Like the Spice Gallery Events

Spicecasting.mp3

noreply@blogger.com (Like the Spice) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 21:47:00 +0000

The rumors are true! Well, at least, we hope people have been spreading rumors. Because we want everyone's attention so we can tell them to start listening to the Like the Spice Podcast!

We'll be the first to admit we're still learning, but we're pretty proud of what we've done. This podcast you'll be getting a fantastic interview with Jenny Morgan and David Mramor about their upcoming show, Civil Union, opening this Friday, November 13th. Listening to them describe how they met, why they work together so well, and the way they first became and have remained friends will really get you in the mood for their opening night. P.S.: you want to be here for that too. 6:30pm - 10:00pm.

Anyway, we're trying really hard to get into the iTunes store. We even said our friends were already inside! But the bouncer just didn't believe us. So, for right now, you can hit our homemade RSS feed and download the podcast manually. Check it out! And then let us know what you thought, okay?

One Last Thing...

noreply@blogger.com (Like the Spice) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 21:27:00 +0000

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...

Local Girl Makes Good

noreply@blogger.com (Like the Spice) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:39:00 +0000

We at L the S always love it when our artists do good stuff. So we're very very pleased to mention that Nora Herting, who previously joined us as part of 2008's Flip, will be doing something wonderful this weekend!

This Friday, November 6th, from 4pm until 7pm, Nora will be on hand as part of Stand Alone Gallery's Portable Street Studio, which you can find lurking about 547 West Street (between 10th and 11th). An accomplished photographer (take a look and see!), Nora's going to be offering a free sitting to create spontaneous portraits as part of what they're calling an Interactive Community Portrait Event. We're going to try our best to be there, and we think you should try too.

Of course, Nora's been getting some good press lately. The Forth Worth Examiner has a very nice interview that's available to read online. Want a taste?

Richie Budd:
There is something gregariously pure and honest about where you leave the audience as viewers in relationship to your work. Can you talk to what it is you look for in your own photographs that make you want to share them? Or how do you decide to choose a particular photograph to display?

Nora Herting:
The criterion varies a bit depending on what I am expressing in each series of work. In each one I am communicating something a little bit different. I would like my photographs raise the viewers awareness to the nature of photography, as well as the actual subject in the photograph itself. So, in Free Sitting, a series I did about commercial portrait studios, the viewer has to think about the somewhat absurd measures that are employed when people make portraits of themselves.

It's a really nice look at the way Nora works, thinks, and creates, and it's worth the read. We're so pleased she's getting all this attention! So keep in mind: the place to be this Saturday is 547 West Street, from 4 - 7pm!

Civil Union: The Heart of Collaboration

noreply@blogger.com (Like the Spice) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 20:08:00 +0000

Dean Goelz is our current exhibition, and The Beaded Curtain has been receiving rave reviews! It's open until November 8th so you've got plenty of time to come and enjoy. But can we just take a moment to wet your appetite for the future? Because there's something good coming up next...

Our next exhibition features works by Like The Spice regulars Jenny Morgan and David Mramor. It's called Civil Union, and from what we've already seen, it promises a fantastic showing of works that get to the heart of artistic collaboration. Combining photo-realistic portraiture with hybrid abstraction is no easy feat, but Jenny and David are masters of innovation.

And, of course, the hotline's already open for Civilware, our latest installment of the monthly dinner series. Jenny Morgan and David Mramor will be on hand, November 20th, at 8:00pm, and we'll toast their new show and talk with them about their unique process. You should make your reservations right now!

Remember, you've still got time to come enjoy The Beaded Curtain, but plan ahead. November's right around the corner, and this union is one you'll want to witness.

My Deaner with Dean: A Memoir.

noreply@blogger.com (Like the Spice) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 21:52:00 +0000

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....

noreply@blogger.com (Like the Spice) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 19:08:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Like the Spice) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 22:45:00 +0000

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.)

