G-TRAIN SALON

2012-02-13T20:49:00.001-08:00

OUR FIRST SALON OF 2012!

Introducing Artist Cat Glennon and our New Partners, Two Moons

2012-01-08T18:56:00.000-08:00

A SNEAK PEAK INTO FEBRUARY'S SALON!

Artist Cat Glennon

2011-11-17T17:32:00.001-08:00

Our fall salon at Vax Moto was a show to remember!

PICS of the event here:

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.181988468546987.48334.171314232947744&type=3

2011-08-25T09:40:00.000-07:00

LAST CHANCE TO CHECK OUT THE GROUP EXHIBITION AT
VAX MOTO MOTORCYCLE GARAGE!
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3RD

6:30 - 8:30pm

Cocktails provided by Draft Barn followed a discussion led by the artists at 7:30pm. Artists Fabian Tabibian and Rachel LaBine will be on the mic! Brooklyn-based band, Wild Deer, will close out the evening in style followed by an after party at Draft Barn bar right across the street where they'll be offering food and drink specials.

Bushwick-based artists Rahul Alexander, Rachel LaBine, Justin Orvis Steimer and Fabian Tabibian. Also featuring artist Barry Shepherd.
Images from the opening salon: http://ow.ly/77Gv9

Courtesy Artist Rachel LaBine

Courtesy artist Rahul Alexander

Courtesy artist Justin Orvis Steimer

Last Chance to Meet the Young Curators of Project: Curate!

2011-06-23T20:07:00.000-07:00

Join us for a chat with the artists moderated by the lovely bunch below (with a little help from yours truly
: ) See you at NURTUREart Gallery on Friday, June 24 at 7pm. Details here: www.nurtureart.org

Get to Know Artist Seldon Yuan!

2011-06-09T11:34:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

We're back! Finally getting a chance to update the blog. Thanks for your patience! Also, please join us next Thursday, June 16 for the last salon of the season featuring artist Seldon Yuan!

In Plain View, featuring Seldon Yuan
Thursday, June 16
6:30pm - Cocktails
7:30pm - Discussion with the artist
Seldon Yuan's work creates visual poems via "filters" or "lenses" placed between the viewer and the object viewed. Utilizing simple tools such as mirrors and clear mylar, Yuan sets up layered poetic moments where the abstract and figural interplay and the things we don't talk about are examined.

Urban Alchemist Design Collective
343 5th Street (right off 5th Avenue)
Park Slope, BK
F train to 4th Ave/9th Street

HEADS-UP! For those of you kicking yourselves for missing the "Project: Curate!" opening, we'll be having a closing event at NURTUREart on Friday, June 24.

Project: Curate - Call for Submissions!

2011-04-04T19:04:00.000-07:00

Hey world!

I've been working with the talented students of "Project: Curate," a high school art class + curatorial partnership with NURTUREart Gallery in Williamsburg. We been seeing, thinking and talking about art and the art of curation for the past few months and are currently preparing for our June 3rd exhibition at the gallery! As a former teacher, I'm thoroughly enjoying this experience and letting these young people take the lead. This time, they settled on the theme of tragedy in the 21st century. How unbelievably relevant and timely, right? Please see below and spread the word!

BLOOD SWEAT AND TEARS: THE WORK OF ART AND TRAGEDY

DEADLINE: April 22, 2011.
The exhibition will open on June 3, 2011.

We, “Project: Curate“, are a group of high school students curating an exhibition at NURTUREart Gallery, with guidance from independent-curator Krista Saunders. We have been discussing tragedy in the 21st century (9/11, the earthquake in Haiti, Hurricane Katrina and, more recently, the earthquake and tsunami in Japan and the 100 year anniversary of the Triangle ShirtWaist Fire right here in New York City). As young people who have grown up amidst this century’s devastating tragedies, we’re particularly interested in how artists are grappling with this volatile environment as well. We’re also inspired by the laborious, painstaking and rewarding rebuilding efforts that followed these and every tragedy. We are looking forward to exhibiting new and existing projects by artists who have or would like to address any of these events or the universal aspects of tragedy (and/or the hard work behind renewal) in general. Artists that work in all media are encouraged to apply!

Please submit your 1-paragraph bio, website (if applicable), 2-3 jpegs of proposed work and separate document with full artwork captions (title, date, medium/a, dimensions) and a short (2-4 sentences) statement about the work to: projectcurate@gmail.com

We look forward to hearing from you! If you have any questions, please contact Molly O’Brien, NURTUREart Education Coordinator, at molly@nurtureart.org.

"The Old Stone House, New Histories" Closing Salon

2011-03-06T19:08:00.000-08:00

Thanks again to the Old Stone House and the talented artists in the "New Histories" exhibition! Isn't this space gorgeous? Also note the old-fashioned hanging style we learned in order to preserve these historic walls.

Andrew Zarou's collage close-up

Boris Rasin's portraits (accompanied by snacks)

Karen Schoellkopf's Buffalo waterfront series

Henry Chung discusses his technique (background: Boris Rasin + Kenny Komer's American flag installation/projection)

The crowd engaged (with Henry Chung's pieces by the windows)

First time Andrew showed this "pickled" collection of found objects!

Andrew Zarou describing his process

A better shot of Henry Chung's anonymous soldier

Henry and Nathalie discuss Park Slope over a cocktail

Andrew, the audience and another incarnation of Boris and Kenny's flag installation

The Last Hurrah! Closing Salon this Sunday

2011-02-22T20:41:00.000-08:00

Hello Again!

Please join us this Sunday, February 27, between 4-6pm to hear from artists Henry Chung and Andrew Zarou of RHV Fine Art, an artist-run gallery in the dynamic neighborhood of South Slope! See below for images and more information. We promise to have you home in time for the Oscars!

See what Flavorpill and the Park Slope Patch had to say:

http://flavorpill.com/brooklyn/events/2011/2/1/g-train-salon-old-stone-house-new-histories

http://parkslope.patch.com/articles/g-train-salon-generates-new-art-on-old-themes

“The Old Stone House, New Histories,” is an opportunity to showcase local talent based in and around Park Slope, Brooklyn. We also collaborated with artists who incorporate history, time and memory in their work as a nod to the storied past of this historic, Brooklyn enclave: artist Andrew Zarou’s collages recycle newspaper and fragmented documents; Karen Schoellkopf’s post-industrial Buffalo landscapes embody old and new meanings of home; and Boris Rasin and Kenny Komer’s site-specific installation charts the evolution of the American flag. Mason Saltarrelli’s playful chronology and found motifs migrate throughout his tarnished canvases while Henry Chung’s found photographs are reborn with the aid of an obscure computer punch tape device. Artist Robert Walden ─ whose cartography-informed works literally map out his past actions ─ manages RHV Fine Art with Chung in the burgeoning artistic community of South Slope.

Meet the artists at the opening and closing salons on February 1 from 6-8pm and February 27 from 4-6pm.

www.theoldstonehouse.org
Washington Park/JJ Byrne Playground
5th Ave. at 3rd St.
Brooklyn NY 11215
F train to 4th Ave/9th St.

Thanks to the ParkSlopePatch for the Local News Love!

2011-02-14T09:37:00.000-08:00

Old Stone House artist, Mason Saltarrelli, tipped us off about this over the weekend! Check out writer Melanie White's excellent review of "The Old Stone House, New Histories."

http://parkslope.patch.com/articles/g-train-salon-generates-new-art-on-old-themes

Opening Salon Pics

2011-02-02T08:27:00.000-08:00

A few shots from The Old Stone House. Good times! Show is up through 2/27 (Closing salon, 4-6pm). Thanks for comin' out!

