New Follin Gallery Opens At 45 Bleecker Street 7/7
By: Gabrielle Sierra Jul. 06, 2009
Louis Salamone has announced the opening of the new Follin Gallery at 45 Bleecker Street, curated by art dealer Heidi Follin. The gallery opening, which is open to the public, will take place on July 7th between 6 and 9 PM.
The first artist shown at the Gallery will be contemporary artist LA II also known as Angel Ortiz.
Angel Ortiz was born and raised in the the lower eastside of Manhattan. At 13 he began collaborating with artist Keith Haring. Haring and LA II had an immediate connection. Haring felt LA II's "tag" style stood out from that of other New York graffiti writers. Keith Haring looked up to LA II for support and protection which would enable Keith to become part of the underground graffiti world. LA II taught Keith about the surface and how to fill in blank spaces on the canvas which would take Haring's artwork to a different level.Haring taught LA II the inside world of the privileged and that art can go inside a gallery not just on trains and murals. Keith and LA II traveled the world together collaborating on murals and sculptures in New York City, Europe, and Japan.
Since Haring's death LA II has continued painting public murals and sculptures with the same style and instruments that he began with over thirty years ago. Over the past 30 years LA II has exhibited his art work in countless galleries and his artwork resides in the permanent collections of museums throughout the world.Heidi Follin specializes in the private placement of works of art by a wide range of artists.
The Theatres at 45 Bleecker Street is a multi-use theatre complex with three performance spaces open 19 hours a day, seven days a week. The main space, called The Bleecker Street Theatre, seats between 199 and 330; The Green Room Theatre on the lower level seats between 99 and 155 and The Lobby/Café/Wine Bar area can host up to 50 people for readings, workshops, art exhibits, cabaret, special events, etc.Videos