This week in New York, former uptown space Ross + Kramer Gallery finds a new home at 515 West 27th Street. “We are so excited to be moving the gallery downtown to Chelsea. When we saw the location we knew it had to be ours,” said Todd Kramer, Co-Founder of Ross + Kramer Gallery. “It was a beautiful jewel box space that we knew artists would want to exhibit their work in, helping us grow our primary program and artist partnerships.
Today through October 31, the gallery presents “How ‘Bout Them Apples,” showing works from New York-based artists like Nina Chanel Abney, Eddie Martinez, Todd James, Julie Curtiss, Tony Matelli, Erik Parker, and Jonathan Chapline. A percentage of the proceeds from the exhibition go to Project Sunshine, a nonprofit that brings creative arts activities to children in hospitals globally.
Courtesy of Ross + Kramer Gallery.
“We wanted our first exhibit in the new space to honor both its location here in New York City and the artists based here. It’s all about inclusivity and giving access to patrons, collectors, and artists,” continued Kramer.
Whitewall spoke with Kramer to learn more about the new gallery, and one opening in Miami next year, too.
Ludovic Nkoth, Hang on Me, 2020, courtesy of Ross + Kramer Gallery.
WHITEWALL: Tell us a bit about the gallery’s move from the Upper East Side to Chelsea, relocating to the former Bungalow 8 space.
TODD KRAMER: We had been looking to expand our program and knew that ultimately we would need a bigger space. Originally our search was in TriBeCa, however, when I saw the 27th Street space, I knew it was what we were looking for.
Koichi Sato, Joy ‘til Death, 2020, courtesy of Ross + Kramer Gallery.
WW: You wanted your inaugural show this fall to honor the location and the artists based here. How do you feel the artists exhibiting in the show do that?
TK: By virtue of being in Manhattan and dealing with the current environment, these artists have worked under trying conditions. I believe it is inherent that these works will honor NYC and its current climate.
Nina Chanel Abney,
LorM, 2020, courtesy of Ross + Kramer Gallery.
WW: A percentage of the proceeds from the show will go to Project Sunshine. Why this organization?
TK: Project Sunshine is a nonprofit organization that brings creative arts activities to children in hospitals globally. I think it is important to create positive happy environments for children now more than ever.
Ana Benaroya, Knock Knock, Who’s There?, 2020, courtesy of Ross + Kramer Gallery.
WW: Tell us a bit about what’s happening at your East Hamptons location.
TK: We have seen the gallery scene explode in East Hampton with five new major galleries opening all within close proximity of our space. We had a great show this season titled “Summer Upon Summer Love” with works from Ana Benaroya and Peter Saul. We have seen many major collectors this summer despite the current climate and will be back next year.
Timothy Curtis, To Be Titled, 2020, courtesy of Ross + Kramer Gallery.
WW: In fall 2021, you’re aiming to open a gallery in Miami. What can we look forward to?
TK: Our Miami space is being designed by Kobi Karp Architecture. We plan on continuing our programming at this location with something special for Art Basel in Miami.
Courtesy of Ross + Kramer Gallery.
WW: How has the pandemic impacted your gallery? What about your personal idea of the traditional art space?
TK: We have been impacted much the same as any other gallery, though we were already in the process of looking to move our space pre-COVID. We plan to open the new space in Chelsea following the guidelines of the CDC, requiring social distancing and masks at all times while inside.