Lemia, Karen, Leo . . . and red!

Nicole; Kim of The Old Stone House (right)

Nicole's students dropped by! Mason's work in the background

Artist Karen Schoellkopf speaks about her Buffalo landscapes

Artist Boris Rasin discusses esoteric symbols and fraternities in his work

The OSH Salon Sneak Peek

2011-01-13T18:24:00.000-08:00

The G-Train Salon is a roving, conversation-based exhibition series that made its debut in February 2009 from a living room on Atlantic Avenue. A collaboration between independent curators, Krista Saunders and Jill Benson ─ and the residents/organizations that lend them space and opportunity ─ the G-Train Salon presents a series of intimate exhibitions in which each artist leads a discussion with the audience.

“The Old Stone House, New Histories,” is an opportunity to showcase local talent based in and around Park Slope, Brooklyn. We also collaborated with artists who incorporate history, time and memory in their work as a nod to the storied past of this historic, Brooklyn enclave: artist Andrew Zarou’s collages recycle newspaper and fragmented documents; Karen Schoellkopf’s post-industrial Buffalo landscapes embody old and new meanings of home; and Boris Rasin and Kenny Komer’s site-specific installation charts the evolution of the American flag. Mason Saltarrelli’s playful chronology and found motifs migrate throughout his tarnished canvases while Henry Chung’s found photographs are reborn with the aid of an obscure computer punch tape device. Artist Robert Walden ─ whose cartography-informed works literally map out his past actions ─ manages RHV Fine Art with Chung in the burgeoning artistic community of South Slope.

Meet the artists at the opening and closing salons on February 1 from 6-8pm and February 27 from 4-6pm.

www.theoldstonehouse.org
Washington Park/JJ Byrne Playground
5th Ave. at 3rd St.
Brooklyn NY 11215
F train to 4th Ave/9th St.

Boris Rasin. Arch Masons. Pencil on gessoed MDF, 10.25" x 7.25," 2010

Boris Rasin. Skull and Bones. Pencil on gessoed MDF. 10.25" x 7.25," 2010

Karen Schoellkopf. Waterfronts. 2006-present. Digital c-prints. 20" x 24"

Robert Walden. Ontological Road Map 042806. 2006. Latex and ink on panel. 10" x 10"

Robert Walden. Ontological Road Map 070210. 2010. Ink on paper. 38" x 38"

Henry Chung. Anonymous #39. 2010. Computer punch tape. 35" x 24"

Henry Chung. Anonymous #21. 2008. Computer punch tape. 42" x 22"

Andrew Zarou. Temperate Vacuum. 2009. Aluminum and paper collage. 19" x 19"

Andrew Zarou. Sleep Lab. 2009. Spray paint on paper & plastic collage. 17" x 14"

Mason Saltarrelli. Kachina Found. 2010. Oil on Found Object. 19"x25"

Mason Saltarrelli. Strange. 2010. Unframed. Gouache on paper. 14" x 17"

The Old Stone House, New Histories

2011-01-09T21:38:00.000-08:00

The Old Stone House, a restored Revolutionary War site and museum, welcomes six artists from its surrounding community to discuss the role of history, time and memory in their work.

February 1
6-8pm
Salon Discussion with the Artists, 7pm
www.theoldstonehouse.org

Henry Chung, Boris Rasin, Mason Saltarrelli, Karen Schoellkopf, Robert Walden, Andrew Zarou

More details to follow!

G-Train Salon Partners with the Old Stone House in 2011

2010-12-20T11:42:00.000-08:00

Hi all,

We're excited to announce our new partnership with Park Slope's beloved,
Old Stone House, "a museum and community resource that explores the American Revolution, colonial life and Brooklyn." We're in the process of organizing a group exhibition featuring local, South-Brooklyn artists who, in the spirit of the OSH, work with history, time and memory in intriguing ways. Each artist will still have the opportunity to speak about their work/process in a series of salons held as the exhibition unfolds.

Last week, we visited artist Boris Rasin (of ConcernedNewYorkers.com). Check out their site to learn about some very cool projects he and collaborator Kenny Komer have worked on recently. They're the two masterminds behind the "Burns for Mayor" campaign (an Art in Odd Places project) and a current interactive project about the Park 51 controversy (seen on their homepage).

Sunset Park-based, Mason Saltarrelli, originally hails from New Orleans. Immersed in his studio last week, we were surrounded by found imagery, motifs and frames that jumped from canvas to hand-dyed paper to antiquated postcards. The figure in the image above was deceptively simple yet captivating and hints at more to come. . .

Speaking of which, stay tuned for more pics and details about the show opening in February 2011! Until then, Happy Holidays!

"NOW: on View" Opening, December 15

2010-12-09T14:54:00.000-08:00

Image Courtesy of Artist Margot Spindelman

Hey guys!

The G-Train Salon is making is first stop in the beloved borough of Queens next Wednesday, December 15. We've partnered with ArtConnects New York to curate their first Queens exhibition and could not be more pleased. ArtConnects New York is an extraordinary organization that places contemporary art in clinics, hospitals, foster care facilities and other social service agencies in all five boroughs. We were honored to work with ACNY on this historic placement (and first senior center) at the Ridgewood Older Adult Center, a vibrant recreational hub for Ridgewood's active, senior communities.

More info. to follow in the next post. We hope to see you next week when we celebrate at the opening (right on time for the holiday season)!

"NOW: on View"

Wednesday, December 15

3-6pm W

4pm Salon Discussion and Tour Led by Artist Andrea Burgay

Ridgewood Older Adult Center

59-14 70th Avenue (M train to Forest Avenue)

OTBKB Recap of Fanny Allié's, "Somewhere Else

2010-11-24T12:05:00.000-08:00

Because we couldn't say it any better! Many thanks to local Park Slope blog, Only the Blog Knows Brooklyn, for a great write-up!

http://onlytheblogknowsbrooklyn.com/2010/11/18/fanny-allie-posts-final-sentence-in-window-of-urban-alchemist/

Fanny Allié's "Somewhere Else" at Urban Alchemist

2010-11-06T07:09:00.000-07:00

Missed Wednesday night's salon? No worries! We've got your image-heavy recap right here ; ) Thanks to the new faces that formed the crowd and to Fanny who, for the first time in "G-Train Salon" history created an interactive installation that, literally, speaks to the Park Slope pedestrian.

The artiste tweaking the blue pile of clay letters before the main event

And, Voila! The finished product. Think on THAT

A couple shots from the outside

This is the first sentence in her story. We'll post the next when she switches it up!

Up close and personal

These are all sentences waiting to hatch!!

A Status Update . . . Made out of Clay!

2010-10-26T12:41:00.000-07:00

WHO: Mixed-media magician, Fanny Allié. Manipulator of hair, clay, ink, vintage acoutrements, video and more! www.fannyallie.com

WHAT: "Somewhere Else" Solo Exhibition and Salon Discussion with the Artist. A collection of text sculptures made from clay. One sentence hanging in the storefront will be legible while a collection of other clay sentences will be displayed in piles. Twice a week, the artist will rotate the sentences to pique the passerby's curiosity.

WHEN: Wednesday, November 3, 2010
6-8pm
Discussion with the artist at 7pm

WHERE: Urban Alchemist Design Collective
343 5th Street (right off 5th Avenue)
Park Slope, Brooklyn

UPCOMING SALONS:

Art Connects New York @ Ridgewood Older Adult Center (Queens)

www.artconnectsny.org
December 2010

Group Exhibition @ Old Stone House (Park Slope)
www.theoldstonehouse.org
Winter 2011

WORDBookstore (Greenpoint)
www.wordbrooklyn.com
Fall/Winter 2010-11

***For more information about us and regular updates, please visit www.gtrainsalon.blogspot.com***

ORGANIZATION & SUPPORT

G-Train Salon is the latest installment by independent curator and contemporary salonière, Krista N. Saunders, in collaboration with Co-Curator Jill Benson. The G-Train Salon at Urban Alchemist Design Collective is also supported by wine sponsor Picada y Vino. Promotional materials designed by Andres Medina.

