Visualizing “Strawberry Fields of Queens”

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The missing mosaics of the NYS Pavilion & EAT, Photo by Wally Gobetz, 2007

Initiative Continues To Preserve World’s Fair Commemorative Mosaics

By Michael Perlman | mperlman@queensledger.com

Enter David Dinkins Circle at Flushing Meadows Corona Park, site of the 1939 – 1940 and 1964 – 1965 World’s Fairs, and one will encounter distinctive in-ground mosaic medallions that bear homage to both Fairs. Remaining medallions depict the New York Hall of Science (1964), Elsie The Cow (1939), Robert Moses by Artist Andy Warhol (1964), Salvador Dali’s Dream of Venus (1939), and Fountain of The Planets (1964). Years ago, some mosaic medallions were replaced with pavers to the public’s dismay. Missing mosaic medallions include EAT – Robert Indiana (1964), Billy Rose Aquacade (1939), NYS Pavilion (1964), NYC Pavilion (1939) now Queens Museum (1972), and two Westinghouse Capsules honoring both Fairs. The elaborate mosaics were installed in 1998 as a result of a consortium of artists including mosaic master and industrial designer Michael Golden, who was responsible for the mosaics’ cartouches component.

After learning last summer from the Parks Department that the five remaining mosaic medallions are slated for removal in 2025 year due to their condition, preservationists including this columnist, tour guides, authors, members of the arts world, citywide residents, and the Queens Historical Society bonded, and are advocating for their on-site preservation, or salvaging and relocating them as a remote option. A collective sentiment is that the mosaics signify respect for their embodied World’s Fair architectural achievements, international culture, and history, in addition to serving as unique works of public art, which the Parks Department often embraces.

The Parks Department claimed that restoring the mosaic tributes would not be possible due to the city’s harsh climate and safety issues, based on a 2013 evaluation, but now there is hope for on-site preservation, which would ensure safety, or displaying them outside or inside a Parks Department property vertically. In Europe and the Middle East, mosaics that are thousands of years old are rediscovered and restored, but in Queens, the World’s Fair commemorative medallions are only 27 years old and much smaller.

Bill Zengel in group on right, on the set with daughter Sarah on his right

“It was literally amazing,” said creative visionary Bill Zengel of Forest Hills Gardens, who is among the many passionate preservation advocates, and learned about the World’s Fair commemorative mosaics through this column. “Growing up in NYC, there are touchstone moments in your life. I can remember as a very young toddler coming to the 1964 World’s Fair, and sensing incredible magic, vision, and scope. It was a mélange of futuristic technology, industry, and creativity in a way I don’t think our world has ever seen before or since.” Reflecting upon the Fair, he said, “I feel that it placed Queens on the map of the world’s mind to a degree. Now the mosaic medallions telegraph all that in incredible beauty and art through thousands of years’ old art, the mosaic. They bring it to life, culturally and artistically.”

As one means of advocacy, this columnist and Zengel recently participated in a Zoom meeting with Legislative and Budget Director Gregory Clark on behalf of District 25 Councilmember Shekar Krishnan, Chair of the Council’s Committee on Parks and Recreation. Zengel explained, “When Mr. Clark saw the World’s Fair commemorative mosaics, he simply said, ‘They are cool,’” which echoed his sentiments. To name a few fellow committee members, the mosaics are a highlight for author Jason Antos, executive director of the Queens Historical Society, and were featured on a World’s Fairgrounds tour by licensed NYC tour guide Kyle Supley of Bowery Boys Walking Tours in December. Additionally, they are featured in author Gloria Nash’s new book, “Looking Back At The Future: Photographing Vintage Leftovers of New York’s World’s Fairs.” The subject has also been dominant for author Kevin Walsh of the longtime web platform, Forgotten New York. Upon an initial encounter, St. John’s student Nicholas Salerno joined the cause recently.

Forest Hills mosaic mural from 1989 by Richard Haas, Photo by Michael Perlman

Elsie, Photo by Michael Perlman

The black and white “Imagine” mosaic in Strawberry Fields in Central Park is not only known by New Yorkers, but international tourists. Zengel explained, “Upon seeing the Imagine mosaic, there is a sense of place, inspiration, and a moment in time. If you are from my generation and a listener of The Beatles and especially John Lennon, you know how inspiring he could be to an entire generation. In the end, he wanted to lift people higher, and the Imagine mosaic connects us to that. The World’s Fair themed mosaics are from another league, but also very inspirational.”

