Alternative Exhibition Venues in Manhattan By Renée Phillips, The Artrepreneur Coach
Art News and Knowledge
Alternative Exhibition Venues in ManhattanBy Renée Phillips
SOURCE: http://www.manhattanarts.com/readingroom/ezine/CareerBusiness/Renee_Alternative.htm
 | Renée Phillips is the Director of Manhattan Arts International, an author of several books, and a public speaker. She is known as "The Artrepreneur Coach" and provides empowering life and career strategies for creative individuals. |
Renée originally wrote this article for Professional Artist magazine.
My career in New York City began during my time as a student at the Art Students League. This is when I first became familiar with alternative exhibition spaces. In search of visibility for myself and my artist friends, I started Artopia, a nonprofit exhibition organization. I pounded the city pavements for empty walls, and offered to organize art exhibitions and events. Soon, I was setting up exhibitions in banks and corporate lobbies by day, and organizing multi-media events in clubs like Studio 54 by night.
Because these events were unique and memorable, the popularity and publicity we received rivaled some of the top gallery exhibitions. Using alternative spaces, we benefitted from reaching our buyers directly, curating our own shows and avoiding hefty gallery commissions. Many members were noticed by agents, galleries and the press.
Eventually, I converted Artopia into Manhattan Arts International, and my associates and I forged ahead, attracting government officials, dignitaries, celebrities and corporate executives to our events. We were also able to procure the sponsorship of major companies like Air France as well as local retailers.
So, suffice it to say that I am a huge champion of using alternative spaces and proclaiming their many virtues.
I highly recommend that you explore your town or city, use your imagination, and discover and create your own alternative exhibition venues.
You might be asking yourself, what is an alternative space?
In typical art jargon, it is used to describe any space that outside the realm of a conventional gallery. So, as you can imagine the opportunties are endless. That can be anything from a bookstore, to a cafe, from a library to a church, from an artist's studio to an empty warehouse.
Because these events were unique and memorable, the popularity and publicity we received rivaled some of the top gallery exhibitions. Using alternative spaces, we benefitted from reaching our buyers directly, curating our own shows and avoiding hefty gallery commissions. Many members were noticed by agents, galleries and the press.
Eventually, I converted Artopia into Manhattan Arts International, and my associates and I forged ahead, attracting government officials, dignitaries, celebrities and corporate executives to our events. We were also able to procure the sponsorship of major companies like Air France as well as local retailers.
So, suffice it to say that I am a huge champion of using alternative spaces and proclaiming their many virtues.
I highly recommend that you explore your town or city, use your imagination, and discover and create your own alternative exhibition venues.
You might be asking yourself, what is an alternative space?
In typical art jargon, it is used to describe any space that outside the realm of a conventional gallery. So, as you can imagine the opportunties are endless. That can be anything from a bookstore, to a cafe, from a library to a church, from an artist's studio to an empty warehouse.
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| 59th Street Bridge Reflections by Sharon Florin. Oil on canvas, 36" x 30". Sharon Florin had a successful exhibition in one of the Durst Corporation’s exhibition spaces in midtown Manhattan. |
For this article, I chose to focus on alternative spaces in New York City, and more specifically, in the borough of Manhattan. When my staff and I compiled the sixth edition of The Complete Guide to New York Art Galleries (published in 2006; currently out of print), we counted more than 170 alternative spaces in the total five boroughs of New York City.
There is certainly no shortage of opportunities. Alternative spaces in New York City are as diverse as artists' styles and offer tremendous advantages. The unique atmosphere in each one offers an experience that often transcends the typical "white box."
Plus, many New York City dealers admit they often "discover" artists in the most selective alternative spaces.
I have divided the Manhattan alternative spaces that follow into three categories:
1. Nonprofit venues, such as universities, arts institutions, cultural institutions, libraries and places of worship
2. Artists' organizations and artist-run galleries (sometimes referred to as "cooperative")
3. Retail establishments and corporate lobbies.
Nonprofit Venues
Nonprofit exhibition spaces are categorized by the IRS as being non-commercial, so they can receive their funding from agencies such as National Endowment for the Arts and grant-making foundations, as well as from individual contributions. They are often the source of "cutting edge" art where experimental, performance, new media art and installation art can be found.
