New York is the art capital of the world. While a few cities can boast perhaps dozens of galleries, New York has, literally, hundreds.
Entering this world requires some time and preparation. Where do we go and what should we see? Are you interested in the big shows, museum-quality shows, showcasing some of the most important artists of our time? Or do your preferences go towards the “edgier” side of contemporary art? Do you want to see the work of an artist who might be the next big thing? Are you thinking of starting or enhancing your own collection? Perhaps, then, you want to see more “affordable” art. Would you like to know more about prints and photographs?
We’ve been around the New York art scene for some time now and we can help you navigate your way through it. We have a number of different tours designed to open the doors to the world of Modern and Contemporary Art.
An Introduction to the Contemporary Art Scene
Art isn’t easy. But it can be very interesting and exploring the art world can even be fun. Galleries can be intimidating, but our tours change that. On a José-Marc tour we visit several galleries in either Chelsea or the Lower East Side but on our tours the gallery owner or director comes out from the back room and spends time with us, talking with the group about the works on view as well as about the gallery itself and its particular focus. We visit a variety of galleries—from the high-end to the low, from known artists to emerging artists—and we include painting, sculpture, photography and works on paper. We choose the galleries we think worth the visit while also informing you of other shows you might like to see on your own.
The Affordable Art Tour
Thinking about collecting art? If you are new to the New York gallery scene, the sheer number of galleries and the prices asked for much of the artwork can be overwhelming. But there are galleries in the City that offer original work at prices that are within the budgets of more than just the1%. This tour takes you to galleries on the Lower East Side and Chelsea where interesting, original art is selling at prices that won’t make your heart race.
The Back Room Tour
There’s more to a gallery than meets the eye. Like museums, galleries often have a great deal more out of view than on the walls. On this tour gallery owners and directors will take us into the backrooms (or basements) of the gallery to have a look at what is kept there and to find out why.
The Edge
There are galleries show work that is “edgier” than a lot of what is produced generally. It may be in the subject matter or the medium but it tends to appeal to a much smaller segment of the population and often provokes controversy and even outright outrage. We’ll visit galleries whose work pushes some buttons and stretches some boundaries.
Prints and Photographs
Prints and photographs are by far the least understood media in the art-collecting world. On these tours we visit Chelsea galleries that specialize in prints and photographs for an in-depth study of the media and the incredibly varied work that is produced by contemporary artists. This tour is also done as two separate tours.
The Details
Your tour guide is Marc Zeitschik, founder of José-Marc Gallery
Tours are two hours long and all begin at 11 AM
Tours go on, rain or shine. Bring your own umbrella!
Chelsea Tours assemble at the entrance to the High Line on West 26th Street and 10th Avenue.
Lower East Side Tours meet in front of Russ and Daughters, a landmark food emporium on Houston Street near the corner of Orchard Street.
Tour Cost:
$40 per person.
Special pricing available for parties of six or more.
Reservations must be made in advance. Payment is required at the time the reservation is placed. Major credit cards and PayPal accepted.
Tour Schedule:
An Introduction to The Contemporary Art Scene in Chelsea:
Tuesdays and Saturdays at 11 AM.
An Introduction to The Contemporary Art Scene on The Lower East Side: Wednesdays and Sundays at 11 AM
(Please Note: Tours by appointment only during the summer months as many galleries close for parts of July and August.)
The Affordable Art Tour is given on Thursdays at 11 AM and alternates between Chelsea and The Lower East Side, depending on the work being shown at any given time.
The Edge and Prints and Photographs are given when there is sufficient demand. Please inquire.
For more information or to sign up for a tour, please go the Contact Us page.