PIP Trip to Governor’s Island: An Epic Adventure!

Of the sixty people we invited to join us at Governor’s Island on Sunday, June 30, to check out the sights and especially Fountain House’s gallery exhibit “Meditations on Medication,” three brave women answered the call: Evelyn, Kathryn, and Fiona. These fearless ladies didn’t let the sweltering heat or the threat of a summer rainstorm keep them from an awesome day out.

We set off from South Ferry in lower Manhattan, boarding the Governor’s Island Ferry. Even though the website says the fare is $5 roundtrip, the super chill ticket folks let us through for free with a friendly, “Have a fine ride, dude.” The ferry ride was so smooth and short, it felt like we teleported to the island!

Once there, Kathryn, our self-proclaimed Governor’s Island expert, led us in the wrong direction. We ended up sweating under the hot sun until Evelyn and Kathryn found a bench to rest on. Meanwhile, Fiona and I explored a spooky, art-filled house with creepy paper mache sculptures. Fiona said, “This place reminds me of a horror movie,” so we high-tailed it out of there!

Finally, we got directions to Nolan Park where the Fountain House Gallery is located in “building 8b.” We crossed a beautiful lawn filled with wildflowers and buzzing insects and found a fountain to fill our water bottles. The gallery was in another old house, and it was empty, but the exhibit, “Meditations on Medication,” was mind-blowing. Thousands of pill bottles were transformed into sculptures, installations, and even a bulletin board where visitors could write their thoughts on medication and place them in empty pill bottles.

Next, we visited a nearby building run by Taiwanese artists. The art was stunning, and the curators and artists were there to tell us about their work, which protested China’s attempt to annex Taiwan. With their help, we found our way back to the ferry.

Just in time for Mother Nature to pour rain down on us! We got soaked, but it was all part of the adventure. Another unforgettable PIP trip!

We’re already planning our next trip for August 2024 and hope more of you can join us. In July, six of us will be attending a Native American Powwow, and we’re looking forward to another great PIP event in August. Interested? Contact me at 929-884-3564 or [email protected]. Can’t wait to hear from you!