Kentler Mission

Kentler International Drawing Space, founded by two artists in 1990, is a nonprofit organization that brings important and timely exhibitions of contemporary drawings and works on paper to the public by local, national and international artists. The gallery encourages artists to experiment, explore, and expand the definitions of art in society, creating the opportunity for dialogue and interaction. Kentler International Drawing Space, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Objectives:

•  To present contemporary exhibitions of drawings and works on paper to the public by local, national and international artists as part of the cultural fabric of the community.
•  To provide artists with a venue to experiment, explore and expand the definitions of art in society, creating the opportunity for dialogue and interaction.
•  To give international artists the opportunity to exhibit their work in New York, bringing the exchange of ideas and cultures to the public,while helping to establish Red Hook, Brooklyn as a vital center for the arts on an international level.

Kentler’s on-going programs:

 •  Exhibitions: Solo shows, installations, selections from the Kentler Flatfiles and thematic group shows with a focus on quality, depth, and innovation in drawing and work on paper by emerging or under-recognized local, national and international artists. Kentler hs provided some artists with their first solo show in New York and introduced artists' works in drawing and works on paper to over 5,000 people annually through our exhibitions program. Exhibitions are free and open to the public from 4 to 6 weeks.
• The Kentler Flatfiles: An essential element of the gallery since we opened in 1990, The Flatfiles consist of a compendium of artworks by more than 130 artists and are an important extension of Kentler’s commitment to contemporary drawings and works on paper.  The Flatfiles have become a resource for artists, curators, collectors, and the general public. Our goal is to give the public more access to the diversity and quality of work in the files and give artists greater exposure of their work through exhibitions and Flatfile visits. The Flatfiles are available for viewing by appointment: Thursday-Saturday from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. / Kentler's Satellite Flatfile at Proteus Gowanus is dedicated to artists' prints.
•  K.I.D.S. Arts Education Program:  Positions the gallery within the context of the Red Hook community by providing education programs. Visits by local school groups see and discuss the gallery exhibitions led by our Arts Educators, and followed by a related workshop. One in-school pre-visit and one in-school post-visit per class serves to bridge the gallery experience with the classroom.
• Artist/Curator Talks, lectures and presentations by exhibiting artists and curators. Encouraging dialogue and interaction.  Free and open to the public.
• Kentler Web site of current and past exhibitions.
• The Red Hook Archives : A visual history of Red Hook, consisting of photographs, maps, and images that document the people, architecture and history of Red Hook. Based on The Brooklyn Collection at Brooklyn Public Library, this file is open to the public by appointment. A valuable resource for the community’s past, present and future. Bringing together the community with the arts.
• Art, Literature and Music performances: Bringing together the arts communities with new audiences and possible collaborations in conjunction with visual artists and their exhibitions.

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About Kentler

The Kentler International Drawing Space, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.