Michael Ingbar Gallery Announces Final Shows in Home of 30 Years

Michael Ingbar Gallery has announced its final shows at 568-578 Broadway, where the gallery has lived for 30 years.

The gallery has seen a great many changes to this building as well as to the Soho neighborhood. Buffa's Deli, on Prince Street and Lafayette, and the Dominican rice and beans place on Lafayette were the only places within blocks to eat lunch. (Buffa's now is a trendy restaurant called "Delicatessen.") Jerry Josef Framers was on Prince Street, and sold it so he could open his restaurant "Jerry's" nearby (which has also been gone for years). The original Dean and Deluca's on Prince was down the street with vegetables overflowing on the sidewalk.

When founded in 1986 as a subsidiary of the MFI Art Company (a corporate art consulting firm in business since 1977), the Michael Ingbar Gallery shared 568-578 Broadway with 43 other galleries, all of which have left or gone out of business over the years. (Remembering Althea Viafora, Exit Art, Crown Point Press, John Gibson, Simon Lowinsky, even Leo Castelli was here!) Yes, it's been 30 years!

Michael Ingbar Gallery is now among tenants such as Armani Exchange, Bliss, Equinox, and Zoc Doc. As they have seen the "malling" of Soho, and the rents skyrocketing - the gallery has also seen many galleries move to Chelsea, and now to the Bowery and the Lower East Side.

Although the gallery thought to follow the crowd after an almost building-wide rent strike (and then major exodus) after the building was sold and all tenants had to pay a share of the enormous property tax increase the new owner had received, per their leases, Michael Ingbar Gallery decided time and time again to stay in Soho.

The gallery is currently in its third locationm in what is also known as the "Prince Building" at 568-578 Broadway. They have been on a month-to-month lease for many years, while the building hopes that Armani or another tenant would like to have the basement space as so many of the shops on Broadway have done in the past few years.

All of New York City, not just Soho and Chelsea, has undergone a renaissance in the last 20 years, making the City a safer, more livable place - yet a more expensive place to live and work. Fifteen years ago, the gallery was located one flight above the Armani Exchange. Now, as rents have moved it into the basement, it's located one flight below the Armani Exchange.

This series of final shows will consist of Michael Ingbar's extensive private collection of both iconic and obscure New York City images by various New York City based artists. Work by artists like Richard Haas, the most prolific trompe de l'oeil artist in America who created the iconic Prince Street Mural, will be represented heavily in the show. The artwork collection is valued at almost a half million dollars and a portion of it can be viewed online at www.michaelingbargallery.com.

Out of town visitors to New York City always like to bring memories of the city back home with them. The gallery is running a special offer - anyone visiting from out of state or out of the country (with local State ID/Non-U.S. passport and a copy of an airplane ticket showing you are going back home soon) will qualify for a special limited time deal: buy an artwork for the regular price and receive 50% off any other artworks purchased at the same time (same value or less).
When asked, "What now?" Mr. Ingbar responds with a silly grin, "Maybe I'll run for President". If you're interested in his quirky Presidential campaign, see his personal website at www.michaelingbar.com.

"The Michael Ingbar Gallery Final Show"

October 8, 2016 6 PM TO 8 PM
Michael Ingbar Gallery
568 BROADWAY NEW YORK 10012

Reception will be on Saturday, October 8, 2016 from 6 to 8 PM. There will be wine and other refreshments served, including orange juice (when you read his website-you'll get that).

DANCE CHALLENGE TO THE FOUR MAJOR CANDIDATES

A dance competition between Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump, Gary Johnson, and Jill Stein or their representatives will be held against Michael's representatives, Brendan and Arielle at 8 p.M. Sharp. All four major candidates have been "served" - let's see who'll chicken out and who'll show.
All the major media have been sent invitations to this event, including presidential debate moderators Martha Raddatz from ABC, Anderson Cooper from CNN, Lester Holt from NBC, and Chris Wallace from Fox News.

MICHAEL'S 150th Birthday Dance Party (with dancing!)

The evening will conclude with Michael's 150th birthday celebration party from 9pm until 1am. Think about it, how many people celebrate their 150th while they're still alive? (Admission to the party after 9 is an 85% or higher dark chocolate bar or any chocolate cake.) There will be Lindy Hop and Blues dancers and DJ's and possibly some live musicians. Please RSVP - info@michaelingbargallery.com.

Note: As this will be a completely self-funded campaign, donations cannot be accepted. You can show your support by visiting the gallery in person at 568 Broadway, New York, NY 10012 or online at www.michaelingbargallery.com.

Image: Etching/Aquatint, Edition of 100, 1994, 54.75" x 29.5"