Library of Congress Adds 25 More Inductees to the National Film Registry

Each year, the National Film Preservation Board chooses a diverse selection of 25 films for inclusion in the National Film Registry. To be eligible for induction, a film must be at least 10 years old, and this year's inductees include two Oscar winners in their first year of eligibility – 2013's Best Picture "12 Years a Slave" and that year's Best Documentary Feature "20 Feet From Stardom."

The earliest selection is 1921's sepia-toned documentary short "A Movie Trip Through Filmland," which details how Eastman Kodak manufactured motion picture film stock in the 1920s. Shot at company headquarters in Rochester, New York, the film shows factory workers turning cotton into cellulose nitrate, the original material used to make film stock and the origin of the term "celluloid" to describe films in general.

The oldest feature film inductee is George Cukor's 1933 classic "Dinner at Eight," starring a who's who of legends from Hollywood's Golden Age including Jean Harlow, Lionel and John Barrymore, Wallace Beery, Billie Burke, and Marie Dressler.

The registry is not only for scripted, highly produced films. This year the "Bohulano Family Film Collection," home movies recorded by a Stockton, California family, will be added. The recordings cover several decades (1950s to the 1970s) in the lives of family members descended from Filipino immigrants. This collection joins previous family film inductees like the "Fuentes Family Home Movies Collection" and the "Nicholas Brothers' Home Movies."

Popular feature films that will be inducted this year include Disney's 1955 animated classic "Lady and the Tramp," the musical drama "Fame" released in 1980, 1990's holiday favorite "Home Alone," 1993's visually stunning stop-motion animated "The Nightmare Before Christmas," and 1995's historical drama "Apollo 13." One of the most successful film sequels of all time, 1991's "Terminator 2: Judgment Day," also earned a spot in the registry, 15 years after 1984's "The Terminator" was inducted.

Another noteworthy addition is Spike Lee's satirical "Bamboozled," released in 2000. Lee has more films in the registry than any other Black filmmaker with five, as "Bamboozled" joins the ranks of 1986's "She's Gotta Have It," 1989's "Do the Right Thing," 1992's "Malcolm X," and 1997's "4 Little Girls." Additionally, Lee produced 2000's sports drama "Love & Basketball," also being inducted this year.

Established in 1988, the National Film Preservation Board of the Library of Congress works to ensure the survival, conservation, and increased public availability of America's film heritage. Every year since 1989, the National Film Preservation Board has inducted 25 films showcasing the range and diversity of American film heritage as a way to increase awareness for its preservation.

At Broadway Stages we understand how much time, money, and heart goes into creating these films, and we applaud the National Film Preservation Board's efforts to preserve these projects. Check out the full list of films selected this year, and be sure to add any you have not seen to your watch list. If you want to nominate a film for future inclusion in the registry, you may do so here.

Full List:

●      A Movie Trip Through Filmland (1921)

●      Dinner at Eight (1933)

●      Bohulano Family Film Collection (1950s-1970s)

●      Helen Keller: In Her Story (1954)

●      Lady and the Tramp (1955)

●      Edge of the City (1957)

●      We're Alive (1974)

●      Cruisin' J-Town (1975)

●      ¡Alambrista! (1977)

●      Passing Through (1977)

●      Fame (1980)

●      Desperately Seeking Susan (1985)

●      The Lighted Field (1987)

●      Matewan (1987)

●      Home Alone (1990)

●      Queen of Diamonds (1991)

●      Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)

●      The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

●      The Wedding Banquet (1993)

●      Maya Lin: A Strong Clear Vision (1994)

●      Apollo 13 (1995)

●      Bamboozled (2000)

●      Love & Basketball (2000)

●      12 Years a Slave (2013)

●      20 Feet From Stardom (2013)

Inaugural Toy Giveaway | CCSO - Food Bank of Corona

As the holiday season unfolded, the Community Center Services Organization (CCSO) - Food Bank of Corona wrapped up the year with a heartwarming event that spread joy and festive cheer throughout the community. On Friday, December 22, CCSO held its inaugural toy giveaway. This remarkable organization has become a beacon of hope for the residents of Queens, thanks to the commitment and dedication of its founder, Evelyn Heilbron. The roots of this heartening event trace back to Spring of this year when we gifted a brick-and-mortar facility to Food Bank of Corona to use free of charge for a year.  Established in 2020, CCSO has become an integral part of the Queens community, fostering a spirit of fellowship and support.