###

Next Stop: A Church in Bushwick!

2010-10-04T14:20:00.001-07:00

Ever since its debut in a living room on Flatbush Avenue, the “G-Train Salon,” has introduced various audiences to emerging artists through conversation and inquiry. Harnessing the intimacy and accessibility of the salons of yore, this interactive exhibition series continues to thrive on its journey to a variety of offbeat locales throughout Brooklyn – and Queens as of this fall. Each month, we curate a solo exhibition in conjunction with one of our community partners and the featured artist inaugurates the show with an open-ended discussion with the audience. Next up? We are thrilled to announce our new partner Trinity Project Brooklyn, a church and artist exchange program at the Most Holy Trinity Church in Bushwick . Artist Barry Shepherd will debut new, large-scale abstract works in Haggerty Hall, a refurbished gallery space adjacent to the church's former sanitorium (now, newly-minted artist studios). Please join us on Friday, October 8 from 7-9pm for the opening and salon discussion with the artist at 8:00pm. Please see below for more information including our upcoming schedule.

Barry Shepherd @ Trinity Church (Bushwick)

October 8, 7-9pm
Salon Discussion with the Artist at 8pm

Haggerty Hall, Rooftop
138 Montrose Ave , E. Williamsburg
(L train to Montrose)

www.thetrinityprojectbk.org

DAF Madness!

2010-09-27T07:18:00.000-07:00

The Dumbo Arts Festival stormed through the hood with a vengeance! We'll be updating the blog intermittently with some visual highlights we stumbled across during this sensational, multi-sensory extravaganza, starting with the 2010 Dumbo Dance Festival presentation in Brooklyn Bridge Park (as if the view couldn't get any better ; ) Bare with us as we attempt to research the names of these companies!

Announcing Our Next Stops this Fall!

2010-09-03T09:47:00.000-07:00

Urbanscape by Artist Jae Hi Ahn

Ever since its debut in a living room on Flatbush Avenue, the “G-Train Salon,” has introduced various audiences to emerging artists through conversation and inquiry. Harnessing the intimacy and accessibility of the salons of yore, this interactive exhibition series continues to thrive on its journey to a variety of offbeat locales throughout Brooklyn – and Queens as of this fall. Each month, we curate a solo exhibition in conjunction with one of our community partners and the featured artist inaugurates the show with an open-ended discussion with the audience. This season, we are thrilled to announce our new partners Trinity Project Brooklyn, a church and artist-run group in Bushwick, Art Connects New York at the Ridgewood Older Adult Center and the Old Stone House, the Battle of Brooklyn site on 4th avenue in Park Slope. Our most current schedule is below:

Jae Hi Ahn @ Urban Alchemist Design Collective (Park Slope) September 14
5th street off 5th Avenue
6-8pm
7pm Salon Discussion with the Artist

Barry Shepherd @ Trinity Church (Bushwick) October 8
http://www.thetrinityprojectbk.org/

Fanny Allié @ Urban Alchemist Design Collective (Park Slope) November 4
http://www.fannyallie.com/

Art Connects New York @ Ridgewood Older Adult Center (Queens) November 2010
http://www.artconnectsny.org/

Group Exhibition @ Old Stone House (Park Slope) Winter 2011
http://www.theoldstonehouse.org/

WORD Bookstore (Greenpoint) Fall/Winter 2010-11
http://www.wordbrooklyn.com/

***For regular updates, follow us on twitter.com/gtrainsalon and look for us on Facebook!***

ORGANIZATION & SUPPORT
G-Train Salon is the latest installment by independent curator and contemporary salonière, Krista N. Saunders, in collaboration with Co-Curator Jill Benson. The G-Train Salon at Urban Alchemist Design Collective is also supported by wine sponsor Picada y Vino. Promotional materials designed by Andres Medina.

###

Sneak Peek: Artist Jae Hi Ahn

2010-08-23T20:47:00.000-07:00

We'll be opening the season with Jae Hi's creepy-crawly installation on Wednesday, September 8 at Urban Alchemist. See more of her work here: http://jaehiahn.com/

FEAST with us this Saturday!

2010-08-17T07:52:00.000-07:00

JOIN US THIS SATURDAY, AUGUST 21 AND SUPPORT OUR CAUSE!

www.feastinbklyn.org

Your suggested donation can help us pay our artists!

Updated: Opportunities for the Emerging & Creative

2010-08-12T07:42:00.000-07:00

Go for it (or at least spread the word!). We've compiled these in order of impending deadlines:

Conflux Festival: Accepting submissions through Sunday, August 15!
http://confluxfestival.org/

Lower Manhattan Cultural Council (LMCC): A Workshop and Performance Opportunity. Deadline: August 22 by 12am.
http://www.lmcc.net/arts_services/uptown_downtown

NURTUREart Benefit: I'm helping out on the committee this year and we still need more artists' work to showcase! Here's the link to donate your work: http://nurturesubmit.tristanmedia.com/

Center for Emerging Visual Artists (CFEVA): An excellent, Philadelphia-based resource and gallery space. As this year's Visiting Curator, I organized the group exhibition "Limited Engagement." The space is beautiful, spacious and well-lit and, best of all, they are now accepting curatorial proposals for the Visiting Curator 2011: http://www.cfeva.org/announcements.aspx

ArtConnectsNY: We're collaborating with this inspiring, new organization to curate a permanent exhibition and events program for the Ridgewood Older Adult Center. The exhibition, "NOW! On View" is a celebration of the center's vibrant and spontaneous spirit. If your work reflects an appreciation of the "here-and-now" or you'd like to propose a new piece or project, please submit your information/idea to gtrainsalon@gmail.com.

Brooklyn Arts Council (BAC): 2011 Community Arts Regrant Program!
http://www.brooklynartscouncil.org/documents/29

AND

BAC's Black Brooklyn Renaissance: Deadline for submission: Rolling
http://www.brooklynartscouncil.org/forms/170

Trinity Project Brooklyn: We are collaborating with these passionate art and music supporters for one of our September salons. They have partnered with the formerly neglected Trinity Church in Brooklyn and are always looking to collaborate with artists and interested souls. Right now, they're in need of volunteers for upcoming events. In their words:

We have a number of volunteer opportunities coming up. This is a great way to meet Trinity Project people and if you are a Trinity Project participating artist, fulfill your hourly service in exchange for space use. If you would like to help out at one of the volunteer days listed below, please RSVP to Christina: christina@thetrinityprojectbk.org ASAP! Thanks!:

Looking Back, Thinking Ahead

2010-07-30T09:27:00.000-07:00

Hey guys,

  Here's the latest from our end.

We started the week with artist and social media darling, Karen Schoellkopf in none other than Greepoint, Brooklyn (felt so natural riding the G-Train for the first time in a while. Ha!). We met at WORD bookstore on Franklin Ave., one of the most charming and interesting independent bookstores in the borough and home to our July 2009 salon with artist book collective, Hit Factorie. We're hoping to collaborate with Karen on a site-specific installation inspired by text and talk (both of which we're very familiar with!).

On the way to WORD, we ran into artist Laura Hamilton, one of the first artists to help us kick-off the "G-Train Salon." She's an incredibly talented photographer (and former Jersey Girl!) who is now Greenpoint-based and lovin' it. Was great to catch up and talk art/work/life.

