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    Pioneer Works

    4.2 (27 reviews)
    Closed 12:00 pm - 6:00 PM

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    Back stage from People Music Festival
    Brian L.

    Background on Pioneer Works: Located in Red Hook, the building was originally constructed in 1866 to house Pioneer Iron Works, a factory for constructing large scale machines required by industry, including railroad tracks and machinery for sugar plantations. In 2012 the space opened to the public as a non-profit cultural center. The center builds community through the arts and sciences to create an open and inspired world, i.e. collaborative concerns, Art exhibits ect... I came here for People Music Festival and it is an amazing venue for a concert. A ton of time and energy must have been put into renovating this building from a factory to a venue. The main space downstairs where concerts are held is big enough to house two separate stages as well as a merch booth, customer service booth, a couple food vendors, and a bar. Although deliberately renovated, the building still has a very cool industrial aspect to it and you can still feel and see the history of the building. One of my favorite aspects of this place is probably the garden. Initially, the half-acre garden was a junkyard filled with debris, boulders, and years of accumulated trash. Now the space hosts a massive Keith Haring mural, tons tons of benches, fire pits, and beautifully landscaped garden. There's also a massive three level bar with picturesque views of Red Hook and city scape from the third story. The staff was friendly, the place was very clean, and all systems from venue entry to ordering food and drinks was quite efficient. Bathrooms located inside and depending on the event a ton of portable toilets are set up against a back wall in the garden. Important to note the portable toilets were probably the cleanest I've ever used. Lastly, Red Hook in Brooklyn is just a really cool area. Tons of artists, good restaurants, there is a pier with a museum on the water. My experience at Pioneer Works was absolutely one of the best I've had at a venue. Hoping to come back soon.

    My view of the stage from so-called "ADA section"
    Sal H.

    Failed to designate a clear ADA section at general admission concert. No accommodations information was apparent upon check-in to the event at the front of the space. The two desk staff women I asked for a chair to accommodate my broken bones told me that the "left-hand area in front of the stage is the ADA area," but then offered NO chair (I asked), and did not follow through with event staff near the actual stage. I ended up squatting against a wall with a heavily pregnant woman waiting for help. Heavily pregnant, differently-abled, and injured patrons (self included) had to have companions ask multiple members of staff for assistance simply to find a chair. Our "area" was not roped off, taped off, or protected in any way, so it was quickly crowded with ostensibly able-to-stand individuals, obscuring even a hint of a view. Will post photo of my terrible view of the stage. Update: Eventually an event staffer (brunette woman) loudly asked some people to move, for which we were grateful, but we had to keep fighting for space. All of this could have been avoided with preparation and communication.

    Kenny C.

    Pioneer Works is more than just a gallery space. They have a ton going on, as evidenced by the tour they gave us as part of Red Hook Immersion. The director Gabe was kind enough to take time out of his day to show us all three floors of the building, which took about an hour. The first floor was their exhibit space, and there was lots to see. When we went, the exhibit was Derrick Adams' "ON", which had performance parts as well as set pieces. And a yoga room. Upstairs, we also saw the cool work/display spaces of other artists in residence. Lots of cool people doing cool stuff. There was also a virtual reality studio as well as a 3D printer, and Gabe said they encourage artists to work with mediums they're not familiar with, to see how they can make new connections. Really great way to foster creativity. Of course, we also went to the garden for some beers afterwards. They have this tin shack with a recording studio on the second floor (don't worry, there's double paned glass) and a roof deck with a bar. They also host classes, have their own zine, play live music, and even have dinner parties. Go check these guys out!

    $6 Tecate? $11 Pils/IPA? Ouch.
    Doug F.

    Great place to see art, with a rotating lineup of shows, lectures and performances. Overall rating is lower because the prices are very steep ($6 for a Tecate, $11 for a good beer) which is surprising since Pioneer Works is very comfortably funded compared to most arts organizations in the city.

    Main exhibition space view, from the 2nd floor balcony. Art on view by Molly Lowe.
    Martina C.

    Wonderful exhibition and event space in the heart of Red Hook, Brooklyn. The center has a main tall gallery space, two additional smaller side rooms, two floors for artists in residence cool artsy classes, and a wonderful garden make this art space a chimera. I love to come here every other month to check what they are up to with exhibits and artists in residence. I also like to come here in the summer for outdoor music events. I dream to organize my wedding in their garden!

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    10 years ago

    ONE VISIT and I'm a fan. What a great space. Not too sure about the acoustics, so be wary for music events. I'll be back

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    Review Highlights - Pioneer Works

    Wonderful exhibition and event space in the heart of Red Hook, Brooklyn.

    Mentioned in 3 reviews

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    Scanlan Glass

    Scanlan Glass

    4.9(9 reviews)
    0.5 miRed Hook

    I brought a class for 2 for my husbands birthday. I had no idea what to expect as well as my…read morehubby, but I was always fascinated by how can you mold and shape it into something. We were greeted by Kevin and he started to explain everything from the beginning opening up a door to a whole new world that sounds so complicated, but once you start to work, Kevin starts to guide you and help you up, so everything goes very smooth. We have been able to make a few things and try to do something with the color. Overall, it was an amazing experience, you do not only get some knowledge and skills, but you also create something yourself!