Heilbron’s dedication to giving back to the community has been unwavering, and her gift has become a catalyst for positive change in the lives of many. Under her direction, CCSO has brought together a dedicated team of more than 50 volunteers and sponsors including local restaurant Latino Bites, State Senator Jessica Ramos, Steve Cohen, owner of the NY Mets, Broadway Stages and many more who provide everything from food and water for the volunteers, balloons, toys, coats, food for distribution, and the list goes on and on.  Just look at the robust list of sponsors included on the official banner!

The atmosphere on Corona Avenue in Elmhurst was filled with compassion, warmth and joy as families gathered to receive gifts for their children, ensuring that every child who attended could experience the magic of the holiday season.  Not only were there toys, but also four live reindeer, two Santa’s, face painting, a DJ, the NY Mets’ mascots, Christmas carols sung by the IS 227 – Louis Armstrong Middle School Glee Club (under the direction of Luis Riveron), and happy helpers throughout. 

The toy giveaway event serves as a powerful testimony to the true meaning of the holiday season. It exemplifies how the actions of one person, supported by a team of compassionate individuals, can create a ripple effect of generosity and goodwill. The efforts of CCSO - Food Bank of Corona remind us that the holiday season is not just about receiving but, more importantly, about giving and spreading kindness to those who need it most.

As the year comes to a close, the CCSO - Food Bank of Corona's inaugural toy giveaway event stands as a shining example of the impact that a community can have when united for a common cause. The dedication of Evelyn Heilbron and the collaborative efforts of volunteers and sponsors have not only brought smiles to the faces of children, but also have left an indelible mark on the community, reinforcing the belief that the spirit of giving is truly the heart of the holiday season. 

Please enjoy just a few of our favorite photos from the CCSO - Food Bank Corona Inaugural Toy Giveaway!

Spotlight: On Your Mark in Staten Island and Brooklyn

Welcome to Broadway Stages’ Spotlight, where we feature local shops, restaurants, organizations, individuals, and venues. We encourage our readers to join us in supporting these establishments and advancing local economic growth. Today, we feature an organization the provides much needed services to people with disabilities. 

On Your Mark (OYM) provides innovative and comprehensive community-based service to people with developmental and intellectual disabilities across their lifespan. They have been serving in Staten Island and Brooklyn since 1979. They serve children and adults with a variety of diagnoses, including intellectual disabilities, autism, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, and neurological impairments. 

OYM encourages individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to achieve their highest level of independence in the community, regardless of the type or severity of their disability. They believe everyone deserves the opportunity to live as enjoyable and productive a life as possible. 

OYM is committed to helping individuals experience the highest quality of life possible by providing person-centered programs. Their programs promote community and social inclusion, health and fitness, daily activity participation, independence, self-empowerment, and productivity.

Over 400 people use OYM’s Respite Services. While their family members experience a moment of downtime, participants acquire new skills and experiences. Similarly, Camp Chill Away offers On Your Mark family and friends a place to have weekend getaways. OYM also provides Residential services for over 100 individuals with a wide range of disabilities in certified residences and over 10 individuals in non-certified apartments. 

On Your Mark’s Clinical Services department consists of a multidisciplinary team with full-time registered nurses available 24/7, behavioral intervention specialists, licensed mental health counselors, and social workers.

With an eye on community inclusion, OYM’s Day Habilitation services help individuals acquire, retain, or improve their self-help, socialization, and adaptive skills, including communication, travel, and other areas in adult education. Another phase of their services is Community Habilitation. These services assist individuals in acquiring, retaining, and improving the self-help, socialization, and adaptive skills necessary to reside successfully in their homes and engage in community-based activities.

OYM owns and operates 6 businesses that employ our individuals to achieve the highest level of independence in the community. Working in these businesses can teach transferable skills that prepare participants for success. These businesses are On Your Mark Café, On Your Mark Chocolatiers, Novel-Tees By On Your Mark, Exceptional Creations, On Your Mark Vending Services, and On Your Mark Snack Zone at the Staten Island Children’s Museum.

With the skills individuals gain in the in-house businesses, they can enter Community Employment. The Employment Services Department provides job-skills training, resume development, interview preparation, application assistance, and intensive job coaching to people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities(I/DD) who wish to obtain and maintain competitive employment.

If you know of someone who would benefit from these services, they can apply for services HERE. If you would like to support On Your Mark and their work, you can donate HERE. Also, you can stay informed and find inspiration in their work by following them on Instagram and Facebook.