On Wednesday night, my co-curator Jill and I had a really fruitful planning session. We're looking into additional sponsors in the Park Slope area as we'll, most likely, be collaborating with at least one other local venue besides Urban Alchemist. We're extremely grateful to our current wine sponsor, Picada Y Vino, who have supported us the past!

    As always, we'll keep you posted about the latest developments (and opportunities for artists and curators) here, on Facebook and Twitter.

   Hasta la proxima!

A Block and a Half of Chelsea

2010-07-22T15:56:00.000-07:00

I think many of us can agree that a trip to Chelsea can often be a hit-or-miss experience. Luckily, I stumbled across a variety of treats during my visit last Friday. Granted, I didn't stray beyond 25th or 26th street but I've learned that a concentrated, well-edited tour sometimes yields better results than a spontaneous, multiple-block assault. Since friends often ask me for my recommendations, if you will, I thought I'd go ahead and share some of the works and artists that made me stop, look, stare, laugh and gasp.

Although I don't have any pics to share, I was really impressed by the Joan Mitchell 2009 MFA exhibition at CUE Art Foundation (always a winner). I witnessed a common inclination to shelter, protect yet slightly expose the self (e.g. Trish Tillman's "Gift and Guilt" (2009) consisting of a headless female viewer in an open window swimming in found objects and Charlotte Meyer, "The Promise (for Five Keys)" (2009) with its fine, monofilament enclosure). The nearby Arario Gallery also did not disappoint with its current exhibition, "Irrelevant: Local Emerging Artists Who Don't Make Work About Being Asian." I had been meaning to check this show out since missing the opening and am sooo glad that I could devote a leisurely afternoon to taking it all in. Here are just a few highlights (some items will go unmentioned simply because I couldn't take a good enough pic to them justice!).

Sure, this might seem like an obvious Deepwater Horizon reference now but artist Hong Seon Jang's prescient Black Deer is actually from 2008 (!) so there ; )

Here's a view of Tattfoo Tan's incredible installation containing all of the documention, imagery and tools for his S.O.S. (Sustainable.Organic.Stewardship) project.

Here's a close-up of his Mobile Garden Project. NY Destinations Examiner, Leslie Koch, interviewed Tattfoo about this after his last performance at the gallery so keep an eye out for her story!

Here are my feet at one corner of Eung Ho Park's amusing commemorative floor installation, "#7 Train and Beyond." Made me miss Sunnyside, Queens (my old hood!)

This is one of the last pieces I saw in the show. I immediately recalled Martha Rosler's "Bringing the War Home: House Beautiful" series. Although the point is direct-and some may argue simple-I find its simplicity and clarity powerful. I was reminded, once again, of how lucky many of us are to have the luxury of reading about chaos from a distance or participating in any of the routine or leisurely tasks (like looking at great art!) that a peaceful home allows. Frankly, I don't think that can be said enough.

Moving on to 26th Street . . .

I ended my brief tour at Magnan Metz gallery for Sofia Maldonado's solo show, "Concrete Jungle Divas." I loved it! Fierce, feminine, urban, pop culture divas on larger-than-lifesize display. Sadly, the show closed last weekend but here are some visuals of Maldonado's "Around-the-Way" ladies:

And the grande dame bids adieu:

Drop me a line about art adventures when you get a chance. See you soon!

Art for $100 or Less in the L.E.S.

2010-07-17T07:50:00.000-07:00

Hi Art Lovers!

It's a lovely day to stop by the second Art Yard Sale at 5 Rivington St. (betw. Chrystie and Bowery), a 1/2 a block from the New Museum.

Truly affordable art works and handmade goods will be for sale from 10am-7pm, Saturday and Sunday July 17 & 18.

Transportation:
F, V, (2nd Ave stop) B,D, (Grand St or B'way Lafayette) R,W,(Prince St.) 6 (Spring),
Buses
M103 (Prince and Bowery), M6 Broadway and Prince) or M 15 (Houston and 2nd Avenue)

Artists' Links:

http://sites.google.com/site/amarsphoto/

http://www.danieladamturner.com/

http://inlinedesigns.blogspot.com/

http://www.thewendywolf.com/

http://www.oasisartcenter.org/

http://www.annlepore.com/

http://www.amystevensart.com/

http://ps1.org/studio-visit/artist/jen-poueymirou

http://www.ehollenderstudio.com/

Great Art and Kindred Spirits Part 2

2010-06-28T20:26:00.000-07:00

Hey all!

We're back (for a little while anyway ; ) Keeping up this blog is harder than we anticipated (so much art to see and so little time to write lengthy essays about it!) but here goes . . .

Last time, we mentioned a few highlights about some of the artists we encountered on Governor's Island at LMCC Open Studios (if you need a refresher, here's a great Flavorpill feature and slideshow about the artists' remote but beautiful environs). As enthusiasts of the G-Train, we couldn't wait to introduce you to the hereby dubbed "Greenpoint Girls" of the Work Progress Collective, a dynamic female artist/journalist/photography trio who are currently collecting recession-based images for a month-long installation in their Governor's Island studio.

We chatted with the artists for some time and were really excited about their mission, collaborative spirit and knowledge/affiliation with Greenpoint Brooklyn. We look forward to getting to know WPC more in the future! Speaking of which, get to know them as well at their next and last open studios on July 24-25.

Great Art and Kindred Spirits: Part 1

2010-06-18T07:18:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

We couldn't be more please with the first two salons of the season featuring artists Brendan Carroll and Olek! We'll be taking a much-needed summer vacation in order to prepare for the fall tour but keep an eye out for us here, on Facebook and Twitter for regular updates about cool art, people and places we encounter in our travels.

Speaking of which, I've been meaning to catch everyone up on a couple of our recent (studio) visits. Earlier this month, we had the opportunity to stop by the LMCC Swing Space on Governor's Island and met some fabulous artists! Upon entering the sprawling, naturally-lit studio space, I encountered Matt Jensen's Nowhere in Manhattan project, an intriguing collection of odds-and-ends he had amassed from Governor's Island which will be on display at his upcoming exhibition there in July. We're already looking forward to it!

Next, I spent some time with the inventive Mike Estabrook (pictured above left) and the larger-than-life creatures that inhabited his studio! Good times : ) Mike discussed creating a soundtrack from traditional musical elements blended with unorthodox "instruments" such as the swish created by water in a plastic bottle. I like! Part II with more LMCC highlights to follow.

TONIGHT! Crocheted People + Things!

2010-06-11T09:46:00.000-07:00

Come chat with Olek (and friends) at tonight's salon at Urban Alchemist! Cocktails at 7pm and salon at 8pm. See our post below for more info. and be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Crochet Artist Olek Rides the G-Train Salon for $0.99!

2010-06-03T09:59:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: gtrainsalon@gmail.com

WHO: Mixed-media + Crochet Extraordinaire Olek at the Urban Alchemist Design Collective

WHAT: “99¢,” A site-specific, crochet + mixed-media installation. FREE!

WHEN: Friday, June 11, 2010

7:00pm Cocktails

8:00pm Salon discussion and Q & A led by Mixed-media artist Olek

WHERE: Urban Alchemist Design Collective

343 5th Street (Off 5th Avenue)

Brooklyn, NY 11215

WHY: The “G-Train Salon” continues an exciting season of intimate discussions with emerging artists at the Park Slope oasis, Urban Alchemist Design Collective. This month, the mixed-media/performer whiz Olek helps us usher in the summer with a storefront display of crocheted odds-and-ends on display and for sale.

