2024 EXHIBITION HIGHLIGHTS

HAPPY 2025 ALL!

2024 was a year filled with the art 21 different exhibitions and our Holiday Market. Below are highlights of the shows you may have missed. We are actively working on our 2025 calendar which will be posted in the coming weeks.

BWAC Member Spring Show

Spring 1 Juried Show

Spring 1 Juried Show

SUMMER RECAP

Here is a quick glimpse at what you missed or our Summer shows.

Summer Exhibitions at BWAC

FALL EXHIBITION SEASON

We would like to thank everyone that made our Fall Exhibition Open such a success last year. Our shows are for all and it’s especially gratifying to receive so much goodwill from fellow artists.

Cheers~

To all the art lovers that spent time at the gallery or on our site, thank you! We look forward to sharing more exciting shows and new talent with you in 2025!

Cheers~

BWAC Member Spotlight

Welcome to our Member Spotlight; a new feature to help introduce the world to our wonderful members. We are proud to be a member based organization providing exhibition and collaboration opportunities to artists working in various mediums.

We invite you to meet some of our talented members and featured artists as we “open the doors” to our artist community.

Anita Drumming

 I was born and raised in Queens. I moved to Manhattan to attend the Fashion Institute of Technology, after which I was fortunate enough to get a job at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. From there, I was hired at a gallery in Soho, and then a design firm, building a career in Graphic Design. I later joined an agency in midtown and ran their photography studio for five years. At the same time, I continued my education at The School of Visual Arts, The Arts Students League, The New School, and the International Center of Photography. I spent nine years in upstate NY before moving back to Queens and then to Brooklyn to focus on photography.

1. Who or what has been your biggest inspiration in your creative journey, and how has it influenced your work?

I admired the photography of Henri Cartier-Bresson, Eugène Atget and Eugene Smith. But my artistic style was inspired by the image, “Seeds and Cardboard,” by artist Gabriel Orozco. The image manages to tell a story with very simple elements.

2. Can you walk us through your creative process? What inspires your photographs?

I think that anything can make a great picture. I particularly like old, rusty scenes, but I also love nature. I look for ways to tell a relatable story by using lighting and composition to sculpt compelling images. I can sit for hours or return to a site when conditions are just right.

3. What message or emotion do you hope people take away from your photographs?

I hope that my work makes the viewer pause and imagine what is going on in the scene.

4. How has your style or approach evolved over the years?

My photographic approach has evolved where I am more focused on how and what I capture.

5. What is the biggest challenge you face as a photographer, and how do you overcome it?

My biggest challenge as a photographer has been to be recognized for my unique perspective. There is an expectation for a black, female artist to depict stereotypical experiences. But my work does not fit neatly into a category. My work is as varied as my life. As a result, I do not allow obvious labels on my work.

6. What do you consider your most significant achievement as a photographer so far?

In 2007, I was one of the winners in CameraArts Magazine, in the Single Image category for my photo titled, “The Canvas: A Self Portrait.”

7. Do you enhance your photographs? If so, using what programs or techniques?

Whether digital or film, I use Adobe Photoshop to process my images. I do not enhance, but I will adjust images for consistency, clarity, and size.

8. Has being a member and exhibiting at BWAC had any influence on your work, creative process or interaction with other artist?

Being a member and exhibiting at BWAC has given me more positive feedback that I could have imagined. It has been a wonderful experience sharing techniques and ideas with other artists.

9. Is there anything else you would like us to know about you?

I have spent my career exploring the elemental details of architectural and organic forms for more illustrative images. Armed with my creative eye, I will continue to seek out the graphic and abstract nature of all things.

BWAC 2025 Membership Drive

Do you want to exhibit more of your art this year? Every artist wants to exhibit their artwork as often as they can, and that is what BWAC is all about. You now have the opportunity to become a BWAC member and get your work shown!

• Participate in all member exhibitions or as many as you wish in 2025

• Get discounts on submitting to BWAC juried exhibitions

• Join a community of artists dedicated to helping each other achieve their best

For details on how you can benefit from a BWAC membership, and additional info, click here.

Join now and get ready to exhibit new work in the spring!

Artists having fun!

The 2024 BWAC Fundraising Auction

December 7 to December 22, 2024

Now you can give the gift of art and support BWAC in the process! Choose from paintings, drawings, prints, photographs or sculpture in a variety of styles and sizes. Bidding on most items start as just $50!

