DUMBO — In celebration of The Brooklyn Bridge's 130th birthday, artist Francesco Alessandra created 130 custom wooden frames to capture the bridge from its numerous stunning angles.
He would like people to take pictures of the bridge through his frames. And 130 volunteers have already signed up for the job.
"My vision is to show 130 incomparable views of the bridge and the surrounding area," said Alessandra.
The idea came to Alessandra as he watched a documentary on the building of the bridge.
"I realized just how many people take pictures of the bridge daily," he said. "I thought this was a opportunity to take unique images to remember this anniversary."
His frames each feature a different cut-out image. Visitors can snap a picture of the bridge with a mermaid floating below or a skateboarder doing tricks on its towers.
Beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday May 25, scheduled volunteers will hold frames and take pictures in Manhattan, on the Brooklyn Bridge and in Brooklyn.
But anyone can participate by picking up frames on Saturday at Pier 17 or Brooklyn Bridge Park and snapping away. For more information visit the BBA130A website.
Alessandra, originally from Florence, lives in Brooklyn and is constantly inspired by New York City.
"The city has given me so much energy," he said. "I wanted to give something back to the city."
Also in celebration of the bridge's birthday, tours of the bridge will be held by Kriss Roebling, the great-great grandson of the Roeblings that built the landmark, a poetry reading of Hart Crane's epic poem The Bridge will take place in Brooklyn Bridge Park and art made with leftover paint from the bridge will show at Urban Folk Art in Cobble Hill.
