DISPATCH - JULY 25, 2013
NEW YORK, NY
If you're not in the Hamptons, then Chelsea is the place to be tonight for the Fourth Annual Chelsea Art Walk. Over 85 art venues--including galleries, art spaces and artist studios--have banded together to stay open late and welcome visitors to enjoy art in Chelsea. The evening also offers special events, artist talks and receptions.
The 2013 Chelsea Art Walk will take place on July 25, 2013 from 5 to 8 p.m. with festivities taking place between West 19th to West 29th Street. The event is free.
Galleries participating include Marianne Boesky, Harris Lieberman, Lehmann Maupin Gallery, Morgan Lehman Gallery, Kathryn Markel Fine Art, Leila Heller Gallery, Ricco/Maresca Gallery, Andrew Edlin Gallery, C24 Gallery, Churner & Churner, Marianne Boesky and others. For a full list of participating galleries, venues and artists, visit www.artwalkchelsea.com.
Special events are being held at select galleries and art venues. They include a pop up bookstore and reception at David Zwirner and a lecture on Japanese photographer Takuma Nakahira at Yossi Milo Gallery.
An artist panel and reception takes place at the International Print Center New York. An artist demonstration of calligraphy unfolds during an artist reception at Onishi Project. Talks by emerging artists takes place between 6 and 7 p.m. at Jenkins Johnson Gallery. For a full event list, visit the Chelsea Art Walk website.
Artists opening their studios include Xanda McCagg, Arlene Rush, William Evertson, Elga Wimmer and others.
Visiting art galleries during the Chelsea Art Walk provides a relaxed and unusual opportunity to view art under a twilight sky.
"It's rare to have around 100 galleries at the same time just open their doors and welcome the public," said Churner & Churner Gallery Director Renne Bovenz.
The Chelsea Art Walk is also unusual for its block party vibe and lighthearted atmosphere. Throwing an art party--so to speak--also has the effect of welcoming everyone interested in art.
"Last year was like a community block party," said C24 Gallery Director Lisa de Simone. "It was quite wonderful. We saw a different and diverse crowd. There were families, high school students researching art and tourists of cultural events... It felt like a celebration of art."
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Partial installation view of video art by Katja Loher as part of "Other Voices" at C24 Gallery. Photo courtesy C24 Gallery.
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Partial installation view of video art by Katja Loher as part of "Other Voices" at C24 Gallery. Photo courtesy C24 Gallery.
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The annual art walks provides the chance for the Chelsea art community to collaborate and help draw attention to summer exhibitions plus special projects that only take place in summer, according to organizers. With the gallery-rich neighborhood providing hundreds of art options, summer exhibitions allows amble chances to discover something new even as the city's art season winds down before relaunching in September.
"I think it's important--especially in middle of summertime--to draw attention to the end of the summer exhibitions," said Bovenz. "This is an ideal way to bring the community on board and come together as neighbors and invite people to look around Chelsea."
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"Untitled (Blinds)" by Barney Kulok, 2011. Gelatin silver print, 20 x 27 1/2 inches. edition of 6. Photo courtesy of Churner and Churner, New York.
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"Hinged Painting (Plaza de Independencia, Ecuador)" by Lisa Sigal, 2012. Paint and archival print on Tyvek on sheet rock and metal studs, and painted window screen. 101 x 48 x 14 inches. Photo courtesy of Churner and Churner, New York.
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With Superstorm Sandy mostly a mere memory, this year's Chelsea Art Walk is expected to be as vibrant as last year's, said Bovenzi. Since last year storm, some galleries closed or relocated because of flooding or storm damage. Other galleries renovated and remained in their existing spots.
Overall, the mood in Chelsea is positive with no discernible change in attitude. Like last year, expectations run high for a vibrant 2013 Chelsea Art Walk.
"It should be really great," said Bovenzi.
BASIC FACTS: The Fourth Annual Chelsea Art Walk takes place on July 25 from 5 to 8 p.m. The Chelsea Art Walk is free and open to the public. For information: www.artwalkchelsea.com or www.facebook.com/chelseaartwalk. Follow on Twitter @ChelseaArtWalk.
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