Artlog

Smack Mellon’s mission is to nurture and support emerging, under-recognized mid-career and women artists in the creation and exhibition of new work by providing exhibition opportunities, studio workspace, and access to equipment and technical assistance for the realization of ambitious projects.

Smack Mellon recently moved into an incredible newly renovated facility on the Brooklyn waterfront at 92 Plymouth Street. The “Boiler Building” which sits on the corner of Washington and Plymouth Streets, is across from the new Brooklyn Bridge Park in Dumbo. Situated between the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges, Smack Mellon’s new home is an especially exciting space with tremendous architectural elements. The12,000 square foot space boasts a ceiling that soars to 35’. There are 25 windows on two levels providing beautiful light and a spectacular view of Manhattan and the East River. This building, which had been sitting dormant for decades, has been revitalized to house both the Smack Mellon Gallery and Artist Studio Program.

92 Plymouth Street has an interesting history. The Gair Company constructed the building in 1910 to act as a boiler house. The boilers inside generated steam that was transported under the streets providing heat and power to the other Gair properties in the neighborhood. The building’s industrial history remains evident in the giant concrete coal trough stretching 70 feet in length and suspended 18 feet overhead by steel and concrete columns.

The City of New York whole-heartedly supported the renovation project. Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz and City Council Member David Yassky allocated capital funds for the renovation. City funding was allocated through The New York City Department of Cultural Affairs. The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts and Independence Community Foundation are also major contributors to this capital project. Sage & Coombe Architects designed the renovation of the building.

Smack Mellon’s Visual Arts Exhibition Program is at the center of the organization. Designed to advance public interest in the visual arts, the focus of the program is on creative technology-based projects, as well as traditional art forms. The gallery space provides for large, ambitious shows that allow each artist ample room to explore and present their work. On average, Smack Mellon produces five exhibitions a year showcasing the work of more than 50 artists for 20,000 visitors. The gallery, which is free to the public, is open five days a week.

The Artist Studio Program was launched in 2000 in response to the crisis in availability of affordable workspace for artists living and working in New York City. This program provides free studio space, access to a workshop for metal, wood and general fabrication, a common area equipped with the latest technology and a fellowship to six artists for a one-year period. Each year, Smack Mellon convenes a panel of arts professionals to select the artists from some 500 applicants. Smack Mellon hosts two Open Studios events annually, as well as sponsored visits from curators, critics and gallerists, which provide significant exposure and invaluable career building opportunities.

Smack Mellon History Originally conceived in 1995 as a multi-disciplinary exchange between visual artists and musicians, Smack Mellon was founded by visual artist Andrea Reynosa and musician/composer Kevin Vertrees. Since its founding the organization has produced numerous exhibitions and presented the work of hundreds of artists in four different locations in Dumbo, Brooklyn.

In the early years, Andrea and Kevin presented exhibitions in their loft at 135 Plymouth Street. However, during Andrea’s tenure as Executive Director from 1996 √¢‚Ǩ‚Äú 2000, Smack Mellon evolved to present exhibitions in dynamic spaces throughout the Dumbo neighborhood, thanks to generous space donations from the Walentas Family and Two Trees Management. Smack Mellon found a home in both a former rubber factory at 81 Washington Street and a former spice factory at 56 Water Street before its most recent move to the √¢‚Ǩ≈ìBoiler Building√¢‚Ǩ¬ù at 92 Plymouth Street.

David Baskin, James Hong and Tommy Bordonaro provided a wealth of creative and technical support that was instrumental in the development of the organization. Kathleen Gilrain became the Executive Director in 2000 and launched the Artist Studio Program in response to the crisis in availability of affordable workspace for artists living and working in New York City. Since its inception, Smack Mellon has evolved into an organization that supports many artists through a highly respected exhibition program and artist studio program. The studio facilities, combined with our unique exhibition space, provide artists with the opportunity for artistic exploration on an unparalleled scale. Accordingly, our organization’s vision has been critically and artistically acclaimed.