For more information, visit www.gtrainsalon.blogspot.com or follow us at www.twitter.com/gtrainsalon.

ORGANIZATION AND SUPPORT

The “G-Train Salon” at Urban Alchemist Design Collective is the latest installment by independent curator and contemporary salonière, Krista N. Saunders and co-curator Jill Benson in collaboration with the staff of Urban Alchemist. Promotional materials designed by Andres Medina. Wine provided by Picada y Vino wine shop.

The G-Train Salon Brakes for Swoon

2010-05-26T21:19:00.000-07:00

Earlier this month, the Examiner.com Destinations columnist, Leslie Koch, and I attended the SWOON book release and signing at Urban Art Projects in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. One of the inspirational female talents featured in Chiara Clemente's gorgeous film,"Our City Dreams," SWOON signed autographs while mingling with friends and fans in the gallery reminiscent of a garage space. Leslie and I wrenched our books off the wall installation accordingly and proceeded to chat up the warm, personable and nomadic artist we've all come to know and love as SWOON. She was gracious as ever and even embellished her signature with a big, bright sun illustration in my book. Happy Day!

A Few Pics from Last Night's Salon

2010-05-15T09:44:00.000-07:00

Brendan discusses Roman Polanski, P. Guston and the Agitators Collective in front of his Asbury Park Polaroid collection

A few fans take in the conversation with Brendan's gaffe tape installation all around

Brendan working on his tumeric drawings on the sidewalk

His hopscotch intervention climbs throughout Urban Alchemist!

Some tumeric details

Artist Brendan Carroll Kicks off our Second Season this Friday!

2010-05-09T09:28:00.000-07:00

In true salon fashion, the “G-Train Salon” exhibition series debuted in a living room in the Williamsburg Bank building. We have retained the intimacy of that experience through our collaboration with Urban Alchemist, the design collective, studio and boutique in Park Slope, Brooklyn. A roving, conversation-based exhibition series, the “G-Train Salon” is now proud to launch its second season with Jersey City’s own, Brendan Carroll. For his exhibition, “One Foot’s in the Grave—the Other’s on a Banana Peel,” Carroll transforms the space into a poignant receptacle of childhood memories/associations and imaginative musings using utilitarian materials such as gaffers tape, a Polaroid camera and a Remington Sperry-Rand typewriter. Please join us for the opening salon on Friday, May 14 from 7-9pm when Brendan leads a discussion with the audience about his work, his role in the Agitator’s Collective and other interesting talking points.

SCHEDULE

“One Foot’s in the Grave—the Other’s on a Banana Peel” featuring artist Brendan Carroll

Urban Alchemist Design Collective, 343 5th St. (off 5th Avenue)
Friday, May 14, 2010
7-9 pm (Artist Q & A at 8pm)
Refreshments provided by our sponsor Picada y Vino!

BIO

Brendan has exhibited his work at The Bronx Museum of the Arts, Bronx, NY; Jersey City Museum, Jersey City, NJ; Leubsdorf Art Gallery, NY, NY; NY Art Book Fair, PS 1 @ MoMA, Long Island City, NY; Center for the Book Arts, NY, NY; Cuchifritos Gallery, New York, NY; The Garage, Jersey City, NJ. His work has been featured in several periodicals, including The New York Times, Village Voice, Art Fag City, Art:21 Blog, and Time Out New York. He has participated in AIM 28 (Artist in the Marketplace) at The Bronx Museum of the Arts. He received his BFA from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, PA, in 1996. He cofounded Agitators Collective in 2006. Agitators Collective creates site-related installations in urban locales that have fallen into neglect or dereliction.

http://www.agitatorscollective.blogspot.com/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/agitator_aaa/

ORGANIZATION & SUPPORT
G-Train Salon at Urban Alchemist Design Collective is the latest installment by independent curators and salonières, Krista N. Saunders and Jill Benson. Promotional materials designed by Andres Medina. Wine provided by Picada y Vino wine shop.

Stay tuned!

2010-03-28T17:52:00.000-07:00

The G-Train Salon is not running right now due to construction ; )

We are working on the page and season to bring you the best in conversation-based exhibitions and insights about emerging artists in Brooklyn and beyond.

WE'LL BE BACK IN MAY 2010!

Thanks for your patience!

G-Train Salon

2010-03-01T17:24:00.000-08:00

"Fleece into Gold" Fiber Artist Phyllis Fredendall's exhibition at Urban Alchemist

Exhibition on view through April 6th 2010

Saturday March 6th 2010

7:00pm Cocktails

8:00pm salon discusion led by artist Phyllis Fredendall

Join us at URBAN ALCHEMIST Located at 343 5th street between 5th and 6th av in Park Slope Brooklyn 11215

The "G-Train Salon" continues an exciting season of intimate discussions with emerging artists from the Park Slope oasis, Urban Alchemist Design Collective. This March, artist Phyllis Fredendall ushers in the spring season with her moving and colorful felt creations. Her current work explores the relationship of memory to place, creating "maps" felted in wool and silk, inspired by her own journeys or based on stories of family members. Join us for a discussion and Q & A with the

artist as she walks through this poignant landscape memories, and nostalgia.

The "G-Train Salon" at Urban Alchemist Design Collective is the latest installment by independent curator and contemporary salonière, Krista N. Saunders and co-curator Jill Benson in collaboration with the staff of Urban Alchemist. Promotional materials designed by Andres Medina. Wine provided by Picada y Vino wine shop

2010-01-05T07:59:00.000-08:00

Exhibition Opportunity: The G-Train Salon at Urban Alchemist is in search of mixed-media artists for the 2010 season!

The G-Train Salon at Urban Alchemist is an artists' salon/exhibition project in Park Slope, Brooklyn. Each month, a different artist transforms the storefront of the Urban Alchemist Design Collective and speaks about the process during a discussion with the audience (http://www.gtrainsalon.blogspot.com/).

What do you need to do?

Artists must be open to discussing their work with the general public in an intimate setting. Also, this space is not for everyone. It is in no way a "white box" gallery space and your work will enter a dialogue with the jewelry, curios and clothing on display.

If you are interested, please submit the following to gtrainsalon@gmail.com by JANUARY 18, 2010:

1) A paragraph (we'll stop reading after that) describing your work/process and why you are interested in this forum.

2) 2-3 images including an installation shot, if possible. Please avoid excessively large images that we'll have trouble downloading.

Thank you!

Krista, Jill & the Lovely Ladies of Urban Alchemist

“Hungry Ghosts” Haunt Park Slope this Halloween!

2009-10-19T07:39:00.000-07:00

WHO: Mixed-media Artist Andrea Burgay at Urban Alchemist Design Collective

WHAT: “Hungry Ghosts,” solo exhibition and salon discussion. A Buddhist term describing one of the 6 realms of existence, "Hungry Ghosts" represent greed and feed off human emotions. As a result of their karma, they are afflicted with an insatiable hunger for a particular substance or object.

WHEN: Saturday, October 24, 2009

7:00pm Cocktails

8:00pm Salon discussion led by artist Andrea Burgay Exhibition on view through November 19, 2009

WHERE: Urban Alchemist Design Collective

343 5th Street (Off 5th Avenue)

Brooklyn, NY 11215

WHY: The “G-Train Salon” continues an exciting season of intimate discussions with emerging artists from the Park Slope oasis, Urban Alchemist Design Collective. This month, artist Andrea Burgay ushers in the Halloween season with a ghoulish display of cobwebs, skeletons, mutated limbs and recreated childhood mementos. Join us for a discussion and Q & A with the artist as she walks through this poignant landscape haunted by memories, nostalgia and “Hungry Ghosts.” http://www.gtrainsalon.blogspot.com/

ORGANIZATION & SUPPORT

The “G-Train Salon” at Urban Alchemist Design Collective is the latest installment by independent curator and contemporary salonière, Krista N. Saunders and co-curator Jill Benson in collaboration with the staff of Urban Alchemist. Promotional materials designed by Andres Medina. Wine provided by Picada y Vino wine shop.

