The phenomenon of rising real estate values following the influx of artists into post-industrial wastelands has become pretty much self-evident. For example, SoHo (the area south of Houston Street), known today for it’s high priced retail outlets. Or Lower Manhattan, repopulated by artists following 911, which has now bested 10021 as the wealthiest zip code in the U.S.

When the City of New York purchased Governors Island for one dollar in 2003, developers and public agencies tossed numerous land-use proposals for the 172-acre former military base skyward. Amid public speculation as to the future of this green gem of an island, city put on the brakes and selected the Dutch architectural firm, West 8, to produce a long-term master plan.

Left: Mahtma by Mark di Suvero; photo © Edward Marritz. Right:Miniature Golf Hole #6, The Bed Bug Hazard by Yung Oh Le Page; photo courtesy Figment.

So far, the waterfront promenade has been completed, and improvements made to some of the former Coast Guard structures, including a visitor center with exhibition space. While bulk of the work, which could include a university campus, remains to be done, the public use of the island continues at full tilt during the summer months. And art continues to be the draw, as it has been since the island was open to the public, with exhibitions organized over the years by the Public Art Fund, Creative Time, Figment, and the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council.

This summer, the main event is the first major exhibition of monumental sculpture by Mark di Suvero since 1979. Organized by the Storm King Art Center, which includes a major display of di Suvero’s work in the Hudson Valley, the Governors Island installation includes 11 pieces from private and public collections, the newest piece having been completed in 2010.

The island, with its views of the New York and New Jersey waterfronts, makes a perfect setting for di Suvero’s massive pieces, many forged from I-beams and maritime scrap. One of the earliest pieces is She, 1977–78, a fifty-two-foot wide, dynamic composition that includes three suspended elements—a wooden platform, a steam roller, and an abstract composition—which is on loan from a private collection. Also on view is Old Buddy (For Rosko), 1993–95, a composition of vertical and horizontal girders that is at once powerful and playful, named in memory of the artist’s dog.

In addition, Figment, which has been producing interactive art projects on the island since 2007, has selected 17 sustainable sculpture projects from the hundreds of submissions to their call for proposals for the 2011 season. There is also a miniature golf course, with each hole designed by a different artist based on the theme of bugs (above right).

Governors Island is open Friday-Sunday through September 25, and all holiday Mondays. Free ferry service is available from Lower Manhattan and from Pier 6, Brooklyn; you can take your own bike or rent one there; bring your own picnic or get refreshments there.

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