Bloggers Love Fade

noreply@blogger.com (Like the Spice) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 17:07:00 +0000

Really, they do! Especially Siong Chin, who has combined his thoughts with Eric's pieces to make an excellent overview of what the show meant to him. Here's a little taste:

Conflict involves opposing parties. When there is a war between two countries, the two are involved in a conflict. They will perhaps lure their allies into the conflict, and all sides will suffer casualties. We cry for the casualties and decry the war. Do we ever cry for the battlefield? Have we ever? This sullen party hurts too…

For the full effect, with Siong's words scattered among Eric's images and a brief statement by the artist, head over to siongchin.com and enjoy. And then head over here and enjoy them in person! Remember, Fade runs until October 4th.

FEED : A dinner with Eric LoPresti

noreply@blogger.com (Like the Spice) — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 16:54:00 +0000

Last night's dinner was intimate. Guests fresh from the cool autumn evening arrived to a table set for ten, catered by our fellow Williamsburger, Nita Nita, a bar and tapas restaurant.

While interns Ross and Spenser plated and served the steamed shrimp, apricot-glazed chicken, and hearty gouda Mac & cheese, Eric LoPresti was kind enough to take guests through the gallery, explaining both the science and the inspiration behind each work of art in FADE.

The remote landscapes in his works are, in a natural sense, marred by man-made sprawling developments. However, Eric revealed that in these industrial remnants of the cold war, he finds an inherent symbolism and aesthetic that elevates them from blights on the landscape to structures of beauty bordering on the sublime. He spoke about how vague recollections from childhood of these seemingly barren landscapes shaped his fascination and ultimately his depiction of the deserts and plains in his work.

Eric and Lisa are sort of the ultimate art couple - he's a painter (obviously) and she's a sculptor. They gave us all a peek into their lives; their concerns as artists, their reactions to each other's work, and their take on the direction that they've seen contemporary art taking during their travels to London, Denmark, and (soon) India. When asked "why do you make art?" by another guest, Lisa thought before saying "It's a compulsion. I'm compelled to create." Eric agreed, saying that there was something positive about the fact that it is so difficult to be a professional artist - only those with that same compulsion and the drive to put it to use are able to persevere.

We also talked about weddings, wallpaper, Pac Man, and Otzi the Ice Mummy, but we'll leave those elements of the conversation to your imagination.

We Wanna Be Adored

noreply@blogger.com (Like the Spice) — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 18:34:00 +0000

After our last post, what more could we say? Nothing? Then it's a good thing that Fade is getting so much positive attention!

First up is the terribly awesome Artmostfierce, who rated us one of the Most Happenning Art Shows In NYC! We always knew we were happenning but we're glad someone else noticed. Especially someone so fierce. And we're very very thankful for the praise, so head over there and enjoy the blog!

We were also happy that Eric earned us a very special treat! Portuguese blog Minas de Ouro decided to give the world a very nice look at Eric's work... written in Portuguese! If you're not fluent, Google's pre-translated version will help you read some lovely words of praise, but if you are, you'll likely enjoy it more in the original. It's a nice thing when art goes global, so we're very happy to be noticed. Thanks, Gisela!

One thing should be very clear by now, if you haven't yet seen Fade, you need to start making plans. Maybe even dinner plans, perhaps for September 18th? Because, coincidentally, that's when we'll be having the next installment of our Monthly Dinner Series, Feed, a very special night with artist Eric LoPresti. An RSVP is required, so RSVP right here, right now. It's going to be a blast!

THIS JUST IN!!

After we'd already published, we found this wonderful interview courtesy of Revel in New York. Covering details like Eric's hard science background and his feelings about the Brooklyn Art Scene, Revel in New York's interview is a must read for LoPresti fans. Thanks for the attention, Revel! We love you so!

Post-Opening Recap (please don't talk too loud kthx)

noreply@blogger.com (Like the Spice) — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 16:38:00 +0000

The wonderful thing about being a gallery is learning the secrets of how this:

becomes this:

Sure, it took us a day to sleep off all that fun, but now we're back, we've found our pants, and we're ready to tell you all about the fantastic opening night of Eric LoPresti's Fade. You can even catch a special sneak preview right here if you're so inclined. And we're telling you now, you want to be so inclined.