On Your Mark encourages greater expectations, provides new challenges, and promotes real accomplishments. They are an inspiration to us all and we wish them all the best in the new year!

Check out MoMA: Emerging Ecologies | Through January 20

As our readers know, Broadway Stages supports environmental sustainability, as well as the arts in its many forms. So we were excited to learn about a local exhibit that integrates the topics of environmentalism and architecture. The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is presenting Emerging Ecologies: Architecture and the Rise of Environmentalism through January 20, 2024.

The exhibit looks at US architects’ response to the environmental crisis of the 1960s and 1970s, concentrating on those who have focused on the natural world. According to MoMA, the exhibit is “the first major museum exhibition to survey the relationship between architecture and the environmental movement in the United States, Emerging Ecologies brings together a wide range of work—from archival drawings to videos to architectural models—spanning six decades.”

Find more information about the exhibit, including articles and images on the MoMA website.

Support Brooklyn Workforce Innovations in 2024

As we approach 2024, we reflect on the impactful work of Brooklyn Workforce Innovations (BWI), an organization changing the lives of countless New Yorkers. BWI's mission is clear: empower low-income individuals by creating living-wage employment opportunities and dismantling economic inequalities. BWI's approach is comprehensive, offering skills training, access to credentials, job placement, and ongoing career support. Programs focus on local economic sectors, ensuring graduates are prepared for sustainable, living-wage careers. With experienced instructors and strong industry connections, BWI sets participants on a path to success.

Recognizing the challenges of unemployment, BWI integrates support services like benefits access and financial coaching. Remarkably, the organization remains a resource for graduates for up to two years, contributing to their long-term employment success. The standout "Made in NY" Production Assistant program exemplifies BWI's commitment to inclusivity, providing access to the TV and film industry while promoting diversity.

As BWI seeks funding for its 2024 programs, we encourage making a donation. Investing in BWI means investing in the financial security and well-being of New Yorkers, fostering a more vibrant and inclusive community for us all. Join us in making a difference—support BWI's transformative work today.

Settepani Bakery and Restaurant in Williamsburg and Harlem

Welcome to Broadway Stages’ Spotlight, where we feature local shops, restaurants, organizations, individuals, and venues. We encourage our readers to join us in supporting these establishments and advancing local economic growth. Today we head to Williamsburg and Harlem to learn about the family-owend and operated Settipani Bakery and Restaurant. 

In Italian, the word Settepani translates directly to “seven breads,” making it no surprise that Settepani Bakery founder Chef Nino Settepani discovered his passion for baking at a young age. 

From L to R are Leah, Seyoum, Bilena and Nino. Keeping it real in Harlem and Williamsburg, and bringing family spirit and amazing food to their community. 

Born in Sicily, Nino moved to Williamsburg, Brooklyn as a teenager. In his youth, he worked in a bakery, then attended N.Y.U. and the French Culinary Institute under chef Jacque Pepin. The Settepani brand was founded in 1992 when Settepani opened Settipani Bakery in the neighborhood of Williamsburg, where he grew up after immigrating from Sicily.

Gina Argento stops for a photo with chef Bilena Settepani outside the bakery in North brooklyn after purchasing dozens of panetonne for friends and clients. Keeping it local!

The Settipani Bakery offers many artisanal breads, biscotti, cookies, pastries, custom cakes, homemade gelato, chocolates, and of course the holiday favorite and Settipani famous, Nutella panettone! In addition to providing great old-world Italian specialties, Settepani satisfies various tastes with mousse cakes, nut cakes, muffins, breads, and American favorites baked goods. You can view a full menu HERE. The Lorimer Street Bakery is open Tuesday through Saturday from 7am-8pm, and Sunday from 9am-5pm.  

The family-owned and operated bakery grew significantly when Chef Nino met his wife, Leah Abraham. Leah, an Ethiopian-Eritrean immigrant, grew up in Harlem. In 2000, Leah and Nino reached out to Leah’s neighborhood of Harlem and established the Settepani bakery and café. In 2010, they transformed the bakery in Harlem into an Italian restaurant, raising the bar once again. Panini is offered only at lunch, but there are ten antipasti, ten kinds of pasta, six pizzas, and seven main courses at dinner. While Settepani Restaurant offers contemporary Italian-Mediterranean cuisine, don’t be surprised if you see some Ethiopian influence throughout its menu. You can view the full menu HERE. The Malcolm X Boulevard restaurant is open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 11pm and Saturday and Sunday from 9:30 am to 11 pm. 

