My first Dumbo Open Studios weekend!

In November, I relocated to a new studio in DUMBO, which I share with my longtime friend and former high school classmate, Dianne Berkun of DianneV.com. Her brand is intentionally vegan—the “V” in DIANNE V—working exclusively with premium plant-based textiles and Italian vegan leathers. These next-generation materials are selected for their durability, structure, and longevity. Together, we’ve created the kind of artistic environment we had always envisioned: quiet, supportive, and conducive to focused creative work. Having a dedicated space to engage with my practice every day has been deeply meaningful. After thirty-six years working at NYU, this moment marks an important transition—fully committing to life as a full-time artist. This new chapter coincided with my first participation in DUMBO Open Studios. Ideally situated in one of Brooklyn’s most vibrant cultural districts, the neighborhood offers easy access by ferry, subway, or a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. Known as a dynamic hub for artists, DUMBO provided an energizing setting for the weekend. I was fortunate to be included as an early stop on the art trail, and I was delighted by the enthusiasm and curiosity of visitors. Conversations flowed easily, and unexpected reunions with friends made the experience especially memorable.

One particularly meaningful moment occurred at the end of the first day. A visitor arrived whom I had met only once before, years ago, at my first studio in the Brooklyn Army Terminal through Chashama. I remembered him as a compelling and knowledgeable presence—someone deeply engaged with the art world. Over time, we had stayed loosely connected through Instagram, where I followed his ongoing exploration of exhibitions and artists.

His visit brought the day to a thoughtful close. Our conversation was lively and insightful, and I appreciated both his perspective and his encouragement. We discovered a shared connection to Jane Friedman, now of HOWL Gallery. He had worked with her during the time she represented Patti Smith, while I knew her through her earlier projects, including the Bra Bar and Lesbopaloza events in the 1990s. My experiences in that creative community were formative, offering opportunities to present performance and visual work—memories I still hold, along with archival video from that period.

Back at the studio, I also had the chance to connect with my new floormate, painter Arlina Cai. After the day’s visitors had passed through, she stopped by to share her work and experiences. It was inspiring to meet a fellow painter navigating similar challenges—building a practice, sustaining momentum, and finding opportunities through platforms like Instagram and gallery exhibitions. Her resourcefulness and energy were motivating.

The weekend reinforced an important lesson: there is much to learn from the artists around us. By listening closely and asking thoughtful questions, we can continue to grow—both creatively and professionally. Onward!

Slow and steady as she goes. I am the turtle.

I am nearing the milestone of having left my full-time position at NYU-IT after thirty-six years, for two years now. My current role—working as a full-time artist—is the profession I have envisioned for most of my life. While deeply fulfilling, it is not the leisurely existence some imagine.

There are no true weekends; each day now carries the rhythm and responsibility of work. My mornings begin with coffee and a focused review of opportunities—artist residencies, open calls for exhibitions, and, now, mural commissions.

In the afternoons, I travel to my studio, often remaining there past five o’clock to avoid the Dumbo rush hour. Time in the studio is both productive and sustaining, allowing me to move between projects and develop ideas in parallel. This is the working life I set out to build.

At the same time, sustaining a studio practice requires ongoing financial commitment. Securing supplemental income remains a necessary part of maintaining the space in which this work is made.

Back in 2005, I won an art commission through the MTA Arts & Design program. A fabricator helped translate my paintings into faceted glass, sealed in epoxy, and installed in an above-ground metro station in Rockaway, New York. Now, in 2026, the work is still there—holding its ground, weathering time.

Back then, I thought I was on my way. I was right. That commission gave me a real push forward, especially in learning to take myself seriously as an artist. By that point, I had already completed two art programs and shown my work many times—some of those exhibitions even solo.

My first show began when I was thirteen, hung along the hallway of a movie theater. Since then, my work has lived in banks, restaurants and bars, hotels, and galleries. It has traveled quietly, steadily, finding walls wherever it could.

What I’ve learned along the way is this: the work needs a voice. Someone who can speak about it, stand behind it, and truly sell it. For most of my life, that person has been me. But now it’s time for another chapter—to have people with real influence, those who shape collectors and conversations, step in to represent the work, and represent me.

