Overview of Brooklyn’s Indie Art Scene
GALLERIES
In recent years, many Brooklyn galleries have unfortunately closed, and one popular Williamsburg venue, Pierogi, has relocated to the Lower East Side. This guide features a mix of established galleries along with casual galleries and shops that sell unique art and items.
Established in 2000, Figureworks is a vital part of Williamsburg’s art scene. The gallery focuses on contemporary and 20th-century fine art that explores the human form. Open Saturday and Sunday from 1 pm-6 pm, they also offer a weekly life drawing session on Saturdays for just nine dollars.
This impressive 25,000 square foot waterfront gallery in Red Hook, founded by Brooklyn artist Dustin Yellen, aims to break traditional disciplinary boundaries and foster community. A notable exhibit, “The Present Is the Form of All Life,” will host events throughout the month, making it a must-visit on your art journey.
A prominent fixture in the DUMBO art scene, Smack Mellon showcases the work of emerging and under-recognized artists while offering studio space through their Artist Studio Program.
Located on the East Williamsburg/Bushwick border, this shop/gallery features a diverse collection of prints and work from local and international artists. Visitors can find affordable unique art pieces, along with quirky items that make perfect gifts.
Situated in Boerum Hill, this charming shop/gallery is known for its playful art, perfect for children’s rooms and brightening up any space. Grumpy Bert also hosts Get Lit writing workshops, offering opportunities for creatives of all kinds.
OPEN STUDIOS
In the fall, the Gowanus district of Brooklyn opens numerous art studios for public tours. Visitors can find a printable map and more details on their website.
Bushwick is home to an open-air museum of street art, but the annual open studio event allows visitors to view the artistic process behind closed doors.
The annual event in Red Hook provides opportunities to explore artists’ studios around Van Brunt Street, experiencing the local art scene first-hand.
This event happens in the spring, but year-round, visitors can explore galleries such as The Greenpoint Gallery, which hosts Friday shows from September through June.
ART OPENINGS AND OTHER EVENTS
For details on art openings across Brooklyn, consider exploring resources like Wagmag or ArtinBrooklyn, offering calendars of events to help plan your visits. Below are some notable ongoing events:
The Brooklyn Waterfront Artists Coalition schedules numerous art shows throughout the year, culminating in an auction where you may snag a piece of art for as little as forty dollars. The gallery, founded in 1978, plays a crucial role in promoting local artists.
Discover new talent at the Pratt Art Show, showcasing work from students at Pratt Institute, a top art college known for fostering creativity.
The upcoming annual festival taking place in June promises to deliver a dynamic showcase of artistic talent, further establishing Bushwick as a cultural hub.
BRIC hosts free art exhibits that reflect Brooklyn’s diverse community. The upcoming “BRIC Biennial: Volume II” will run from November to January, showcasing a rich array of artistic voices.
