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 Canadian 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.

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)

Makerspark, Staten Island. Public art now on display for all to come visit!

The Maker Space NYC artist residency is completed, Makerpark, Staten Island, is now home to artwork created during the Maker Space artist residency. Six artists participated in the residency, their final pieces created in metal, cloth, clay and steel are now public art for all to view. To get to Maker Park, take the FREE ferry to St. George Terminal in Staten Island. From the terminal, take the train (only have one line) two stops to STAPLETON. Walk a half block towards the water, make a right and they are down 2 blocks at the corner of Thompson & Front Streets.

The history of Makerpark:

"In 2013, a vacant lot on Front Street was transformed into what we now know as Maker Park. Created by the founders of MakerSpace NYC, DB Lampman, and Scott Van Campen, this area was once filled with abandoned vehicles, trash, and debris. With the help of many community partners, Maker Park is now a vibrant venue for public events and art installations. Visitors can explore the sculpture garden daily, participate in community events, and enjoy outdoor classes. The view of the harbor and the breeze off the water add to the park’s charm. Come and experience the artistic heartbeat of Staten Island."

Maker Radio station calls the park it's home as well, celebrating seven years! It holds events all summer long in the park.

Below the Storm on view:

Thank you for stopping by. Cheers! Callie

Artist Tips 2024

Did you know that you can get a discounted artist membership to most NYC museums? MoMA, Guggenheim, the Whitney, even Brooklyn Museum have artist memberships, you just need to go in person and prove that you are an artist, via a website or business card. Nice savings!

Another tip: Before entering shows, create a folder of consistant artwork, all with a resolution of 72, and as jpgs to best be prepared. Not all shows have fees, try the MTA Arts & Design open calls, or look at the list of open calls on CODAworx. On avaerage they are looking for 10 - 20 images. Have your resume updated and in a pdf format. Be good to go!

Below are photos from my recent public art install at Makerpark, Staten Island. Titled: below the storm, (4) 3.5' x 1.5' acrylic on metal paintings, with cut out windows to photographs on metal. During my five month residency at Maker Space NYC, I learned to Mig weld, use the plasma torch and angle grinder. Visit Maker Space NYC for future residency information.

Thank you for the visit!
Callie callieart.com

Maker Park Public Art Installation

My five month residency at Maker Space NYC, housed at the Brooklyn Army Terminal in Sunset Park, has come to a close. My four paintings on metal are completed and all wrapped and ready to move to Maker Park, Staten Island. The reception is on June 29th, 2024, all are invited! The paintings will remain as public art until March 2025, for all to come visit. Maker Park is located at 450 Front Street & Thompson, a hop skip and train ride from the ferry. I went out there only once before to partake in the Mig Welding class. They have a large warehouse of space filled to the brim with metal working equipment, they also have a radio station on site. The outdoor park has a lovely stage and will be surrounded by artwork for good summer fun. Below are my four final pieces to be hung on a shipping container. Thank you for stopping by. Callie

Maker Space NYC Artist Residency

Upon proposing my project for this residency, DB said, why not in metal? The last time I worked with metals was in graduate school, so a bit familiar, but also a tad bit scary. Life is about elvolving, facing one's fears and challenges,so I put on my leather gloves, pulled down my visor and let the sparks fly! Below are my models for the painting on metal concept. The octopus photographs will be printed on metal and welded into the open portals I will cut with the plasma torch. I also cut and folded the corners and finished the piece using a angle grinder. Classes were given on using the tools, and then you were left to your own devices. I used the Mig Welder to attach the metal photographs and to secure hanging clamps on back, as well as to seal the corners. This has been an amazing experience in working with the unfamiliar. I look at it as a great success, and loved the smoothness of painting on metal. It was then treated with UV protection and then double coated with polyurethane to survive 10 months living outdoors in the park. A great big thank you to Maker Space NYC for chosing me to partake in this residency!

Thank you for stopping by. Cheers, Callie