Thank you for visiting!
Cheers, Calliie

My art studiomate, Dianne V Bags, makes the news!

My new studiomate (and high school friend), Dianne Berkun of Dianne V bags had to relocate from Red Hook when they had an atrocious fire. Like numerous artists inhabiting that space, she lost almost everything. My time at The Whale Building was ending so we began looking for a shared space. Together we landed in our new home, in Dumbo, Brooklyn NY. We set up our art making spaces and open our doors on First Thursdays in Dumbo, come on out! e-mail me at: callie@callieart.com for info.

Thank you for visiting!

Cheers, Callie

Day of the Art Bazaar!

This is my first art fair. A lot of firsts since retiring, first mural, first time welding, and first time, three times over having a seperate studio in Brooklyn. Over the past two years I have had a studio in BAT, The Whale, and now in Dumbo...rather interesting that they are all creatures.

I have never really done an art fair, so here we go! I have some trepidations, sure. First, it is going to snow on the morning of the bazaar, so getting there will be something special. Second, it is a long day of sitting and not "making art". I hope the visitors prove interesting. Luckily my cousin Bebe will be assisting me, she is an experienced fair seller of ceramics. Here is the plug, her work is amazing. Bebe_Federmann or on Etsy: Bebe_FedermannDesigns Simply gorgeous work!


Now back to the fair experience. In preparation, I have several different series to sell, all at pretty much the same price point. Mini paintings, art photos on hanging plaques, mini surfboard hanging ornaments, and motorcycle/bike painted tools with magnetic backing. And, I am introducing Giclee prints, that will be my money maker if they sell! Below is an explaination of the giclee print, in case you are unfamiliar.

"Giclee printing (pronounced zhee-clay) is a method of printing to create high quality prints. Originating from the French term, “la giclée,” it means, “that which is sprayed or squirted.” Giclee printing began in the 1980s, when high-resolution digital scans were used in conjunction with archival quality inks. In 1991, printmaker Jack Duganne coined the term for fine digital prints that are made on inkjet printers.The intention of giclee printing is to produce a product at a higher quality and with a longer lifespan than a standard desktop inkjet printer."

Well, wish me luck! The hardest part will be actually getting there.

Come on by if anywhere near Long Island City, all welcome.

Update: The day of the art bazaar we had our first snowfall on, a harrowing trip out there by Lyft. After arriving safely we realized that little advertising was done to highlight the show, so visitors were few and far between. Luckily the day was not long for my cousin Bebe kept me company and the other vendors were a friendly bunch. Will I do it again? Maybe....

Thank you for stopping by!
Cheers, Callie

New studio in Dumbo, Brooklyn NY!

My year at The Whale Building in Sunset Park has come to a close, and I’m so excited to share that I’ve set up a new gorgeous studio in DUMBO with my high school friend Dianne V @diannevbags

Dianne's story is incredible - all materials were lost in the Red Hook pier fire of Sept. 17th. Out of that loss came a new beginning. After forty years, this high school friendship has come full circle, and we've reunited to start an inspiring new creative adventure together.

Here's to this next phase of "life in retirement" - full of art, freindship, and fresh energy!

About DIANNE V bags:
Handcrafted luxury. Vegan by design. DIANNE V bags are made in Brooklyn in small batches using premium leather alternatives and plant-based materials. @diannevbags

DIANNE V Bags is a one-woman company created by Dianne Berkun, a Brooklyn designer, musician, and mom, creating handcrafted bags from exclusively animal-free materials. The Dianne V studio and all materials were lost in the Red Hook pier fire of Sept. 17th and Dianne is raising money to support relocating and rebuilding this small business.

IF YOU'D LIKE TO SUPPORT THE REBUILDING OF THIS FEMALE-LED SMALL BUSINESS, VISIT OUR GOFUNDME

Setting up an artshow, in a motorcycle club.

Welcome to Gotham Depot Moto, where my solo exhibit, "kelpforestfigments" opened on Aug. 9th, 2025. The show is up through September 30th. The reception was a smash! This is an exclusive motorcycle club, if interested in viewing artwork, please email for viewing: callie@callieart.com. It also contains an incredible array of motorcycles! I am hoping to do a closing party during the week so that more are able to attend the event. Date TBA.