While its methods are rooted in tradition, its ideas are kept modern by its generational passion and cultured by its emphasis on flavors worldwide. Their children, Bilena and Seyoum,  joined the family business and are keeping the dream alive! Bilena began her career in fashion, but dropped it when the pandemic hit to help her parents. She changed course and succdessfully graduated from the Institute of Culinary Education; she is now the head chef and baker at Settapani! Seyoum, with an M.A. from the University of Richmond, is the restaurant’s general manager.

One menu item that Bilena has added is the famed Nutella panettone. One customer said, “From the first time I went, Bilena was so sweet and helpful with her service, and I’ve been going back at least once a week since. They have so many fresh baked options, but their specialty, the panettones, is the best part.” Be sure to feast with your eyes and stay in the Settipani loop by following them on Instagram and Facebook. 

Forbes magazine said that Settipani manifests “...the importance of being a tight family in the service of people who can feel their sincerity and their desire to please and make their guests very happy and satisfied.” This sentiment hits close to home for Broadway Stages. We hope you take advantage of this local treasure soon. And when you do, don’t forget the Nutella panettone and be sure to tell them Broadway Stages sent you!

The 2024 National Civics Bee® Comes to Staten Island

Hey future leaders! Get ready to dive into the world of civics with the 2024 National Civics Bee®.  In partnership with local and state chambers of commerce across the country, the third annual National Civics Bee® is taking place in 2024. Students in 6th, 7th and 8th grade may enter the competition by submitting a 500-word essay online now through January 8, 2024. This annual competition encourages young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. It’s a chance to not only learn about democracy and community activism, but also actively shape its future. The essay topic for 2024 asks entrants to identify a problem facing their community and describe how a citizen might solve the problem. 

The district-wide essay competition will be held across the state. Locally the event will take place in Staten Island and hosted by the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce.  A group of community leaders will review your submissions. The top 20 essays will move on to the grand finale – a live quiz event where your civic knowledge takes center stage!

Top performers at the local level will be awarded certificates, prizes, and the grand prize of $500 cash for first place! And the top three winners get to represent their community at the State level. To be part of this exciting contest, simply submit your essay by January 8, 2024. Your thoughts, ideas, and unique voice could be the spark that lights up the civic stage! Visit the National Civics Bee®  website for more details on essay topics, rules, and eligibility requirements.

Don't miss out on the chance to be part of this great event. The 2024 National Civics Bee® offers the opportunity to shape a future where your voice matters, in your local community, and beyond. Visit the National Civics Bee®  website now and take your chance at making history!

Broadway Stages is a proud member of the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce and the Staten Island business community. 

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ICYMI | Autumn in Review

As the leaves transformed into a vibrant tapestry of reds and golds, Broadway Stages embraced the spirit of autumn with a series of meaningful events that reflect our commitment to community, culture, and compassion. Let's take a stroll through the highlights of our fall season

In October, Broadway Stages recognized Arts and Humanities Month, Italian-American Heritage Month, and Polish-American Heritage Month. This threefold acknowledgment reflects our support of the many diverse cultures that make up the NYC communities we call home. Throughout the month, we highlighted various arts, Italian, and Polish organizations and events that nurture the unique cultural gift each brings to our city.

Since 2002, Newtown Creek Alliance (NCA) has served as a catalyst for effective community action dedicated to restoring, revealing, and revitalizing Newtown Creek. NCA is also the steward of educational programs at Broadway Stages’ Kingland Wildflowers Green Roof and Community Engagement Center, and home to their headquarters. Each Fall NCA hosts the Tidal Toast, an important fundraiser focused on directing attention and funding toward the cleanup of Newtown Creek and adjacent lands. Our on-kind, financial and philosophical support of NCA demonstrates our commitment to environmental stewardship and the well-being of the local ecosystem.

As autumn continued to unfolded, we were delighted to host NOoSPHERE Arts' final "We Are Nature" performance of the season on the rooftop of Kingsland Wildflowers at Broadway Stages. This artistic endeavor explored the theme of Nature's Cycles, delving into the interconnected rhythms of seasons, life, and societal systems. The event encouraged reflection on the cyclical nature of existence and the patterns that weave through the world around us, providing a source of inspiration in times of uncertainty. Our support of NOoSPHERE Arts and it’s founder Sol Kjøk, who is also Broadway Stages Artist-in-Residence, and official Arts Producer and Presenter for Kingsland Wildflowers, goes back decades and serves as a testament to our support of the arts and it’s role in nature.