That's artist Nora Herting on the right. Eric's well loved and well respected by the Like the Spice artist crowd, so it was no trouble at all to get them to stop by. One look at the work and you'll understand why he gets attention from his peers.

The crowd was clever and friendly and fun and we're pretty sure everyone had a great time. If you weren't there... why not? Look at what you missed!

Fade runs until October 4th, 2009. It's been getting some great press, and we'll even have a very special RSVP only dinner on September 18th... but you'll find out about all that in our very next blog post. Stay tuned...

He's A Man Of Many Interests

noreply@blogger.com (Like the Spice) — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 21:01:00 +0000

Our good friend Eric LoPresti isn't just the mastermind behind the impending beauty that is Fade (opening reception September 11th, 2009, 6:30pm - 10pm if you didn't already know). He's also a blogger! At least, he is now that Nathan Abels of the blog minutiae has offered him a chance to guest blog for a day.

Now that I’m back in NYC, I’m in crunch-mode, starting the final few paintings for my upcoming show... This work is about the desert, and my feelings about growing up in the waning aftermath of the Cold War. I’m using aerial imagery of desert weapons sites, e.g. Nevada Proving Grounds and the Hanford Site in Eastern Washington... Following are my thoughts, in no particular order.

Eric's guest post covers a whole slew of his current influences, from William Turner to Richard Rhodes to Tillman Kaiser to the recording artists Department of Eagles. What comes out is an interesting look at the mind of an artist, and a dissection of the inspirations that have combined to create Fade. We think you should head over and check it out.

Meanwhile, in a studio in DUMBO...

noreply@blogger.com (Like the Spice) — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 20:54:00 +0000

We paid a visit to Eric LoPresti this week in his studio, where he's prepping for his solo exhibition Eric LoPresti : Fade next Friday, September 11th, at 6:30pm! Here's a little video of him talking about the new works!

FEED at FADE! Special Thanks to Nita Nita...

noreply@blogger.com (Like the Spice) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 22:21:00 +0000

Ready for another installment of Food and Art here at Like the Spice? Here's a sneak peek at FEED, Eric LoPresti's artist dinner. This month, wine and tapas restaurant Nita Nita will be treating us to a spanish feast, featuring Apricot glazed chicken, Mojo Potatoes and Garlic Shrimp with a scrumptious selection of fine cheeses and serrano ham.

James Duffy of the L magazine says "Mercifully low-key, Nita Nita aims for quality and familiarity, featuring everything a good bar should: a sensibly pared down selection of very good beers on tap (including Abita Turbo Dog Ale, Brooklyn Pennant Ale, Blue Point Toasted Lager, Stella Artois, Blue Moon, and the aforementioned Spaten); a modest, vegetarian-friendly tapas menu from a kitchen that clearly knows what it’s doing; a cocktail list of specialized favorites, each one lovingly made with fresh ingredients (the margaritas are wonderful); and, of course, an impressive, Spanish-heavy wine list, from which a select bottle is matched with a different cheese plate each week. All of which can be enjoyed in the spacious back garden, a tranquil space that feels more like the mellower parts of Portland than New York City."

We're psyched to be working with this fabulous restaurant. If you haven't had a chance to visit yet, be sure to stop by for a drink in their outdoor garden before the weather gets too cold! Of course, it's always hot (metaphorically, not physically cause that would be uncomfortable) at Like the Spice. RSVP's are required, and space is limited, so head here to be a part of this monumental collaboration between art and cuisine on Friday, September 18th. Dinner's served at 8pm!

Extra, Extra! Read all about it! Ross Racine is Totally Famous

noreply@blogger.com (Like the Spice) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 19:37:00 +0000

So, we don't really know what happened, but somewhere between the beginning of Summer and Like the Spice's Costa Rican vacation, the digital drawings of LTS artist Ross Racine went Viral.

I mean we know that his strangely haunting, unbelievably intricate drawings are always a favorite at LTS art fairs and group shows, and now the blogosphere is actually exploding with over twenty mentions in the past four months.

