Looking for something different to do this weekend? Artsclub NYC has got you covered. Artsclub NYC is a company that hosts art-related events every weekend.

Their mission is to make art more accessible to everyone, not just the leaders within the art world. We had a chance to experience one of their paint and sip nights last weekend and t’was very lit.

 

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⚡️Join us on February 23 for our first Basquiat Party! ⚡️ We’ll be learning about the life & work of this record breaking artist, before making our own Basquiat-inspired masterpieces. 🔗 Link to tickets in our bio and check out our last post for a ticket giveaway!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 🎨 Paramount, 1984-85. [on view in the Andy Warhol exhibition @whitneymuseum ] ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 👨🏿‍🎨 Jean-Michel Basquiat, 1960-1988 & Andy Warhol Lawrence, 1928-1987. [American]. Throughout his career, Andy Warhol would collaborate with artists and friends to make his art. His relationship with Basquiat, who he met in 1981, was particularly fruitful; the pair produced hundreds of works together. Basquiat began his career as a graffiti artist and the gestural, expressive marks of this medium would exemplify his work even once he’d become a star of the mainstream art world. Like Warhol, he was interested in themes of capitalism and celebrity and would combine image and text freely in his work. His life, and career, was cut short when he died from a drug overdose at age 27, but his cultural influence – and art market value – has only soared, receiving multiple lyrical references in hip hop to record prices at auction. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #art #nyc #artsclub #newyork #warhol #andywarhol #basquiat #painting #weekend #saturday

A post shared by ArtsClub (@artsclubnyc) on Feb 18, 2019 at 5:08am PST

The inclusive paint and sip included a half-hour lecture about the artist of inspiration for the night, Basquiat. Basquiat will forever be a beloved artist of New York, but there are tons of stories people still don’t know about him.

Basquiat was more than an artist he was a BOSS! Did you know that he lit up a blunt on a first class flight to LA?  In fact, when scolded by the stewardess he responded,

“I thought this was first class.”

Have you ever seen the first magazine cover Basquiat did for the New York Times Magazine back in 1985 where he’s barefooted?  Lowkey, you would’ve never known that homie refused to put his shoes on.

Plus, we can’t ignore the fact he is the artist responsible for bringing the crown usually found in street art, into the gallery space. LEGEND! As a New Yorker, and a passionate art lover it was a shock to learn the deeper story about Basquiat’s rise in the art world.

What made this lecture even better was the fact everyone was sipping on wine or beer, eagerly waiting to start their own masterpiece on the wooden canvas provided for us, along with acrylic and enamel paint, and paint brushes.

The last two hours were spent getting sauced on Coconut Rosé FRUTApops, comparing canvases with friends, and reflecting on the story of a legend.

 

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Basquiat painting party last night with @artsclubnyc 🎨👑

A post shared by FrutaPOP (@frutapop) on Feb 24, 2019 at 6:44am PST

This is just the average Saturday night at ArtsClub.

Hit them up this weekend for a Warhol Factory Party. Remember, regardless of your knowledge or skills related to art. ALL are welcome!

 

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👯‍♂️ What a dynamic duo these two are! After last night’s fab Basquiat event, we can’t wait to party with Warhol next weekend. 🎉 Open bar, screen printing, coloring, DJ, photo booth and more. 🔗 Grab a friend and get your tickets now, link in bio⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 🎨 Warhol and Basquiat Sitting 1987, 1987. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 👨🏻‍🎨 Tseng Kwong Chi, 1950-1990. [Hong Kong / New York; Photographer] Befriending many of its key figures, Chi photographed the artists emerging from the downtown arts scene of New York in the 1970s & 80s. His most famous work, ‘East Meets West’, sees Chi turn the camera on himself as he takes self-portraits at iconic sites around the world. In each he poses in a costume modeled after Chairman Mao’s, the Communist leader who Andy Warhol would immortalize in his brightly colored screen prints. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #art #nyc #newyork #artsclub #warhol #andywarhol #basquiat #weekend #party #painting

A post shared by ArtsClub (@artsclubnyc) on Feb 24, 2019 at 6:10am PST

Up until a year and a half ago, I had never been inside an art gallery. Art was not something I really thought that much about, and I definitely had no idea there are almost 1,000 art galleries right here in NYC.

My first time visiting an art gallery I remember feeling confused and intimidated by the stone-faced, rather unwelcoming looking person sitting at the front desk. I felt like I didn’t belong, because I wasn’t some fancy art expert, with thousands of dollars to spend on art.

Over time I realized…art is for everyone, and no one should ever feel intimidated to go into an art gallery. Unlike museums, galleries are free to enter, which means there are thousands of artworks to be seen. I wanted to share some tips when visiting an art gallery:

1. Don’t ever feel unwelcome

https://giphy.com/gifs/homer-simpson-static-back-away-3o85xrrbYlB4iGQrOU

The art world has a history of being inaccessible to those that aren’t part of the upper class, but those days are long over. If someone at the front desk looks at you weird, just remember they are being paid minimum wage, and are probably bored out of their mind. 

