Micro Museum: A Multimedia Extravaganza
on Brooklyn's Smith Street

Spontaneous Combustion Artist Roulette
As you step into Micro Museum, it is impossible to ignore the kinetic energy that rushes through you and infiltrates this unique interdisciplinary arts space on Brooklyn's Smith Street. Instantly, you become part of the production as museum founders Kathleen and William Laziza greet you personally and invite you on a sort of backstage tour of the museum's inner workings.

From "Pillow Talk," a cushion that spews proverbs and famous quotes when touched, and "Lumiano," a piano that lights up when its ivories are tickled, to photography, digital film production, dance performances and more, Micro Museum is a true microcosm of creativity.

"The random quality is really important," said Kathleen, when describing how Micro Museum's exhibits are developed. "It's sort of spontaneous combustion roulette with the artists."

The Lazizas opened Micro Museum in 1986, long before Smith Street was the restaurant and boutique destination that it is today. Kathleen is a dancer by trade, and served as President of the Brooklyn Dance Consortium in the early 1990s. William is an engineer and video artist, and is one of America's first public access TV engineers. The two started experimenting with digital media in the 70s, before artists and subjects were as comfortable working with cameras as they are today, and their work has evolved to keep up with technological advances. Most of the museum's collection is digital, and several works feature dancers or musicians juxtaposed with kaleidoscope-type imagery.

The museum's current exhibit, "Spectrum: The Chakra Element," runs through November 2007, and uses color as an underlying theme to connect different media. Each month, the museum hosts an opening party for a new color - Green opens on July 14. Click here for the schedule of events, which also includes a 21st birthday celebration with Tequila drinks and cuisine from local restaurants, on November 3. 

Building Community Around the Arts
When the Lazizas first opened Micro Museum in the Boerum Hill neighborhood of Brooklyn, they knew that community activism and involvement would be an important part of the foundation they were building.

"We're a nonprofit, so everything must generate enthusiasm and interest," said Kathleen, who also shared that she has a strong interest in economic development.

Over the years, the neighbors became so curious about Micro Museum that they wanted to become a part of the art themselves. So, "Kissing Installation," a special exhibit, films local residents of all ages and backgrounds as they pucker up for the camera.

Micro Museum is also a true community performance and rehearsal space. From karate and belly dance classes, to modern dance performances and jam sessions, artists from all over the city rent the space. A large, mirrored studio with exposed brick on the second floor is perfect space for dancers or small film screenings. Music teachers can also use smaller side rooms for piano or guitar lessons.

Several of the works in Micro Museum are also very personal and reflect different periods of the Laziza's lives. For example, a series of sketches captures scenes that Kathleen and William saw in Turkey, India, Egypt and other countries when they traveled around the world in the 70s without a camera.

You can't help but feel an intimate part of the creativity at this hidden Smith Street gem. Visit Micro Museum and explore your inner artist!

Location: 123 Smith Street, between Dean and Pacific Streets, Brooklyn
Subway: F or G trains to Bergen Street
Hours: Sunday-Friday, 9:00 am-9:00 pm, and Saturday, Noon-7:00 pm
http://www.micromuseum.com/