New York—about a dozen NYC parks enforcement agents were on duty around the periphery of Union Square Park on Tuesday, in the areas where artist vendors usually set up their tables.
Following new regulations imposed on Monday that restrict the number of vendors allowed to sell their art in some of New York’s major parks, artists gathered to protest the new limitations.
After larger protests this Monday, several artists came to Union Square on Tuesday to display their art in signs of protest. Marty Allen has been selling his art in Union Square for the past four years. He disagrees with the city’s claim that the vendors were causing too much congestion.
“We argue that if you look objectively, obviously the farmers market causes a lot more congestion and much greater safety hazards. We want the farmer’s market here. This is just a way of unmasking their hollow reasons,” said Allen.
The city argues the vendors are encroaching on pedestrian traffic. While some artists said the restrictions violate the first amendment, federal Judge Richard J. Sullivan ruled against the plaintiffs last Friday.
On Tuesday morning, Allen says the artists were initially told they were still able to do display-only protests as long as they were not selling their work from the stands, however later they were told they needed an exhibition permit.
Following new regulations imposed on Monday that restrict the number of vendors allowed to sell their art in some of New York’s major parks, artists gathered to protest the new limitations.
After larger protests this Monday, several artists came to Union Square on Tuesday to display their art in signs of protest. Marty Allen has been selling his art in Union Square for the past four years. He disagrees with the city’s claim that the vendors were causing too much congestion.
“We argue that if you look objectively, obviously the farmers market causes a lot more congestion and much greater safety hazards. We want the farmer’s market here. This is just a way of unmasking their hollow reasons,” said Allen.
The city argues the vendors are encroaching on pedestrian traffic. While some artists said the restrictions violate the first amendment, federal Judge Richard J. Sullivan ruled against the plaintiffs last Friday.
On Tuesday morning, Allen says the artists were initially told they were still able to do display-only protests as long as they were not selling their work from the stands, however later they were told they needed an exhibition permit.
Artist Miriam West chose to get a ticket for her displays as a sign of protest. The price for the first offense is $250.
The city is restricting the number of vendors from approximately 300 to 140 across Central Park, Union Square, Battery, and High Line Parks.
“We will continue to protest,” said Allen.
The city is restricting the number of vendors from approximately 300 to 140 across Central Park, Union Square, Battery, and High Line Parks.
“We will continue to protest,” said Allen.
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