BrassWorks Shows Artists—For Fun

BrassWorks on Grove, which is tucked away behind Town Auto Body (by the train tracks), has become one of the premiere gallery spaces in town, which is curious, because it’s actually a building of office suites. Patch spoke to Hillary Reimnitz of John Reimnitz Architect PC about creating this not-for-profit gallery.

Who came up with the idea of turning your building into an art gallery?

Around 2005, Bob Silver, a developer in town, approached us about repurposing an old sign factory in a back lot on Grove Street. He spoke to my husband, who’s an architect, and Jack Finn, who’s a contractor, and the three of us bought the building together. Everyone involved had a real commitment to art and to the community, so before we even began construction, it was part of the plan. We all thought the space might lend itself to a modern gallery. We thought we could help our local artists somehow and at the same time enhance the building.

So, you purposely designed the space to show art?

Yes, we made extra wide hallways and chose specific lighting. We reinforced the walls when we were building so they could handle heavy pieces. 

When was your first show?

We did the building construction in two phases, and after the first was complete, we decided to throw a big party to thank everyone involved. We combined that with the first art opening. I asked two artists I knew, Craig Meirop and Paula Stark, if they would show their work.

For the purpose of selling?

In some ways we work like a gallery, but in most ways we’re kind of unique. The artists do sell their work, but we don’t take any fees or commissions the way a regular gallery would. If someone is interested in an artist’s work, they deal with the artist directly. We three partners cover the costs of the opening and often supply the artist with materials to hang—we produce the invitations, supply food and wine, publicize the event. Then, when the show comes down, we restore the space to pristine condition for the next show.

That seems unusually generous.

Well, we all really believe in supporting the local art community and this is the way we’ve decided to do it. It’s not all altruistic. It makes our building look really nice, for us and for our tenants. 

How do you choose artists?

Early on, I asked people I knew. Now, it’s become a bigger networking thing. We usually show two artists at a time and each show is up for three months. That’s only about six artists a year, so we have a long list of people who want to show. 

Does the art you show reflect your personal taste?

I think it did more early on. But art is very personal, and the things I love, others might not care for. So, now, I try to make it diverse. Our upcoming show is about collage and layering. Sometimes it’s about sculpture. Sometimes painting. I like to help new artists whose careers are just getting off the ground, so I try to pair them with more established artists, to give them more exposure.

Do you have a favorite?

I think the most remarkable show we did was our fundraiser for Haiti after the earthquake. It was called “Small Works for a Big Cause” and we literally put it up in two weeks. One of the artists we had shown, Mona Brody, came to me with this idea to have a bunch of artists each donate a small piece of work and then we could get the public to give a monetary donation as an entrance fee, which would entitle them to take home any piece of art they wanted. 

How did that turn out?

We hoped to get 75 or 100 pieces of art and we ended up getting 220. Hundreds of people came and we ended up raising almost $20,000, which was then matched by an anonymous donor. The proceeds all went to relief organizations that were already on the ground working at the time: Doctors Without Borders, The Red Cross and Partners In Health.

Putting that show up was a logistical marathon. But it was one of the most gratifying things I’ve ever done in my life.

Did the owners get first dibs on that show?

The three partners all donated to the charities and we did pick the pieces we wanted early on. I ended up choosing a piece by Philemona Williamson. I love her work and we can’t show her because she’s repped by a gallery. That painting might be my favorite piece of art that I own.

What’s next for BrassWorks?

Our next show is called “Beneath the Layers,” featuring Rachel Leibman and Nancy Tobin. The opening is Friday, Sept. 23 from 6 to 9 p.m. All our openings are free and open to the public. We really love for people to stop in, particularly people who have never been to an art opening. Because it’s really a lot of fun.

BrassWorks is located at 105 Grove Street (tucked behind Town Auto Body). Viewing hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 pm. or by appointment. For more information: www.brassworksongrove.com or call (973) 744-5100.