Envisioning a Dreamy Opening for Visionary Projects’ New Space

Courtesy of Visionary Projects

By KEN KRANTZ September 21, 2024

“We’re a contemporary art platform and a community, but not a traditional gallery.” - Haylee Barsky & Blayne Planit

For a while, at least.

On Wednesday, September 9th, they posted an Instagram Story:

Courtesy of Visionary Projects

This is exciting, because Visionary Projects puts on very fun events, the frequency and scope of which can be expected to increase after they move into their new location on 124 Forsyth St. in the Lower East Side of Manhattan.

So far, the group has been closely following the doctrine of art as a lifestyle, offering monthly evening art walks, dinner events, and paint-and-sip events with an option to display your art in the gallery space.

“People are missing out on those who could be collectors but don’t know that side of themselves,” Planit explains. Barsky jumps right in to affirm her point, “Collecting starts with community.”

The entry fee for each event is around the price of an expensive dinner entree. Prices disappear after the events are full. Drinks are usually provided by a brand partner, and at the event on Monday, they had oysters.

“We’re trying to be inclusive and create equitable spaces for artists,” explains Planit. “Often, these shows are the first time someone has met an artist. Having that relationship is important.”

Visionary Projects also offers workshops to give industry insight into pricing, placement, and the art market. Event tickets are released first to their Tableau group (a $16/month membership for those who make it off the waitlist) and sell out in a few hours.

“We bring in people we know with people in open calls,” Blayne explains.

Courtesy of Visionary Projects

Visionary Projects’ landmark 100-artist show in Chelsea has led to a signature series of salon-style shows displaying the small works so easy for visitors to fall in love with (and buy). Barsky explains, “Small works, in general, give people an opportunity and engage young collectors and help people start collecting.”

Planit agrees: “Small works are more tangible and timeless – an opportunity to get to know an artist. Having those relationships are important.”

I went to the two events I could find with free registration in the last few months: COOL OFF and the FORTNITE show openings. Both popups had interesting work displayed in interesting spaces. COOL OFF was a gallery-style wall in a vintage shop, and FORNITE was a more traditional show in the Haus Incubator space.

Barsky offers, “There’s something about thinking of homes as an art space and a reflection of who you are. We’re trying to break down decor art into something more.”

The artist I noticed in common to the two shows was Bridgette Duran, whose work appears as an homage to her background in fashion: solid-colored fabric draped dramatically around a geometric form. The works were timeless, with appealing colors and simple gestures.

Check Visionary Projects out next at Scope Art Show in Miami, or at the new gallery space (if you can get a ticket). WM