"Texture Gardens" Closing Salon!

2009-10-14T07:31:00.000-07:00

A final chat with our Greenpoint Greenthumb, Carla E. Reyes whose exhibition, “Texture Gardens”, is on extended view through October 19th at Urban Alchemist Design Collective, 343 5th Street, Brooklyn.

1) Your work reflects quite a few international motifs. Can you explain the role of "travel" in your work?

The art I make is driven by interpretations of nature, highly textural materials, and a very process oriented hands-on approach to art making. Outside of that, my themes and motifs are varied and quite diverse. With regard to multiculturalism, I am very inspired by the richness and uniqueness of different cultures. Particularly, so-called “primitive” or “folk” art forms, across cultures. I am moved by the directness and purity of ancient god and goddess figures, and the materials and textures incorporated into these depictions. Although I don’t get to travel nearly as much as I would like, having family from, and an interest in Central and South America; I have visited Guatemala, Colombia, Venezuela, and Mexico. I have always been very inspired by their traditional folk art and craft forms in particular, and expose myself as much as I can through reading, research, museum and gallery visits, film and media.

I have also been creating a variety of artistic interpretations of Japanese Rock Gardens. As a yoga practitioner with a meditation practice, I find these carefully crafted man-made landscapes both beautiful and contemplative. I seek to capture the essence of peace and serenity created by these gardens and encapsulate them in time, within a work of art. Although I have not been to the Far East, I have visited many of these gardens locally, and depicted one in particular where I spent time with my best friend in Portland, Oregon, in this work entitled Portland Zen Garden.

2) Do you view your "day job" as an extension of your artistry? How has it informed the "Texture Gardens" installation?

Absolutely! My day job involves designing custom color and textured surfaces for interior designers and architects. It involves a great deal of creative experimentation and hands-on artistic application. I work with a variety of media including paints, glazes, plasters, tinted cement, and even dyed fibers. I am often asked to create a “faux” finish - to make a surface in an artistic medium that realistically recreates the look and feel of another material such as stone, marble, wood grain, etc. This is challenging and hones the artistic eye and color skills. It requires mastery of a variety of media. In the past, I have also worked painting theater backdrops and sets, as well as restoring and refinishing decorative objects and surfaces. Being exposed to this kind of work gave my art a new direction and inspired a fascination with textures and unconventional materials.

For the Texture Gardens installation in particular, because of the unique space presented to me in a window display being viewed from various angles, I was able to utilize many of the skills I’ve acquired working in interiors and decorative finishing. Each of the “towers” that displayed the paintings on view, I finished using a wide variety of decorative techniques and materials used in interiors today, from polished lime based Venetian plasters, to metallic waxes, to faux glazed wood grain. I was able to create an environment for the art to live in, which was reminiscent of my scenic art experience as well, and was a lot of fun!

3) Given your fascination with gardens and earthy motifs, do you ever think about working with outdoor gardens or landscaping in general?

Being a city girl, encountering insects or worms of any kind would render me useless in any serious garden environment! I enjoy flower arranging and designing with dried flowers and plant material. My artwork brings nature into my world - which is a predominantly urban existence, though I do make time for walks in the park and exploring natural environments to recharge and rejuvenate whenever I can.

4) Name 3 artists who have influenced you.

Frida Kahlo is a huge influence on so many levels, mainly for her honest and direct way of painting, her references to nature and traditional art forms, and her use of color. I am influenced and inspired by different artists at different times, depending on what I am working on. I tend to like artists that work in a very textural and visceral way- like Louise Bourgeois or Kiki Smith.

5) Who is an artist working today whom you admire and why?

Anselm Kiefer is an artist whose work I admire. He works in such a physical way and uses such a multitude of media such as straw, ash, clay, lead… I recently saw an exhibition at the Hudson Valley Contemporary Art Center called Origins which really inspired me. It was focused on how artists of today approach the use of primal materials such as clay, fiber, wood, aluminum, stone, and soil; all mediums with so much tradition attached to them. It included about 30 major artists, as well as a few I have mentioned.

6) What is your next big project, event, etc. after the closing of Texture Gardens?

I recently moved into a new art studio complex in Greenpoint, Brooklyn after a tragic collapsed staircase accident injured a fellow artist and friend at Crane Street Studios, in Long Island City, Queens, where I used to paint, and we were all forced to vacate. Many of the artists from Crane Street have taken up the spaces in this new building, and we are hosting our first Open Studio event on Friday, November 6, from 6-9pm and Saturday, November 7, from 1-6pm. There are about thirty professional artists working in a variety of media, many will be present at the event, and original works of art will be available for purchase just in time for the holiday season. It should be a great event! Those that are interested can visit the studio blogsite at: http://www.brooklynartstudiosnyc.blogspot.com/

I am also featured in a group exhibition at Raandesk Gallery of Art, NYC, called ART2GIFT, which features original works of affordable art under $500. It will be on view from November 6, 2009 – January 8, 2010.

With regard to new work, I am working on a few different series at the moment. The first is called Miscommunications, and it is a series of mixed media, low relief, painted collages on canvas that resemble archaeological remnants containing messages written using unfamiliar alphabets, symbols, or pictorial languages. These works represent the human need and struggle to express ourselves, be understood by others, and to comprehend our world with respect to the messages we receive through others; directly or indirectly.

I also just completed the second piece in my Microbes series, at an annual outdoor live painting event in Tompkins Square Park, NYC. It is becoming a yearly ritual for me. Art Around the Park is part of the Howl Festival weekend event, and involves a 900 foot canvas wrapped around the perimeter of the park with artists painting live outdoors and interacting with the public.

All these new paintings will be on view at the Brooklyn Art Studios Open Studio event, so I hope the G-Train Salon audience will continue their journey and make their next stop Greenpoint Avenue, Brooklyn!

Thanks so much to the G-Train Salon and Urban Alchemist for the opportunity to share my work!

Pics from "Texture Gardens," featuring Carla E. Reyes

2009-09-28T20:46:00.000-07:00

Artist Carla Reyes Kicks Off the New "G-Train Salon" Season this Fall!

2009-09-15T21:17:00.000-07:00

Dear friends and fans,

Summer is over and we are pleased to announce the return of the "G-Train Salon" at Urban Alchemist Design Collective this month! A true G-train diva with roots in Queens and a studio in Greenpoint, mixed media artist Carla Reyes inaugurates the season with works from The Texture Garden Series, a "garden variety" site-specific installation comprised of natural and manmade motifs, gardens and ceramics. Please join us for the salon on Friday, September 25th from 7-9pm! Reyes will discuss her exhibition with the audience at 8pm following the cocktail hour.

Carla Reyes at Urban Alchemist Design Collective (5th Avenue + 5th St., Park Slope, Bklyn)

The Texture Garden Series

September 25-October 16, 2009

The Texture Garden Series at Urban Alchemist is an exploration of the interaction between manmade elements and nature. A collection of original mixed media collage paintings and objects, the installation connotes natural motifs, forms, and textures found in “gardens,”–from interpretations of Zen rock gardens, to man-made decorative garden objects, to plant forms–all created using combinations of “natural” and manmade materials. They are textural snapshots of processes taking place–from growth to decay–all frozen in time; the artist attempting to control nature, as expected, but also showing the beauty and profundity of this unending struggle. In the end, this “garden” can only be preserved by isolating it from the natural world. If exposed to the elements, it too would evolve or decay as nature dictates.

