Planning for the Glen Ridge Arts and Eco Fair

Glen Ridge Arts Fair 2023

Despite having curated and organized numerous art exhibitions over the years under the “McKinney Arts” banner, they’ve always been indoor gallery situations. This year I decided to participate as a solo artist in the Glen Ridge Arts & Eco Fair, which will take place (weather permitting) this Saturday, May 20th. Since I’ve never done a … Read more

A case for buying original art over mass produced art

people buying mass produced art

I remember visiting a Pier 1 Imports store a few years ago, I was shopping for some items for my kitchen. As I got on the line to pay, I noticed the couple in front of me, holding some mass produced image on canvas, I think it might have been some clouds, or some sort … Read more

Architectural details that aren’t really there in Lambertville

faux painted shutters on windows in Lambertville

I was walking around side streets to get away from the crowds at Shadfest in Lambertville when I noticed this charming little house. But as I got closer, I realized that some of the architectural details that I had seen from afar were in fact not what I thought they were. The front window (seen … Read more

Inspired by Richard Tuttle to use styrofoam

My finished painting on styrofoam, hung on the wall at McKinney Arts.

I saw the Richard Tuttle show of paintings on styrofoam at Pace Gallery yesterday, and I think most people have strong reactions to the work – they either love it or think it’s absurd. I’m somewhere in-between, as I can appreciate the simplicity and beauty of some of the works as art objects, and have … Read more

A potential new gallery space in Newburgh?

Concept for McKinney Arts Gallery in Newburgh, NY

I was looking at real estate listings for properties in Newburgh, NY, and a building caught my attention: it included a storefront space, with a 3 bedroom, 1 bath “duplex” apartment above it. It fits with my idea of living above my own gallery space, and in this case, the price was within my affordability … Read more

Billy Cowan: the Angel with a halo

California Angels Billy Cowan with a halo over his head

This 1972 Topps baseball card, with Billy Cowan of the California Angels, has always been a favorite in my baseball card collection. The photographer must have had a good sense of humor, to have Cowan pose in this exact location, allowing the halo in the background to be perfectly positioned over his head! Curious about … Read more

Why does everyone want to paint a Basquiat Crown?

Basquiat Crown style thrift store painting

The art of Jean-Michel Basquiat has become a cultural force, everything from the Brooklyn Nets using Basquiat as inspiration for basketball jerseys, to countless artists impersonating his style – or elements of his style, in their own art. For example, Basquiat was known for putting a crown in his art works, and I swear I … Read more