2. Always grab a press release

Press releases will almost always be available at the front desk, and if it isn’t, just ask. It explains the artist, and artworks included in the show in depth. Fully understanding what you’re looking at gives you more confidence and understanding when walking around the gallery.

3. Download the Artguide app

This app will give you information about shows already on view, and upcoming openings so you can make a list of what you want to see. It even organizes galleries by location, so no matter what borough you live in you can find art near you.

4. Feel free to take photos

Unless there’s a sign that specifically says not to, take as many pics as you like. Just remember to not get too close to the art. If you’re looking to get a pic in front of an artwork, I suggest standing at least an arm’s length away. 

5. Don’t be afraid to ask questions

There have been times I found myself thinking, “What the fuck is this.” Abstract art can sometimes be a little…out there. If you don’t understand what you’re looking at, just ask.

6. You’re allowed to dislike something

I use to think because something was art that means I had to like it, or think it was good. The truth is, there’s a lot of whack art out there. If you find yourself in a gallery with lame artworks, just leave. 

7. Always call ahead

Although galleries usually have regular business hours, they sometimes close for private events. Google has given me false information before, and I ended up going to a gallery that was closed. Always double check. 

8. Just have fun

With all the money we spend on clothes, food, and alcohol, there’s finally a way you can spend an afternoon, for free. Instead of getting wild saucy use that time to see poppin’ and dope art. No reason to spend money on some whack ish!

Need some plans? Here are three NYC art gems definitely worth pulling up to this weekend. 

First stop is  X Gallery NYC, for their opening of the Fred Watkins exhibition, as part of the celebration of Black History Month. It’s not every day you find an art gallery that celebrates Black History, so this show is a must see.

X Gallery, located right on Malcolm X Boulevard, has an entire exhibition highlighting some of Fred Watkins key moments in his career. Other artist celebrated in this show include works from June DeLairre Truesdale, Juanita M. Prince Cole, Tyrone Rasheed, John Braithwaite and Lisa DuBois.

Head over to their Instagram page to RSVP to the opening night reception, Saturday, Feb. 9, six to nine pm.

 

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Reserve your free entrance on Event Brite by clicking the “Get Tickets” tab at the top of our profile page. Act fast before tickets run out.

A post shared by X GALLERY NYC (@xgalleryharlem) on Feb 6, 2019 at 9:33am PST

Next stop is Miles McEnery Gallery, for their two new colorful exhibitions by artist Markus Linnenbrink, and Judy Pfaff. Pfaff uses multiple mediums for her works, which results in a large scale, and colorful sculpture-like installation.

Linnenbrink creates colorful, three Dimensional paintings that are an experience of time and color. If you love colors, you will love these exhibitions. Both shows are equally beautiful, as they are Insta-worthy.

Check them out while they are on view, both end Mar. 9. 

 

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Join us tonight from 6 to 8 pm, for the opening reception of Markus Linnenbrink’s exhibition, at 525 W 22nd Street. The exhibition will be on view through 9 March. … Pictured: Installation shot at Miles McEnery Gallery, New York, NY … #markuslinnenbrink #soloshow #newshow #milesmcenerygallery

A post shared by Miles McEnery Gallery (@miles.mcenery.gallery) on Feb 7, 2019 at 11:06am PST

Last stop is at Intersects by Lexus to see the Essential Invisible exhibition by artist Future Wife. You will be blown away by the combination of art and tech.

Some of the best kinds of art are interactive. There are so many galleries have strict rules about not touching or getting to close to the works. “Essential Invisible” is the opposite.

This show is interactive because the viewer has control of the work. Infrared, and 3D sensors are used to detect human motion, which allows you to control the canvas. This ability to control the art makes for an even more special experience than the usual gallery trip.

The exhibition is on view until Mar. 5, located at 412 West 14th Street. 

 

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“Essential Invisible,” a @futurewifellc installation, gives visibility to a spectrum of light normally undetectable to the naked human eye. Join us as we unveil this groundbreaking exhibit here at INTERSECT BY LEXUS – NYC, on display daily in our Third Floor Gallery, today through March 5. #IntersectByLexusNYC #IntersectNYC #EssentialInvisible #InteractiveArt

A post shared by INTERSECT BY LEXUS – NYC (@intersectnyc) on Feb 1, 2019 at 10:49am PST

If you’re looking for plans this weekend, consider checking out a few new art exhibitions. We’ve put together a list of art shows that have recently opened, are worth spending the afternoon learning about, and snapping some nice pics along the way.

