Welcome to Brooklyn

Williamsburg has long established itself as the most important neighborhood in New York to discover emerging artists at the forefront of contemporary art. It is also becoming a place where more established artists exhibit in order to be reflected in the youthful, experimental and relevant glow that Williamsburg and it's cutting edge galleries represent. Even the ultra-hip "Gossip Girls" have even recognized that Williamsburg is the coolest place to run a gallery if you're a rock star. (Whatever that means.)

What started out as a place where cheap rent allowed a DIY scene of artist run spaces, has grown into an internationally known art destination where new trends in art, fashion and music are incubated. The gallery scene in Williamsburg runs the gamut from tiny boutique galleries to fully professional galleries with large staffs that vie with the top art centers in New York for the biggest artists, collectors and critics' attention. (For complete listings of spaces, events, openings and reviews check out Wagmag, the Williamsburg art scene's faithful chronicler.) Even the venerable Phillips de Pury has partnered with the Williamsburg Gallery Association along with Artlog for Williamsburg Every Second, which celebrates the second Friday of every month with openings, events and parties at all of the association's member galleries.

The vibrancy of the area is brought to you by the cooperative spirit and genuine love of art that is clear the minute you step foot in a Williamsburg gallery. Unlike the notoriously stuffy and intimidating gallery experience offered by the older model of art gallery, Williamsburg gallery owners and staff are excited to discuss their artists' work with new collectors and curious visitors of all stripes. As Williamsburg becomes home to more and more young professionals, it has become clear that there is no need for young collectors to look further than their own backyards. (No Toto, we are not in Chelsea anymore.) The next generation of art world kings and queens is here living, working, and showing in the area's over 30 galleries!

-Dylan Peet