Exhibition Space: The Art Gallery TAG

Location: 460 Harrison Ave., C-2,  at SoWA Arts and Design District

The 1500 sq ft will host member group exhibitions, open calls, and holiday shows/market. TAG  can accommodate wall pieces, digital work, sculptures, installations, floor work, and hanging work. Large windows bathe the workspace in natural light, casting a warm, inviting glow that complements the gallery’s carefully curated displays. The placement of the workspace ensures that visitors can seamlessly transition between the gallery’s exhibitions and their respite, fostering a harmonious integration of art and relaxation. TAG will be open daily and staffed by art administrators, interns, Claudia Fiks, and collaborators. Hours will also cater to events and programs throughout the day and evening. Based on membership tier, members  can access the gallery even when it’s closed to the public.

Retail Space

NEAC will accommodate a retail store dedicated to handmade objects in the space and online. Its mission is to celebrate the uniqueness and inherent beauty of handcrafted artwork. We envision ourselves as a beacon of cultural heritage and creativity, bringing the warmth and individuality of artisanal crafts into the lives of our visitors and customers. By showcasing an exquisite selection of handcrafted masterpieces, our store aims to create an inspiring atmosphere where every piece tells a story and supports the talents of independent artists and craftspeople from our membership roster. Our target audience is an eclectic mix of individuals who appreciate the beauty of handcrafted art and value the story, tradition, and craftsmanship that come with each piece. By understanding the preferences of our audience, we endeavor to tailor our collection to meet their desire for art that embodies both individuality and cultural richness. We are not just a store but a thriving hub for artists to flourish and for art lovers to discover new treasures.

Rental Space

TAG offers unparalleled settings for hosting various events, from corporate meetings to private celebrations, imbuing gatherings with a sense of creativity and enlightenment. TAG boasts a unique ambiance and amenities that elevate any occasion while ensuring the safety and preservation of the artwork on display remains paramount.

Several important factors come into play when considering renting the space. First and foremost, event organizers may need to secure event insurance and, if applicable, a liquor license to adhere to legal requirements and mitigate risks associated with hosting gatherings.

Furthermore, particular attention will be given to protecting high-value or irreplaceable artwork showcased within the gallery. Measures such as installing protective barriers or restricting access to certain areas may be necessary to safeguard these valuable pieces during events.

Additionally, rental arrangements may offer the flexibility to include or exclude displayed artwork in the rental agreement. This allows event hosts to tailor the space to suit their specific needs and preferences while still allowing attendees to appreciate the captivating artwork on view.

Beyond serving as event venues, art galleries also serve as powerful tools for attracting visitors and fostering connections with organizations like NEAC. Hosting events in these spaces provides a captivating backdrop for gatherings and allows attendees to engage with the vibrant art community and discover the talent showcased by NEAC members.

Sign up now and become a part of the NEAC artistic community!

Working and meeting space

Within the space, a tucked-away workspace offers members a tranquil retreat to savor their coffee or tea amidst the captivating ambiance of artistic masterpieces. This intimate nook will be thoughtfully designed to provide a welcoming and rejuvenating respite for the gallery’s devoted patrons. Members can use the space and Wi-Fi,and outlets, to work and meet with people, clients, buyers, and collectors. This thoughtful inclusion of technological conveniences ensures that the workspace is a versatile haven for relaxation and work.

A small library and access to art-inspired reading material

A selection of art books, magazines, and digital resources line the workspace shelves, inviting members to delve deeper into the world of art and culture. This collection of materials serves as a source of inspiration and intellectual stimulation, allowing members to explore further and appreciate the gallery’s offerings.

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Programming in-person and virtual

Ongoing classes tailored for artists, art enthusiasts, and the general public encompass a diverse range of offerings. Art instructors and professionals will lead short-term and long-term workshops covering various disciplines. Some examples include:

  • Photography Workshops/Classes: Delve into photography fundamentals such as composition, lighting, and editing through half-day or one-day sessions.
  • Fine Arts and Crafts Workshops/Classes: Explore mediums like painting, drawing, mixed media, fiber, and sculpture in concentrated workshops spanning a few hours to a full day.
  • Performing Arts Workshops/Classes: Engage in hands-on activities to develop acting, improvisation, and performance skills.
  • Creative Writing Workshops/Classes: Foster a dynamic and collaborative environment for writers to refine their craft, explore new ideas, and receive constructive feedback from peers.
  • Lectures: Delivered by curators, art historians, authors, publishers, practitioners, collectors, scholars, and art leaders, covering various topics. Guided trips to museums, art fairs, and collectors’ homes offer enriching experiences.

Professional Development

  • For Artists: This includes portfolio reviews, critique sessions, marketing strategies, tax guidance, insights into the art market, and other career-related themes.
  • For Art Leaders: Encompasses fundraising, marketing, industry trends, case studies, career job fairs, art education, legal considerations, national and international cultural policies, and programming and fiscal operations.

