LIC 5 Pointz Complex: A Perfect 10 for Street Artists

Imnotsayin ventured north to Long Island City Sunday to check out a building that we'd noticed from a distance because its absolutely slathered in bright, beautiful street art.

5 Pointz is actually a complex of old warehouses - at least one of which has been converted to artists' lofts - which hosts a community program which allows street artists to legally paint on the buildings' walls (with a permit). The concept at that location dates back to 1994, when it was born as the Phun Factory - created by a local businessman who made his living cleaning graffiti off neighborhood homes and businesses.

After a bit of controversy and a change in management in 2001, the Phun Factory became 5 Pointz, and the program lives on. This article on Spanish art blog Subaquatica goes into some detail on the building's history, its current program that hosts 15 to 20 youths each Sunday, teaching them spray painting techniques (don't try this at home?!), and more.

5 Pointz is located at Jackson Avenue and Crane Street in Long Island City, one block north of MOMA's PS1, and right across from the MTA 45th Road/Court House Square subway station (G,E,V,7).

5 Pointz Photoset [Flickr]