Don’t worry if you’ve never heard of these artists, or aren’t familiar with art in general. The point of visiting galleries is to observe, and learn! Be sure to pick up a press release at the front desk to read more in-depth about all the exhibitions.

1. Kasmin Gallery

First stop is Kasmin Gallery in Chelsea for two amazing shows. “Les Lalanne” includes over 30 works by world rebound French sculptors Claude and Francois-Xavier Lalanne and “Polaroid Portraits” includes dozens of Polaroids taken by Andy Warhol himself.

These shows are at two separate locations. Les Lalanne is located at 509 West 27th Street, and Warhol is at 297 10th Ave.

 

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Reviewed by @archdigest, the exhibition “Les Lalanne”, designed by Louis Benech, is ongoing at our new 509 West 27th street space through March 2, 2019. @carly_olson describes the exhibition, “Regardless of one’s understanding of the art and design worlds, it’s not hard to appreciate—or, at least, enjoy—the Lalannes’ work. “Everything is very playful and whimsical yet serves a purpose—and it’s made to be used,” says Dicconson, who is the leading director of the Lalanne exhibition. “So everything is made very very well and has stood the test of time.” Inspired by flora and fauna, the objects have no shortage of personality. This exhibition marks another exciting leap of sorts for the relationship between Kasmin and the Lalannes. Paul Kasmin himself was one of the first to show the Lalannes’ work in the United States—and has shown them many times since—and now, 30 years after Kasmin’s opening, this exhibition is staged in the gallery’s newest space on 27th Street in Manhattan, which opened last fall.” • #LesLalanne #ClaudeLalanne #FrancoisXavierLalanne #ArchitecturalDigest #Sculpture #Kasmin509 • Image: Installation view of Les Lalanne at Kasmin Gallery. January 24 – March 9, 2019. Photography by Christopher Stach. Les Lalanne © 2019 Artist Rights Society (ARS), New York, NY/ADAGP, Paris, France.

A post shared by Kasmin Gallery (@kasmingallery) on Feb 1, 2019 at 1:43pm PST

Upon entering the 509 West 27th space you’ll be blown away by the beautiful high ceiling and white walls. From the entrance, the show is laid out in a way that almost resembles a sculpture garden.

The focal point of the show is the larger than life mirror, which will draw you in for the perfect selfie moment. After snapping that pic for Instagram be sure to look for the small details in all the sculptures and furniture. This show is on view until March 9th.

Right down the block at 297 tenth ave is where you will find what might be the most exciting collection of Polaroids taken by Andy Warhol himself. Starting in the early 1960s, Andy carried around a personal polaroid camera, and in his day to day activities captured moments of some of the world’s most recognizable names, including Liza Minnelli and Muhammad Ali.

You’ll even get a chance to see some of his own selfies. This show is on view until Mar. 2.

 

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Channeling that WARHOL energy 💫👨🏼

A post shared by Abel Casasola (@abel_esquire) on Jan 27, 2019 at 10:00am PST

2. James Cohan Gallery

Our next stop is just a block down the street at James Cohen Gallery, located at 533 West 26th Street and 291 Grand Street.

Their current show “Borders” is a group exhibition made up of artists from all corners of the world. When visiting the James Cohan Gallery, the first thing you will immediately notice is Jorge Méndez Blake’s brick wall titled “Amerika”.

Behind the wall hangs Dread Scott’s screen print that states in giant bold letters “Imagine a World Without America”

This show comes at the perfect time since Trump has recently declared our nation in a “state of emergency” with the reason being that humans are crossing the border into the U.S. Take a few minutes to let that sink in while you explore this exhibition. The show is on view until Feb. 23.

 

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Dread Scott uses the visual tropes of cartography to question boundaries by proposing alternative geographies. His 2007 work, Imagine a World Without America, calls upon the viewer to participate in the titular thought experiment and contemplate that absence. The painting de-centers the United States of America from the middle of the map that most Americans are familiar with. Scott utilizes the language of cartography to encourage the exploration of social questions, not geography. Land mass and sea are depicted but—like the world as it actually is—borders don’t exist. . . 📷: Dread Scott, “Imagine a World Without America,” 2007, screen print and acrylic on canvas. . . . . . #dreadscott #borders #maps #jamescohan #jamescohangallery #contemporaryart #groupexhibition

A post shared by James Cohan (@jamescohangallery) on Jan 4, 2019 at 3:04pm PST

3. Phillips Auction House

Our next stop will take you to midtown, to check out the “American African American” show on view at Phillips Auction House, located at 450 Park Ave.

For anyone who may not know what an auction house is, it’s where people go to sell their artworks, and believe it or not the doors are always open to the public for viewing these works.

This show is equally exciting, and important because it showcases over 60 works created by some of the most significant and legendary black artists.

