It's in the BAG! Art Hamptons 2010

Yes, you can say it. It's hot and Like the Spice Gallery is on fire! Well...not LITERALLY, but with the reception from Art Hamptons 2010 we might as well be called a shooting star. Booth number 423 attracted on lookers from all ends of the venue. The fabulous scenery of Bridgehampton was the backdrop for an exploration of what our gallery has to offer. As one of the top new art fairs in America Art Hamptons ceases to amaze guests. We came, we hung, we conquered and we loved every minute of it.


Even with the ninety-two degree weather visitors came in droves, accompanied with commentary such as, "This is really spectacular.", "How wonderful.", and a simple but affirming "Oh yeah."

The artist works' that traveled with us included pieces from Dean Goelz, Rachel Beach, Ross Racine, Treasure Frey and Reuben Negron. Also new works by Jenny Morgan, Jason Bryant and and Jessica Stoller were on display, rounding out the Like the Spice team.





Time seemed to zoom by as our artists' continued pulling in fans with their abundant technique and skill on canvas.

To sum it all up we had a wonderful time and absolutely looking forward to the next, as you should be too! If you didn't make it you missed out on some fun under the blazing sun. But you can always stop in to Like the Spice and check out the pieces up close and personal. We have been as busy as bees providing YOU with the best.

P.S.
Check out the wicked awesome "Camera Panoramic Effect Action" in this photo, Oh yes. We went there.

Our booth, our booth, our booth is on fire...

We don't need no water let the... wait we do need water, at least that's what the kind young gentleman told us as he walked into our booth. Feast your eyes on our space at Art Hamptons.
Like the Spice booth number 423.

Hop on the Jitney and get your butts out here.

Art Hamptons, ho!!!

Just when you thought that we couldn't possibly have the time to participate in anymore events this summer this post is here to inform you that next week we will be at the beach! Well, sort of... Next week, July 9th - 11th we will be in Bridgehampton for the ArtHamptons Fair inhabiting booth #423. Set in Sayre Park’s 5 bucolic acres in Bridgehampton, this year's fair is going to be awesome. Of the work accompanying us will be new pieces by Jason Bryant and Jessica Stoller.


We will be unveiling a new piece by Jenny Morgan as well. Fabulous works by Reuben Negron, Rachel Beach, Dean Goelz, Ross Racine, and Treasure Frey will also be up in our booth. Make a weekend getaway of it and take the Jitney or the LIRR; take in some rest and relaxation at one of the Hampton's lovely beaches and then come to the fair for a spectacular art-filled adventure. This isn't your typical fair either as there is plenty to do inside and out and about in the surrounding area of the park...



ArtHamptons returns as one of the highlights of the Hamptons summer season. Now in its 3rd successful year, ArtHamptons has established itself as one of the top new art fairs in America. Expect to see a mesmerizing display of post-war and contemporary art, presented by a renowned lineup of international galleries. It’s all assembled in a museum-like setting. There’s important art pieces for every budget and level of art collector. It’s all here for you, from paintings, works on paper and printed editions to photography, art glass, ceramics and sculpture.

Begin your visit with a little sculpture exploration; enter the grounds through Hans de van Bovenkamp’s spectacular sculpture “The Sagg Portal”, destined to be one of the most dramatic art fair entrances ever. Meander through an acre of memorable sculptures in the pastoral Sculpture Garden featuring welcoming hospitality tents. After that get a little history when you peruse a museum-like solo booth display dedicated to the Russian modernist and Hamptons Bays painter David Burliuk (1882-1967). Explore a 1950’s-70’s retrospect on legendary East Hampton painter Syd Solomon (1917-2004). See? Plenty to do so make sure to e-mail us for your complementary day pass! Hurry while we still have them! See you there...

Like Appreciative Vuvuzelas, They Buzz About Our Glory

We're entering another week for our very latest show, Marked: A Show Of Figure, and we have to say, the press has been pretty darn kind. Take a gander at Brooklyn The Borough who put us under their "Art Buzz" category. And then there's Edmund X. White who took a special interest in Jenny Morgan's Inner Island, a piece that traveled with us to Chicago and is currently a part of this fantastic figure-based show.

