Two weeks ago I received a private invite to the Woodward Gallery in Manhatten’s Lower East Side. When I got off the D train at Grand Street I was pretty sure that I was in Chinatown and just knew that I was walking the wrong way. With my iPhone/GPS in hand I start following the directions, reluctantly. Looking at the numbers on the building, I should’ve been very close, but looking at the buildings I felt I was far from my destination and while my shoes were cute, my feet were aching. Suddenly I look up and spot a red flag on the building that read “Woodward Gallery”. I had arrived.
Once inside, I was amazed by the simple beauty of the space. The featured exhibit was “Margaret Morrison: Larger Than Life”, an exhibit of oil paintings of your favorite childhood candy. Think gummy worms, gumballs, wax lips and ring pops! The theme of the event was “Candy and Champagne” and I filled up on both. I was given a ring pop and told that I had to wear it on my finger until I left.
Shortly after I spotted my friends, a man walked up and introduced himself as John Woodward (who just so happens to be the Director/Co owner of the gallery). I was taken aback by his humility and explained briefly that I was drawn to the gallery after seeing that they had Jean-Michel Basquiat (my favorite artist of all time) and Andy Warhol originals, which are hard to view unless they are on tour. After I explained my love for Basquiat, he proceeded to tell me how he was good friends with both artists. I was floored. So we chatted and he shared stories about Warhol and Basquiat. Imagine my amazement.
Kristine Woodward, John’s wife, and Owner/Vice-President of the gallery, and an amazingly nice woman, took a small group of us on a tour of the vault, which is a sub level, temperature controlled room where they hold loads of original paintings by some of America’s most famous artists. Of course I asked to see Basquiat and Warhol originals and we also saw the first LOVE, that Robert Indiana painted.
Overall the Woodward Gallery is one of the best that NYC has to offer. The humility of the Woodwards was inspiring and the collection is one that you can only find in this hidden gem. So if you are lucky enough to get invited to a private event or can get an appointment for a tour, I highly recommend it. And if you can actually afford one of the pieces, feel free to add a Basquiat to your tab for me!
I too beieve the Woodwards and their beautiful gallery on Eldridge Street are rare gems. Thanks for saying it for me so well. I enjoy their interesting shows, the educational experience,and the joy of collecting affordable art. John and Kristine Woodward have added another dimension to my life.