Online bidding begins Saturday, December 7 at 1 pm! You can also see the auction items in person in the second floor gallery the first three weekends in December: 7-8; 14-15; 21-22.

To go to the auction now, click here!

Park Slope Windsor Terrace Artists Winter Salon at BWAC

Fifteen artists in the Park Slope Windsor Terrace collective invite you to view their artwork in a variety of mediums — painting, prints, photography, collage and paper relief — during the weekends of December 7 & 8, December 14 & 15, and December 21 & 22, at 1:00 to 6:00 PM each day

OPENING RECEPTION SAT., DECEMBER 7 from 3-6 PM

2024 Red Hook Holiday Market

The Red Hook Business Alliance (RHBA) and BWAC are pleased to present the 2024 Red Hook Holiday Market! Dozens of local artisans and businesses will be on hand with unique, locally-based items for even the most discerning people on your list. You'll find everything from jewelry and fashion to delectable foodstuffs, art cards and affordable art prints ... and more.

The Market is open from 1-6pm three weekends in December only:

December 7-8

December 14-15

December 21-22

Shop local and support local artisans and businesses!

ArtShare for HeartShare Exhibit at BWAC

Now in its 15th year, ArtShare for HeartShare, is a privately-funded transformational program for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

In-house teaching artists, external arts organizations, and NYC cultural institutions come together to help members of HeartShare Day Programs find and unleash their creative voice through paint, dance, weaving and more.

To continue their 15th anniversary celebration, ArtShare artists are exhibiting at BWAC from November 2 through December 22. Exhibited works -- paintings, drawings, photos and collages -- are available for sale and proceeds return to the artists and also support the continued operational costs of the ArtShare program.

In the BWAC Second Floor Gallery -- stage and café area. Open weekends 1-6 pm

For more information, contact Amihan Ruiz at amihan.ruiz@heartshare.org

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 2 to SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2024

Salon des Refusés 2024 - 2, the Extension

The Brooklyn Waterfront Artists Coalition presents an extension of our very own Salon des Refusés 2024

We announced an open call for the Salon des Refusés 2024 exhibit earlier this year for artists who received a rejection letter for The Brooklyn Artists Exhibition. The response and good will we received was so too tremendous that we’ve decided to refresh the exhibit and extend it.

The original Salon des Refusés took place in 1863 when the Paris Salon held its annual exhibition of academic arts. Thousands of artists applied but were rejected and were unable to display their work in the official Salon exhibition. It was determined that their work did not fulfill academic standards of the time. Emperor Napoleon III, who wanted the public to make the decision, organized a simultaneous exhibition of all the rejects in the Palace of Industry. This exhibition included artists such as Manet, Cezanne, Pissarro and Whistler. The exhibition of “rejects” became famously known as the Salon des Refusés 1863.

• Dec 7 Dec 22 Saturday and Sunday 1pm to 6pm

• In our Second Floor Gallery called Bay 100

Transformation of Clay

The second solo exhibition of BWAC’s fall season features Bill Shillalies with a presentation of ceramics entitled Transformation of Clay.

The work explores what Shillalies calls “the distinction between movement and fragmentation” through the observation of the environment: the changes of seasons, rock formation, and natural earth.

Both the practice of making objects and natural forces exert influence on the finished pieces.

• Gallery Exhibition Dates: Saturday, Nov 2 – Sunday, Nov 24, 2024, weekends 1‐6 P.M.

• In the Ground Floor Gallery.

• Opening Reception: Saturday, Nov 2, 2024, from 1‐6 P.M.

Light and Shadow

The Member Artists of BWAC proudly present "Light and Shadow" a study of how light and shadow impacts various works, processes, and disciplines, from photography to sculpture, painting, and more.

This exhibition seeks to explore how the dynamic of light and shadow is treated and used to define form, affect mood, and communicate through art.

We invite you to see this expression of creativity in our 25,000 square foot Civil War Era warehouse on the Red Hook’s waterfront.

• Gallery Exhibition Dates: Saturday, Nov 2 – Sunday, Nov 24, 2024, weekends 1‐6 P.M.

• In our Second Floor gallery entitled Bay 200

• Opening Reception: Saturday, Nov 2, 2024, from 1‐6 P.M.

