Seriously, We Don't Actually Sleep

We'd like to, but there's just so much going on! Let's discuss.

Next Friday, May 29th, at 8:00pm, we've got our next installment of the Monthly Dinner Series: F**K Dinner, featuring artist Reuben Negrón. As always, we're serving family-style in the gallery itself. And you know how great previous dinners were, right? If you don't, plan to come out and learn! Make your reservation without hesitation because we often fill up fast, and there's already a line forming. You don't want to miss the surprise we've got planned!

Then get ready, because on the night of Friday, June 5th, LtS has a brand new BFF! We're welcoming wine.woot.com for a very special advance tasting of their upcoming white, and you'll have a chance to be among the very first palates that will enjoy a taste. Wine.woot is very excited to be joining us in Brooklyn, so we want to give them a warm welcome. Plan now so you can be here then!

Finally, have you been paying attention to 44 Berry Street, at the corner of Berry and North 11th? For those of you who haven't, get ready, because Like the Spice and aptsandlofts.com are working together to present APT 44B, an art exhibit designed to show how beauty begins at home. Highlighting the traditional role of the loft in the history and romanticism of the New York art scene, Like the Spice Gallery has solicited work from local artists that pursues unexpected interpretations of the varied accoutrements of modern living. Artists have been encouraged to use the rooms, the architectural/industrial details, and the fabric of the living spaces to weave their personal statements and pieces into apartments that are currently for rent. If you've ever wondered how you could make your personal life a bit more artistic, this is the show for you. Apt 44B starts up on Thursday, June 4th and you'll love it.

And what's after that? You'd except us to answer "we sit down for a bit", but no! Rest is not part of the Like the Spice way! Instead, we'll be chasing down The Northside Festival from June 11th - June 13th. We'll have some band infomation for you later, but save those dates... for rock!

We work so hard for you, but what's the point if you're not here to enjoy it? Plan now to come and have some fun with us during these early summer days. We're looking forward to your smiling faces, because that makes it all worthwhile. And don't forget to make that dinner reservation right now!

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...

Like the Spice... is a little old place where... Weee can Get Togethuh-uh..

...and the blogosphere continues to rub up all on us. Of course, given what we've got, who can blame them? Check out this pulse-pounding sexiness:

And the artist ain't bad either. The ever awesome Woot.com has given us a sexy little mention on their blog! Reuben Negrón is seen wearing Woot's "Suburban Blitzkrieg". Check it out here!


Reuben's exhibition "Dirty Dirty Love" opens up at Like the Spice Friday, May 9th, 6:30- 10pm.

Reuben's delicate watercolors arouse the senses and intrigue the mind. Each work captures a moment in a scene, where the intimate interactions pictured hint at a story to be woven together by the viewer.

Based on photographs the artist takes of real couples in domestic and intimate moments, Negrón's is the photorealism of Nan Goldin - only minus the eighties blank-generation angst. Negrón's works depict private moments as they really are, fraught with insecurity; yet tender, joyous, and vulnerable. Never saccharine, Negrón gives us hot little slices of true romance.


Oh, and make sure to come to "F*** Dinner" on Friday, May 29th, 2009 - a sensuous meal designed to complement Reuben's show! We can promise sinful food and wine, provocative conversation, and a spread of breathtakingly intimate art to keep you company while you dine. RSVP's are required!

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!

Y? Because We... Wait, We Made That Joke Last Time

At least we know you're reading! And if you're reading, you should be planning to come and see Colette Robbins & Dean Goelz at 92nd Street Y Tribeca. Here's a little taste!



Colette Robbins describes her work thusly: When you stare at your mother and for the first time see the details of a mole you have never noticed before, you are entering the space where my work exists. This enigmatic twilight zone also occurs when you stare at something ordinary, like an acorn and are transported into a seemingly uneventful time in your childhood that carries strong psychological uncertainty and visual clarity. Whether I am observing a friend or recalling a detailed dream, I see everything through an uncanny lens. Through this lens of perverse nostalgia, I envision paintings that synthesize our cultural and personal histories full of both horror and empathy. We've been enjoying her stuff here, and we're pretty sure you will too.



Alongside our pal Colette, you'll find our pal Dean Goelz, showing off his latest exciting works.



Through representations of humanoid forms, Dean presents the viewer with his interpretations of the human condition. He highlights the play between the awkwardness and the elegance of existence. If you caught his solo show, you know how great his work can be, and if you didn't, you have a chance to see him now!



Colette and Dean will be showing at 92Y Tribeca from Thursday, May 14 until Sunday, July 19. The opening reception is May 14th from 6-8 pm. We'll see you there!

Affordable, Lovable, Wonderful...

Those are just some of the words that were used to describe good ol' Booth E-103 this weekend at the Affordable Art Fair.



For example, Art Most Fierce noticed us "spicing up the fair", while Matterful spent some major time in our booth. And let us not forget Brooklyn Based, who seemed pleased by just how affordable, arty and fair we actually were.

Thanks for the visit, everyone! We can't wait to do it again next year! Remember, our home base is open year round and we want you to come and visit! Why not plan now to join us on May 29th for the next installment of our Monthly Dinner Series with artist Reuben Negrón?

"It Takes A Lot Of Work To Be This Cheap!"

Of course, that's a quote from the wonderful Dolly Parton, but after this weekend at the Affordable Art Fair, we found we could understand her exactly. The AAF is designed to present art that's high in value but low in price, so we've taken some of our most valuable artists along for the ride. We're pretty proud of our little corner of the show. Just take a look!







Don't we have a lovely booth? You just know you've got to stop in and see it in person. Long time LtS groupies will have already noticed that we're showing some fresh new work from the incredible Jenny Morgan. We've also got two brand new watercolors from Reuben Negron that are just amazing. Consider it a preview of his upcoming show, Dirty Dirty Love, which opens May 22nd. Reuben's hot stuff and he's gonna get attention, so you should sign up for his dinner right now. You won't want to miss it, we're certain.



Our team of Lovely Assistants are on hand and waiting for you! We've even put up a few Sunday surprises that aren't reflected in these photo. The AAF is open until 5pm on Sunday night, and we're in booth E-103. Wouldn't it be a nice way to spend Mother's Day?