Art in General
Web: http://www.artingeneral.org
Location: 79 Walker Street, New York, NY 10013
Founded in 1981, Art in General has emerged as one of New York City's leading nonprofit organizations "devoted to supporting and stimulating the creation of contemporary art, providing an environment in which artists may exhibit unconventional work and exchange ideas with their peers."
It also "assists artists with the production and presentation of new work." It changes in response to the needs of artists and engages the public with their work. In 2005, it initiated its New Commissions Program and has since commissioned new works from four to six artists every year.
Artists are chosen through an annual open call competition reviewed by an advisory panel and the Art in General curator, after extensive research, studio visits and meetings with local artists.
White Columns
Web: http://whitecolumns.org
Location: 320 West 13th Street, New York, NY 10014
White Columns is New York's oldest alternative art space. Founded in 1970 by Jeffrey Lew and Gordon Matta-Clark as an experimental platform for artists, White Columns presents an ongoing program of exhibitions, projects, talks, screenings and events. The nonprofit gallery is open to the public free-of-charge eleven months per year. It accepts proposals for group exhibitions only. For details visit http://www.whitecolumns.org/text.html?type=exhibition_guide.
Individual artists may apply to the Artists Registry, an online database of artists who are without commercial gallery representation in New York City. To apply for acceptance by the curatorial staff, visit http://registry.whitecolumns.org/.
Saint Peter's Church Narthex and Living Room Galleries
Web: http://www.saintpeters.org/art/index.html
Location: 619 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10022
Saint Peter's Church Narthex and Living Room Galleries presents wonderful six- to seven-week exhibitions of both established and emerging artists. The selections are made by The Art and Architecture Review Committee, which is composed of interested parishoners and several art professionals.
"This Committee helps fulfill the mission of Saint Peter's art ministry by offering our galleries to artists whose lives and work explore the many dimensions of spirituality. We hope thereby to provoke dialogue regarding art's place in our culture, in our spiritual thought, and in our daily lives here in New York."
The Review Committee meets and reviews submissions generally two or three times a year. They recommend, "If you would like your work to be considered for exhibition at Saint Peter's, please call 212-935-2200 for the date of the next scheduled meeting."
For submission guidelines, visit http://www.saintpeters.org/art/index.html.
They prefer that submissions be in the form of standard slides, although CDs of images are also accepted. To view samples of artists' work from past and upcoming exhibitions, visit http://www.saintpeters.org/art/index.html.
The Interchurch Center
Web: http://www.interchurchcenter.org/presenterinfo.html
Location: 475 Riverside Drive, Suite 253, New York, NY 10115
The Interchurch Center offers two exhibition spaces: The Treasure Room Gallery (a 2,000-square-foot exhibition space with professional display and lighting systems) and The Corridor (a space with 20 large, self-lighted display vitrines, each measuring approximately 46" high by 36" wide; eight of the vitrines are 18" deep to accommodate three dimensional work).
A diverse selection of fine arts and crafts is exhibited on an eight-month, four-week rotating basis during the year. Proposals are accepted throughout the year and can be mailed or hand-delivered.
Applicants are asked to submit materials according to a precise checklist. Group exhibitions must have one person responsible for organizing the proposal. The exhibits panel meets five times annually to review and select exhibits. There is usually a two-year schedule in place. A $50.00 installation fee is required upon receipt of the acceptance letter.
Review all requirements on the Web site before submitting materials.
Artists Organizations & Artist-Run Galleries
Artists organizations offer artists the advantage of visibility in addition to other tangible services, such as workshops, classes, newsletters and events. The intangible benefits, such as camaraderie with fellow artists and democratic rule, are often the biggest attractions.
There are artists organizations that focus on addressing the needs of specific groups (National Association of Women Artists, http://www.thenawa.org/) or artistic mediums (National Sculpture Society, http://www.nationalsculpture.org) in addition to groups that are more inclusive of artists from multiple mediums (American Society of Contemporary Artists, http://ascartists.org/).
National Sculpture Society
Web: http://www.nationalsculpture.org
Mailing address: National Sculpture Society, c/o ANS, 75 Varick Street, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10013.
