Bowery Gallery

The Bowery Gallery, located in the heart of New York City’s Chelsea art district, has been showcasing high-quality contemporary art for over six decades. Founded by artists in the 1960s, the Bowery Gallery operates as a cooperative, providing a platform for both established and emerging artists to exhibit their work in a professional setting[18].

History and Mission

Established during a time when the New York art scene was rapidly evolving, the Bowery Gallery has remained committed to its mission of presenting thought-provoking and innovative contemporary art. As a cooperative gallery, it is run by the artists themselves, fostering a sense of community and collaboration among its members[18].

The gallery’s location on the Bowery, a street with a rich and storied history, adds to its unique character. Once known as a haven for artists and creative types, the Bowery has undergone significant changes over the years, but the Bowery Gallery remains a stalwart presence, continuing to champion the work of contemporary artists[3].

Exhibitions and Programming

The Bowery Gallery presents a diverse range of exhibitions throughout the year, showcasing the work of both member artists and invited guests. The gallery’s programming includes solo shows, group exhibitions, and annual juried competitions open to artists working in two-dimensional media[12].

Past exhibitions have featured the work of notable artists such as Philip Lawrence Sherrod, a prolific composer, painter, and poet known for his raw and earthy forms of expression[17], and Hearne Pardee, whose paintings of New York City are deeply engaged with architectural space, geometry, and color[16].

In addition to its regular exhibition schedule, the Bowery Gallery also offers special exhibition opportunities each summer, inviting artists and artist groups from across the United States to apply[11]. These invitational shows provide a platform for a wider range of artists to showcase their work in a prestigious New York City venue.

Supporting Emerging Artists

One of the key aspects of the Bowery Gallery’s mission is its commitment to supporting emerging artists. Through its annual juried competition, the gallery provides an opportunity for up-and-coming artists to exhibit their work alongside more established names in the field[13].

The juried competition, which celebrated its 32nd year in 2023, is open to all artists working in two-dimensional media, with past jurors including prominent artists, curators, and art professionals[12]. This event not only helps to discover and promote new talent but also fosters a sense of community and dialogue among artists at various stages of their careers.

Member Artists

The Bowery Gallery represents a diverse group of member artists, each with their own unique style and approach to contemporary art. These artists work in a variety of media, including painting, drawing, printmaking, and mixed media[14].

Some notable member artists include:

• Audrey Cohn Gantz
• Anne Delaney
• Colleen Franca
• Steffi Franks
• Dorothy Frey
• John Goodrich
• Janet Gorzegno
• Xiaorui Huang
• Michael Johnson
• Deborah Kahn

These artists, along with the rest of the Bowery Gallery’s members, contribute to the gallery’s dynamic and engaging exhibition program, ensuring that visitors are always treated to a wide range of contemporary art practices[14].

Outsider Art and the Bowery

In addition to the Bowery Gallery, the Bowery is home to several other notable art spaces, including the Andrew Edlin Gallery, which specializes in outsider art. Outsider art, also known as self-taught or visionary art, refers to work created by artists who have little or no formal training and often operate outside of the mainstream art world[19].

The Andrew Edlin Gallery has played a significant role in bringing attention to outsider artists, providing them with a platform to showcase their unique and often unconventional works. The gallery’s founder, Andrew Edlin, has a personal connection to outsider art, as his uncle Paul spent much of his life making art in his small New York City apartment while working various jobs[19].

The presence of galleries like Andrew Edlin on the Bowery highlights the street’s ongoing importance as a center for artistic innovation and discovery, complementing the work of more traditional spaces like the Bowery Gallery.

Visiting the Bowery Gallery

For those interested in experiencing the Bowery Gallery firsthand, the space is located at 547 W 27th St, Suite 508, in New York City’s Chelsea neighborhood. The gallery is open to the public, and visitors can expect to find a welcoming and engaging atmosphere, with knowledgeable staff ready to discuss the current exhibitions and answer any questions[20].

The Bowery Gallery’s upcoming exhibition schedule includes solo shows by artists such as Hearne Pardee, Younghee Choi Martin, Kamini Avril, and Ian Tornay[15], providing an excellent opportunity for art enthusiasts to discover new works and engage with the vibrant contemporary art scene in New York City.

Conclusion

The Bowery Gallery has been a fixture of the New York art world for over six decades, consistently presenting high-quality contemporary art and supporting the careers of both established and emerging artists. As a cooperative gallery with a strong sense of community and collaboration, the Bowery Gallery offers a unique and valuable perspective on the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary art.

Through its diverse exhibition program, annual juried competition, and commitment to showcasing innovative works across various media, the Bowery Gallery continues to make a significant contribution to the cultural life of New York City. For anyone interested in discovering new artists, engaging with thought-provoking works, or simply immersing themselves in the vibrant world of contemporary art, a visit to the Bowery Gallery is an essential experience.

As the Bowery itself continues to transform and evolve, spaces like the Bowery Gallery serve as important reminders of the street’s rich artistic heritage and its ongoing role as a hub for creativity and innovation. By championing the work of contemporary artists and fostering a sense of community and dialogue, the Bowery Gallery helps to ensure that the Bowery remains a vital and dynamic part of New York City’s cultural landscape for years to come.

Citations: [1] https://www.westwoodgallery.com/exhibitions/artists-on-the-bowery-part-4 [2] https://www.bowery.org/updates/2022/12/150-exhibition/ [3] https://archive.newmuseum.org/exhibitions/1607 [4] https://98bowery.com [5] https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hyatt-world-hyatt/1971350-hotel-50-bowery-nyc-joie-de-vivre-review-master-thread.html [6] https://www.newmuseum.org/exhibitions [7] https://98bowery.com/return-to-the-bowery/abcnorio-the-neighborhood [8] https://www.culturedmag.com/article/2023/04/25/clearing-gallery-bowery-new-space-manhattan-brooklyn [9] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salon_94 [10] https://www.westwoodgallery.com [11] https://bowerygallery.org/invitationals [12] https://bowerygallery.org/juried-shows [13] https://www.artworkarchive.com/call-for-entry/bowery-gallery-33rd-annual-juried-competition-2024 [14] https://bowerygallery.org/new-page-1 [15] https://bowerygallery.org/new-page-4-1 [16] https://www.artsy.net/partner/bowery-gallery [17] https://levineartstudio.com/life-and-art-at-bowery-gallery/ [18] https://bowerygallery.org/about [19] https://indypendent.org/2020/03/true-originals-the-andrew-edlin-gallery-on-the-bowery-gives-outsider-artists-their-day/ [20] https://www.yelp.com/biz/bowery-gallery-new-york