Transforming still life subjects from flowers to coke bottles, fruit to cigarettes.

Non-profit Word Above the Street has launched a Kickstarter Campaign for the Water Tank Project, in which an impressive roster of artists and celebrities will create designs to cover water towers across New York City.

Even though Venus over Manhattan is in the heart of art world bustle on Madison Avenue, the gallery sits in stark contrast to the white walls of its neighbors. The space looks more like a bomb shelter than a place for exhibiting art, which is exaggerated by the fact that its inaugural show, À Rebours (Against Nature), takes place in near-darkness.

Arts education was essentially eliminated in New York City public schools amidst the financial crisis in the 1970s. But on Monday, a handful of lucky youngsters will not only have art class, but a very special instructor, too: Jeff Koons.