Arts Gowanus Open Studios 2021-2025
Hello Friends!
First and foremost, it’s definitely been a LONG while since I written ANY blogs.
LIFE.
Life happened.
Just like many of my creative network, I work to help fuel the dream, which means, hustling hard to be able to play hard…right? I guess….haha. KEEP THE DREAM ALIVE!
After moving back to NYC in 2021, I had this idealized anticipation of being able to dedicate ALL my time to my craft; creating, honing, documenting, and writing about it.
BUT…realistically, I knew moving to one of the most expensive (yet ICONIC) cities in the world, I couldn’t rely on just creating and selling art to pay the bills (WELL, not yet, anyway…maybe two or three years down the road). As an emerging artist in this world and to the NYC art scene, I was prepared to put in the dedication, desire, discipline, and determination to gain traction as an artist, but most importantly to do what I love. Creating and healing through the power of art is a lifelong dream….which I continue to make a reality, daily.
I honestly would not be where I am as an artist today, if it were not for the communities who supported me throughout the past and now going on five years living in NYC.
The Arts Gowanus Community in Brooklyn, NY has been monumentally instrumental in my development and establishment as an artist in the New York art community and art world. When I first obtained my studio in Gowanus and was welcomed into the Brooklyn Art Cluster Collective, I did not know at that time that I hit the jackpot as an emerging artist. I did not know at that time how established and resourceful the Arts Gowanus Community is. It “high kicked” the door wide open to a versatile, phenomenally talented group of creatives and artists that I have had the joy and honor of networking, collaborating, and befriending over the years. I continue to meet the most unique, quirky, intelligent, amazing individuals through the Brooklyn Art Cluster and Arts Gowanus Community. Being a part of this incredible and engaging art community has been a precious gift that continues to give.
Art Gowanus annually does an open studios tour in the fall that allows the public to connect and tour the art spaces and studios of the artists in their community that are not usually accessible to the public. It’s a long standing tradition of the Arts Gowanus community since their inception. It’s a highly anticipated weekend each year and a vital way of artists to expand their networks, connections, and sell their art. It’s a BIG deal in the NYC art scene for sure. It’s also such a fun and free way of exploring art spaces and studios and discovering new artists.
It is a rare glimpse into these artists’ daily workspaces. Such an intimate space—and to some a sacred, safe space, that artists choose to open to the public during this weekend.
I remember the first year participating in Arts Gowanus Open Studios (GOS 2021) and having not a clue of how vulnerable I would feel allowing strangers—even my own love ones, enter my space that I consider an extension of my home, heart, and soul. I truly was not prepared with my art. This being my first year with the collective and community as well as a career artist, I didn’t have much artwork created. My walls were stark white and painfully bare. I remember feeling a wave of embarrassment wash over me as individuals stepped into a barely occupied art studio—minimally furnished, with hopes to see me working on some sort of art piece or my multiple finished and unfinished artworks hanging on my studio walls. Guests walking around visiting the art studios, would even pass my studio door without even looking in. One thing I learned that year is to not take EVERYTHING too personal. It’s important to be mindful that not everyone is going to resonate with your artistic style or work and that’s absolutely okay and normal. I was naive to this all and I remember feeling crushed witnessing peoples’ facial expressions showing their blatant disinterest. Nowadays, I no longer feel a sense of inadequacy whenever my artwork doesn’t resonate with an individual. Everyone has their particular taste and I respect that!
Today, if you visit my studio, it is a far cry from when I started out here with the Brooklyn Art Cluster back in 2021. Now—my art studio is fully furnished, with my plants, Phoenix and Bella, and my faux greenery, dripping over my artworks adorning my walls. My shelves and work tables fully stocked with art supplies. I even have a wall I endearingly coined, my “Inspiration Wall”, showcasing my favorite artworks I created in the past, as well as artworks I have purchased from other creatives and artists. Quotes, trinkets, handwritten letters, notes, and cards….peppered throughout my studio, offering continued inspiration and support as I work. My studio is now one of my most sacred places, offering comfort and retreat from the chaos in this world. One of my favorite places in this world, where I can be unapologetically myself and get lost in a book, spend hours painting and collaging, while sipping tea and listening to a favorite podcast or audiobook. A place where I can dance to my favorite song of the week (or day!) while throwing paint onto canvas. One thing I promised myself on my second round of living in New York City, was I would do all that I can to have an art studio, my professional address and place to conduct my art practice. I manifest that goal daily and I must say, I have maintained that goal to present day. It hasn’t been an easy task….and most definitely has been a challenging journey, but it has been worth EVERY penny, tear, and sacrifice.
We are now in 2025! FOUR years, I can proudly claim I have been a part of the Arts Gowanus community and the art collective, The Brooklyn Art Cluster, and I am now going to be a part of another GOS weekend. Like every year, it will be in October, and this year it will be the weekend of 18th and 19th of October. Per usual, I am excited for this year’s GOS because I will have a plethora of new work and artpieces to showcase and that will be available to purchase! Manifesting ABUNDANCE and a good sale weekend, but most of all a weekend of connection and networking!
Each GOS that I have been a part of has had it’s interesting stories….and maybe here soon, I can write about those individual experiences. One of the most favorite parts of GOS is being able to be there, in person, to witness the affect my work has on the individuals that come in to take a peek of my work. I admit, I am hopelessly an emotional woman (the definition of an artist with a “bleeding heart”) and the adrenaline rush and goosebumps that follow when I see someone’s eyes sparkle when they look at my work or witness their emotions as they come across an artwork that hits their heartstrings or stirs their soul is a powerful and memorable experience. There really isn’t anything like it. AND if you are an artist or creative, you know exactly what I am talking about. Another favorite part of GOS is being able to take in constructive criticism and being able to experiment on what sells well or what art works resonate more with a large group of people. This is utmost valuable with aiding in my sustainability as an artist in society. Being able to create work that brings people joy, solace, inspiration, happiness…makes people feel all the things or helps people heal is what makes doing what I do, valuable and fuels my purpose here on Earth. I feel as an artist, every day is trial and error….discovering what works and what doesn’t work. It’s also one of the things of being an artist that keeps me highly stimulated and captivated. The thrill of discovering and learning new skills sets and being able to explore new ways to evolve as an artist is an ethereal and organic high! A joy that never gets old…..even if I am monetizing my joy!
So, for now, I leave you with some pictures of past GOS years I have had the honor of being a part of since 2021! If you are in town and want a stellar art experience, I adamantly encourage you to come out on October 18th and 19th, on both days, from noon to 6PM to Gowanus, Brooklyn, for the Art Gowanus 2025 Open Studios. Free admission! Please come out and support local, living artists and maybe perhaps you can find your new favorite artists or an art piece to fall in love with and purchase!
See you in October! :)