In November, we proudly sponsored the Greenpoint YMCA Community Spirit Awards. This annual event honors local leaders for their significant contributions to the community, recognizing their tireless efforts in making a positive impact. For years, Broadway Stages has proudly served on the board of the Greenpoint Y, a role we cherish as we work together to identify and meet the needs of our community.

We also collaborated with the Community Center Services Organization (CCSO) - Food Bank of Corona to bring warmth and joy to the community with a Thanksgiving celebration that included a coat giveaway,  turkey giveaway, and a Thanksgiving meal complete with turkey and all the fixings.  Together with other sponsors and volunteers, we served over 1000 people! This compassionate initiative not only provided a hot meal and essential items for the colder months, but also created a festive atmosphere of fellowship.  Our relationship with CCSO began early in the year and culminated in a year-long donation of a brick and mortar facility where the Food Bank of Corona is working to collect and distribute food, clothing, and services to our community.

As we welcomed December, we joined forces with the 94th Precinct Community Council to co-host a heartwarming community Christmas party for residents of all ages. The celebration featured an appearance from Santa and friends, fostering a sense of holiday spirit and community camaraderie.

And what’s the holiday season without lights? We’re proud to have played a role in lighting up the streets of Brooklyn and Queens. From Manhattan Avenue in Greenpoint to the celebratory lighting of the menorah in North Brooklyn, and holiday lights in Maspeth, Queens, we helped contribute to the festive ambiance, bringing joy to neighborhoods throughout the city.

Our autumn journey was marked by a rich tapestry of community engagement, cultural celebration, and acts of compassion. We hope you all had a wonderful autumn and we can’t wait to see what this winter has in store for us!

2023 Nominees | Golden Globe and Critics' Choice Awards

Last week, the awards season heated up as nominations for the Golden Globe and Critics' Choice Awards were announced. Four films are clearly emerging as frontrunners – Greta Gerwig's "Barbie," Christopher Nolan's "Oppenheimer," Martin Scorsese's "Killers of the Flower Moon," and Yorgos Lanthimos' "Poor Things."

The top-grossing film of the year "Barbie" is leading the race, garnering nine Golden Globe nominations and a record-setting 18 Critics' Choice nods. "Oppenheimer" is close behind with eight and 13, respectively. Next in line are "Poor Things" and "Killers of the Flower Moon" with seven Golden Globe nominations each. "Poor Things" is also up for 13 Critics' Choice Awards, while "Killers of the Flower Moon" is vying for 12.

In television, "Succession" is the frontrunner among the Golden Globes with nine nominations, while "The Morning Show" leads the Critics' Choice race with six nods. Both awarding bodies also recognized FX's "The Bear," Hulu's "Only Murders in the Building," and Netflix's "The Crown" with multiple nominations. The only network television program to receive multiple nominations in either awards show is ABC's "Abbott Elementary," which is up for four Critics' Choice Awards and two Golden Globes.

In a rare occurrence, cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto will compete against himself for a Critics' Choice Award. The Oscar-nominated cinematographer had an extraordinarily successful year behind the camera with "Barbie" and "Killers of the Flower Moon."

See the full list of Critics' Choice Awards nominations

Another individual earning multiple nominations is Emma Stone, who is up for Golden Globes in both film and television categories. She will compete in the race for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Series - Drama for her performance on Showtime's "The Curse," and she is a favorite to win Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy for "Poor Things." She also earned a Critics' Choice Awards Best Actress nod for "Poor Things."

Alex Borstein also earned multiple nominations. She is up for two Critics' Choice Awards in the categories Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for Prime Video's "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" and Best Comedy Special for "Alex Borstein: Corsets & Clown Suits" also on Prime Video.

At Broadway Stages, we are thrilled that the R-rated comedy "No Hard Feelings" is up for awards at both ceremonies, as the film includes scenes filmed at our facilities. Jennifer Lawrence will compete for a Golden Globe in the category Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy, and the film is up for a Critics' Choice Award in the category Best Comedy.

The upcoming Golden Globe Awards ceremony will be the first after the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) disbanded earlier this year. All of the HFPA's rights and properties related to the Golden Globes have been acquired by Dick Clark Productions and Eldridge Industries. Another change to the ceremony is the addition of two new categories: Cinematic and Box Office Achievement and Best Performance in Stand-Up Comedy on Television.