What's really interesting is to see how the different people who write about Ross's work come at it from such different angles. There's the architectural viewpoint, for one. Architecture for geurillas observes " Row after row after spiral after spiral of organized, seemingly generic homes is supposed to be a system of order. But Elm Court, Sycamore Lane, and Poplar Street all share such similarities that it's often impossible to identify where one is." There's the voyeuristic. GPCB says "his images immediately fulfill my love for traveling via Google Earth and obsession with maps and aerial images." There's the vaguely befuddled Eins, Zwei, Drei. "~~i’m not bougie enough~~ i don’t have enough art savvy to get how it’s a comment on the dreams of suburban culture." And a comment on Swiss Miss hits the nail on the head, saying "Love his stuff. Somewhere, someone mentioned that these works remind them of The Twilight Zone. I can see that… Everything looks perfect and clean, riding your bike down the street… until you pan out and see the layout of the suburb and realize something just isn’t quite right."

Yes, Ross is pretty much a weblebrity at this point. And we're glad to be just one of the many blogs to join his fanclub! After all, in the words of Urbanophil.net "Wer schon einmal durch Suburbia gefahren - und im schlimmsten Fall gelaufen ist - kennt die Problematik: Gleichförmigkeit und fehlende Orientierungspunkte. Mit diesem Dilemma einer städtischen Siedlungsform, die leider in großem Maße unsere Städte mitbestimmt (erinnert sei hier an den Vortrag von J. H. Kunstler) setzt sich der Künstler Ross Racine auseinander. Er zeichnet in einer Mischung aus Handzeichnen und Computerarbeit suburbane Landschaften."

Watch This Space

noreply@blogger.com (Like the Spice) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 20:39:00 +0000

So most of you know that, very soon, we'll be hosting our pal Eric LoPresti's solo show Fade. But did you know that the opening night reception is September 11th, from 6:30pm to 10:30pm? And did you know that our latest and greatest Monthly Dinner Series, Feed, will be happening on September 25th and we're waiting for you to RSVP? And most of all, did you know that you can see see a special advanced online preview of Fade before it even opens to the public? That's the sort of thing you'll be learning this week and next, as our quiet little blog features all sorts of wonderful Eric LoPresti events.

You'll see interviews, you'll see video, you'll see fresh new links and exciting pre-review blog posts! Maybe you'll even get to see his kitchen sink! So keep an eye on us, we're counting down the days until Fade's opening night... and we want you to be there! And also here. We're so needy.

Let Me Take You To The Beach

noreply@blogger.com (Like the Spice) — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 19:41:00 +0000

Even in the middle of all this rain, we know a Beach that never stops being hot. Of course, we mean Rachel Beach! Hey, shut up, it was too funny. At least you could be laughing politely.

Anyway, our gal Rachel got herself mentioned at DailyServing.com, a nifty little art blog that clearly knows what's what. With quotes like:

These painting/sculpture hybrids reference the language of ornamental detailing, modern abstraction, and contemporary design, both in technique and appearance.

and

The painted areas are an illusion of volume rendered on the flat surface of the object.

it seems pretty clear they're fans. Head on over to DailyServing.com and check out the full article. Consider it a Beach trip!

...seriously? Not even a smile? You guys sure are an awfully tough crowd.

Next Time She Can Only Drink Maple Syrup

noreply@blogger.com (Like the Spice) — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 17:23:00 +0000

Now, we want to be clear, we absolutely adore Lovely Assistant Leia. She does good work and her blog posts are generally top notch. But obviously she had a little too much sangria during our Friday night artist's dinner. because she seemed to have forgotten all the fun stuff that happened, and just mostly talked about drinking. We admit, we had a bit too much ourselves (after all, talking in third person always makes one thirsty) but let's go over a few of the highlights anyway.

Practically the whole end of the table was full of our artists. Jenny Morgan (in black), David Mramor (at the head), Charlie Leadbetter (in blue), Allison Edge (in white), and Jason Bryant (hiding just out of frame) were on hand to talk about the joy and pain of assisting.

