Your Handy Guide to Greenpoint Gallery Night

Attention art lovers! The first Greenpoint Gallery Night of 2014 is taking place on Friday, February 7 (6–9pm). Here’s your guide to what to see and do in Brooklyn’s northernmost neighborhood, where pierogies, artisanal pizza, small-batch gin, kolbassa, and lots and lots of art easily mix, giving the area its oh-so-irresistible character. Did we mention there are 20 galleries in Greenpoint nowadays?

What should you do during Greenpoint Gallery Night? See everything, of course, but here are some suggestions for things we suggest you check out … and Hyperallergic is a proud media sponsor for the event.

Art

The Greenpointers blog has already outlined the new spaces in the neighborhood’s growing gallery scene. There’s Bunker 259 (259 Banker Street) and Gallery 106 Green (106 Green Street, of course), as well as Dose Projects (67 West Street, Suite 215), which boasts the motto “good art + good causes,” since 50% of all online sales are donated to charitable causes (the artists receive the other half). And then there’s the new Human NYC (110 Meserole Avenue), which may have one of the most minimal websites in the city.

67 West Street – This is the must-see on Greenpoint Gallery Night. From Calico to Fowler Art Space and Greenpoint Terminal Gallery, this is a hot spot that will introduce you to a wide array of friendly artists, locals, and art lovers from across the city (and that also throws the best gallery night parties in the area). As a bonus, newcomer Dose Projects is also in the complex.

Booklyn (37 Greenpoint Avenue, 4th floor) – I adore this gallery that devotes itself to prints and the book arts. Their current show features the work of Mike Taylor, who’s known for his richly colored graphics and asks the fascinating question, “Whose memories become historical memory?”

Heliopolis (154 Huron Street) – The gallery is showing Wash Self/Flesh Saw, a solo exhibition by Matt Gliva that’s the culmination of his monthlong residency at the space. Added incentive: they will have hot toddies for visitors that night.

Yes Gallery (147 India Street) – The good people at Yes are having a group show, Slang Reflections, featuring the photography of Gigi Elmes, Michael Koehler, Chris Shonting, Brooke Smith, James Stone, Justin Vogel, Jammi York, and Nick Zinner. The exhibition is curated by Lesley Doukhowetzky.

Food & Drinks

Alameda (195 Franklin Street) – A wonderfully designed restaurant with a very central bar, Alameda is a great place for a fantastic cocktail or a delicious — but not inexpensive — meal.

Brouwerij Lane (78 Greenpoint Avenue) – All you need to know is that this tiny bar is Greenpoint’s fresh beer store, with 150+ bottles and 19 growler taps. They will also have a small show of works by Uta Brauser on view.

Karczma (136 Greenpoint Avenue) – If you want a traditional Polish experience, then this spot might be for you. All the waitresses (and yes, they are all women) are Polish, they dress in traditional garb, and the place almost looks like a Polish-themed restaurant. The food is good (but heavy), and there are tons of spirits (particularly vodkas) to choose from to wash down the pierogies and sausage.

Paulie Gee’s (60 Greenpoint Avenue) – If you had to shortlist the best pizza places in Brooklyn, this one would certainly be high on the list. Their unique “hot honey” is a must-try ingredient (yes, on pizza), but all their dishes are delicious. If the owner likes you, then he might stop by your table and give you a limoncello shot, but otherwise they have a nice wine list and other concoctions. The only drawback is that some evenings the wait can be an hour plus. But quality is worth waiting for.

Pencil Factory (142 Franklin Street) – A no-frills place for a beer that’s very centrally located for the neighborhood.

Brooklyn Night Bazaar (165 Banker Street) – This indoor market is part flea market, part food court, and part concert venue. The vibe is chill, and the food (lobster rolls, sausage, grilled cheese, tacos, brisket … ) is really good. Sit down, have a drink, try something different before heading out to the art shows.