Tucked away in the northern tip of Brooklyn, there is a hub for creatives where creativity and innovation flows freely. Where artists and entrepreneurs alike gather to manifest their vision and collaborate with their counterparts. Where locals find peace to fuel their focus and manifest their vision. From an outdoor event space to a fine-art gallery and 150+ studio and office spaces, Java Studios (252 Java St) has emerged as platform for creation, owned and operated by artists.
Java Project Art Gallery Opening during Greenpoint Open Studios 2017
As artists themselves, the owners at Java have worked hard to provide space and opportunities to like-minded people. From architects to writers, designers to painters, and non-profits to small businesses, the inhabitants have a diverse range of focus. And it’s this diversity that sets Java apart from similar workspaces-it’s not the studios, amenities, or affordability-it’s the surrounding inhabitants who become neighbors, collaborators, sources of support and inspiration. Art cannot be created in a vacuum-it both reflects and regards the world around it. To be inspired is to be connected, and that’s what Java provides.
In keeping with the larger Java ethos, the physical space has been designed to fit the needs of the its occupants. Unlike other communal workspaces, the studios at Java are private and individualized-your work environment is entirely customizable, and the shared amenities are there to support your needs. The Java Project-a fine-art gallery on the first floor-presents new exhibitions each month, and also features inhabitants’ work. Other amenities include an outdoor spaces, a conference room, slop sinks, WiFi and utilities, package reception, and an on-site handyman, all of which are free and readily available.
The outdoor venue, Java Outback, has been revamped in anticipation of the many upcoming events. For the third year in a row, Java will again host the 2018 Greenpoint Open Studios launch party. The creative spirit and community, along with Java’s support of small businesses, make it the perfect place to kick off a weekend of GOS.
Work by Karen Marston exhibited in Demeter’s Wrath
Karen Marston – Demeter’s Wrath at Owen James Gallery
Karen Marston is a painter focused on the fundamental contradiction of natural phenomena, the pairing of powerful terror with majestic beauty. Her large-scale oil paintings portray this strength at its extremes: tornadoes, forest fires, hurricanes, volcanic eruptions. While many of these events have occurred naturally throughout the history of the Earth, they have also been exacerbated by the influence humans have on the environment.
Need something to do this weekend? We’ve got a couple of shows at a few galleries this weekend for you to check out to celebrate the first weekend of April. From Owen James Gallery to Secret Project Robot, be sure to mark your calendars for some of their special receptions the next couple of nights!
1. The Village Art Installation Secret Project Robot Opening Reception Friday, April 1st 7-10pm
3. Paola Citterio, “Men at Work” Picture Farm Gallery Friday, April 8th at 6-9pm
4. Charles Bukowski & Walter Robinson Owen James Gallery Friday, April 8th to Saturday (opening reception 6-8pm), May 14th5. Amy Hill, “Young and Innocent” Front Room Gallery Friday, April 15th (opening reception 7-9pm) to Sunday, May 22nd
With a BFA at the California College of Arts & Crafts and a concentration in sculpture at Yale University School of Art, Harriet Salmon successfully found herself in the East Coast art world in the year 2006, making a name for herself as an illustrator, fabricator, and artist. Her roles in the past have included working as the Production Assistant at Pixar for the film Ratatouille and former Senior Photo Editor at Artforum Magazine, with much of her artwork revolving around body movement within landscapes. Continue reading →
When he’s not working from his studio in Greenpoint, teaching at the School of Visual Arts, or filling in as art director for the New York Times Op-Ed page, Josh Cochran holds his annual Get Nude. Get Drawn exhibitions with fellow artist and friend Mike Perry. This year will be their fifth. The project consists of getting together some of Brooklyn’s most talented illustrators and dedicated day sessions of drawing nude models in their respective styles. The exhibition will show drawings made by the two originators themselves, along with artists Chrissy Angliker, Jon Burgerman, Mario Hugo, Julia Rothman, Edward Ubiera, and Joo Hee Yoon. Anticipating tonight’s show I asked Josh to share a few words about the playful collaboration and what it’s like to delve into the world of nude art.
