10 Crucial Galleries Not in Chelsea

By: John DoeJun 09, 2016

In the New York art world, Chelsea’s gallery-ridden enclave reigns supreme. Its white-cube heavyweights may afford high visibility, but galleries throughout Manhattan and the greater boroughs are breaking new ground and attracting blockbuster artists. The Armory Show is over, the sun is shining: It’s gallery-hop season. Here’s your go-to list of galleries outside of Chelsea.

Feuer/Mesler//Mesler/Feuer

319 Grand St in LES

“The Lower East Side has changed so much,” Joel Messler told Artnews, about his decision to close his location at 30 Orchard St. While the main stretch of Orchard St. is quietly cementing itself within the gallery core, gallery veterans Zach Feuer and Joel Mesler merged programming, artists and resources at 319 Grand St. The pair boasts a standout roster, including Artie Vierkant, Kour Pour and David Adamo. “we actually prefer that [Grand St.] location,” he added.

The Hole

312 Bowery in the Bowery

In 2011, Kathy Grayson founded . Former curator of Deitch Projects – a space known for converging art, performance and film – Grayson commits herself to sniffing out the next big thing. In New York’s historically down-and-out Bowery, The Hole has featured Kasper Sonne, Evan Robarts, and Matthew Stone–each of whom have netted hammer prices well into six figures.

Venus Over Manhattan

980 Madison Ave in UES

Venus Over Manhattan is an uptown space with age-defying tonality. Nestled within the Upper East Side (with another location in downtown LA) Adam Lindemann’s 2012 venture is notable for programming inclusive of artists old and new. Alexander Calder and Dan Colen are just two of the artists on their chronologically evasive roster.

Sean Kelly

475 10th Ave in Hell’s Kitchen

Relocated less than four years ago, Sean Kelly’s 22,000 square foot space carries over his commitment to the intellectually driven and diverse exhibitions definitive of his formative years. Marina Abramovic, Robert Mapplethorpe, and Candida Hofer are among the artists on his list of heavyweights.

Dominique Levy

909 Madison Ave in UES

Dominique Levy in the Upper East Side caters to the Post-War and Contemporary dilettante. Dynamic programming that encompasses many generations of artists is tantamount to the gallery’s success. An international powerhouse, the New York location has presented exhibitions by Frank Stella, Gerhard Richter and Alexander Calder.

Clearing

396 Johnson Ave in Bushwick

The edge of Bushwick just east of Williamsburg is home to a fast-growing art scene. Clearing Gallery is one of these many spaces. What differentiates it from its younger competitors is its international scope, and a sturdy roster including Korakrit Arunondchai and Sebastian Black.

Gavin Brown

291 Grand St in LES (but – rumor is – moving to Harlem)

Gavin Brown grabbed the spotlight by organizing an exhibition of works from then–unknown Elizabeth Peyton in the Chelsea Hotel. After a succession of relocations and a series of guerrilla exhibitions, his gallery now permanently resides at 291 Grand Street. Even after achieving critical acclaim Brown still maintains his playful spirit, as evidenced by Martin Creed’s recent interactive installation.

Pioneer Works

159 Pioneer St in Red Hook

A-lister Dustin Yellin may be well-known in the art world, but his Red Hook-based non-profit is less so. By creating a collaborative space for artists of all backgrounds, Yellin heralds art and science for social change through educational programming and a stellar residency program. Gallery admission is always free (open 12:00 – 6:00 Wednesday through Sunday). Classes at Pioneer Works are open to the public and teach all the fascinating aspects of the arts and sciences, from microbiomes to mandalas.

Grey Area

165 Clermont Ave in Ft. Greene