Head to Governor’s Island this weekend where the writing is quite literally on the walls, and you can join in. Think of it as Legal Graffiti.  If you’re looking for a more formal art experience head to the Hollis Taggart Galleries for the summer show opening. Love Cole Porter? We’ve got you covered.  And River to River is back!

June 23-July 22. Hollis Taggart Galleries Summer Show

Alexis Portilla (b. 1965) Red Thrush, 2015 Oil on canvas, 36 x 36 inches

This Chelsea Art gallery opens its summer show with new work from a select group of artists, each of whom brings a contemporary spirit to the painted surface. Strong foundations in Abstract Expressionism and Color Field painting unite these four artists. But despite shared underpinnings, each has built an entirely unique and contemporary artistic practice. Pictured here is one of the works of Alexis Portilla  whose layered composition  is contemporary and suggestive of the New York School. Get the details.

Now-June 26. The River to River Festival

Each summer the River to River Festival takes over downtown Manhattan for 10 days of free performances, exhibitions and events. This year’s highlights include shows by Will Rawls, Dance Heginbotham and Eiko. Also, an exciting new venue this year will be the World Trade Center Transportation Hub’s spectacular Oculus, which will be the site of several events.  Get the full schedule.

June 18-19. Legal Graffiti

The writing is quite literally on the walls this weekend at Governor’s Island.  Writing On It All is a participatory writing project that takes place in one of the 19th century houses which dot the island. A different artist of writer creates an immersive workshop and/or exhibit and adults and children are invited to write on the walls. No two sessions are alike. Poets, street artists, activists, choreographers, domestic workers, as well as professional writers and artists lead experiments dealing with diverse topics, using all kinds of materials, including music and projection, charcoal and chalk, pencil and paint. Everything counts as writing.  Get the details.

Watch a short documentary about the project here.

Writing on it All: A Documentary from writingonitall on Vimeo.

June 30. Lovers and Dreamers.

This will be a wonderful evening of song at Don’t Tell Mamas.  One of the featured singers is the delightful Beth Goehring, who was a finalist in our Tomatoes Got Talent show this year.  She’ll be singing 4 Cole Porter tunes – it doesn’t get any better than Cole Porter.  Tickets are $20 + 2 drink minimum.