So Long, Farewell, auf Wiedersehen, Goodbye

Tis the finale, one of MSLK’s favorite art collaboratives, Flux Factory, is leaving us. And while it is not the end of Flux Factory for good, it is the end of their time in Long Island City, Queens.

As they are stating in their closing invitation: To mark the end of an era and the beginning of a new one, their last show, EVERYTHING MUST GO invites artists to take on the whole top floor of 38-38 43rd Street as its raw material. The stuff of Flux will be the subject for videos, sculptures, installations, and performances. There will be an ongoing garage sale featuring Flux ephemera you always wanted (or didn’t want) from Flux, a Best-Of Flux Thursday Salon, and other special surprises. There will be a live feed transmitting works by Flux Factory artists from around the globe, a Flux Factory lotto machine, a bedroom transformed into a golden shrine, and so very much more.

When I imagine the dreamy life of what an artist colony should be, it is Flux Factory, Part performance space, artist work space and communal living, they are truly imaginers living in a world created by and for them. When I entered their space to attend a party I was reminded that while money certainly helps to buy great things artists can make anything fabulous out of what you might consider trash.

I can’t explain it anymore than to say “they just inspire me on how I want to see the world.” Part game of mouse trap, if you look closely around their space you will find bike wheels, bundles of wood, and other wacky components designed to power things such as how the door bell rings or how the plants get watered. Part Scooby Doo, their “library” of floor-to-ceiling book shelves features hidden doors to artist rooms, and a stair case made of books to a little loft. In short, this is a closing party not to miss.

EVERYTHING MUST GO will not be Flux Factory’s last show ever. But it will be the last show they have at 38-38 43rd Street, LIC and seeing the space itself is almost worth it. Here’s the run down of weekend events:

Thursday, April 10, 8:00pm
Best-Of Flux Thursday Extravaganza
An extension of our usually intimate salon dinner.

Friday, April 18, 9:00pm
Old Fluxer Reunion Shindig
Not an Old Fluxer? Spy on the Reunion Magic or become an honorary Fluxer at this event!

Saturday, April 26, 8:00pm
Closing Party: Make It Go Dance Party
Oh, will it go… Not to be missed.

All events are free and open to the public.