An Open Call for FEARLESS WATERCOLORS – “Acuarelas con Cojones”

We are excited about our gutsy watercolor show, starting Nov 2 until Nov 24.

Featuring bold, vivid, flowing, and experimental watercolors relating to all subject matter including abstract, this show will be a great exhibition to conclude our exhibition season.

"Cojones" is one of the most versatile Spanish's words. In this context, the meaning and impact of such a phrase would be lost if translated into literal English. But what a perfect phrase to describe what we want, BOLD, FEARLESS, and full of NERVE watercolors. As the Spanish phrase suggest with guts and panache, "CON COJONES.”

• Gallery Exhibition Dates: Saturday, Nov 2 – Sunday, Nov 24, 2024, weekends 1‐6 P.M.

• In our Ground Floor Gallery

• Opening Reception: Saturday, Nov 2, 2024, from 1‐6 P.M.

Spectrum of Exposure

We are pleased to announce our national juried photography exhibition opening November 2, 2024.  

"Spectrum of Exposure" will showcase photography and photography-based artwork that exemplifies and defines the realm of photography in our post-Covid culture.   We seek to make a comprehensive statement that demonstrates the art, science, vision, and magic of photography.      

We welcomes back Fritz (Steven) Weiss, former BWAC President, as curator and juror of the exhibition.    

We anticipate a spectacular show under his direction and curation.

Our gallery is genuinely one-of-a-kind, located in a large Civil War-era warehouse on the Red Hook waterfront in Brooklyn, NY.  Its large exhibition space allows for multiple shows and affords us the opportunity to exhibit large artwork and photography.

• Gallery Exhibition Dates: Saturday, Nov 2 – Sunday, Nov 24, 2024, weekends 1‐6 P.M.

• In our Second Floor Gallery called Bay 200

• Opening Reception: Saturday, Nov 2, 2024, from 1‐6 P.M.

Emergence: Self Discovery from Form to Flame

Ceramic artist Wendy Kusmaul Keeling utilizes various firing methods, including wood firing and gas reduction, alongside mixed media to create primitive and instinctual figures that delve into the central themes of the female journey.

Emerging from recent loss and a rapidly changing world, her forms confront grief, trauma, and the need for protection, while striving toward self-discovery, empowerment, and the reclamation of identity.

• September 21 to October 13, 2024

• Saturdays and Sundays, 1pm to 6pm

• BWAC Gallery, 481 Van Brunt Street, Red Hook, NY 11231

  Opening Reception: Saturday, September 21, 1pm to 6pm and a special reception with the artist on Saturday, September 21 from 4-6pm.

An Open Call for Spectrum of Exposure

We are pleased to announce our national juried photography exhibition "Spectrum of Exposure" opening November 2, 2024.  

"Spectrum of Exposure" will showcase photography and photography-based artwork that exemplifies and defines the realm of photography in our post-Covid culture.   We seek to make a comprehensive statement that demonstrates the art, science, vision, and magic of photography.      

BWAC welcomes back Fritz (Steven) Weiss, its former President, as curator and juror of the photography exhibition.    We anticipate a spectacular show under his direction and selections.
Our gallery is genuinely one-of-a-kind, located in a large Civil War-era warehouse on the Red Hook waterfront in Brooklyn, NY.  Its large exhibition space allows for multiple shows and affords us the opportunity to exhibit large artwork and photography.

Submit your art for consideration in an all-encompassing show.

CALL TO ARTISTS FOR SUBMISSIONS

• Submission Deadline: Final Application Deadline October 4th, 2024

• Gallery Exhibition Dates: Saturday, Nov 2 – Sunday, Nov 24, 2024, weekends 1‐6 P.M.

• Opening Reception: Saturday, Nov 2, 2024, from 1‐6 P.M.

Complete details in the Prospectus PDF here

Ready to submit? Click here

Unseen Realities

The Artists of BWAC invite you explore the creative expression of intangible concepts and emotions captured in paint, ceramics, photography and more in our show entitled “Unseen Realities.”

What is the color of infatuation, or the shape yearning? Language is filled with so many ideas we share and understand yet hold no tangible form. This show seeks to explore the artistic expression of deep, whimsical at times, and thoughtful introspection from our artists of subjects with no intrinsic physical form.

IT WILL BE INTERESTING.

This exhibit is curated by Fortunata Schiano, Art history educator and BWAC Board Member.