Remember, we've got Inner Island, two more brand new Jenny Morgans, and a whole host of other works from artists such as Chino Amobi, Alison Bickle, Brendan Lott, Reuben Negron and Robin Williams, all waiting for you to come and enjoy. Marked will be running until August 8th, so make plans to join us this week!

But we're not done! We're not done yet! Because we've got some other artists that have been getting attention of late! Our pal Ross Racine has been making the rounds again, getting some kind words from local boy Chris Hamby, as well as Texas based We Are 1976. See how wide Ross's appeal can be? Keep an eye out, guys, and maybe we'll have something to say about Ross Racine this fall.

Someone else who deserves a little love is Dean Goelz. Thankfully, he's got some! Myturtleneck.com takes a very nice look at the depth of Dean's insanity skill with dot-making. We think you should take a look, and stay tuned, because we can't wait to see what Dean's going to be showing us next.

See? When we say our artists are cooler than our air conditioning, we're not kidding. Hope to see you soon!

Tired... But Happy!

See that? Who could that be? Why, it's Manish Vora of Artlog.com, taking a break at the AAF to get his shoes shined by artist Greg Haberny! What more could you ask from opening night?

With Greg in one booth, and LtS in the other, you can be sure that there's plenty of great art happening each day this weekend. Even after day one, we've made some great new friends and kissed a few of our pieces goodbye. And all the excitement! The traffic! The way we forgot to take pictures because we were so exhausted from excitement and traffic!

But don't you worry, because we ran into our new pal Rafael Fuchs from Rafael Fuchs Art Photography and he shot a bunch of pictures. We're thinking you'll find them here on his blog once he sorts them all out. Rafael was a really great guy and we expect to see him again, so watch this space, and we'll remind you when they're up!

In the meantime, want a little sneak peek of the booth? Here's a brand new Rachel Beach we're proud to have on display. It's called "Strange Loop" and we bet you can just imagine what that's gonna look like in person...



...but why just imagine? Why not come in and check it out? Also, don't forget, we've got different work every day, including Chino Amobi, Rachel Beach, Allison Edge, Treasure Frey, Dean Goelz, Eric LoPresti, Jenny Morgan, David Mramor, Bennett Morris, Reuben Negron, Leah Oates, Nicki Stager and Jessica Stoller, and that means you'll never see the same booth twice. Plus the I Heart Brooklyn Party is happening on Thursday night, so you know Thursday's gonna be a wonderful time. Stop in, enjoy the excitement, say hi to Greg Haberny, and check out some Affordable Art!

Fair And Fair Alike

Loyal LtS lovers will know that one thing we simply don't do... is stop. But this Spring, oy vey! Can you believe we're doing TWO art fairs, back to back? We really need your moral support on this one, so let's tell you when and where you can come and give us good cheer.

First of all, we're going to Chicago! This weekend we'll pack up the van and race to the Windy City to attend the Next Art Fair at the Merchandise Mart (click here for directions). Our artists will include Rachel Beach, Greg Haberny, Jenny Morgan, Leah Oates and Nicki Stager. PS: Click on the image below for a sneak peek...

Since those are just a few of the pieces we're taking with us, we hope you'll come to see the rest in person! Like the Spice will be in Booth 8066, and the show will be open to the public from April 30th until May 3rd. You can check out the schedule on the Next Art Fair page. Will you be there? If so, drop us a line, because we've got VIP tickets and we're ready to share!

Now, you'd think a whirlwind trip to Chicago would wipe us out... and you'd probably be right. But nevertheless, come May 6th, we'll be right there at the Affordable Art Fair, showing off all sorts of pieces. Want to see some examples?







Of course, we've got things that we aren't showing you just yet. But in those images, you've got a good idea what it looks like to combine the works of Chino Amobi, Rachel Beach, Allison Edge, Treasure Frey, Dean Goelz, Eric LoPresti, Jenny Morgan, David Mramor, Bennett Morris, Reuben Negron, Leah Oates, Nicki Stager and Jessica Stoller. Plus we'll be sponsoring artist Greg Haberny in a very special, very original artist's booth that you won't EVEN believe. And keep in mind, we'll be adding art every day, so there may even be a few surprises, including the always-beautiful work of Allie Rex! From Thursday, May 6th until Sunday, May 9th, we'll be open to all in Booth BKLYN-100, and, yes, we've got VIP Preview and regular ol' day passes for all of our collectors and friends. Just drop us a line while supplies last, and we'll see if we can hook you up.

