A pop-up art show spotlighting Israeli and Jewish artists lands on the Upper West Side through this weekend only

The big, complicated question of identity is one that Jews all over the world are constantly grappling with, and it’s now the focus of a new exhibit on the Upper West Side from Stars in the Arts, a community founded in the aftermath of October 7 to support Jewish and Israeli artists amid rising antisemitism in the art and cultural world. Co-founded by NYC-based artists Annette Back and Lilian Kebudi, the organization mounts exhibitions and events designed to showcase, promote and sell these artists’ work while celebrating Jewish identity.

Now through Sunday, June 7, that mission takes the form of “IDENTITY,” a pop-up exhibit and art sale spotlighting works by Jewish and Israeli artists.

Tonight, Thursday, June 4, the gallery hosts a special evening from 5pm to 9pm featuring spoken word artist Vanessa Hidary, who takes the mic at 7pm. An internationally acclaimed performer, educator and activist, Hidary builds her work around Jewish identity, diversity and belonging, themes that have taken on fresh urgency amid the rise in anti-Jewish hate and anti-Zionism since October 7, 2023.

If you can’t make it tonight, you’ll want to stop by before the weekend’s out, with hours shifting daily: Friday from 12pm to 4pm, Saturday from 3pm to 7pm and Sunday from 11am to 5pm. As a nice touch, the organizers have thought of Shabbat observers: when showing up, your ticket won’t be scanned. You can bring a printout or simply tell the staff “Shabbat identity shalom” at the door. That way, you won’t break Shabbat while visiting.

Tickets are $25 and available here, with the option to chip in extra to help cover venue and event costs (RSVP required, checked at the door). The exact address only lands in your inbox once you grab a ticket, because what’s a good Upper West Side pop-up without a little mystery? And, given the climate, a little security sense, too.