Founded in 1893, the National Sculpture Society (NSS) "promotes the knowledge of excellence in sculpture inspired by the natural world. Its members create, interpret, exhibit, collect and support the evolving tradition in American sculpture."
It presents exhibitions online as well as mostly travelling exhibitions in physical venues throughout the United States. It is one of the co-sponsors of an upcoming competition open to all sculptors; a future exhibition of these works is planned for 2012 at New York Academy of Art.
The Pen and Brush, Inc.
Web: http://www.penandbrush.org
Location: 16 East 10th Street, New York, NY 10003
The Pen and Brush, Inc. was founded 117 years ago. It is an international membership organization for women in the visual, literary and performing arts. There is also a membership designation for public supporters.
The Pen and Brush is a vibrant resource for its members and non-member participants, and a flourishing cultural center for the surrounding community.
They hold juried exhibitions judged by museum curators and other distinguished members of the art community. The exhibitions feature a variety of themes, and are open to members and non-members. Information is readily available on the organization's Web site.
Pastel Society of America
Web: http://www.pastelsocietyofamerica.org
Location: 15 Gramercy Park South, New York, NY 10003
Founded in 1972, the Pastel Society of America encourages artistic advancement through prestigious awards distributed during its annual exhibitions. The society's annual exhibitions at The National Arts Club (another arts organization, http://www.nationalartsclub.org) in New York are the premier events for pastel artists in this country and abroad.
The Annual Open Juried Exhibition for "Pastels Only" is held each September. The entry deadline is June 3, 2011.
Phoenix Gallery
Web: http://www.phoenix-gallery.com
Location: 210 Eleventh Avenue, Suite 902, in New York, NY, 10001
The Phoenix Gallery is one of several artist-run galleries in New York City. Established in 1958, the gallery has 2,500 square feet, including more than 190 linear feet of display area plus storage and bin areas for active inventory of members' work.
Unlike many other alternative spaces, the Phoenix Gallery has a full-time director, Linda Handler, who runs the gallery and promotes and develops contacts with private individuals, art consultants and corporations. She also promotes sales and encourages visibility of artist members.
All this comes with a much higher fee than the average artist's organization; however, the sales commission is lower than a commercial gallery. Artist members enjoy the security of having a gallery without the strings attached.
Artists wishing to be considered for membership must submit: an application form; 10 or more slides or JPEG images on CD of his or her work; or link to artist's Web site; and a resume and statement to be reviewed by the members. Applications can be submitted at any time.
For applications, visit http://www.phoenix-gallery.com/opportunities.html.
Retail Establishments and Corporate Lobbies
There is certainly no shortage of opportunities. Alternative spaces in New York City are as diverse as artists' styles and offer tremendous advantages. The unique atmosphere in each one offers an experience that often transcends the typical "white box."
Plus, many New York City dealers admit they often "discover" artists in the most selective alternative spaces.
I have divided the Manhattan alternative spaces that follow into three categories:
1. Nonprofit venues, such as universities, arts institutions, cultural institutions, libraries and places of worship
2. Artists' organizations and artist-run galleries (sometimes referred to as "cooperative")
3. Retail establishments and corporate lobbies.
Nonprofit Venues
Nonprofit exhibition spaces are categorized by the IRS as being non-commercial, so they can receive their funding from agencies such as National Endowment for the Arts and grant-making foundations, as well as from individual contributions. They are often the source of "cutting edge" art where experimental, performance, new media art and installation art can be found.
Art in General
Web: http://www.artingeneral.org
Location: 79 Walker Street, New York, NY 10013
Founded in 1981, Art in General has emerged as one of New York City's leading nonprofit organizations "devoted to supporting and stimulating the creation of contemporary art, providing an environment in which artists may exhibit unconventional work and exchange ideas with their peers."
It also "assists artists with the production and presentation of new work." It changes in response to the needs of artists and engages the public with their work. In 2005, it initiated its New Commissions Program and has since commissioned new works from four to six artists every year.
Artists are chosen through an annual open call competition reviewed by an advisory panel and the Art in General curator, after extensive research, studio visits and meetings with local artists.