Plus don't forget, The Homeless Boys Social Club continues until June 6th, right here at the gallery. Remember, until the second we drop dead from exhaustion, we're ready to show you some art!

One Last Thing...

So we're just cleaning up the bagels and champagne after the closing brunch for Dean Goelz: The Beaded Curtain. Of course, you were here, so you know how much fun it was. But you might not have heard the very special story that Dean just happened to tell us. So we'll share it with you now!



It seems that on Halloween, Dean went to a costume party, and discovered that his cousin had spent a little extra time on the ol' costume this year...



...and that's when one knows one's arrived.

Congratulations to Dean for a fantastic solo show! And the rest of you, be here on Friday for opening night of Civil Union! But more about that in just a second...

My Deaner with Dean: A Memoir.

At 7:30pm last Friday at Like the Spice Gallery, Marisa, Spencer, Leia, and I paced around a table beautifully set for 22 guests. We were trying to be as patient as possible while waiting for our guests to arrive for our dinner event in honor of Dean Goelz. I say that we were trying to be patient because, in truth, it was difficult as we all knew what titillating conversation and delicious food awaited us. Dean's show, The Beaded Curtain, has been open for only two weeks and has already proven to be a huge success; based on this we anticipated the dinner to be spectacular as well. The guest-list included collectors, friends of the gallery, family members, and fellow artists who were coming to Like the Spice to view Dean Goelz's latest body of work and to enjoy the company of both art and artist while savoring a wonderful feast provided by Curioso.
By 8:00pm our guests started to arrive; each group rushing in to escape the bitter October winds and bask in the welcoming warmth of the gallery. Soon, our first floor was filled with people sipping on wine and pausing at each of Dean's pieces to enjoy a first, second, or third look. Dean was all smiles as we took our seats at the long table. By the time the first course had been brought out all introductions had been made and and everyone was interacting with an air of familiarity reminiscent of a nice and civilized family dinner. The art was beautiful, the food was scrumptious, and the company was (as anticipated) lively and entertaining.
While we munched on a fresh salad of arugula and mozzarella, fellow Like the Spice artist Jenny Morgan introduced herself and softly but excitedly discussed her upcoming show. The exhibit will open on November 13th and will be a collaboration between Jenny and David Mramor.
After we had all finished our entrees of spinach ravioli, chicken carchofino, and savory broccoli rabe, Marisa invited Dean to take the floor and open a postprandial discussion about his process, the symbolism in his individual works, and the differences between this current show and what he has created in the past. Dean stood before the table of peers, admirers, family, and friends and spoke about the details that symbolized deep feelings of loss and one's journey through these feelings that are incorporated into each piece. He mentioned how he attempted to "visualize the process of loss" in the floating figures that seem to disappear and reappear, withdrawing into the ethereal dots of pearly white or red paint. He spoke about the incorporation of birds as personal references to the people he has lost and how they manifest themselves face first from nothingness.
Unlike some of his previous works, such as his duck sculptures where most of the faces are portraits of family members, the faces in Beaded Curtain are those of strangers. In fact, Dean mentioned that one of the reasons why each piece is numbered and not given a detailed title is because each work is based on or evolved from the one that preceded it. Modestly Dean stated that to him the pieces are visually poetic enough, the words do not need to be.
Each dot in Dean Goelz's work is a record of time; each piece is time consuming but is also reminiscent of a strong notion of the building of a microcosm. There is each dot and then each individual grouping of dots, and then there is the edge of the dots that frames the mass as a whole. There is a definite passion and fluidity in these pieces that makes them mesmerizing, some of them are even explosive.
Unfortunately, like most good things, our dinner with Dean Goelz had to come to a close. We had eaten our fill and indulged in conversations that we would not have been able to participate in otherwise. There was a decided feeling of happiness and excitement amongst the guests as they gathered their coats ready to face the awaiting cold. At the table we were all equals, able to ask questions and voice opinions about art, specific and non-specific works, and their creation. It was a riveting event and we are sorry if you missed it! Keep in touch with us at Like The Spice and make sure you do not miss our next dinner!