Councilmember Krishnan conducted a study, where over 20 percent of parkgoers felt that parks could benefit from improved signage and markers. After feeling inspired and hoping to make a difference for educational and artistic opportunities in the name of preserving the existing mosaics and creating additional ones, Zengel originated the concept of “Strawberry Fields of Queens.” He explained, “Imagine if the Strawberry Fields of Queens was not just in one location, but at key points of Flushing Meadows, serving as markers for our residents and worldwide visitors. In one Forest Hills school, for example, students speak 33 languages. Art is a universal language, so we can visualize an ‘Elsie the Cow’ mosaic at a key juncture in the park, which would be clearer and more easily found than a sign only written in one language.”

Zengel draws much creativity from his career as a copywriter who created national TV commercials for subjects ranging from Tylenol to Burger King. He also launched Black Rocket Productions, which empowers children by teaching them how to produce video games and movies. His daughter, Sarah, is the co-founder, and it was named after her black Labrador, “Rocket.” Zengel reminisced, “In our first class, there were four students, and today over 200,000 students benefited in academic locations around the U.S. and the world. We particularly focused on the underserved, so in addition to working with top tier academic institutions, such as Southern Methodist University, we coordinated programs in correctional facilities, and even in Afghanistan after the war.” In the immediate area, Black Rocket takes pride in working with Maspeth Town Hall, for example. Zengel sold the organization to his nephew (business partner) recently, and is now on a mission to establish new methods of empowering local youth through creativity and technology on a smaller, but very meaningful scale, including the underserved.

Fountain of the Planets, Partially cemented & graffitied, Photo by Michael Perlman

Hall of Science, Photo by Michael Perlman

A new nonprofit will be known as Mustard Seed Institute. He explained, “The children we worked with, generally aged 10 to 16, need positive opportunities to see their ideas come to life. Kids think they are having fun in these programs, but it is so much more. I am in preliminary stage conversations with a local church, although the program would be non-denominational in The Community House to create a one-for-one program, where an underserved youth would receive complimentary tuition for each paying student. The program would be limited to no more than 25 children at a time, to preserve individualized attention. I believe it could become an opportunity for educators and others who work with children, and observe the true power of project-based learning, student self-empowerment, and more.”

Zengel discovered much through Black Rocket Productions, and he is ready to evolve from his strong roots. He feels that much is taken for granted in the hustle of daily NYC life. Collaborating with the Parks Department to restore the mosaics bears potential when visualizing a renewed mission. “Art is a way to inform the youth of the future, in order to inspire them and grant hope in a world that becomes too isolating for them among social media and the iPhone.  That same technology can be empowered to better connect them,” said Zengel.

Much beauty and meaning surfaces brilliantly when encountering the ancient art of mosaics. Zengel, along with his partner Genevieve, who is of Italian descent, took much pleasure to explore Italy. “Art and history are intertwined at almost every intersection, whether you are in Rome or Tuscany, but in New York City, we tend to pave over our past or put it under glass in a hall, where it is less accessible to those who would benefit from its inspiration most,” he said. While viewing the World’s Fair commemorative mosaics, he said, “They are incredibly beautiful handmade art, tile by tile, and they are flawed. This adds to their beauty in a world where artificial intelligence can give you a perfectly formed coherent response to any question, but with no soul or originality.”

Robert Moses by Andy Warhol mosaic, Photo by Michael Perlman

Salvador Dali, Photo by Michael Perlman

The missing Aquacade mosaic as it appeared in 2012, Photo courtesy of Ttsheldy blog

Zengel also feels fortunate to acquire a behind the scenes perspective by conversing with the commemorative mosaics’ cartouche artist, Michael Golden, and feels that by interviewing him among other key parties, it would add dimension for one of his podcasts, further engaging, educating, and inspiring the public. He said, “Michael described the level of work and their intricacy, and the intersection of artist with stone and design.”

