Gowanus Open Studios weekend is here at last

By

Spencer Merolla®

Crispy apples, crunchy leaves, and hot cider may ring in autumn for some people, but for us Gowanus Open Studios weekend, Oct. 21-22, is always the precursor for an excellent fall season, especially when paired with a slice of pie from Four & Twenty Blackbirds after all is said and done.

Now in its 21st year, GOS is a scavenger hunt-type weekend in which over 350 local artists open their doors for visitors and art lovers. It’s a behind-the-curtains look into some of the most exciting art being made in Brooklyn today, from from self-taught painters and sculptors to interdisciplinary collagists and installation artists.The way you choose to map your visit is up to you, of course, but we thought we’d throw in a few must-see artists into the mix to help you plan your day.

Spencer Merolla 

Instead of brunch, how about a delightful frosted cupcake made from ash? Spencer Merolla’s Coal Comforts is a concept bakery where incredibly tasty looking yet inedible desserts are all made from coal and ash, calling out our country’s constant friction with fossil fuels. It’s a powerful statement in today’s political climate–maybe we should all buy one and send it to Scott Pruitt?

Location: Gowanus Souvenir Shop, 567 Union Street between Nevins and Third Ave

Ai Campbell

We fell in love with Campbell’s mysterious black and white painting and drawings at first sight, swooning over the way some of them looked like stormy moon cycles dripping with icicles, diamonds, and inky smoke. Now if only we could decide where in our apartment we’d hang her work…

Location: 540 President Street Studio # 24

Keri Oldham

Oldham’s watercolor paintings are a particularly delightful blend of modern day women vignetted with fantastical elements, sort of like Georgia O’Keefe meets Where The Wild Things Are meets Eastern European folklore. Which–we know–sounds a little crazy, until you see it.

Location: 1713 8th Avenue Studio # 2-6

See a complete list of GOS artists here. Happy arting!

More ideas for Your Ideal Week here 

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