Images Courtesy of the Artist

G-Train Salon Partners with Neighborhood Wine Shop "Picada y Vino!"

2009-09-01T17:33:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

We would like to officially announce our new wine sponsor, "Picada y Vino"!

This beautiful wine shop in the Slope specializes in over 250 handpicked vintages and will provide a sampling of spirits for Friday's salon (and the upcoming events) at Urban Alchemist Design Collective.

See you this Friday at 7pm and speak with artist Carla E. Reyes at the 8pm salon.

Check out "Picada y Vino" online: http://www.picadayvino/ or in person at 327 Fifth Avenue.

Cheers!

G-Train Salon :)

HIT FACTORIE AT WORD PRESS RELEASE

2009-07-14T15:55:00.000-07:00

STAND CLEAR OF THE CLOSING DOORS: ARTIST COLLECTIVE MAKING A STOP AT A BOOKSTORE IN GREENPOINT!

Brooklyn Art Collective, Hit Factorie, collaborates with G-Train Salon and WORD for Summer Reading Installation.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Gtrainsalon@gmail.com
http://www.gtrainsalon.blogspot.com/
http://www.wordbrooklyn.com/
www.hitfactorie.org

(Brooklyn, NY) July 2009 ─ This month, the nomadic emerging artists' salon travels to the independent bookstore WORD for “Summer Reading,” an inspiring, mixed-media installation by Hit Factorie. The local art collective designs are inspired by immediacy, creating one Hit Book in one day. For Summer Reading, Hit Factorie produced a visual ode to summer literature for the month of July, this time using the book created to decorate several mannequins. On view in the window of WORD, (right off the Greenpoint Ave stop on the G!) “Summer Reading” has drawn the attention of book lovers, art enthusiasts and passers-by alike since it debuted in late June. The team spent a fun afternoon creating the piece at the store and installed it that same day. The exhibition will remain in the window through July and a limited number of copies of the one-of-a-kind "Summer Reading" Hit book are available for $5 each at WORD (all proceeds go to Hit Factorie).

Interested in learning more about “Summer Reading” or “Hit Factorie” in general? Join us for the Hit Factorie Reception at WORD on July 23 from 7-9pm. The crew will discuss their process and create an inspired “Hit-Object” in collaboration with the audience!

ORGANIZATION & SUPPORT
WORD, an independent bookstore located on the corner of Franklin and Milton Streets in the historic district of Greenpoint, Brooklyn, features a wide variety of new books: literary fiction, non-fiction, gift books, kids’ books, puzzles and more. We also carry a large selection of stationery, boxed notecards and journals. For more information see http://wordbrooklyn.com, call 718-383-0096. You can also follow us on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/wordbrooklyn (@wordbrooklyn)

G-Train Salon is the latest installment by independent curator and contemporary salonière, Krista N. Saunders, in collaboration with Brendan Bush and David Denrich, Urban Alchemist, Jill Benson and WORD. Promotional materials designed by Andres Medina and special acknowledgment to Jeff Hnilicka of Hit Factorie.

Next Stop? Greenpoint Avenue with WORD + Hit Factorie

2009-06-28T10:57:00.000-07:00

Hello "G-Train Salon" followers and fans!

We are excited to announce the opening of "Summer Reading" at WORD Bookstore in Greenpoint (off the Greenpoint Avenue stop of the G!) featuring the local art collective, Hit Factorie. This super talented crew has teamed up yet again to create an inspiring window installation for WORD through July! Go here for more pics: http://www.flickr.com/photos/wordbrooklyn/sets/72157620692173120/

Please join us for the interactive Hit Factorie Salon Event on July 23rd from 7-9pm:

7:00 - 7:20pm Introduction to the Hit Factorie and Group Discussion among the team

7:30 - 8:15pm Hands-on collaborative workshop with Hit Factorie and the audience. Make an original Hit Book-inspired piece!

8:15 pm - 9:00pm Cocktail reception and mingling

Pics from "Things Left Behind," featuring Kelly Murphy

2009-06-23T11:27:00.001-07:00

Want to see more from Kelly's show? Check out the images on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kristanicole/sets/72157619940197804/

Brooklyn Press Shout-out for the "G-Train"!

2009-06-04T09:29:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

Check out this link from the arts section of the Park Slope Courier!

http://24sevenbrooklyn.blogspot.com/2009/06/next-stop-on-g-train-salon.html
We are thrilled!

Cheers!
G-Train Salon

NEXT STOP: Kelly Murphy at the Urban Alchemist Design Collective in Park Slope!

2009-05-20T14:55:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

It's official! The "G-train Salon" will make its second stop at the gorgeous, jewelry and design oasis, Urban Alchemist (http://www.urbanalchemiststore.com/) on 5th Avenue and 5th Street in Park Slope. Part store, studio, and gallery, Urban Alchemist is collaborating with the "G-Train Salon" for the first Mixed-Media Mash-up: original window installations featuring site-specific environments by emerging artists. Jersey girl and mixed-media extraordinaire Kelly Murphy will kick off the series with her solo exhibition, "Things Left Behind." Using childhood mementos, glass, jewelry and photography (among other items!), Murphy will create a buoyant environment of textures and colors evocative of an underwater exploration. Interested in learning more about the artist? Check out her blog and fanciful creations here: http://suburbansabbatical.typepad.com/

SALON SCHEDULE:

Things Left Behind @ Urban Alchemist
Kelly Murphy

Friday, June 5, 7-9 pm

7-8pm Cocktails

8-8:30 Discussion and Q & A with the artist

Saturday, June 13, 7-9pm

7-8pm Cocktails

8-8:30 Discussion and Q & A with the artist

We are thrilled to have Kelly on board and look forward to sharing her work and thoughts with you at the upcoming salon!

Cheers!
G-Train Salon
www.twitter.com/gtrainsalon

PRESS RELEASE: MAY 2009

2009-05-19T12:04:00.000-07:00

STAND CLEAR OF THE CLOSING DOORS: G-TRAIN SALON DEPARTING!

Roving emerging artists' salon travels to a Park Slope design collective and WORD Bookstore in Greenpoint.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Gtrainsalon@gmail.com
www.gtrainsalon.blogspot.com
www.twitter.com/gtrainsalon

(Brooklyn, NY) May 19, 2009 ─ A series of intimate, conversation-based exhibitions, the G-Train Salon made its debut earlier this year in a living room on Atlantic Avenue. Between June and July 2009, this nomadic emerging artists' salon will venture to the Urban Alchemist design collective on 5th Avenue in Park Slope and WORD Bookstore off the Greenpoint Avenue stop on the G train. A collaborative effort between a Queens-based salonière and various private and public venues throughout Brooklyn, the G-Train Salon gives emerging artists the rare opportunity to communicate with the general public about their work, thus minimizing the distance typically separating an art object on display from its maker.

Please join us for a salon-style discussion on Friday, June 5 from 7-9pm at Urban Alchemist for Things Left Behind, a fanciful installation of homegrown creations, photographs and mementos by artist Kelly Murphy (http://suburbansabbatical.typepad.com/). On the evening of Saturday, June 13, the artist will also be on hand to host an interactive craft-making activity related to objects in the exhibition. Also check out the Hit Factorie's summer reading exhibition at WORD Bookstore this July. This dynamic collective is at it again, this time designing an original artist book display with their "hit list" of summer reads. Please check out www.gtrainsalon.blogspot.com for more information about their summer salon event and the most current updates about upcoming shows. Follow us on Twitter.com as well as we share comments and insights by the artist and the audience on and off-site.

