The Mary A. Whalen is an oil tanker that first launched in 1938. It houses the offices and programs of PortSide New York.
Learn more at portsidenewyork.org

A Collaboration Between Digital Stewards And Pioneer Works 

Our Story 

In the spring of 2015, Jesus Benitez and Laurenzo Reed of the Red Hook Initiative's Digital Stewards Program joined in a collaboration with David Sheinkopf, Catherine Despont, Cassie Wagler, and  Sonia Espinosa of Pioneer Works, and  Nancy Nowacek of Eyebeam to embark on the exciting journey of creating the very first Red Hook Regatta boat race. Our goal was to create an event that the community could get excited about and that would highlight the history of the neighborhood.  

Red Hook Digital Stewards is a fellowship program run though the Red Hook Initiative. It offers young adults in the community a opportunity to gain professional skills, technology training, and digital media training. The program is a year long, giving participants  six months of training in wifi networking, graphic design and video production, three months of concentrated media and tech projects, and a three month professional internship. 

Pioneer Works Center for Arts and Innovation is dedicated to the creation, synthesis and discussion of art, science and education. Located in Red Hook, Brooklyn, the Center gathers artists, scientists and creative thinkers to collaborate outside the boundaries of traditional institutions where specialization often limits the application of ideas across disciplines. Through a community devoted to creative discourse and collaboration, Pioneer Works is a platform where ideas can manifest into their fullest expression.

Laurenzo Reed is a graphic designer who was born in Red Hook, and has lived here for 23 years. He is currently working on his own clothing line called Certified Styles Clothing.

Jesus Benitez  is a 23 year-old game designer from Red Hook, Brooklyn. Besides creating games, he is also interested in animation, 3D modeling, and project planning.