Exhibition: Thursday, January 28th Tictail Market 90 Orchard St 7 – 11 pm
Photo source @joshcochran
GP: Can you introduce yourself? I’m an illustrator for magazines, newspapers and advertising. Sometimes I make murals as well.
GP: I hear you have a studio here at the Pencil Factory. What is your history with the space and what is a typical day in the studio like for you? I’ve been here off and on for about seven years. It’s this big building with a bunch of other creative people working in various studios. Sort of feels like school, in a good way! Sometimes if I’m working on a project, it’s really nice to lean over and get an opinion of one of my studio mates. I come in around 10am and leave around dinnertime. I try to get my commissioned work out of the way so I have some time to work on personal projects. I try to work during daylight hours but of course if I have a deadline, this gets shifted around a little.
GP: How did the idea for this exhibition come along? How did you and Mike meet? Mike and I met at the ADC Young Guns awards party. We were both getting an award, and just started talking. The idea for the project came about when we were both talking about how we wished we could draw nudes again but maybe approach it from a different perspective. In art school, drawing the nude was really academic and I wanted to find a fresh, spontaneous way to work. Drawing from normal, non-professional people really changes how you approach drawing. There is a certain amount of awkwardness and honesty that I hope to capture.
GP: Have you worked with any of tonight’s artists before? I’ve worked with a couple of them before. Edward Ubiera and I did a mural project together last summer. Also I’ve done a few projects with Julia Rothman. This Brooklyn art world is pretty small actually.
Photo source @joshcochran
GP: What other kinds of shows do you plan on putting together in the future? No immediate plans just yet. Though this is the 5th year of doing nudes and definitely planning on keeping this project going until we’re both very old. It’s been really interesting seeing how the project and work has evolved through the years.
GP: With these drawing sessions, what is the procedure like in order to get people the most comfortable? We try to keep it as professional as possible. There is a changing area and we usually set up a bunch of props and lights that the models can interact with. Usually we try to chat a little bit with each model to see what kind of poses they want to do or what will make them feel more comfortable. I think one person this year drank half a can of beer, which seemed like it helped!
GP: What are you looking forward to the most with this exhibition? I’m really looking forward to meeting some of the models. It’s been fascinating hearing the stories from people that have modeled for us. We’ve gotten people who’ve wanted to pose in order to get over a phobia of being naked in public, women who are about to have a baby, my studio mate who wants to embarrass me, etc. It’s always been sort of a crazy experience.
Monte Antrim: promotional card for group art show "Both Sides of the Pulaski," 2010.
Summertime in the city, and Brooklyn is full of places to explore. Today, go to Brouwerij Lane to have a beer and check out Monte Antrim‘s neighborhood-friendly opening (6pm). On Friday, stop by Java Studios Gallery for Katerina Ganchak‘s opening of delicate glassworks & paintings, “Just Feel” (6pm). On Saturday, drop by the Brooklyn Artists Alliance for Jason Roy‘s first solo-exhibition opening “NO (A Masterless Universe)” (7pm). Or, have a conversation with Jean-Pierre Gorin at Light Industry (7pm). Get lost in the streets but find yourself in the art.
Greenpoint Gallery Night is this Friday 2/7 from 6-9pm. While in the past this map has only been available online for download, the Gallery Night HQ Galleries at 67 West St will have printed maps available for those of you still using flip phones.
Last week we introduced all the new galleries in Greenpoint, but there are over a dozen locations where you will find great local art on exhibit. See you Friday!
Tonight a crew of Brooklyn and Greenpoint “solo” artists are participating in a “regroup” show at Williamsburg hair salon HeadChop (86 Berry St) from 8-11pm. Ken Butler, Daniel Hodkinson, Amanda LaMarco, Chelsey Pettijohn, Paul Richard, Will Star, Clinton Van Gemert plus more will be exhibiting work. Plus you can bring your own vinyl to play.
The weather is perfect to stroll around our lovely neighborhood this evening and check out local art scene. 16 galleries in total are participating in Greenpoint Gallery Night.
Sponsored post by Java Studios: A Creative Hub for Brooklyn Artists
5. Amy Hill, “Young and Innocent”
