Initiated in 2024, this project emerged from the daily ritual of crossing New York Harbor aboard the Staten Island Ferry, a route I came to share with generations of seasoned commuters traveling between Staten Island and Manhattan. First established in 1817 to meet the need for reliable passage across the harbor, the ferry has long served as both infrastructure and lifeline.
While frequently photographed, this body of work turns away from spectacle to focus on the cultural identity of Staten Island’s community. It is the people, passengers and crew alike, whose quiet perseverance imbues the crossing with meaning. Through their presence, the commute becomes more than transit; it becomes a shared, enduring experience.
Over time, the act of commuting itself has come to symbolize adaptation, labor, and endurance. For both those who travel and those who operate the ferry, the crossing reflects a daily negotiation with time, distance, and change.
This project has become a deeply personal and therapeutic endeavor. It stands as a gesture of appreciation for Staten Island and the communities whose lives and rhythms continue to shape this passage.
Artist Bios
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Emily Schreier
Emily Schreier—born, raised, and rooted in Staten Island.
Photography found me through circumstance. Though I once thought being a photographer was something you had to know about yourself at a young age, a supportive network of people gave me both the tools and the wings to consider myself one. It’s been my mission to capture the beauty of everyday life right in front of me.
Organizations
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The Alice Austen House
The Alice Austen House occupies a singular position, both geographically and culturally—on the water’s edge of Staten Island’s North Shore. Once the home, studio, and muse of pioneering photographer Alice Austen, the house dates back to 1690 and is one of New York City’s historic homes. Yet it functions today not as a static historic site, but as a dynamic contemporary arts hub.
The museum celebrates queer and women’s history while breathing new life into Austen’s legacy by engaging with current artistic, social, and personal exploration. For Austen, this home, now a public park, was a radical retreat and safe haven for her and her largely queer circle of friends. That spirit of refuge and experimentation continues today. We activate the house and grounds through our Queer Ecologies Garden, deep community partnerships, and sustained support for artists, fostering the creation of new work that honors the past while speaking directly to the present.
The museum and public park have been a National LGBTQ+ landmark since 2017.
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NYC Parks
NYC Parks is the steward of more than 30,000 acres of land — 14 percent of New York City — including more than 5,000 individual properties ranging from Coney Island Beach and Central Park to community gardens and Greenstreets. We operate more than 800 athletic fields and nearly 1,000 playgrounds, 1,800 basketball courts, 550 tennis courts, 65 public pools, 51 recreational facilities, 15 nature centers, 14 golf courses, and 14 miles of beaches. We care for 1,200 monuments and 23 historic house museums. We look after 600,000 street trees, and two million more in parks. We are New York City’s principal providers of recreational and athletic facilities and programs. We are home to free concerts, world-class sports events, and cultural festivals.
Crossings
Featuring: Emily Schreier
Curated by: Victoria Munro
Locations
View Location Details South Beach Promenade656 Father Capodanno Blvd
Staten Island, NY 10305
- Monday 6:00 am - 1:00 am
- Tuesday 6:00 am - 1:00 am
- Wednesday 6:00 am - 1:00 am
- Thursday 6:00 am - 1:00 am
- Friday 6:00 am - 1:00 am
- Saturday 6:00 am - 1:00 am
- Sunday 6:00 am - 1:00 am
The views and opinions expressed in this exhibit are those of the exhibition artists and partners and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Photoville or any other participants and partners of the Photoville Festival.
