Bowery Gallery Founding Members 1969
November 8 – November 29, 2014 at Westbeth Gallery, New York
The first group exhibition of founding members of the Bowery Gallery in New York City in over 30 years
Bowery Gallery Founding Members 1969 is a retrospective group exhibition that celebrates both the creation of one of the earliest co-operative galleries on the Lower East Side of New York City in
1969 and the spirit of an emerging figurative art movement that existed at that time and place. In the New York City art scene, that spirit was reflected in a group of young artists who dared to challenge the conventions of the day. They believed in the radical idea that artists could represent themselves, that they didn’t need to be presented in fancy galleries, or represented by agents or supported by big money. This belief led to the birth of the Bowery Gallery on October 31st, 1969. It was a gallery of artists for artists. Artists united by a shared entrepreneurial spirit and, more importantly, a passion for keeping representational painting alive. Almost 45 years later, many of these founding members are still producing art, despite varying levels of recognition. Over the years, these artists have grown, evolved and become more themselves. Their voices have strengthened. This exhibition will track the development of these artists from their collective naissance in the 1960’s to the present day and will feature artwork from 19 of the 23 founding members. Their work includes paintings, sculpture, watercolors and drawings. The artists represented are: Nancy Beal, John Bradford, Lynda Caspe, Nicholas Colao, Michael Crespo, Lawrence Faden, Charlotte Bunting Floyd, Barbara Grossman, Howard Kalish, Bette Lang, Eugene Maiese, Frank McCall, Anthony Santuoso, Tony Siani, Jack Silberman, Frank Smullin, Bill Sullivan, Sam Thurston and Richard Uhlich. Opening November 8, 2014
Pre-opening panel talk on the Founding of the Bowery Gallery
4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m. Opening Reception 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. About the Westbeth Gallery: The Westbeth Gallery is a non-profit gallery operating on the first floor of the Westbeth Artists Housing. It exhibits work of resident artists and independently curated exhibitions. General Information: Westbeth Art Gallery, 55 Bethune Street at Washington Street, New York, NY 10014, www.westbeth.org
Westbeth Gallery Hours: Wednesday – Sunday: 1-6 p.m.; Closed Monday, Tuesday