White Columns
Web: http://whitecolumns.org
Location: 320 West 13th Street, New York, NY 10014
White Columns is New York's oldest alternative art space. Founded in 1970 by Jeffrey Lew and Gordon Matta-Clark as an experimental platform for artists, White Columns presents an ongoing program of exhibitions, projects, talks, screenings and events. The nonprofit gallery is open to the public free-of-charge eleven months per year. It accepts proposals for group exhibitions only. For details visit http://www.whitecolumns.org/text.html?type=exhibition_guide.
Individual artists may apply to the Artists Registry, an online database of artists who are without commercial gallery representation in New York City. To apply for acceptance by the curatorial staff, visit http://registry.whitecolumns.org/.
Saint Peter's Church Narthex and Living Room Galleries
Web: http://www.saintpeters.org/art/index.html
Location: 619 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10022
Saint Peter's Church Narthex and Living Room Galleries presents wonderful six- to seven-week exhibitions of both established and emerging artists. The selections are made by The Art and Architecture Review Committee, which is composed of interested parishoners and several art professionals.
"This Committee helps fulfill the mission of Saint Peter's art ministry by offering our galleries to artists whose lives and work explore the many dimensions of spirituality. We hope thereby to provoke dialogue regarding art's place in our culture, in our spiritual thought, and in our daily lives here in New York."
The Review Committee meets and reviews submissions generally two or three times a year. They recommend, "If you would like your work to be considered for exhibition at Saint Peter's, please call 212-935-2200 for the date of the next scheduled meeting."
For submission guidelines, visit http://www.saintpeters.org/art/index.html.
They prefer that submissions be in the form of standard slides, although CDs of images are also accepted. To view samples of artists' work from past and upcoming exhibitions, visit http://www.saintpeters.org/art/index.html.
The Interchurch Center
Web: http://www.interchurchcenter.org/presenterinfo.html
Location: 475 Riverside Drive, Suite 253, New York, NY 10115
The Interchurch Center offers two exhibition spaces: The Treasure Room Gallery (a 2,000-square-foot exhibition space with professional display and lighting systems) and The Corridor (a space with 20 large, self-lighted display vitrines, each measuring approximately 46" high by 36" wide; eight of the vitrines are 18" deep to accommodate three dimensional work).
A diverse selection of fine arts and crafts is exhibited on an eight-month, four-week rotating basis during the year. Proposals are accepted throughout the year and can be mailed or hand-delivered.
Applicants are asked to submit materials according to a precise checklist. Group exhibitions must have one person responsible for organizing the proposal. The exhibits panel meets five times annually to review and select exhibits. There is usually a two-year schedule in place. A $50.00 installation fee is required upon receipt of the acceptance letter.
Review all requirements on the Web site before submitting materials.
Artists Organizations & Artist-Run Galleries
Artists organizations offer artists the advantage of visibility in addition to other tangible services, such as workshops, classes, newsletters and events. The intangible benefits, such as camaraderie with fellow artists and democratic rule, are often the biggest attractions.
There are artists organizations that focus on addressing the needs of specific groups (National Association of Women Artists, http://www.thenawa.org/) or artistic mediums (National Sculpture Society, http://www.nationalsculpture.org) in addition to groups that are more inclusive of artists from multiple mediums (American Society of Contemporary Artists, http://ascartists.org/).
National Sculpture Society
Web: http://www.nationalsculpture.org
Mailing address: National Sculpture Society, c/o ANS, 75 Varick Street, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10013.
Founded in 1893, the National Sculpture Society (NSS) "promotes the knowledge of excellence in sculpture inspired by the natural world. Its members create, interpret, exhibit, collect and support the evolving tradition in American sculpture."
It presents exhibitions online as well as mostly travelling exhibitions in physical venues throughout the United States. It is one of the co-sponsors of an upcoming competition open to all sculptors; a future exhibition of these works is planned for 2012 at New York Academy of Art.
The Pen and Brush, Inc.
Web: http://www.penandbrush.org
Location: 16 East 10th Street, New York, NY 10003
The Pen and Brush, Inc. was founded 117 years ago. It is an international membership organization for women in the visual, literary and performing arts. There is also a membership designation for public supporters.
The Pen and Brush is a vibrant resource for its members and non-member participants, and a flourishing cultural center for the surrounding community.
