My ’80s in the East Village, NYC

With the passing of street artist Matthew Courtney still raw in my heart, I decided to dive into my years in the East Village and the people I encountered there.

Matthew, could be found on Prince Street selling his words and art that appealed to everyone with a mind for the human condition. His words were famous quotes, or “Question (Everything)” and The Urban Tribal Man. "If You See Something - Draw Something" Steps to Nowhere Gallery, on Prince Street, SoHo NYC. "The newspaper man of SoHo!"

I was fortunate to attend the 25th anniversary of Matthew Courtney’s Wide Open Cabaret on May 6th, 2011, a milestone event held at ABC No Rio, nestled on Rivington Street in the heart of the Lower East Side. Born in the 1980s and thriving through the ’90s, the Cabaret was more than just a show—it was a raw, unfiltered celebration of counterculture. Described as "a sleaze pit full of radical poets, writers, and performance artists," it became a sanctuary for the avant-garde. A gathering place where entertainers of all kinds entertained an audience of young, hungry intellects, eager to challenge convention and embrace the edge of artistic expression.

On this evening, Roger Manning, Brenda Kahn, John S. Hall, Billy Syndrome, and Jennifer Blowdryer performed, amongst other greats. The wall was a visual feast of artwork by Matthew Courtney.

I am extremely grateful for being able to witness these happenings back in the 80's, and must credit The Fort run by Lach in the East Village, an Anti Folk open mike night at Sophies. I would video tape the performers and worked on creating the video “Electric Boy“ with Lach. Amongst the musicians I was lucky to meet and photograph were Roger Manning, Knox Chandler and Brenda Kahn. As well as bands such as The Mommyheads and Porno Dracula.

The photographs below document the 25th Anniversary at ABC No Rio, which was torn down, but amazingly being rebuilt! Sadly, 2024 saw the passing of visionary director, Steven Englander. "ABC No Rio's new facility has been designed by local architect Paul Castrucci. It features a planted facade suggestive of the utopian vision of the Lower East Side described by Peter Lamborn Wilson in Avant Gardening, and will be constructed in line with our environmental politics, utilizing sustainable design principles." A place for future artists to thrive!

Below is my artwork in conversation with art purchased from Matthew Courtney.

Mural Completed at The Whale Building, Brooklyn NY

Honored to be one of four artists chosen to create a mural at The Whale Building in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, in exchage for a year long studio was a dream come true. It is my first mural of this size, luckily it is an interior wall, due to it being winter in NY. It took about two weeks to complete, more of a painting then a graphic mural.

I fully enjoyed every minute of the painting process, in fact, I am going back to touch up the seahorse I added recently. I could work on it for the full year, oh what a painting it would be! But, I need to utilize the studio to create more paintings for an eventual show. Vistis are welcome! email me @ callie@callieart.com to set it up.

Below are photos of the mural, "infinate flow", on the second floor, and my studio, on the sixth floor at portal warehousing.

Thank you for your visit.

Cheers, Callie

The Whale Building, on the Brooklyn Harbor

The Whale Building, home of my artist studio starting in November 2024. "A 500,000-square-foot, seven-story building that dates back to 1918. The former torpedo assembly line later housed the Whale Oil Company's headquarters, which called the spot home in the middle of the 20th century. It was built by E.W. Bliss Company in 1918. It is adjacent to the Brooklyn Army Terminal on the Brooklyn waterfront."

On my floor was the American artist, Hunt Slonem, he had been in the building since 2015. Thanks to him we have one gigantic bathroom with shower on the floor, along with a co-ed bathroom, introduced after he left. He once occupied the entire 6th floor! https://www.newyorksocial-diary.com/hunt-slonem-bigger-is-better/

Our group of four female artists and the men of The Whale Building.

New Art Studio in Brooklyn!

After three months at Chashama Studio in Brooklyn Army Terminal, I’m excited to announce that I’ve moved to The Whale Building, where I’ll be creating a mural on an interior wall in exchange for a year-long studio space! The 600-square-foot studio is incredible, with sweeping views of Gowanus Bay and Bush Terminal Piers Park. The only challenge? The space faces south, so the sunlight is incredibly intense throughout the day. I have a new appreciation for just how strong southern light is.

The last two weeks have seen me hauling my paintings five blocks between the two buildings with a hand truck, no small feat! Both studios are located near Industry City, with windows on the north side of the building overlooking the historic Bush Terminal Piers Park. This park is part of the legacy of Irving Bush, who built Brooklyn’s largest and most extensive dock system in 1902, creating a fully integrated manufacturing and warehouse complex for both rail and water transport.

Back in the new studio, I requested a ladder to check out the top of the walls for hanging my work, and in came a 15-foot ladder. Now, at 5’4”, maneuvering this ladder was a bit of a challenge — especially with the risk of knocking out the overhead lights. But so far, all good!

Here are some photos of the space as it stands.

Mural project is not underway yet, photos to come.

Thank you for stopping by.

Cheers, Callie

Chashama Open Studios at Brooklyn Army Terminal! Oct. 19 & 20, 2024 (2 -6 pm)

I will be opening my studio to visitors this weekend, along with all the other artists on the 4th floor of Brooklyn Army Terminal, Building B. All welcome! Lots of new work to be seen.

A lot is happening at BAT this weekend, so parking on street only (ferry parking closed). Or, take the R train to 59th Street and walk on down to the water. It is by the ferry terminals, so you can also get there on a ferry from Wall Street and other stops.

Come on by! Cheers, Callie

Callie Art included in Mystry Mart art machine at Brooklyn Museum!

I am very excited to be part of the Brooklyn Museum's 200th year anniversary after all! My art will be for sale in the gift shop, as part of the Mystry Mart art machine. Come check it out! I will be there thru Jan. 2025. It open on Oct. 5th, which includes a day of mad art fun!

Inclusion in the Gowanus Dredgers Member Art Exhibit!

I am thrilled to be included in the Gowanus Dredgers Member Art Exhibit, I will be showing three of my upcycled mannequins. The show runs Oct. 5th - 26th, and I will be there on the 26th (1-5pm), come on by! At 165 2nd St Brooklyn, NY 11231

"Ahoy! The Gowanus Dredgers Boathouse is proud to present a group exhibition featuring artwork by members of the Gowanus Dredgers Canoe Club. Presented as part of Gowanus Open Studios 2024, the exhibit includes sculpture, photography, painting, drawing, and collage that showcase the breadth of creativity and craftsmanship among the Dredgers’ members."

Sea Body i, ii & iii (Acrylic on plastic mannequin)