Since the mosaics were installed in a face-up position and are exposed to the elements, there are possibilities besides salvaging and reinstallation indoors, which could appeal to the Parks Department and the public. To address their safety, Zengel referenced his dialogue with Golden.

“The industrial designer explained the mosaics could be planned down at the edges, so they wouldn’t present a tripping hazard, and then a weather protected coating could be applied at a reasonable cost. Keeping them in place would probably be the most affordable option. Maybe even if you’ve been to Italy, you know, there are some missing tiles that’s acceptable, but the missing tiles could be replaced.”

The mosaics coalition learned about the art of mosaic-making, and in comparison to other industrial arts, it can be lost to our future generations without advocating for preservation and new creations. “Michael Golden offered at no cost to NYC Parks to create mosaic-making educational programs for our underserved youth. He has original cartouches of the mosaics, which is art within itself. All children and Queens at large can have a chance to see what it means to work hands-on with mosaics, while utilizing current technology. Student self-empowerment through project-based learning is limitless. According to Kyle Supley, we can create a modern exhibit, which could shine a light for future students, connecting them to an ancient art form that began with the Romans,” said Zengel.

The missing mosaic of the 1964 Time Capsule, Photo by Wally Gobetz, 2007

The missing mosaics of the NYS Pavilion & EAT, Photo by Wally Gobetz, 2007

Another option is to salvage the existing mosaics, and oversee their outdoor reinstallation in a vertical position, to immediately interact with their themes and artistry at eye level. “The park is vast, and it is inconceivable that there couldn’t be a home for them. Vertical mosaic medallions can be placed strategically throughout the park. These could be guiding points for the world’s community to meet beyond the landmarked Unisphere, which can be an iconic starting point.”

The missing World’s Fair mosaic medallions can be replicated (excluding the EAT mosaic due to past controversy), and additional World’s Fair themes, such as the Trylon and Perisphere of the 1939 – 1940 World’s Fair and the Trylon Theatre (1939). Other Queens properties and themes can also be commemorated. Zengel explained, “The idea that the children of our communities could join forces to help create new art inspired by Queens’ iconic past with an eye towards literally shaping their own future is very powerful. We would just need a ‘yes’ from Flushing Meadows Administrator and Alliance for Flushing Meadows Corona Park Director Anthony Sama, as well as Councilmember Shekar Krishnan to pursue the sponsors that we have in mind to get started.”

Zengel envisions Strawberry Fields of Queens’ mosaic medallions configured in a large range of shapes and sizes, since mosaics among art is versatile, but it would begin at the current size of the medallions. It would also originate at a single point and branch out in Flushing Meadows, prior to branching out in other neighborhoods of Queens. He draws inspiration from his time spent at Citi Field. “They have commemorative bricks. This is the same kind of concept for the mosaic medallions, whether we obtain corporate sponsorship or individuals to contribute, and it would be such a meaningful way to connect Queens’ past with Queens’ future,” he said.

Queens has been nicknamed “The World’s Borough,” but Zengel feels that it more closely resembles “The World’s City” and should be addressed as such. “Our coalition seeks to preserve these iconic mosaics, but let’s project them to reflect a vision of Queens as the ‘The World’s City’ and offer us and future generations a win-win-win scenario.” For example, San Francisco is a globally recognized brand consisting of approximately 809,000 residents, but Queens is approximately three times the size with over 2.3 million residents. He said, “Manhattan is a brand. Brooklyn is a brand. Queens is due for a refresh among other global destinations, and to sit equally or atop the other boroughs. LaGuardia and JFK should not just be considered ‘from’ and ‘to’ connection points. The TWA Hotel at JFK is ‘living artwork,’ so let’s continue.” Besides public art, he is in favor of establishing an increase of official landmarks through the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission and NYS Historic Preservation Office.

With much determination and optimism, Zengel said, “What a way to celebrate the City’s upcoming 400th anniversary! Let’s place Queens front and center and coordinate festivities in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, beginning with preserving these mosaics, alongside participating in the plans our city has for other major destinations, including Central Park and Prospect Park.” To become involved, email mperlman@queensledger.com

Trylon Theater’s mosaic chevrons & Trylon-adorned mosaic ticket booth with 3D Trylon in terrazzo, Dec 31, 1999 photo by Michael Perlman

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