See the full list of Golden Globe Awards nominees

The 81st annual Golden Globe Awards will air January 7 on CBS. To date, no host has been announced. One week later on January 14, Chelsea Handler will host the 29th annual Critics' Choice Awards airing on the CW.

Staten Island COC YEA program

Broadway Stages is proud to once again be an Investor Panel level sponsor of the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) once again. YEA! guides students through the process of fulfilling their very own American dream.

The 2024 6-week after-school entrepreneurship class is available to Staten Island high-school students grades 9 through 12. Students from public, catholic, or private schools are eligible. This year’s participants were selected based on an online application, which includes short-answer questions and the submission of the applicant’s high school transcript, followed by a personal interview with a member of the Staten Island Chamber staff. Prior business experience is not required.

By bridging the business and educational communities, students are taught by trained instructors and are exposed to guest lecturers, successful entrepreneurs, and mentors. Learning about real-world business experiences and how to create their own businesses is invaluable as the students look to the future and their career choice.

YEA! provides a focused introduction to the business world, combining a dynamic, proven curriculum with the experiences of local industry leaders, community members, educators, and entrepreneurs. The goal of all YEA! classes is for each student to successfully launch their own business.

Students experience the entire process of starting a business, from brainstorming ideas, writing a business plan, and pitching their plan to local investors, through registering, launching, and running their own business or social movement. Along the way, participants gain the creativity and energy to pursue their dreams and transition successfully to adulthood. The character of tomorrow’s leaders will be developed based on personal principles and values. Moreover, the community benefits from a culture of innovation, an entrepreneurial mindset, and economic and social value for a better world.

We are honored to be a part of the YEA! program and invest in the student participants and our community. our sponsorship of the 2024 YEA! We know that whatever the participants do, their experience will help to enrich their future, and lead to a better city and progress for all. Good luck to the 2024 Staten Island Chamber of Commerce Young Entrepreneurs Academy students!

Spotlight | Flatbush Frameworks

Welcome to Broadway Stages’ Spotlight, where we feature local shops, restaurants, organizations, individuals, and venues. We encourage our readers to join us in supporting these establishments and advancing local economic growth.

Michael Curneen is a Battalion Chief of the FDNY. And for years, he would frame items for the other firefighters as a sideline. After attending a four-day course, he took up the craft as a hobby in 2014. But soon, he saw that what he was doing as a labor of love could be very helpful in paying for things like soccer, math tutors, piano, and drum lessons for his five children.

Flatbush Frameworks operates out of a garage-turned-studio in the Ditmas Park neighborhood of Brooklyn. The location isn’t just convenient. It helps keep costs down. Something he takes pride in passing on to the consumer. He said, “Let’s face it, I want to be successful and make money, but I can make a profit and keep my prices low since I don’t have to pay rent for a storefront. My clients are happy, and they come back.”

And the customers are happy indeed. Flatbush Frameworks has a rare five-star rating on Yelp. One customer said, “Working with Michael was wonderful! We had 4 items needing framing, all different requirements, and I had ideas in my mind but wasn’t sure how it would look. He quickly understood what we wanted, made suggestions on a couple and made everything look better than I imagined. He was very fast in turning these around, super easy to work with, fair pricing... overall, an outstanding experience. We will definitely use Mike again!”

Curneen estimates he makes roughly 30 frames per week and believes he’s had at least 12,000 clients since beginning his framing business. Flatbush Frameworks offers any kind of frame or mat option, shadow boxes, and canvas stretching. They use acid-free conservation mats and foam boards, conservation, and museum glass. He has mastered almost every type of frame – metal to wood – and his favorite, floating frames. Custom frames start at a very affordable $75. You can view his work in this gallery or on Instagram.

He proudly features his work on Facebook along with some photos of his family, who are a motivation in his work. “I plan to teach my 5 kids this craft and would love to make this a family business one day,” he said.

Curren usually works as a firefighter in the late afternoon, leaving him free to work on framing during the day. The Frameworks is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and is closed on Sundays. For more convenience, you can also contact him here for appointments and estimates. 

Curren said, “I really love doing this work. I create my frames from scratch and I love every step in the production. The best part is showing my clients their finished frame.” He continued, “I am grateful for every order I get and have made some new friends.”

Good neighbors who take pride in their craft are one of the things that Broadway Stages loves about New York City. Whether the craft is presenting a family keepsake or responding to someone in need, Curren is a prime example of this. We are glad to have him in our neighborhood and are sure you will be too when you visit his shop. And when you do, be sure to tell him Broadway Stages sent you!