Press

TOPAZ ARTS in the News:  see full articles here >

Topaz Arts featured in The Wall Street Journal’s New York Art & Culture > read more
“The Sculptor’s Apprentices” (10/19/12)
“In Queens, Going Where the Art Leads” (01/10/11)

“They don’t call artists starving for nothing, but at TOPAZ ARTS in 11377 creatives enjoy state of the art space for a fraction of the cost…TOPAZ ARTS is a unique place where people from all over the city converge to make and experience art.”
- NYC-TV Cool in Your Code/NY Metro

“a creative hub for dance, music and art… Its proximity and yet short distance from Manhattan allows audience members who flock to Topaz to indulge in city culture surrounded by a tranquil environment.”
- Ins & Outs Magazine

“A Queens Oasis…TOPAZ ARTS is just that—an oasis only 15 minutes from Manhattan where artists can concentrate and enjoy the creative process.”
- Arts International

“On the outside TOPAZ ARTS looks like a light manufacturing industrial building, but on the inside it’s
a hidden cultural mecca” – QueensBuzz.com

“As a new generation of artists carves out its niche in Queens, TOPAZ ARTS a non-profit arts company in Woodside is leading the way for the borough’s contemporary dance movement.”
- Queens Tribune

“Topaz joined Materials for the Arts in 2001, and is truly a model recipient. Close to 50% of the items in their space — have been received from MFTA and incorporated into their open, serene aesthetic… We at Materials for the Arts are thrilled that Todd and Paz were able to use MFTA supplies to transform a raw space from neighborhood organization into a NYC destination. Topaz Arts is a place worth visiting, whether you’re looking for rehearsal space, gallery space, technical assistance, or a pleasant afternoon.”
- Material for the Arts, “Recipient News”

about our dance productions

“intelligently conceived, image-filled dance” (Roslyn Sulcas, The New York Times) read full review >

“Tanjuaquio’s meditative duet The Divide. A river of silver fabric ran down the center of the room, as Tanjuaquio and Chia Ying Kao, one on either side, drifted through space with propeller-like arms on top of supple spines, hips, and knees. We had just seen these dancers in Todd Richmond’s short film Fulcrum, their images superimposed on natural and urban landscapes, sailing across treetops and city streets. Watching them live in The Divide was, for a minute, like seeing spirits in the flesh.” (Siobhan Burke, Dance Magazine)

“Now/What,” a new trio by Paz Tanjuaquio, originally from the Philippines, opened the hourlong program in La MaMa’s intimate first-floor theater. With its clean, pared-down lines and sleek, minimalist aesthetic, the handsome work reflects Ms. Tanjuaquio’s years spent performing with Molissa Fenley and Dancers. It is a quiet, modest piece, well served by Todd Richmond’s spare, gently futuristic music and sound design, which involves three minirecorders wielded by the choreographer and her two dancers, Chia Ying Kao and Rebecca Bone.” (Claudia LaRocco, The New York Times)

“Looking For Harmony” (Adam Pincus, Times Ledger)  read full article >

“Arresting performers, they project serenity, gentleness, and thoughtfulness… Tanjuaquio has been working closely with composer and visual designer Todd Richmond since they founded Topaz Arts, Inc. Richmond’s marvelous film creates the illusion of the corner of a room, or an open book, on the flat back wall…elegantly offset the unhurried onstage forays of Lynn Huang, Chia Ying Kao, Uta Takemura, and Tanjuaquio.” (Deborah Jowitt, The Village Voice)

“Tanjuaquio is a ravishing presence, strong and serene.” (Tobi Tobias, The Village Voice)

View the projects of TOPAZ ARTS Dance Productions – click here >