    Far exceeded our expectations! We purchased and booked a private lesson with Kevin at Scanlan Glass…read moreas a Christmas gift for a break from the cold doldrums of winter and to learn a new creative skill. Kevin's patience and years of knowledge provided us with a very informative and personalized hands on experience. It was a very fulfilling day that gave us both memories and personal artwork (marbles, flowers, paperweights and mug) to take home and keep forever. We were so distracted by the amazing view of Kevin's studio upon entering and wished our office was just as inspiring. Be prepared to have all your sensory modes pushed into high gear from holding the tools of the trade, feeling the constant heat from the furnaces warming your face and the excitement of learning something new! We can't wait to go back again soon with family and friends. A lesson with Kevin is a wonderful gift to give or receive and we highly recommend the experience! Many thanks KC

    Photos
    Scanlan Glass - Heat feels good!

    Heat feels good!

    Scanlan Glass
    Scanlan Glass - Glassblowing terminology

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    Glassblowing terminology

    Pier Glass

    Pier Glass

    5.0(2 reviews)
    0.5 miRed Hook

    I cannot say enough in praise of Mary Ellen and Kevin who did some challenging and ultimately…read morebeautiful work for me on two pieces. Unfortunately movers made a hash up, literally, of a valuable antique glass dome shade for a torchiere that had been in my family for several generations. They expertly blew a new shade of cased glass in a deep burgundy color as I had wanted it. The result not only enables me to continue to use this treasured light but also maintains the beauty of the piece. The second piece was entirely the result of my clumsiness. Another antique glass picture frame that had a number of complicated elements needed to be restored. They again did a magnificent job in working several different sized cane pieces, refashioned how it could be hung and I now have another beautiful piece for my home. But their work extends far beyond restoring pieces. Their studio (well worth a visit on its own), contains their own artistry in glass. They do largely custom and major work that is remarkably beautiful and intricate. They are truly artists of the first order. That goodness there is still a call for people so skilled.

    My boyfriend bought me gift certificate for an intro glass-blowing class several years ago. One…read morecold winter afternoon I trekked out to the pier in Red Hook to take my class and loved it. I had a total blast learning about the process and I even came home with a snazzy red-orange vase that I made. Every time I walk by Pier Glass I tell myself I need to go back and grow beyond my "basic vase". Someday, Pier Glass, someday I'll be back.

    Craftsman Ave

    Craftsman Ave

    4.8(33 reviews)
    1.6 miSunset Park

    We took two knife making classes here on consecutive Saturdays... wow, what memorable, fun and…read morerewarding experiences! I was clueless but excited and we dove in to the process. The teachers were all incredibly patient and helpful and let us do our thing, but guided us the appropriate amount. We now have amazing custom knives built by our own two hands! But, even better, we have this experience together! Life is good when you try something new!

    This is a nice date night experience…read more Sorry for my late review work has been really busy but I didn't forget to write an honest review based on our experience. I booked a late Father's Day gift for my husband took him to the up-cycle Game Boy class. We love playing games together so I booked it for each of us to get a game boy in the end. You are given the opportunity of picking which gameboy you are going to repair, and you do all the work. You take it apart clean it dry it put it in a I believe was a laser cutter, You customize it and set you up your speaker, screen and motherboard. You get the full experience. He really loved it and so did I, I am not experienced at all in welding or anything like that and the instructors were so helpful and knowledgeable. The way the walk you through it was really helpful to the point I was able to memorize the steps and retake apart the game boy to replace a piece that was oxidized. Don't worry the staff will help you if you're second guessing your ability to do this lol. The best part in the end is you keep it. ^_^ I highly recommend this 1 day class it was very helpful informative and fun. I will be coming back to try to make the survival knife next lol.

    Photos
    Craftsman Ave - Workshop examples

    Workshop examples

    Craftsman Ave
    Craftsman Ave

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    Taro's Origami Studio

    Taro's Origami Studio

    4.6(10 reviews)
    1.6 miSunset Park

    Super cute store, but the woman working there was horrible. She refused to answer questions saying…read morethat we can look online. Then she got mad at my 9 year old daughter for asking a question about one of the pieces of origami. All this because we wanted to book a class and buy stuff. She said she has to answer the same questions every day as if that's our problem. If you hate people, don't work in retail.

    With all the media devices today and kids ( and adults) staring for hours into a screen, I believe…read moreits even more important to get back to the simple art of paper folding. Don't take my word for it..Psychology Today published an article about how origami can promote mindfulness. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/urban-survival/201609/5-ways-origami-boosts-mindfulness Step into this sweet little studio on the second floor of a building on 7th Avenue and you will instantly feel a sense of serenity. Tiny paper cranes and miniature folded creatures, buses etc are scattered in the studio. For $10 you get 30mins of origami folding time. Simple to intermediate to advanced projects with complete step by step tutorials are available on a couple of iPads in the studio. You also get to choose from a bookshelf of rainbow colored papers including some patterned ones for your origami masterpieces. And if you need extra help, there is always a very patient and kind person at the front who is able to help you decipher the tutorial instructions. Taro Origami is a true gem in the neighborhood and I recommend everyone from age 5-105 go there now!

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    Taro's Origami Studio
    Taro's Origami Studio
    Taro's Origami Studio

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    Pioneer Works - galleries - Updated May 2026

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