 

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Premiering at our New York headquarters: AMERICAN AFRICAN AMERICAN. Curated by Phillips’ Senior Advisor and Director Emeritus of the @brooklynmuseum, Arnold Lehman, #AmericanAfricanAmerican brings together more than sixty works from Jean-Michel Basquiat and Kehinde Wiley to Adam Pendleton and Awol Erizku. Looking towards the increasingly powerful cadre of American artists who happen to be black, as well as those who have looked deeply into their blackness as a source of inspiration, the exhibition inclusively explores the dynamic reshuffling of the American art world from the 1950s to the present. Experience the exhibition through 8 February at 450 Park Avenue in New York. Learn more on phillips.com.

A post shared by Phillips (@phillipsauction) on Jan 10, 2019 at 3:03pm PST

This show will be on view until Feb. 8, so make sure you find time to stop in before then!

Finding a hidden gem in NYC isn’t the easiest task. With Manhattan’s usual tourist attractions and museums jam-packed with selfie crazed visitors, to find an exciting, yet nonstressful Saturday afternoon activity can pose as a challenge.

This past weekend, I found myself facing the same challenge. While planning my day, I scrolled through the lists of current shows on view at the big name museums such as The Met and MoMA, but I knew a Saturday afternoon was the worst possible time to visit if I wanted any sense of privacy.

While searching on Google Maps for an address, I stumbled upon a location named Waterfall Mansion and Gallery. As someone who frequents museums and galleries as a hobby, I had never heard of this place, and I immediately Googled their website.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Boioth1lDBJ/

To my surprise, I learned that there is a four-story mansion, filled with art and a giant waterfall that sits right on the Upper East Side. If you’re interested in visiting, the only way to see the Waterfall Mansion is to book a tour. Tours are offered on Saturdays between 12 pm and 4 pm. I booked the 4 pm time slot, got ready, and hopped on the train.

Upon arriving you ring the bell to enter two larger than life doors. At this point, I still had no idea what to expect. The moment I walked through the door I was greeted by a disco-like, colorful sculpture by artist Soo Sunny Park.

To the right of the sculpture was another visually stunning, and loud light sculpture by artist Gil Kuno. I went on to learn that Kuno records natural situations, such as a waterfall, then puts it into a computer algorithm that mimics the movement of the waterfall into the sculpture.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BtJUPjig9RG/

At this point, I knew this was going to be a special experience. The guide started off the tour with the first-floor exhibition “Be Still” including works by artists Makoto Fujimura, Minha Yang, and Nikolai Makarov. As you walk down the long hallway, the guide explained the significance of the artist and their works.

When getting to the end of the hall, I was blown away by the two-story waterfall, and I truly understood why this place was called the Waterfall Mansion. Photos cannot do this room justice, you have to book the tour to experience this for yourself.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BsrIwUYFJ4a/

Heading up to the second floor I realized that every corner of this gallery was thoughtfully filled with art, even the bathrooms have paintings in the showers and sculptures next to the sinks.

What really caught my attention was the third floor. Black masking tape covered the wall and ceiling on half the room. I learned that the artist Sun K. Kwak doesn’t even plan her work ahead of time. Instead, she spends time with a room to get a better understanding of the space, then covers the walls with masking tape, only to rip it all off.

The outcome is an out of this world image created on the walls. I truly didn’t think the tour could get much better than this, but I was proven wrong when I entered the next floor.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BpFPFWbBwPG/

Walking up the stairs to the third floor, the first thing everyone noticed was two wire sculpture, that at first glance almost resemble hair.

These sculptures are created by artist Shane Pennington, and what is the most surprising is that he actually electrocutes the wires to give the sculpture a unique shape.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BlJAV99hS66/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet

If electrocuted sculptures aren’t enough for you, head to the bathroom to find Jae Yong Kim’s donut sculptures.

You’ll learn that these colorful and fun sculptures were actually inspired from a place of darkness. When the artist was battling with depression, these simple donuts brought him much joy.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bn9rRyThrKJ/

The last stop on this tour was artist Lee Seung Hee’s ceramic bamboo forest. The forest was made of dozens of tall ceramic bamboo sculptures, set against the backdrop of the neighboring brick walled Manhattan buildings.

What surprised me the most is the fact that this two- hour long experience exploring an Upper East Side mansion, with a two-story waterfall was only $12. For those of us who are not part of the upper echelon of society, this tour provides a chance to explore a place that would otherwise be off limits.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BpXYfNOlkPj/

If you decide to book the tour, be sure to bring a camera since the tour guide actually encourages photo taking, unlike several other experiences I’ve had where patrons were scolded for taking out their phones. Please, just remember to always respect the artwork and others around you enjoying the tour.

Like I said, finding a true hidden gem in NYC is not easy,  but the Waterfall Mansion and Gallery is truly one of them. I hope you’ll get to spend your next Saturday exploring the inside of this aesthetically pleasing paradise.