Artist Chellis Baird attends event at Rachel Comey boutique for The New York Book Review.
1. The NYC Culture Club, Born During the Pandemic, Gives Emerging Artists an Exciting New Platform
As New York City returns to life and its pre-pandemic glory, two young curators have attempted to capture its energy and spirit with an exciting new exhibition called “Welcome Back.” Brothers Clayton and Parker Calvert invited 25 up-and-coming New York artists to present their latest works in a sprawling exhibition space at the World Trade Center’s Oculus C1 level. The show is part of the curatorial duo’s non-profit platform called the NYC Culture Club, a partnership with the Westfield World Trade Center, which is now in its second year. “The arts are always at the center of life here, and art has defined the cultural legacy of New York for years. This show is an invitation to experience the vibrant local art scene of New York City,” the brothers said. Don’t miss works by rising stars Alex Cohen and Chellis Baird as well as more established talents such as Anna Weyant and Maryam Turkey, on view through August 28. The last two years saw a great upheaval for artists and the brothers are keen to remedy that, supporting young artists and giving them a space to show and sell works. “While the majority of established artists were fine during the pandemic, the smaller ones suffered,” Clayton Calvert told Galerie. “NYC Culture Club does not take any commission on sales from our participants, and in this show, artists keep 100 percent of the proceeds.” He adds: “We are establishing a long term community of artists, collectors, and partners that we believe will help artists for years to come.” —Lucy Rees
Interview on Medium with Authority Magazine.
Link: Authority Magazine
The Touch of Red: Chellis Baird, The National Arts Club in NY, NY
NOV / DEC issue 2021
Walking through the corridors of The Oculus almost feels like exploring a modern art museum: the bright, spacious halls guide you around in a way that is meditative and calming, regardless of crowds.
Until last month, the only thing missing from the museum experience were actual fine art pieces to admire. Enter: NYC Culture Club, a month-long art project launched by brothers Parker and Clayton Calvert in collaboration with Westfield World Trade Center. More than a dozen fine artists, sculpturists and photographers contributed work around the theme of “Resurgence” — a fitting topic, given how New York and the rest of the world is adjusting to living life alongside Covid for the immediate future.
The free, contact-less exhibit includes QR codes beside each artwork to enable visitor to learn more about the artist. Some art may be available for purchase, where 100% of the proceeds go directly to the artist (a wonderful way to support future creative projects like this).
The free exhibit is located on the C1 Balcony level of The Oculus and open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. It runs through July 25.
The inaugural show at brothers and artists Parker and Clayton Calvert’s new downtown art space, NYC Culture Club, presents an optimistic vision for the future of the city as we look to put the pandemic in our rearview mirror. Work by artists including LeRone Wilson, Chellis Baird, and Kerry Irvine touch on themes of social justice and environmentalism.
Location: Oculus, 185 Greenwich Street, C1 Level, South Concourse, New York
Price: Free
Time: 12 p.m.–6 p.m.
Each artist in this show addresses resurgence with a unique voice, and their works call attention to the ways in which we can alter our perspective and actions in order to prosper together.
BY: VANESSA LONDONO 7:00 AM ON JUNE 25, 2021
A new art exhibit opened to the public yesterday at the World Trade Center Oculus in Manhattan’s Financial District. Titled Resurgence, the collection is curated by Clayton Calvert, a painter, sculptor, and installation artist. The exhibit features 28 established and emerging artists, including World Trade Center resident artists, with work that speaks to the resiliency and resurgence of New York City.
NEW YORK, NY.- Resurgence, an art exhibit featuring work by 28 established and emerging artists, opened in the World Trade Center’s Oculus on Thursday, June 24, and runs through July 25, 2021. The show is open to the public, and many of the artists will be present to talk about their work and experience. The exhibit is on the C1 level, directly under 4 World Trade Center.
Resurgence was curated by New York City native Clayton Calvert. The featured artists address the theme of resurgence with unique voices and perspectives. They come from different backgrounds and locales, but all have works that speak to each other visually and thematically. Resurgence is an example of a group of artists coming together to make a distinct and impactful visual statement with the goal of positively impacting visitors.
“I have spent the past two years working at the World Trade Center with many of the artists featured in this exhibit,” said Clayton Calvert, NYC Culture Club co-founder and curator of the exhibit. “Now for the first time, members of the public can see their work and meet and talk to many of them. Our goal is to inspire people of all ages and backgrounds to reflect on the artwork, and on the theme of resurgence as our society emerges from the pandemic.”
Resurgence speaks to the current situation in both New York City and around the world. The art focuses on the opportunity to reshape the fabric of the society in which we live by drawing attention to the importance of culture, environment, and community.