ORGANIZATION & SUPPORT
G-Train Salon is the latest installment by independent curator and contemporary salonière, Krista N. Saunders, in collaboration with Brendan Bush and David Denrich, Urban Alchemist, Jill Benson and WORD Bookstore. Promotional materials designed by Andres Medina.

Artists' Books Exhibition at WORD in Greenpoint, Brooklyn

2009-05-18T12:25:00.000-07:00

Hi all!

The "G-Train Salon" is proud to announce our newest collaboration! The Hit Factorie (www.hitfactorie.com) will be collaborating with us for the summer artists' books salon at WORD Bookstore in Brooklyn (www.wordbrooklyn.wordpress.com)! Tentatively scheduled for July 2009, the members of Hit Factorie will get together, yet again, to produce a completely original book and display exploring a summer reading theme.

I will keep you posted of all developments as they continue to unfold! Final details for both WORD + Hit Factorie and Kelly Murphy at Urban Alchemist in June to follow . . .

Sincerely,

G-Train Salon

Raquel Lauren, Q & A

2009-03-18T14:00:00.000-07:00

Your work has a vintage, dream-like quality. Can you explain how you achieve that look/mood?

To get the dreamy, vintage quality in these photos I started by choosing color palettes that mimic the muted, faded colors of an old photograph and then used materials that would have an inherently worn looking quality. I first shot the images with a neutral toned chrome film and then exposed them onto Polaroid film which can be used to make dye transfers. I then made the transfers onto watercolor paper and made high resolution scans of the transfer prints. After a small amount of adjusting (mostly contrast adjustments) I then printed the final images onto canvas. I felt that the canvas would best emulate the texture of the dye transfers and I also want to stretch the prints over wooden bars, like one would do with a painting, so that the result could be unframed without looking unfinished.

Laura Hamilton, Q & A

2009-03-18T13:52:00.000-07:00

Your work is emotional yet, at times, distant. How do the domestic settings in your work contribute to this contradiction?

I choose to photograph in the home, because I believe the home is the potential of human life, the replica of our own mother’s womb; it acquires the physical and moral energy of the human body. It is defined as a space where one feels safe and secure, but when these factors are eliminated thorough domestic violent human interaction the walls disintegrate and begin to tell the occurrences of what was unseen. The home represents fundamental aspects of our lives; its importance stems, in the first instance, from the intricate way in which it is bound up with the basic human needs to determine how we behave. It is the site of our upbringing and the place where we first learn of social relationships.
As I began photographing interior spaces and including staged incidents within my home I focused on the psychological diagrams: both room and house. As I see my childhood house now, the building is quite dissolved and isolated inside me: my bedroom here, bathroom over there, and a hallway that does not connect either of the rooms. Every detail is scattered inside me, the kitchen that possessed a glow of orange above the sink at night, the red stairs that led to the basement, and the words that flew from mouths and bounced from walls. The house acts as a body of images that allows illusions to manifest. By constantly re- imagining it’s reality the nucleus of the house is described.

FIRST STOP: A LIVING ROOM ON ATLANTIC AVENUE

2009-02-10T13:26:00.000-08:00

Saturday,February 28 and Saturday, March 7
6-9pm
One Hanson Place, Apt. 17J
Brooklyn, NY

RSVP REQUIRED: gtrainsalon@gmail.com

The G-Train Salon series kicks off with Inauguration, an exhibition featuring the work of 4 emerging photographers (including 3 Brooklyn-based talents) who have been selected to commemorate new beginnings on the heels of that most celebrated inaugural event. Hosted by former Manhattanites who recently moved to the newly-converted clock tower building on Atlantic Avenue, Inauguration presents new work and perspectives by Christine Dierk, Laura Hamilton (www.laurahamilton.net), Raquel Lauren (www.raquellauren.com) and Casey Noel (www.cnoelphotoandtravel.com). Each evening, two of the artists will be on hand to discuss their work following an informal viewing hour:

Saturday, February 28

6-7:00pm Drop-in viewing hour

7:00-7:30pm Discussion with Laura Hamilton

7:45-8:15pm Discussion with Raquel Lauren

8:15-8:30pm Informal discussion with both artists

Saturday, March 7

6-7:00pm Drop-in viewing hour

7:00-7:30pm Discussion with Christine Dierk

7:45-8:15pm Discussion with Casey Noel

8:15-8:30pm Informal discussion with both artists

RSVP REQUIRED: gtrainsalon@gmail.com

PRESS RELEASE

2009-01-28T13:10:00.000-08:00

G-TRAIN SALON MAKES ITS FIRST STOP IN A LIVING ROOM ON ATLANTIC AVENUE

One Hanson Place

Apt. 17J

Brooklyn, New York

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Brooklyn, NY) January 27, 2009 ─ A series of conversation-based, contemporary art exhibitions, G-Train Salon kicks off on Saturday, February 28 at 7pm in the historic clock tower building on Atlantic Avenue. Organized by a Queens-based salonière, this nomadic salon will debut in a Brooklyn living room before making its way to other homes, bookstores and cafes throughout the borough. The first installment, Inauguration, features 4 emerging photographers--Christine Dierk, Laura Hamilton, Raquel Lauren and Casey Noel--whose work commemorates the new on the heels of our nation’s most celebrated inaugural event. In the spirit of the more democratic salons--not unlike those of revered Modernist expatriate, Gertrude Stein--art lovers, skeptics and curious newcomers alike will be encouraged to view and discuss the works exhibited. Emerging artists will also have the rare opportunity to speak thoroughly about their work, thus minimizing the distance typically separating an art object on display and its maker.

Two of the 4 participating artists will speak on Saturday, February 28 and Saturday, March 7. Due to space constraints, we ask that you make a reservation to confirm/cancel your reservation: Gtrainsalon@gmail.com.

ORGANIZATION & SUPPORT

G-Train Salon is the latest installment by independent curator and contemporary salonière, Krista N. Saunders, in collaboration with Brendan Bush and David Denrich, Urban Alchemist, Jill Benson and WORD Bookstore. Promotional materials designed by Andres Medina.

G-TRAIN SALON LAUNCHES FEBRUARY 2009

2009-01-26T16:09:00.000-08:00

The salon, an outgrowth of the symposia of Greco-Roman times, flourished within Europe through the 20th century. Conversation-based gatherings that featured poets, writers and artists of appeal to select aristocrats, salons were originally held in private domiciles until their proliferation in more public arenas such as hotels, bars or cafes. Parisian salons gained the most notoriety, due in large part to their urban context and the diligence and dedication of the salonière, the aristocratic governess that orchestrated these intimate intellectual exchanges.

***G-TRAIN SALON is a contemporary take on this rich European tradition. Organized by an independent curator working out of Queens, the salon will travel to 4 locations in Brooklyn in an effort to introduce emerging artists to a wider audience. However, while this nomadic salon will be similarly organized by a female host within urban locales, it will also borrow from the more democratic leanings of the later tradition—the series will begin and end in Brooklyn homes, but will also travel to a bookstore and café among other neighborhood locales. The theme of each exhibition will be informed by the space assigned and reflect a collaborative effort between the curator and the owner of the space: the first installment, "Inauguration,"will be hosted by new homeowners/art collectors and feature emerging photographers from the borough; the second will showcase artists' books and include a live reading of their work; and the following exhibitions will follow suit as the themes develop. All will feature a conversation between the audience and artists involved. Q & A or some form of interactive dialogue will be encouraged giving the artists the opportunity to speak about their work in-depth and the audience–everyone from art lovers to curious newcomers alike–-the rare opportunity to interact with the artist behind the object.

Curated by salonière Krista N. Saunders.