After three years and 27 exhibitions, the BSB Gallery in Trenton is closing its doors at the conclusion of its current exhibit on Aug. 1.
“As hard as we tried, we were unable to sustain its operation,” said Tom Gilmour, executive director of Trenton Downtown Association, which operates the gallery. Over the past several months, TDA has had to cancel its special events, which generated a significant portion of the income needed to support the gallery and its free programming and exhibitions.
Since opening in the former Broad Street Bank Building on State Street in 2018, the nonprofit BSB has served as an education and community center, as well as a space for contemporary art.
Co-curator Christy O’Connor said she is especially proud not only of the quality of work exhibited, but also that “we were able to provide an art space to people who might not otherwise have had access to one.”
An artist, curator and arts activist, O’Connor and co-curator Áine Mickey made a point to showcase the work of both accomplished and upcoming local and regional artists.
“We gave so many new artists the chance, and the confidence, to be in their first show. You have to think of that as the equivalent of your first job. Everyone needs to be in that one first show to get them started, to dip their toes into the world of exhibiting,” said Mickey, herself a Trenton-born artist and fine arts photographer and editor.
The curators didn’t know each other when the gallery opened but became good friends and were continually coming up with ideas for new community events, artists meetups, portfolio reviews, knitting classes and other workshops. Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, all of their programming and exhibits went online.
“The response to our Zoom and live streaming social media events has been incredible. We’ve been able to reach and connect with so many more people than we normally would have,” said O’Connor. “These are times people need the arts the most. I am glad we could be there for them.”
Trenton Downtown Association executive director Tom Gilmour poses with BSB Gallery co-curators Christy O'Connor, left, and Áine Mickey. The gallery announced it will closing on Aug. 1.Thomas Robert Clarke/Trenton Downtown Association
Virtual gallery tours and exhibitions include the current “Free Enterprise,” which aims to discuss capitalism, its effects and the ever-growing controversy of the American Dream through the creative lens of regional and international and multidisciplinary artists. The show runs through the end of the month. They are hoping to sell some pieces to help support the artists. The exhibit can be viewed at bsbgallery.com.
“Our goal was to curate meaningful, impactful exhibitions that got people to think,” said Mickey, “and to create a welcoming space where people wanted to be. Anyone can enjoy art.”
In addition to the BSB Gallery, TDA provides cultural programs and events designed to promote the revitalization of New Jersey’s capital city.
“I am a believer that the arts are an important economic driver and that we will be back,” Gilmour stressed. “We are sincerely grateful to everyone who participated and supported the BSB Gallery, from its patrons to its dedicated staff and beneficiaries. Together we created a platform that promoted and recognized the extraordinary arts and artists in Trenton, a city whose affordable studio and living space, along with its community-focused entrepreneurial spirit, continues to attract more and more creative talent.”
For more information, visit bsbgallery.com, call 908-489-8820 or email tom@trenton-downtown.com.
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Email Patrick O’Shea at poshea@njadvancemedia.com