The Laundromat

In 2019, Sampson Dahl inherited the Laundromat from two performance artists who desired to move on from the space. Having a vested interest in opening a store with no commercial focus, he moved into the back room and began the experiment by opening the door. Over the pandemic, the neighborhood in Maspeth, Queens began using the space to take their afternoon lunches, take shelter from the rain, or entertain a small group of friends. Meanwhile, Sampson used the space to record music and paint. Many others would come to stay for a day, a week, and even sometimes months. The neighborhood accepted the Laundromat as a freeform space, and the open door policy was given legs. The sidewalk was dressed with flower pots, tables, and chairs, and, by fall of 2020, a community fridge was delivered by a local nonprofit. Now, almost five years since it's inception, performances take place almost every weekend. Passers-by and friends alike are encouraged to come take solace all days of the week and a variety of instruments, art supplies, and food are available for free. This dream is not possible without the acceptance and support of others. This space is not a business model that seeks to grow. It only seeks to sustain.