They hold juried exhibitions judged by museum curators and other distinguished members of the art community. The exhibitions feature a variety of themes, and are open to members and non-members. Information is readily available on the organization's Web site.
Pastel Society of America
Web: http://www.pastelsocietyofamerica.org
Location: 15 Gramercy Park South, New York, NY 10003
Founded in 1972, the Pastel Society of America encourages artistic advancement through prestigious awards distributed during its annual exhibitions. The society's annual exhibitions at The National Arts Club (another arts organization, http://www.nationalartsclub.org) in New York are the premier events for pastel artists in this country and abroad.
The Annual Open Juried Exhibition for "Pastels Only" is held each September. The entry deadline is June 3, 2011.
Phoenix Gallery
Web: http://www.phoenix-gallery.com
Location: 210 Eleventh Avenue, Suite 902, in New York, NY, 10001
The Phoenix Gallery is one of several artist-run galleries in New York City. Established in 1958, the gallery has 2,500 square feet, including more than 190 linear feet of display area plus storage and bin areas for active inventory of members' work.
Unlike many other alternative spaces, the Phoenix Gallery has a full-time director, Linda Handler, who runs the gallery and promotes and develops contacts with private individuals, art consultants and corporations. She also promotes sales and encourages visibility of artist members.
All this comes with a much higher fee than the average artist's organization; however, the sales commission is lower than a commercial gallery. Artist members enjoy the security of having a gallery without the strings attached.
Artists wishing to be considered for membership must submit: an application form; 10 or more slides or JPEG images on CD of his or her work; or link to artist's Web site; and a resume and statement to be reviewed by the members. Applications can be submitted at any time.
For applications, visit http://www.phoenix-gallery.com/opportunities.html.
Retail Establishments and Corporate Lobbies
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| Alwyn Court by Sharon Florin. Oil on canvas, 30" x 36". |
Retail stores and corporate lobbies offer wonderful "outside-the-box" opportunities for exposure. Imagine the amount of traffic flow of passersby who will see your work!
Durst Corporation
Web: http://www.durst.org
The Durst Corporation has several lobby galleries in midtown Manhattan that are used to exhibit art, architecture, photography and other cultural undertakings. Like many corporations today that want to project a positive image, the Durst Corporation's mission is to "maintain a continuing program of support for the arts.
By providing venues for exhibition in the lobbies of our buildings we hope to increase the presence of fine art and contribute to the cultural richness of the city."
Janusz Jaworski is the curator and exhibit organizer for the Durst Organization. The main spaces where he curates exhibitions are: The Lobby Gallery, 1155 Avenue of the Americas; ShowWalls, 1133 Avenue of the Americas; and The Conde Nast Building lobby at 4 Times Square. An additional space is at 733 Third Avenue. For artists who have exhibited there it is like a dream come true.
Sharon Florin (www.sharonflorin.com) had a one-person exhibition of her New York paintings in the Lobby Gallery. Sharon stated, "My show, 'On and Off the Grid,' was a wonderful experience. The space was large and dramatic, and the midtown location was ideal. [The Durst Corporation] took care of an announcement card, installation and de-installation of the exhibit, and provided a beautiful wine and hors d'ouvres reception. I was fortunate to have made several sales as the result of my exhibit, including one to a gentleman who worked in the building. All in all, a very good experience on all counts."
In addition, artworks on display in these spaces are covered by insurance, and there is a constant security presence.
Janusz Jaworski schedules three to four shows in advance. Materials requested should include a resume and examples of the work that do not have to be returned, such as JPEGS. If the work is selected, a follow-up studio visit may be requested to view the actual pieces and discuss the parameters of the show. I suggest first writing to obtain detailed instructions. If applying by mail, send to Janusz Jaworski, The Durst Organization, One Bryant Park, New York, NY 10036, or e-mail him at: jjaworski@mail.com.
Chashama Gallery Program
Web: www.chashama.org
In 1995, Anita Durst (daughter of Douglas Durst, the owner of the Conde Naste building) founded Chashama Gallery Program. Chashama is Farsi for "to have vision." The organization's mission is, "To support creativity in New York City by repurposing vacant properties; recycling them as artist work and show spaces, while simultaneously invigorating the surrounding community with an influx of innovative programs, culture, creativity and commerce."
