Open Source Gallery’s Winter Fundraiser To Benefit Ambitious 2016 Season

Open Source Gallery’s Winter Fundraiser To Benefit Ambitious 2016 Season
Cristian Bors & Marius Ritiu's "Venus von Hamburg"
Cristian Bors and Marius Ritiu’s “Venus von Hamburg,” September 2015. (Photo via Open Source Gallery)

While Open Source Gallery (OSG) is known for its diverse and stimulating exhibitions, the organization reaches out to the community far beyond their artistic medium.

On Friday, December 11, the gallery will have its Winter Fundraiser. In addition to it being an exciting event, it’s also an opportunity for you to support Open Source Gallery’s ambitious and exciting 2016 schedule.

OSG reaches out to the community in a variety of ways. Their children’s program KOKO Open Source provides learner-centered workshops for children that examine the intersection between technology, art, and the environment. KOKO is well-known for their summer Soap Box Workshop and Derby.

Soapbox Derby photo
The Soap Box Workshop and Derby. (Photo by Daniel Paterna)

Their children’s program KOKO Open Source, provides learner-centered workshops for children that examine the intersection between technology, art, and the environment.Their well-known for their summer Soap Box Workshop and Derby.

Their December Soup Kitchen brings together artists, cooks, friends, and neighbors for a month of cooking, eating, and artistic exchange.

Last year’s fundraiser provided a significant impact for the gallery, and they have raised their fundraising goal to $20,000 — which will go to the support of their 2016 schedule.

The event is hosted by Open Source Executive Director Monika Wuhrer at 257 17th Street.

open source gallery 2014 winter fundraiser
Winter Fundraiser 2014. (Photo by Taylor Neal)

This year’s event will include food, drinks, and a silent auction of work by artists from across NYC. Special guests will include: Kari Conte (Director of Programs & Exhibitions, ISCP) and Barbara Wing (Curator & Manager of Exhibitions at the Brooklyn Public Library).

OSG has planned an exhibition schedule for 11 artist collectives and artist groups from across the globe in 2016, including Boa Mistura (Spain), iCollective (International), guerilla-art.mx (Germany, Mexico), Rawiya (Middle East), Dimensions Variable (Miami, FL), and SiTE:LAB (Grand Rapids, MI). They will also continue to host lectures, events, workshops, and will kick off the 3rd season of How to Build a Fire!.

"Invisible Landscapes and Forbidden Exhibition"
From “Invisible Landscapes and Forbidden Exhibition” by Savas Boyraz. (Photo by Savas Boyraz)

In addition, they also plan to expand their children’s program, KOKO Open Source, into more schools throughout New York City. OSG wants to implement one of their most important long term goals: to reach more children in under-funded schools and communities through New York City.

The winter fundraiser is an ideal opportunity for the community to give back locally, and support one of the most important organizations in our area.

The Rundown: Open Source Gallery Winter Fundraiser 2015
Where: 257 17th Street (between 5th and 6th Avenues)
When: Friday, December 11 at 6:00pm
Tickets: $42. You can purchase them online here. A silent auction will also take place.
Can’t make it and still want to donate? You can do so online.