Five Bushwick Galleries You (Probably) Haven’t Been To Yet

In my art explorations around Bushwick I ventured off the beaten track and visited a few new art spaces.

Recently, the prices of rent have caused that the boundaries of New York’s emerging art frontier to be pushed further north. In Ridgewood, two new galleries, Small Black Door and Valentine, have popped up near the more established Famous Accountants.

While looking for new galleries I certainly couldn’t skip Morgantown, where the first gallery complex in Bushwick has been slowly emerging in front of our eyes. The building at 56 Bogart is a former factory converted into artist studios, which will be now also a home to seven galleries.

Peter Hopkins, of Momenta Art and Bogart Salon, says that he thinks 56 Bogart is by no means changing into a “gallery mall.” “Maybe a gallery arcade,” he admitted. “In any case, quality is the common feature of all seven galleries that will be open and running by January 2012.” Hopkins also said that they are trying to avoid “white Chelsea boxes” at any cost. He said that all of the spaces are unique, diverse and most of them are ran by artists.

I took a look at five smaller, newly emerged galleries: Small Black Door, Valentine Gallery, The Bogart Salon, Interstate Projects and Agape.

Small Black Door

19-20 Palmetto Street, Ridgewood, Queens

Founded by: Jonathan Terranova and Matthew Mahler in late 2010

Why they opened: Matthew Mahler said that with Jonathan Terranova’s awesome space in Ridgewood and his connections in Bushwick art community, it would be a shame not to open a gallery. Thanks to the good relationship with the landlord, they don’t have to focus on sales and can freely pursuit quality and take their time developing good ideas.

Tip: Don’t ask where Small Black Door is, if you’re standing in front of a small black door …

Valentine

464 Seneca Ave Ridgewood, Queens

Founded by: Fred Valentine in June 2011

Whey they opened: Valentine wants to give a shot to emerging artists  and provide the space they need.

Interesting fact: Fred Valentine, who was a prominent figure in the early Williamsburg gallery scene, says that Ridgewood is great. The rent is affordable, the neighborhood is diverse and still has some edge — he is afraid to walk on the street at 2am, unlike Williamsburg. “That’s one large party spot,” he says of his old hood.

The Bogart Salon

56 Bogart Street, Bushwick, Brooklyn

Founded by: Begun in September 2011 by the building owner, Ted Hovivian, and gallery director Peter Hopkins.

Why they opened: The Bogart Salon director, Peter Hopkins, says that despite the common belief, the art world is a risk-averse environment, where people try only what has been tried before. “That’s why nobody has thought of exhibitions funding art salons,” he says, Hopkins wants to wants to revive the concept of salons where the roles of artists, collectors and critics are interchangeable and dialogue is encouraged.

Interesting fact: Their first salon, which opens this Friday, will feature a living painting, “The Picnic” by Edouard Manet.

Interstate Projects

56 Bogart Street, Bushwick, Brooklyn

Founded by: Tom Weinrich in March 2011

Why they opened: They are focusing on recent MFA graduates and putting on some of the best shows in the neighborhood.

Agape

56 Bogart Street, Bushwick, Brooklyn

Founded by: Eric Heist and Kikuko Tanaka in October 2011

Interesting fact: They will open this Friday for the first time! This space is still accepting submissions.

Separation in Small Black Door opened on October 15, 2011 and is on view by appointment.
What Makes Us Different From The Animals in Valentine opened on October 14, 2011 and is on view through November 6, 2011.
Salon at The Bogart Salon opens on Friday, October 21, 2011. 
Jesse McLean: TrustFall opens at Interstate Projects on Friday, October 21, 2011 and will be on view though December 12, 2011.
Agape opens on Friday, October 21.