Anita said she founded the organizations because her life was transformed through art and creativity, and she wanted to give people the opportunity to experience similar enlightenment.
Artist Carla Goldberg (http://carlagoldberg.mosaicglobe.com) highly recommends the program, but warns that it comes with responsibility: "During the term that you are given a space, it must be open to the public, so a group of artists may want to take turns gallery sitting or find a gallery-sitter."
There are two ways to show your work in a Chashama Gallery space: through their competitive application process, or simple rental. These ground-floor, storefront exhibition venues (throughout all of the five boroughs of New York City) "run the gamut from vacant, old industrial spaces to the more typical 'white box.'"
Artists can download an application at http://www.chashama.org/programs/gallery. Many of the selected artists and curators chosen from their applicant pool receive a space at no cost, help with installation and press; in addition, some receive cash grants to help fund the project. If any sales are made during a Chashama exhibition, they request 15 percent commission.
Durst Corporation
Web: http://www.durst.org
The Durst Corporation has several lobby galleries in midtown Manhattan that are used to exhibit art, architecture, photography and other cultural undertakings. Like many corporations today that want to project a positive image, the Durst Corporation's mission is to "maintain a continuing program of support for the arts.
By providing venues for exhibition in the lobbies of our buildings we hope to increase the presence of fine art and contribute to the cultural richness of the city."
Janusz Jaworski is the curator and exhibit organizer for the Durst Organization. The main spaces where he curates exhibitions are: The Lobby Gallery, 1155 Avenue of the Americas; ShowWalls, 1133 Avenue of the Americas; and The Conde Nast Building lobby at 4 Times Square. An additional space is at 733 Third Avenue. For artists who have exhibited there it is like a dream come true.
Sharon Florin (www.sharonflorin.com) had a one-person exhibition of her New York paintings in the Lobby Gallery. Sharon stated, "My show, 'On and Off the Grid,' was a wonderful experience. The space was large and dramatic, and the midtown location was ideal. [The Durst Corporation] took care of an announcement card, installation and de-installation of the exhibit, and provided a beautiful wine and hors d'ouvres reception. I was fortunate to have made several sales as the result of my exhibit, including one to a gentleman who worked in the building. All in all, a very good experience on all counts."
In addition, artworks on display in these spaces are covered by insurance, and there is a constant security presence.
Janusz Jaworski schedules three to four shows in advance. Materials requested should include a resume and examples of the work that do not have to be returned, such as JPEGS. If the work is selected, a follow-up studio visit may be requested to view the actual pieces and discuss the parameters of the show. I suggest first writing to obtain detailed instructions. If applying by mail, send to Janusz Jaworski, The Durst Organization, One Bryant Park, New York, NY 10036, or e-mail him at: jjaworski@mail.com.
Chashama Gallery Program
Web: www.chashama.org
In 1995, Anita Durst (daughter of Douglas Durst, the owner of the Conde Naste building) founded Chashama Gallery Program. Chashama is Farsi for "to have vision." The organization's mission is, "To support creativity in New York City by repurposing vacant properties; recycling them as artist work and show spaces, while simultaneously invigorating the surrounding community with an influx of innovative programs, culture, creativity and commerce."
Anita said she founded the organizations because her life was transformed through art and creativity, and she wanted to give people the opportunity to experience similar enlightenment.
Artist Carla Goldberg (http://carlagoldberg.mosaicglobe.com) highly recommends the program, but warns that it comes with responsibility: "During the term that you are given a space, it must be open to the public, so a group of artists may want to take turns gallery sitting or find a gallery-sitter."
There are two ways to show your work in a Chashama Gallery space: through their competitive application process, or simple rental. These ground-floor, storefront exhibition venues (throughout all of the five boroughs of New York City) "run the gamut from vacant, old industrial spaces to the more typical 'white box.'"
Artists can download an application at http://www.chashama.org/programs/gallery. Many of the selected artists and curators chosen from their applicant pool receive a space at no cost, help with installation and press; in addition, some receive cash grants to help fund the project. If any sales are made during a Chashama exhibition, they request 15 percent commission.
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