Can't you see that pain in Jenny's eyes? That's a thousand yard art stare! Actually, we're just joking, Jenny Morgan and David Mramor had nothing but good things to say about artist Marilyn Minter, for whom they both work. It was clear that their little family is a close one and that they enjoy their jobs very much.

Another person with nothing but happy stories was Jason Bryant. Jason simply could not give Kehinde Wiley enough respect. It was clear that Jason felt fortunate to have worked with Kehinde and thought of him very highly. Kehinde, do you need a blogger on staff? Because he literally made you sound like the best boss ever!

Around this point, however, the sangria began to kick in. Lovely Assistant Leia wasn't kidding, it was good stuff. So good, in fact, that we forgot to take a photo while Charlie Ledbetter and Allison Edge were talking. To make it up to them, we'll show you some photos of their work instead.

Charlie and Allison both assisted Jeff Koons, who has around a hundred different assistants. These stories were a little darker and not quite as loving, although they made it clear they had a great respect for Jeff as a creator. Allison also talked happily about her time with McDermott & McGough and what she felt she learned there.

Poor tipsy Lovely Assistant Leia was right about the conversation. This exciting discussion about the nature of the assistant in art really made for a fantastic night. There were plenty of disagreements and even some awkward moments we weren't expecting... but that's what art is all about, right? And everyone left happy.

If you weren't there, you missed out! Our next dinner will be Feed on September 25th. It'll feature our buddy Eric LoPresti, as part of his upcoming solo show, Fade, opening September 11th. Plan now to join us then! If you're lucky, we'll remember to charge the camera first. Please excuse these iPhone quality photos. We're so iMbarrassed.

Greatness Passed

noreply@blogger.com (Like the Spice) — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 16:54:00 +0000

In this busy busy world, it's easy to be a few steps behind. But better late than never! So we're very pleased about subscription blog TheGreatNude.tv taking a few moments to give a complementary review to our last show, Reuben Negron: Dirty Dirty Love. The site is for subscribers only, but we're sure they won't mind if we share a paragraph...

It is hard to decide if I preferred the intimacy of the small works or more ambitious large scale pieces. There exists more a focus on diffusion of color and multiple light sources in the larger works, with lush colors bleeding into one another in a sensual handling of the medium. I particularly like the quiet interplay in the work titled Becky and Naomi. His use of color in particular injects this work with a dynamic sense of realism.

Keep in mind that we've still got an online preview of Dirty Dirty Love that you can enjoy in the privacy of your own home. Also keep in mind that Reuben's latest piece is on display as part of Off The Clock, our current group show that celebrates the artist's assistant. Plan a visit! And thanks to TheGreatNude.tv for the belated attention.

Cracking the case of the mysteriously missing salmon

noreply@blogger.com (Like the Spice) — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 19:35:00 +0000

We had another installment of our monthly dinner series last night, and this one was a peach-sangria dream. I'm still recovering, and I wasn't even at the table till halfway through. What the lovely people who spent the evening in Like the Spice didn't know is that we had caterer chaos the morning, and our usual providers turned prima-donna, leaving us stranded... Salmon-less.

At the very last minute, Curiouso Pizzeria & Ristorante came the rescue with a seriously scrumptious spread of tiny meatballs and crisp salad, decadant eggplant rollatini and lemony chicken. If you haven't been to this awesome new local spot you need to plan a Saturday around it. Not only do they make DELICIOUS pizza and pasta (I'm eating a seafood linguini from them right now and I swear to god it's the only thing helping me survive my sangria hangover) they're run by the nicest guys we could hope to have as neighbors. Also, their website rocks hardcore. We sent them a video of us dancing to the funky background music. I think we should throw a Curioso/Like the Spice block party later in the summer, don't you?

So, we shared pitchers of homemade peach and white wine sangria and had, actually, one of the most stimulating and intense conversations ever to grace our table. With a mix of arts professionals, collectors and artists, we were amazed at the range of ideas and opinions that everyone the wine and camaraderie helped bring out. The matter of the Art Assistant's role in the art world isn't a simple one, and the conversation and debate carried on well past 10pm.