These comprehensive offerings aim to support the growth and development of individuals across the artistic spectrum, fostering skill enhancement, knowledge acquisition, and career advancement within the arts community.

While not all initiatives will be rolled out simultaneously, our primary goal is to infuse the space with compelling programs that captivate audiences and draw them to both the area and the gallery. NEAC serves as a dynamic center for artistic expression, encompassing exhibition spaces, retail opportunities, art education initiatives, and a comprehensive resource hub. Within our facility, visitors can explore curated exhibitions, engage in hands-on art education experiences, browse through our retail offerings, and utilize our library and workspace area for research and creative endeavors. Our multifaceted approach aims to create a vibrant, inclusive environment fostering creativity, community engagement, and cultural enrichment.

Sign up now and become a part of the NEAC artistic community!

ABOUT CLAUDIA FIKS

With over two decades of leadership experience in the arts and culture sector, Claudia has honed her expertise in guiding artists and nonprofits at both national and international levels. She excels in crafting and implementing strategies that drive impactful programs forward, with proficiencies spanning program development, project management, fiscal governance, community engagement, event coordination, and fundraising. Claudia's strength lies in aligning programmatic objectives with organizational goals and funding requirements, fostering robust networks involving community partners, funders, policymakers, artists, administrators, and board stakeholders. Her professional legacy is marked by transformative collaborations that propel organizational missions forward, surpass fundraising objectives, and cultivate vibrant artistic communities. As a steadfast advocate for inclusivity, diversity, and accessibility, Claudia is deeply committed to dismantling barriers to participation and addressing the evolving needs of communities and audiences. Her dedication serves as a guiding principle for promoting equality and enhancing engagement across various art forms and contemporary cultural landscapes. Beyond her leadership roles, Claudia actively contributes to the arts ecosystem as a curator of exhibitions, art reviewer, juror, and panelist for organizations and individual artists.

Current roles include:

  • Executive Director of Galatea Fine Arts Art Gallery
  • Correspondent writer for Artscope Magazine
  • Guided Tour for Art Nexus Magazine at Art Basel Miami, Basel, and The Armory Show NYC
  • Executive Director at Newton Open Studios, an annual art fair event held every spring, and independent curator
  • Art exhibition juror and grant panelist

Past Roles:

  • Development Director at the Society of Arts and Crafts
  • Director of Institutional Advancement and Development at Fuller Craft Museum
  • Program Director at the Elliot School for Fine and Applied Arts
  • Program Director at New Art Center, Newton

Claudia’s signature program, Sip & Chat, has been a beacon for artists and art leaders. In response to the unprecedented challenges posed by the lockdown in 2021, she demonstrated adaptability and resilience by initiating a virtual version of Sip & Chat, facilitating meaningful conversations among art practitioners on transitioning to new models and adapting to unforeseen changes. After successfully offering Sip & Chat virtually for 15 months, the program has now resumed in person, showcasing Claudia’s ability to navigate and overcome challenging circumstances.

Claudia’s second signature initiative includes an exhibition, Speak Up, which will be held in its third iteration at Piano Craft Gallery in November 2024. Additionally, she organized and curated The Alchemy of Art and Play at Piano Craft Gallery in February 2024, attracting hundreds of visitors. This exhibition transcends the confines of the exhibition space, inviting participants to embark on a transformative journey that embraces the synergy between creativity and play.

About SOWA

South of Washington Ave, the Art & Design District

If Boston were a person, SoWa would be their creative side. Once an area of neglected warehouses, the district has experienced a dramatic rebirth under GTI Properties Founder Mario Nicosia’s watchful eye. It is a vibrant community of chic industrial apartments, loft office space, artist studios, art galleries, boutiques, design showrooms, and some of the hottest restaurants in Boston.

Mario Nicosia’s imagination and determination have created a corner of the city filled with the eclectic and the unexpected, a place where creativity, creative people, and innovative businesses thrive, a place where farmers sell fresh produce alongside artists selling their work. People don’t just visit this thriving art and design district; they live here in renovated loft-style apartments, they work here in reclaimed factory buildings turned into office space with an industrial vibe, they explore the outdoor market featuring local artists and vendors, and they experience one of a kind cultural events in the SoWa Power Station, architectural icon and event space.

SoWa Centre in the South End is the heart of Boston’s art and design scene. 20+ galleries are within a 2-block radius concentrated at 450 and 460 Harrison Ave. We invite you to spend the day meandering through the neighborhood discovering new artists and appreciating the creative talent this part of town offers.

The best First Friday event in the city takes place in SoWa on the first Friday of every month. In combination with the artist studios located nearby, this is THE place to buy original art.