We are
Artist: Zigi Ben-Haim
Organization: Partnership between New York City Department of Transportation & the SoHo Broadway Initiative
Month/Year of arrival on SoHo Broadway): August 2017
Address: Broadway between Grand Street and Howard Street at the bus bulb on the west side
What brought you to SoHo Broadway? What do you do here?
I am Mr. Green, an old school artist who’s been hanging around the streets of SoHo since the late-60’s. There were quite a few of us artistic environmentalists here back in the day and you will find that some still live in SoHo today. Back then, I dabbled in the arts, went to a few protests, and ultimately used my science background at the EPA to help protect the urban environment. Some people wonder why I have been standing here on Broadway for so long, but I always stand up for bringing more green to the City. While there is an abundance of green flowing through SoHo if you’re talking money, I am here to bring a more natural green to Broadway.
What do you like about SoHo Broadway?
What I like the most about this neighborhood is its scale and the powerful sense of being that it fosters. There is a lot of confidence and character found here. As a landmark and friend of SoHo Broadway, I like to give the people what they want (me), and a bit of what they need—a friendly reminder to Treasure The Green.
What is your favorite SoHo Broadway memory or experience?
Landing the opportunity to perform ‘as sculpture’ last August is a timeless, celebratory memory.
If you had 20 minutes, where would you go?
I would probably catch up with a fellow influencer, my creator, and one of the finest artists in SoHo today: Zigi Ben-Haim. Perhaps we could go catch up with some of my sculpture friends at Elizabeth Street Garden.
What should we know about you outside of working/living here? What do you do for fun or are you looking forward to doing?
As my work on SoHo Broadway is coming to a close in July, I encourage everyone to please come and say hello before I go. I love being in this community where selfies (please use #treasurethegreen or #sohobroadway) are a great way to connect with my friends and neighbors. It is important to be mindful of the resources we use or don’t use to provide healthy lives for generations to come. I look forward to spreading this message in other parts of the City and the world.
