Greenpoint Artists Invade Upper East Side: New York I Love You Sometimes

Only two things could make me wake up and trek to the Upper East Side:  Art and Central Park.  This Sunday, I was well rewarded with both.

George Terry, a local Greenpoint artist, has masterfully orchestrated an art exhibit, salon style in a pre-war Manhattan dwelling, aptly named Classic Six, which was steps away from Central Park. “New York I Love You Sometimes” features a unique pool of converging circles of friends in the art sphere.  This interesting co-mingling of seemingly disparate worlds:  Brooklyn Artists/ Upper East Side Exhibit, was made possible by the generosity of Alison Chace, the owner of the space.

As I walked into 1 East 62nd St., I was formally greeted by the doorman, escorted up and was ushered into this amazing apartment.  Large picture windows and pristine white walls were the perfect canvas for housing the beautiful art pieces.   George Terry gave me an in-depth tour of the exhibit and sat down with me for an interview.

GP:  What was the catalyst or concept for the show?

GT:  The whole experience has felt like a gift. New York places one of the highest premiums on space of any place on earth, and at the same time restricts access to it. I met Alison Chace, and she was interested in hosting an exhibition in her vacant pre-war apartment just off Central Park. I had just 3 weeks to put the whole thing together, but I had been looking for a venue to present an exhibition for some time, so when this incredibly generous opportunity presented itself I was prepared. Alison is a consummate hostess, and really turned the opening into an event.

I have always loved exhibitions that are organized by artists, because I think that artists tend to be better custodians of the integrity of the art being shown. I didn’t want to impose any overarching meaning or connections on the work. The show looks good because the work is so good.

GP:  What was the structure / curation for the artists?

GT:  I tried to reach across the circles of friends I have become a part of and show work from a wide range of people. The most important aspect of being an artist in New York is the pool of artists is so large and varied. I think that every exhibiting artist knew at least one other person in the show, but no one knew everyone. Connecting these people has been one of the most satisfying parts of the whole process. I hoped to showcase these artist’s work, and not highlight the curation. The space and circumstances alone are interesting enough.

GP:  Why the salon style? Is it common in NY?

GT:  When I say salon style I mean it in the sense of exhibiting a large group of artists within a beautiful private residence. Traditionally, a salon was hosted by an artist or patron, and was a meeting place for the community to look and talk about the work. Artist-organized exhibitions occur all the time, but it is rare that one happens in such a beautiful location.

GP:  Will we be expecting more or another show?

GT:  Definitely. I am interested in organizing shows in all different types of spaces around the city. The next project I have planned is actually right here in Greenpoint, at Fowler Arts Collective in May. If we can do another show at this space I will certainly let you know, it is an apartment on the market after all.

GP: For the ones who might (*le sigh*) miss this exhibit, are there any ongoing/upcoming shows of the artists involved?

GT:  Currently, Carolyn Salas, Hang Up, at Dodge Gallery on the Lower East Side.  Adam Parker Smith, 9:4:1 currently at Storefront Gallery in Bushwick.   Mónika Sziládi, There Is More To The Story at Helac Fine Art and Brett Day Windham, The Temporary Institute for Emancipated Objects at Rocky Mountain Colege of Art and Design.  For the upcoming ones, they’re too numerous to list effectively, but check out their websites!

Here’s a list of the participating artists:

Joshua Abelow // Rory Baron // Justin Cooper //  Dan Estabrook // James Foster // Andrés Garcia-Peña // Janelle Iglesias //  Ben A. Jones // Anna Mikhailovskaia // Ross Moreno // Andy Ness // Max Reinhardt // Carolyn Salas // Gabriela Salazar // Adam Parker Smith // Monika Sziladi // George Terry // Brett Day Windham // Lumin Wakoa // Joshua Webb

Check out photos of the Opening Night by Johnathon Henniger.  There’s also time to trek up to the UES and see the art:  Exhibit runs til February 6.  Hours are by appointment, RSVP here or email [email protected].