Voices: Sara Salamone, Mrs. Gallery, New York
Sara Salamone
Sara Salamone is the owner and Director of Mrs. Gallery located in Maspeth, New York.
Sara Maria Salamone and Tyler Lafreniere at Mrs. Gallery.
Who is the artist in your program that you have worked with the longest? How did that relationship begin?
Elizabeth Atterbury and I were in the photography program together at Hampshire College, graduating the in same year. Since 2001, I have witnessed Elizabeth's practice evolve and fluidly transform, which has allowed for an intimate and extensive knowledge and understanding of her work.
Tell us about one show you are excited to present in your gallery this spring.
We're very much looking forward to Meghan Brady's upcoming painting exhibition 'Said + Done,' which has been postponed from April to September due to COVID-19. Meghan had a two person exhibition with Carolyn Salas with us over the summer of 2018 and a solo presentation on Governors Island in NADA House last spring. This will be her first solo show at Mrs.
Installation View of Mark Mulroney The Dangers of Eden (Sep-Nov, 2018) Courtesy of Mrs. Gallery.
Who was the last artist who’s studio you visited? Tell us a bit about the work.
We last visited Oona Brangam-Snell, who is new to our program. Oona is a senior designer for the textile firm Maharam and a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design. She is influenced by centuries of textile production, from medieval tapestries to theater curtains. Her paintings are translated into textile based works which highlights the enduring power of traditional symbols and the emerging power of contemporary iconography, in an era defined by the digitization of fabric production.
What qualities do you look for in an artist?
Dedication, focus, and an expert level of their craft. Curatorially, we have strong personalities which means we’re quite particular with who we choose to work with, but our aesthetic sensibilities seem to balance productively. Equally important to the work is the artist’s relationship with their practice. We’re interested in artists who consider both, how this is situated into a larger context, and its ongoing trajectory.
Installation view of Caroline Wells ChandlerTutti Frutti (April-June 2019) Courtesy of Mrs. Gallery
Tell us about why you decided to open a gallery.
After holding various positions in the arts, (intern, gallery assistant, gallery manager, art fair liaison/manager, artist, and director) it was time for a serious change and an opportunity to support artists in my own unique way. Tyler lost his long time studio space in Williamsburg and had been looking for an affordable studio option. The two of us have always collaborated on and supported each other's projects and exhibitions and it made sense for us to find a space we could share. 6040 56th Drive provided the space and the energy we needed to foster our program.
What does the art world need more? Less of?
The art world needs more kindness, collaboration and less competition and ego.
Installation view, Elizabeth Atterbury 3 Sets (April-May, 2017) Courtesy of Mrs. Gallery.