Soho20 Chelsea facts for kids

SOHO20 Artists, Inc., also known as SOHO20 Gallery, was started in 1973. It was created by a group of women artists. They wanted to become successful in the art world. At that time, it was hard for women to find chances to show their art. SOHO20 was one of the first art galleries in Manhattan to feature only women artists. Many of these artists were just starting their careers. The gallery gave them opportunities they couldn't find anywhere else.

Early Years: 1973-1981

SOHO20 was founded by two artists, Joan Glueckman and Mary Ann Gillies. They were inspired by A.I.R. Gallery, which was the first all-women art gallery in New York City. Another artist, Agnes Denes, encouraged them to start a new gallery for women. She said there was a "much need for women's galleries."

Marilyn Raymond, a friend of Joan Glueckman, helped with the business side. Joan and Mary Ann looked for artists to join. They chose a cooperative style, meaning the artists worked together to run the gallery. The name "SOHO20" came from its location in the SoHo neighborhood of Manhattan. The "20" was for the 20 artists they hoped would join.

The gallery's goal was to show excellent art by women. They welcomed all styles, materials, and themes. Some of the first artists included Elena Borstein, Barbara Coleman, Maureen Connor, Eunice Golden, Cynthia Mailman, Marion Ranyak, and Sylvia Sleigh. To give everyone a chance, the gallery held two solo shows at the same time. The first shows in October 1973 featured works by Sylvia Sleigh and Maureen Connor.

After the first year, some artists left, and new ones joined. Shirley Gorelick and Vernita Nemec became members in 1974 and 1975. In 1974, Sylvia Sleigh painted a portrait of the group of artists.

In 1975, SOHO20 started holding yearly group shows. They also had solo shows for individual artists. The art critic John Perreault liked their "Showing Off" exhibition. He said it was "a fine show." SOHO20 also started trading group shows with Hera Gallery. Hera was another all-women gallery in Rhode Island. This helped more people see women's art. The gallery also began inviting new artists to show their work. This was a "community service" to help new talent.

Expanding Horizons: 1982-1996

In 1982, SOHO20 moved to a new spot on Broome Street, still in Soho. In 1989, the gallery became a non-profit organization. This meant they could get money from groups like the New York State Council on the Arts. This funding helped them create two special art series. "Ageless Perceptions" showed art by older women artists like Lil Picard and Dorothy Dehner. "Emerging Women Artists" featured new artists.

During the 1980s, many SOHO20 artists received good reviews in newspapers like The New York Times. Eve Ingalls' drawings were praised for their unique style. Martha Edelheit's small sculptures were called "powerful." Marion Ranyak's paintings of landscapes were noted for their "delicate" touch.

SOHO20 also started focusing on art that discussed important social issues. In 1985, the "Private Gone Public" exhibition showed how artists use their art to talk about life and the world. It featured artists like May Stevens and Howardena Pindell. In 1989, "South African Mail" showed over 400 artworks from South Africa. This exhibition was a way to protest against apartheid, which was a system of unfair racial separation.

In 1990, an exhibition curated by Faith Ringgold honored civil rights workers who were killed in Mississippi. It showed works by six African-American women artists. SOHO20 also spoke out against censorship in art. The "Blacklisted/Whitewashed/Red Handed" show in 1990 explored freedom of speech. In 1994, the "Effect or Infect: Art and Ecology" exhibition looked at the health of our planet.

New Locations and Programs: 1996-2015

SOHO20 moved several times during these years. In 1996, it moved to Broadway, and then to Chelsea in 2001. The gallery also started inviting writers for readings. They hosted events with "Artists Talk on Art" from 2003 to 2010.

In 2007, SOHO20 held an exhibition called "Adam's Rib, Eve's Air in Her Hair." This show explored different ideas about Eve from the Bible. In 2008, the gallery had its first show featuring only video art. They also started showing films.

In late 2009, SOHO20 moved to West 27th Street. They started a series of talks called "INTERNATIONAL FOCUS-Women in Crisis" in 2010. This series discussed human rights issues. It later continued as "CONVERSATIONS," covering topics like "Voices of Muslim Women." Other talks included "The Legacy of the Feminist Art Movement of the 70s" and a discussion about artist Louise Nevelson.

Another project called "Savoir-Faire" began in 2009. It gave women performance artists a chance to create new works. The gallery also started an Artist Studio Residency Program. "SIGHT unSEEN" was a series of gallery tours in Chelsea, led by artists and writers.

Moving to Brooklyn: 2015-Present

After 42 years in Manhattan, SOHO20 moved to the Bushwick neighborhood of Brooklyn in August 2015. Its name changed back to SOHO20 Gallery. In July 2019, the gallery left its Brooklyn location. Its art programs went on a temporary break.

Current and Past Artists