Poll results IN - Dean's dinner is called....

The Facebook masses have spoken, and the formerly untitled dinner for Dean Goelz's artist dinner at Like the Spice shall henceforth be known as "My DEANNER WITH DEAN"! If you haven't had a chance to come to one of our dinners, hah hah, it's too late 'cause we're full for tonight!

We'll post pictures for ya though. :D

It's Curtains For You

What are you doing this Friday? Really? Well, you just go right ahead and cancel that, because now you're coming to Like the Spice! Because Friday, October 9th is opening night of Dean Goelz: The Beaded Curtain. Dean's been a friend of ours for a while now, so you might remember him from last year, but we've never seen anything like his current work. As always, we've got a special sneak preview for you to enjoy (and there's a few pieces we're keeping secret!) but let's give you a little taste...









Not quite delimited, more atmospheric than solid, Dean's apparitions are between two worlds, present yet translucent. And you can see them first hand on Friday night, starting at 6:30pm! We very much hope you'll be here.

(And P.S. to you hungry hungry types, now's the time to reserve your space for Dinner Goelz, our very latest delicious Monthly Dinner. Dean will be there as you enjoy a great meal surrounded by great art. Here's just a taste of previous dinners. If you've never been, come now! You can RSVP online, easy as pie.)

Rainy Day, Dry Wine

Hope everyone has been enjoying the rainy summer weather. Here at Like the Spice we're becoming umbrella aficionados! Grab your rainy weather gear and come to the 92nd Street Y on Thursday July 9th at 7pm because...



...we're hosting a special a wine and cheese party alongside a fabulous discussion with the talented Colette Robbins! Colette's work is on display alongside the work of Dean Goelz, in a very special show that you probably remember us talking about before. Tonight's a great night to check it out! As Colette answers your questions you'll get to enjoy some icy wine, chill cheese, and the even chiller collaboration that is on display.



Colette's paintings portray ordinary objects with a twilight zone twist, finding the unusual in the usual. In Colette's style a boring old acorn receives a dash psychological uncertainty and a splash of visual clarity and suddenly it becomes an awesome acorn that you can't escape! Come out at 7pm, rain or shine!

How our Collectors' Tour saved us from the All-Car-Rent-a-Car Blues

Dear All Car Rent a Car,

If you didn't want to go out with us, all you had to do was say so. Why did you have to ignore our phone calls, then answer only to lead us on? It hurt us when you acted like you didn't remember that you'd promised us a 15-seater passenger van. Like all your vows meant nothing to you. You seduced us with your siren song of a one-time payment of 159.99. What changed? We just can't give you what you want anymore. Don't you know that you can't put a deposit down on love?

And still we tried to love you. We took your van. Were you trying to tell us something when you almost gave it away to a church group minutes before we arrived? There are better ways to break up with someone than tricking them into returning a van all the way out in Brighton Beach with no money in our pocket and way to get home. We've had it, All Car Rent a Car. We took the un-airconditioned death box on wheels that you gave us and turned it into a motorized love-machine.

We like big butts and we cannot lie...

Our little gang of collectors and artists started off at 92Y Tribeca with a discussion by Dean Goelz and Colette Robbins. Here is Colette talking about "Spirited Away" while her audience follows.

After 92Y, we piled into the death-trap and bumped and sputtered our way across the bridge to DUMBO, where we paid Eric LoPresti a visit in his studio.


Today's Art Lesson: The Power of Primary Colors (Illustrated in Polo Shirts)
A couple of glasses of wine and a few nibbles of cheese later, we were back in the van and heading to Jenny Morgan and Peter Rostovsky's studios in Greenpoint!Then on to Rachel Beach who fed us dumplings and a heaping serving of new work. Check these babies out:


And here's Rachel herself, trying not to let on that she knows she's way more brilliant than any of us could ever hope to be.

And on and on! To Diana Puntar's. Here's one of Diana's sculptures. We were very excited to get to know her!


