A vibrant oil painting depicting the iconic Key Food supermarket located at Avenue A and Fourth Street has found its new home with an unexpected but fitting buyer. Local artist Steve Cosentino's artwork was purchased by a Key Food administrator who discovered the piece through an August 30th social media post and immediately contacted the artist to express interest in acquiring the work.
The painting, which captures the neighborhood grocery store in detailed brushstrokes, will be displayed in the buyer's uptown residence near the Metropolitan Museum of Art area. The new owner has graciously allowed his wife to select the appropriate matting and framing for the piece, ensuring it will be properly presented in their home setting.
While the artwork's final destination disappointed some local residents who had hoped to see it displayed within the actual Key Food store, there's satisfaction in knowing the painting remains within the Key Food family. The prospect of enjoying the artwork while shopping to the sounds of Mike and the Mechanics or Richard Marx playing over the store's public address system would have provided a unique cultural experience for customers.
During his painting process, Cosentino reported numerous interactions with neighborhood residents who stopped to observe his work and share their appreciation for the local Key Food location. These spontaneous conversations revealed the deep affection community members have for their neighborhood grocery store, which serves as more than just a shopping destination but as a cornerstone of local life.
Looking ahead, the artist has announced plans to create additional paintings featuring East Village street corner scenes, suggesting this Key Food piece may be the first in a series celebrating the neighborhood's distinctive urban landscape and beloved local establishments.
