Do not let the googly-eyed logo of this gallery scare you. Stepping into the space of McCaig-Welles, you immediately get the impression that this gallery is exactly what a Brooklyn gallery should be. The space is the basic "white cube", and the perfect size for viewing work- not a walk in closet with paintings thrown on the wall, nor is it a too large, impersonal garage that makes the work seem small and unimportant.
The work, itself, is important, and most notably- FUN! Brightly painted, screen-printed, collaged images, mostly inspired by design, graffiti, cartoons, pop culture and fantasy. Typically all the work, at least that I have seen, is done by local, up and coming Manhattan or Brooklyn artists, which makes the work actually affordable! (Please take note, all you young collectors out there!)
The staff is very helpful, hip and friendly- not at all exuding the pretentiousness of a Chelsea gallery. Also, the artists tend to actually show up at their openings! At the openings, there are usually, as to be expected, the schmooze-y free wine and/or beer for all gallery goers. However, they have usually have unique, interactive art events such as screen printing parties with Goldmine Shithouse, one of their very talented art collectives, where you can have any item (i.e. t-shirt, tote bag, old shoe, etc) screen printed for $5 while you stand around boozing and schmoozing to loud music. Other events have included BBQ-ing and movie nights with their garage-like brother gallery Capla Kesting Fine Art Gallery. Aww, isn't it refreshing when the art community plays nice with each other? Only in Williamsburg.... read more