Off the Clock: The Artist Assistant Show is up until September, so make sure you stop in to see it! Remember, for the rest of the summer we're open Wed-Sun 12-7 (And Mondays by appointment). See you soon!

I need a vitamin water.

Clearly, We're The Very Latest Thing

noreply@blogger.com (Like the Spice) — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 19:56:00 +0000

How do we know? Because all sorts of people are talking about us! Our current show, Off The Clock, is a celebration of the artist's assistant. And we're happy that people have noticed!

First, out of no particular order, there's The Amateur Art Collector. They said that it was "a really smart idea" and that we were "up-and-coming"! Up-and-coming! We're almost three years old, so that makes us feel young again.

Next there were the nice, tiny capital letters of Karen at Wasting Time. Karen clearly has some stories of her own about assisting artists. If you visit her blog, maybe she'll even share them with you!

And, finally, there's our friends at L Magazine, who gave us a little shout out as a nice place to visit on a Friday night. Thanks, L Magazine. We think you're a nice place to read every day!

If you were on the fence, let our good press persuade you. Come in and see Off The Clock right now! And don't forget to make reservations for Assisted Dining on July 24th. All you'll have to do is finish!

"Off The Clock" Opening!

noreply@blogger.com (Like the Spice) — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 19:14:00 +0000

The humidity and rain didn't stop the crowds, oh no, not from coming out to the gallery and taking part in some fine company, beautiful works, and good drinks. The opening of "Off the Clock: The Artist's Assistant Show" showcased works by Rachel Beach, Jason Bryant, Allison Edge, Charlie Ledbetter, Jenny Morgan, David Mramor, and Reuben Negron, all of which are or have worked as assistants to other artists.

A special thanks to The L Magazine and Animal New York for giving us some love on their websites, as well as the Amateur Art Collector and House of Aragon. No doubt the buzz from these sites helped out the show and added to those in attendance. If you're looking for some opinions on the show check out their sites and see for yourself. Now, though many attended, there was no contest for the most stylish; she rolled up complete with the best attire, name-brand shades, a fly set of wheels, and a diaper. The onlookers were wooed like you wouldn't believe.

The gallery was constantly packed with people taking in and discussing the works with the artists and others. Alongside of the pieces, and adding insight into the artist/assistant relationship, were comments about the displayed works from those that the artists had assisted.

We ended up staying open a good bit past the expected closing time; having to shoo the reluctant art lovers to the after party celebration which ended up stretching even further into the night. Good people and fine art, the night could not have gone better. Now, don't you worry, if you were kept away from the opening for whatever reason the show will remain up until September 5th so there is plenty of time to come by and check it out.

Summer's Here!

noreply@blogger.com (Like the Spice) — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 22:20:00 +0000

It might feel like autumn, but we looked at the calendar, and it said SUMMERTIME! So that means we're ready for our summer show, Off The Clock, a celebration of the artist's assistant.

Off The Clock is a great chance to get to know some of the artists who have been learning their craft under certain modern masters. In this group show we'll be featuring Jason Bryant (who assists Kehinde Wiley), Allison Edge (who has assisted McDermott & McGough and Jeff Koons), Charlie Ledbetter (also has assisted Jeff Koons), Jenny Morgan and David Mramor (assistants to Marilyn Minter) and Reuben Negrón (who assists Papa Colo).

As you well know, nearly every one of these artists have had a successful solo show here at Like the Spice, so we've been really looking forward to this show. We think you should be doing the same. Opening night is is July 17th, so plan now!

Of course, with every new show comes a new chance to dine. This month's dinner is Assisted Dining. We'll do the hard work, all you'll have to do is finish! A show like this is likely to get some attention, so we want to warn you: make your reservation now! Hit our online reservation page to save your spot. Everyone remembers how much fun our previous dinners were, right? What if we said this was going to be the best dinner yet?

Rainy Day, Dry Wine

noreply@blogger.com (Like the Spice) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 17:42:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Like the Spice) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 17:04:00 +0000

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