“Painting only” echoed in the minds of The Painting Center’s founders. This non-profit art gallery in New York City is rooted in the art community. It has a reputation for integrity in its programming. The Painting Center is dedicated to offering an alternative space. This space exhibits painting and various media regardless of market appeal.
Founded in 1993, The Painting Center emerged from a desire to showcase painting. Dana Gordon, Louisa Waber and Carl Plansky are some of the founders. They felt galleries weren’t showing real painting much anymore. They wanted to do something about it.
Louisa Waber found a space for rent on Greene Street. This led to the birth of The Painting Center. Carl Plansky was energetic and an excellent painter. He was the inventor of Williamsburg Paints. He kept the project going at the start. Dana Gordon thought up the name. She designed the logo, which is still used today.
The Painting Center started with an inaugural show. It featured forty-nine artists. Jake Berthot, Louise Fishman and Bill Jensen were among them. This show brought attention to The Painting Center as a new exhibition space.
In 2010, The Painting Center moved to Chelsea. The new location provided a larger Main Gallery. It measures over 1,200 square feet. There is also a second space called the Project Room. It measures 400 square feet.
The Painting Center has showcased thousands of artists. These have been in solo shows, group exhibitions and curated shows. Many guest curators have contributed to these exhibitions. They have displayed the work of diverse artists. Their work has received continuous support. This support recognizes an alternative voice in the community.
Guest curators have included David Sharpe and James Little. Susan Shatter and Josef Brescher have also curated shows. The Painting Center was featured in Modern Painters Magazine’s 100 Gallery Guide in 1998.
The Painting Center hosts lectures and educational events. Panel discussions, poetry readings and performances are also part of the program. These events are free and open to the public. The Painting Center also maintains an online curated art file. This file is available to curators.
Today, The Painting Center continues its mission. It provides exhibition opportunities for artists. These artists are emerging, mid-career and established. Curators use the space to present contemporary thesis exhibitions. These exhibitions focus on visual arts, artists and art-making practices. The Painting Center fosters dialogue and experimentation. It welcomes and encourages diverse viewpoints. It is a gathering place for artists and art lovers alike.