Schema Projects Opens In Bushwick

Schema Projects is the first Bushwick gallery dedicated exclusively to works of art on paper. Housed in a former barbershop storefront, it is the brainchild of New York artist Mary Judge, well known for her dedication to all forms of drawing, both as a studio artist and educator. NY Arts caught up with Judge to find out more about her gallery.

“I moved to Bushwick from the East Village in 2008. I bought my building with an eye towards securing living and studio space for myself and generating income to cover expenses. A surprising benefit of the move was the encounter with a vital creative community unlike any other I have experienced. Projects I saw by Pocket Utopia and Norte Marr were serious and exciting and the respite from, yet proximity to, Manhattan, gave an emotional boost to the move. I had only distant dreams of doing a gallery with the storefront: but a deadbeat beauty salon owner changed all that.

I renovated the space with the idea of a rental gallery but after conversations with area galleries, I determined this was not yet a good formula for our area and decided, well, I really want to run this gallery myself! My husband Gyo Obata (HOK architects) worked to design the space. We uncovered a 12’ tin ceiling and replaced the precarious front with a new glass façade, modern and welcoming.

I decided to distinguish my gallery by focusing on drawing and work on/of paper. My own studio practice focuses on drawing and as a teacher, I taught and wrote drawing curriculum for Parsons and worked to expand the drawing focus there. I met Sonel Braslav on the street during the BOS ‘12 and sought to collaborate with her, so Blonde Art Books will have a home in the gallery.

I am most enthusiastic about presenting local, national and international artists of all generations and give venue to less known work. I will have shows of deceased artists whose work I love. Having the work of all these artists in my possession is frankly an amazing feeling. I hope to generate excitement for work that is inspiring and deserving.”

Schema Projects is located at 92 St Nicholas Ave between Hart and Suydam.  Gallery hours are Friday from 1-5 pm, Saturdays and Sundays from 1-6 pm, according to the exhibition schedule or by appointment.  To find out more go to schemaprojects.com