Beginning in 2012, this portfolio was part of a 5.5 year weekly interview and history project done with the East Village news website, evgrieve.com, titled Out and About in the East Village. It consists of over 200 portraits and in-depth interviews completed primarily with long time residents, business owners, and employees in the East Village neighborhood of New York. Click on the photos to read the interviews below.

The entirety of the project has become a historical account of the last handful of decades in one of the most vibrant communities in the city. Read the oral history of people from all backgrounds and career paths, covering the history of Tompkins Square Park and the riots, the diverse ethnic neighborhoods, the history of punk rock and the music culture, the art, creative, and nightlife culture, the restaurants and local businesses, the daily life intertwined with drug dealers, addicts, and beat up and burned out buildings, the struggle against gentrification and slumlords, and the special stories of everyday life here.

Through all of these stories, trials and tribulations, and powerful moments, what shines through is the community that came together and made the area such a special place to live and be.