Finally, back to Like the Spice, where we had heroes deliciouso from Curiouso! David Mramor and Allison edge were sweet enough to come give us a little talk about their work, and who should reappear but Jenny and Colette! Our stalwart little crew of collectors had a well-earned snack and glass of wine, and stayed at LTS just long enough to catch the AMAZING double rainbow that appeared in the sky (no joke). Quite the party. And you know who WASN'T invited?

That's right, YOU, All Car Rent a Car. We wrote this letter to let you know that WE DON'T NEED YOU ANY MORE. In fact, we're seeing someone else. His name is Danny, over at AAMCAR rentals. We don't know what he looks like, but his phone voice is deep and sweet, and he's got a 17-seater waiting just for us and our next Collectors' Tour.
BECAUSE WE'RE WORTH IT.

Best wishes,

Like the Spice

T-t-talkin' 'bout Our Event Makin'

We've been doing so many things lately. We've even forgotten to recap our press! Well, it's never too late for that. Especially when there's something so exciting to talk about.

Our current show, Dirty Dirty Love, has a attracted a little attention... from a different country! Brazilian blog Ideafixa seems to really like artist Reuben Negron. We had to run it through a translator, since we don't speak Portuguese, but that doesn't change how flattered we are! A gallery likes to feel international, after all. Remember that we've extended the show, and Dirty Dirty Love now runs until July 12th.

Also of note is our offsite show at the 92nd Street Y in Tribeca. The lovely Colette Robbins and the just as lovely Dean Goelz are joined together in a fantastic show made up of their very latest works. Some of you might remember that we blogged about it before. Well, Dean and Colette will soon be stopping by the 92nd Street Y to talk about their work. On Thursday, June 25th, come enjoy a discussion with Dean and Colette. Just $5 holds your place in advance. If you've never met them, you have to go. If you have met them, you have to go again. We can't stress it enough: these two are so great in person.

Keep in mind that we're gonna be open all Summer long (except Tuesdays) and we want to see YOU! If nothing else, be sure to stop in on July 17th for opening night of Off The Clock! And make your reservations now for Assisted Dining, coming on July 24th. Remember, even though the weather is cool, we're still hot!

Look At Our Opening

Did that come out wrong? All we meant was that on May 22nd, we hosted an opening night party for Reuben Negrón: Dirty Dirty Love. It was ever so wholesome. There was even a dog and a baby!




Reuben and Naomi are brand new parents. He's having a great year, isn't he? And that baby is a complete angel. Not even a peep while Reuben attempted to juggle fatherhood and career in the face of an art-loving crowd.



We were very pleased to see both old and new faces all night long. And look at all the special surprise guests!



Here's Jenny Morgan telling everyone how she always knew Reuben was going to be a star.



Dean Goelz is totally hitting on you. You know he talks about you all the time. Be sure to visit his work at the 92nd St Y in Tribeca, where he and Collette Robbins are currently on display. You won't be sorry.



The elusive-yet-happy Chadwick Whitehead stopped in for a bit as well! It's always a pleasure. We even got to catch up with Johnna MacArthur (that's her hiding in the lower right corner).



We're pretty sure everyone had a great time, from the critics-



to the brand new mommies. And if you weren't there, keep in mind that Dirty Dirty Love is on display until June 21st. And we're going to give you plenty of excuses to come visit. Keep watching, details are on the way...

Colette Robbins and Dean Goelz at 92YTribeca for Like the Spice Gallery

Last night, Thursday May 14, Marisa welcomed friends and colleagues to the opening of Colette Robbins and Dean Goelz new exhibit at the 92YTribeca. Colette's strikingly surreal and colorful panels and Dean's quiet but effective graphite and acrylic "dot" images impressed almost as much as the open bar, which ran dry in a matter of twenty minutes or so. Not to worry, however, because Marisa came to the rescue with reinforcement bottles. The show is slated to run until July 19 so if you missed the fun last night be sure to find time to get down to Tribeca before it is too late; the new space is absolutely beautiful.




Dean and Colette, appropriately decked out for the occasion, look thrilled about the big turnout but she's just relieved she got that last glass of wine and he's putting on a brave face until he can change back into his converse.



This enormous panel, titled "Spirited Away," by Colette was attracting plenty of attention throughout the evening.



After the opening everyone rendezvoused at Nancy Whisky's Pub for "one last drink." Remember if you are seated upstairs its Table Service ONLY!