OPEN STUDIO, a new gallery dedicated to building the careers of artists living with disabilities and increasing the visibility of the studios that support them, opened earlier this month on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. Founded by Rachel Carle Cohen of Shelter Gallery and David Fierman of Fierman, it is currently presenting two exhibits: Lozenges, a solo show of paintings by the hugely inventive John Tursi at 127 Henry Street and Introducing Open Studio, a delightful survey of works by over two dozen artists at 119 Pike Street.
The untitled image featured above was painted with acrylic on canvas by Queens-based artist Nyla Isaac, who maintains a studio space at the Living Museum on the grounds of the Creedmoor Psychiatric Center. Several more images that we captured while visiting the opening of Introducing Open Studio in both spaces follow:
Self-taught Fountain House Gallery artist Maxx Reith “Club Gemini,” 2024, Mixed media on paper
Brooklyn-based LAND Gallery artist Michael Pellew, “Taylor Swift,” 2025, Acrylic on wood
Luca Treppiedi, “The Beach,” 2024, Acrylic on canvas
Living Museum artist John Tursi, “Untitled,” Acrylic on canvas
PASC Detroit artist Chantell Donwell, “A Diversity of Cultures,” 2025, Pen and watercolor on paper
Living Museum artist James Kusel, “Ego,” 2014, Ink on paper
The artworks can be viewed Tuesday through Friday from 12-6pm or by appointment (david@fierman.nyc) until August 9.
Photos of images: 1-5 Lois Stavsky 6 & 7 Tara Murray
