While real estate snooping, I spotted a 2500 sq. ft. space on Franklin St, sandwiched between the newly opened People of 2Morrow and the half block of scaffolding that will soon become even more prime retail space on one of Greenpoint’s most booming blocks.
I thought to myself this spot would be perfect for an art gallery and a few weeks later POOF! – Rekover Projects (77 Franklin St) opened – just like that. The first show titled “Before Intersections” is a solo exhibition by space lessee and artist Tristan Fitch, who runs the project space with his partner and women’s accessories designer Katie Hartsough.
In case you missed the opening, the closing reception for Tristan’s art show is tonight (3/6) from 6-9pm – and just as quickly as that show comes down, there will be an opening for the next project, a pop-up, this Saturday 3/8.
The light at the new gallery is immaculate, and despite its 30ft high industrial ceilings, the white walls are grounded and cozied by dark floors. A separate loft up top will be built to serve as Katie’s design studio space, as well. But don’t look up too long because resident pooch Elvis wants lots of love.
In this competitive real estate market, a space can’t be just one thing; high square foot prices necessitate multifunctional venues, which is how the two plan to run the Rekover (pronounce recover). The name reflects something that exists already (like vintage) and what you can make it or what else it can be, Katie said.
In her hunt for studio space, Katie found the location “too perfect” and explained how the two plan to rotate between art shows and pop-ups shops on a monthly basis. They are very happy about the response the space has already received and have the next year loosely scheduled out, although the reveals will be spur of the moment to drum up excitement.
Chatting with Tristan about his show and background as an abstract oil painter, he explained how this show is a total reinvention of his technique of heavy textures with a palette knife on oversized canvases. For this show he took large paintings that he “didn’t like” and cut them into smaller triangular pieces and collaged them together into a modular grid, which he moves around on the walls according to his fastidious whimsy on a daily basis. Perhaps it’s a metaphor on how the team will run the space. The works are affordable at $200 and perfectly sized for small Brooklyn apartments.
This Saturday a pop-up called Bling Bling Hello will open (with champagne and glittery cookies) and run through April 8th. It will feature hand bedazzled iPhone cases, jewelry and other “sparkling magic” for sale by the Leah Mulartrick. There aren’t many things in the world that I NEED, except is this amazing farfalle necklace! Other pasta options available as well…
Meet the friendly folks at Rekover Projects and let us know what you think about the space!