more than just admiring art. It’s about stories—some told in bold brushstrokes, others in quiet pencil lines. Each piece reflects a moment, a memory, a mood. And when you walk through the exhibit, you feel like you’re walking through the heart of Queens itself.
This is art made by us, for us. It doesn’t live behind velvet ropes. It lives in our local shopping centers, on our laptop screens, and in the eyes of the artists who call this borough home.
Two Ways to Experience the Show
Whether you’re a lifelong Bayside resident or a first-time visitor, this year’s format makes it easy to be part of the experience:
📍 In-Person Exhibit
See the curated collection up close at The Bay Terrace Shopping Center—where the lighting, the scale, and the brushwork come alive in a way no screen can match.
💻 Virtual Gallery
Can’t make it in person? No problem. The full exhibit, featuring work from over 50 local artists—plus a student gallery with talent from 20 Bayside High School artists—will be available to browse online from the comfort of your home.
Exhibit Dates: February 5 – March 2, 2025
Location: The Bay Terrace Shopping Center
Virtual Gallery: Available on the Bayside Historical Society website
The Student Gallery: Hope in Every Brushstroke
One of the things I look forward to most every year is seeing the student work on display.
There’s something incredibly moving about watching young artists, some showing their work for the very first time, step into the light. Their pieces are full of honesty, energy, and fresh perspective. It’s not just a look at the future of art in Queens, it’s a reminder that creativity here isn’t just surviving, it’s thriving.
These students are learning to express themselves, to take risks, and to be seen.
Art That Brings Us Together
This show is a homecoming. A reason to reconnect after the rush of the holidays and the quiet of early winter. It’s neighbors running into each other in the gallery, families pointing out favorites, and conversations sparked by color and texture.
The Bayside Historical Society has always done a beautiful job preserving the soul of this community. With this annual event, they remind us that our stories are painted, sculpted, and shared in every medium you can imagine.
This Winter, Make Space for Something Beautiful
Whether you’re a seasoned art lover, someone looking for inspiration, or simply want to support your neighbors, this show is worth your time.
Take a break from the screens, the noise, the schedules. Walk into a space where people have poured their hearts onto canvas. Feel the warmth of community in every frame. And remind yourself—this is what Queens is all about.
Want to Go?
Here’s everything you need to know:
🗓️ Dates: February 5 – March 2, 2025
📍 In-Person Location: The Bay Terrace Shopping Center
💻 Virtual Gallery: Visit baysidehistorical.org
And if you’re new to Bayside or thinking about putting down roots here, I’d be happy to show you around—because events like this are just the beginning of what makes this neighborhood so special.