• September 21 to October 13, 2024

• Saturdays and Sundays, 1pm to 6pm

• BWAC Gallery, 481 Van Brunt Street, Red Hook, NY 11231

  Opening Reception: Saturday, September 21, 1pm to 6pm

ANCESTRAL VOICES of the Americas and Beyond”

BWAC is proud to present “ANCESTRAL VOICES of the Americas and Beyond.”  

This exhibition will feature original artwork that reflects diverse cultural backgrounds and family histories, reflecting the beauty of tradition, fortitude, and resilience.

The works depicts a range of spiritual and ancestral practices to wisdom, knowledge, and tales of migration, and settlement, that has shaped life in modern society.  

This exhibit is curated by Tamavis D. Santiago, Latinx multidisciplinary artist, Board and Artist Member with BWAC Gallery.

• September 21 to October 13, 2024

• Saturdays and Sundays, 1pm to 6pm

• BWAC Gallery, 481 Van Brunt Street, Red Hook, NY 11231

  Opening Reception: Saturday, September 21, 1pm to 6pm

Salon des Refusés 2024

The Brooklyn Waterfront Artists Coalition presents its very own Salon des Refusés 2024.

BWAC announced an open call for the Salon des Refusés 2024 exhibit on August 7th. Artists who received a rejection letter for The Brooklyn Artists Exhibition were invited to exhibit their originally submitted artwork at BWAC instead. The number of submissions for the BWAC exhibition was capped at 200 artists.

The original Salon des Refusés took place in 1863 when the Paris Salon held its annual exhibition of academic arts. Thousands of artists applied but were rejected and were unable to display their work in the official Salon exhibition. It was determined that their work did not fulfill academic standards of the time. Emperor Napoleon III, who wanted the public to make the decision, organized a simultaneous exhibition of all the rejects in the Palace of Industry. This exhibition included artists such as Manet, Cezanne, Pissarro and Whistler. The exhibition of “rejects” became famously known as the Salon des Refusés 1863.

“As artists, we are very grateful for having the opportunity to submit a work to be exhibited at the Brooklyn Museum,” said Janet Morgan, co-curator of BWAC’s Salon des Refusés 2024. “Still, artists want to exhibit their works, so BWAC is giving them that opportunity.” 

Welcome to Brooklyn's Salon des Refuses 2024, an art show at BWAC.

• September 21 to October 13, 2024

• Saturdays & Sundays, 1pm to 6pm

• BWAC Gallery, 481 Van Brunt Street, Red Hook, NY 11231

  Opening Reception: Saturday, September 21, 1pm to 6pm

An Open Call for FEARLESS WATERCOLORS – “Acuarelas con Cojones”

We are looking for bold, vivid, flowing, and experimental watercolors relating to all subject matter including abstract.

"Cojones" is one of the most versatile Spanish's words. In this context, the meaning and impact of such a phrase would be lost if translated into literal English. But what a perfect phrase to describe what we want, BOLD, FEARLESS, and full of NERVE watercolors. As the Spanish phrase suggest with guts and panache, "CON COJONES.”

CALL TO ARTISTS FOR SUBMISSIONS

• Submission Deadline: Final Application Deadline October 4th, 2024

• Gallery Exhibition Dates: Saturday, Nov 2 – Sunday, Nov 24, 2024, weekends 1‐6 P.M.

• Opening Reception: Saturday, Nov 2, 2024, from 1‐6 P.M.

Complete details in the Prospectus PDF here

Ready to submit? Click here

The Art of Coney Island 3 - Nat’l Juried Show

Coney Island is a NYC icon for all the reasons we love this city. It’s wild, exciting, fun, gritty, unique and beautiful -- especially to artists -- like no other place. Come celebrate the side show, mermaids, Cyclone, Nathan’s and of course, the beach, through the eyes of nearly 100 artists who haven’t forgotten to add a good dose of freakiness into their creations.

Dates: Sat and Sun 1-6pm, 7/13 EXTENDED to 8/25

In the Neighborhood - BWAC Member Show

A member exhibition, In The Neighborhood presents the artists' perspectives and realities of their surroundings. Whether the artists chose to render images of architecture scenes, human interaction or atmospheric feelings, each piece represents the attachments human beings have for the place they spend their lives.

Dates: Sat and Sun 1-6pm, 7/13 EXTENDED to 8/25