Hendry's installations exist to be climbed into, and Pastel is a bead pit deep enough to sit down in, set inside a landmarked townhouse gallery on 89th Street. You reach in, pull out whatever palette you want, and string a bracelet or charm on the spot — the artwork is something you leave wearing, not something you photograph from a rope line. It closes at the end of this weekend, so this is the last chance to get in the pit.
What to expect
You enter a gallery whose main room is given over to the bead pit, surrounded by Hendry's drawings, prints and character sculptures. Staff hand out string so you can build your own piece from the beads you dig out. There is also a merchandise area with caps, jewelry, leather trays and keyrings.
Good to know
- The 4/5/6 to 86th Street or the Q to 86th Street both land within a short walk
- Free entry, but lines form at peak hours — mid-morning is the calmer window
- Wear something you do not mind sitting on the floor in
- Beads and string are provided; you leave with whatever you make
- This is the closing weekend, so there is no coming back later
- Small enough to pair with a Central Park or Museum Mile stop the same afternoon
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Common questions
Is it really free to get in?
Yes, admission to Pastel at Salon 94 Design is free. Prints and merchandise are available to buy separately.
Can you actually get in the bead pit?
Yes — the pit is the point. Visitors climb in, gather beads and string them into bracelets, necklaces or charms.
Where is it?
Salon 94 Design, 3 East 89th Street on the Upper East Side, a block from Central Park.
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