TESTIMONIALS

Below we have testimonies from past students we’ve worked with! You can find each artist’s name and picture below their testimony.

“Discovering the Bowery Art Collective was a defining moment in my artistic journey and taught me how to practice creative expression authentically through my artwork. The community has provided me with the courage and inspiration to explore my connection with producing artwork while encouraging my imagination. I have been involved with the collective for several years now and have had many opportunities to meet other student artists, learn from professional artists and connect with art enthusiasts who are passionate about supporting young creatives. Reflecting on my experiences, the collective has pushed me out of my comfort zone and I am grateful for the Bowery Art Collective’s dedication to helping young artists in their artistic ambitions.”

-Michelle Shum

Stony Brook University Senior

“I first discovered Bowery Art Collective in December of 2022, and after hearing about their mission, I instantly knew this is something I wanted to be a part of. As a current member of Bowery’s team since January 2023, I can say that Bowery has continued to amaze me in what it does for young student artists. It’s a blessing to be able to directly see how Bowery positively impacts the growth of young students, and encourages their dreams like no other gallery would. It’s apparent to all that Bowery truly cares about its students and their goals, and has a deep appreciation for the arts/ art community.

I have personally benefited from Bowery as I have been able to learn the ins and outs of the business side in the art world, as I aspire to one day own my own gallery. Additionally, being part of the Emerging Curator Fellowship Program has given me an amazing opportunity to continue my practice in curating, installation, art handling, artist connections, and more! I’ve made great connections through Bowery, and I’ll be forever grateful to them for providing me with their space and resources to continue to grow as an eager, emerging artist!”

-Catie Lee

Mason Gross School of The Arts BFA Senior, Bowery Art Collective gallery assistant, 2024 Emerging Curator Fellow

“I write this testimonial with such joy because of the wonderful impact the Bowery Art Collective has had on my life. From the moment I stepped into the gallery, my work was not only acknowledged, but welcomed. Through their student art programs, I've been able to make connections with other artists and grow my network both within my town and beyond. Showing in a real gallery with other supportive artists gave me the confidence to keep doing art and to pursue art as a career. My hope is for them to keep helping future artists find their voice in the industry like they did for me!”

-Jaida Mei

“The pandemic revealed my particular lack of practical experience in my art practice when I wanted to help my mother financially sustain our family. Bowery Art Collective popped up in Google’s search engine, and I recognized a fellow high school student. This would be the first gallery I submit to and the first time I sell a painting. 

Selling my first painting is surreal, nearly fleeting, and bittersweet... What if it’s a singular anomaly? Even still, asking for help feels strange when you’re raised to pride yourself on independence and pure meritocracy. Asking the guy who owns the gallery for advice on sustaining this momentum feels like I’m overstepping somehow. 

Yet, Khalid was so keen to continue to connect with me with paintings. We reconnect once in a while; we speak of how we’ve changed as people, our relationship with painting and the art world, our new perspectives on life, and how we wish for greater happiness for ourselves and our community. Khalid has shared his knowledge with me on his exposure to being a career artist and fellow mentor figures who could expand with their experience. All of this brightened, for me, the underexposed picture of the slow climb to sustaining a creative life and entering the “art world”.

Moreover, having a long-running mentor who provides faith in my work and in me as an artist, a space that supports and encourages my growth and experimentations, and a tie with a collection of fellow student artists. The Bowery Art Collective is a safe space for me to return to—to be my checkpoint; to remind me of my progress, my start, the help I’ve received so far, and that I have potential in sustaining a creative life.

Khalid holds the memory of when we first met, and how drastically I’ve changed, and I’m able to view the collective’s growth from its origins—from an interest in nurturing creative desires of students the collective comes across. Bowery Art Collective seems to grow more vibrant and hold greater potential for helping its students and artists. I do feel glad to know of this space, and I’m eager to help, how I can, to make this space feel wonderful for future young artists.”

-Jasmine Chen

"Working at the Bowery Art Collective has been an interesting and nourishing experience. I have learned many diverse perspectives! Teaching people art has taught me so many new things. I started in June of 2023 and currently still work there. Each class has been a different environment filled with students eager to learn. The Bowery Art Collective has become a safe group of inspired artists bringing their own styles into one. I have loved every moment of working there and am grateful for such a wonderful opportunity."

-Marisol Torres

Metuchen High School Senior, Bowery’s 2023 Art Education Fellow 

“The Bowery Art Collective has helped me venture further into the art world, connect with others in the art community, and better my personal skills. Holding art workshops have taught me how to lead whilst improving my art skills and holding events have broadened my sense of management. Before the Bowery, I didn’t have much motivation but immersing myself in a supportive environment has helped me reconnect with art and I hope to continue it forever.”

-Cindy Li

Metuchen High School Senior, Bowery’s 2023 Art Education Fellow 

“My almost 13 year-old daughter Valentina showed interest in art as soon as I handed her some kid- friendly paint and the big toddler sized crayons at around 15 months old. I never imagined though at that age, how invested she would become in the craft! When she hit the fourth grade, I enrolled her in art classes and each time, the art teacher would place her with students who were high school aged. As someone who has  a background in the  performing  arts, I know how important it is to have support as an artist, but I really don’t know a lot about the visual arts. My goal as her parent has always been to support her and try to find opportunities for her, so when I heard about the Bowery Art Collective, I was so happy to realize it was a place that embraced and championed young students.

I never imagined that at age 12, my daughter would sell her first painting to a client of the Bowery… or that she would have this opportunity at all! The Collective did an art contest for students, giving her the chance to not only display her work, but to sell it outside of an eager family member looking to fluff her ego. Since then, she’s entered and placed in contests supported by the Bowery, and gone on to try selling her art work beyond her backyard. If you are a lover of the arts, I don’t need to tell you how expensive it can be to support a young artist. The fact is many young athletes get tons of opportunities thrown at them, but young artists? Not so much. And the classes, lessons and supplies are not cheap. A place like the Bowery is sorely needed for young artists looking to grow their talent, following and career. It’s the answer many of us parents of young artists have been looking for, and as a single parent paying for her art classes, I can’t tell you how much I appreciate having this support for my child!”

-Laura Lifshitz

“I first came in contact with the Bowery Art Collective when I was a junior in high school. My high school art teacher encouraged me to submit work for an exhibition, and I followed suit. At 16 years old, art was just a hobby. I had no prior experience with exhibiting my work, and was unaware of how my relationship with the Bowery was just beginning. Now a student at Mason Gross School of the Arts pursuing a BFA in Design, I can confidently say that I wouldn’t be where I am if it wasn’t for the Bowery Art Collective. My experiences as an intern, volunteer, and participant in various gallery exhibitions exposed me to a vibrant community of dedicated artists, giving me the confidence and encouragement to pursue a future in the arts. The opportunity to exhibit and sell my work at such a young age was so special and rare, and I owe so much to the sense of belonging, community, and support that the Bowery fosters.”

-Natalie Clark

“The Bowery Art Collective provided my band and a whole community with the crossover between art forms - jazz and visual art. When I approached Khalid and Arianna about my jazz combo playing at an art show, they were quick to propose the idea of a jazz-themed art show. I was able to work with them on the art show, allowing me to learn and grow as a bandleader and musician. I was amazed at the art created for the event and how it enhanced my band's music. I, for one, learned how much two art forms complement and advance one another. It is clear to me that the Bowery Art Collective always has this goal of advancing the appreciation of art in mind. I look forward to seeing what other ideas the Bowery nurtures because I am blown away by the creativity and ingenuity of every one of their shows!”

-JJ Wyetzner

“I am grateful for the Bowery Art Collective’s unwavering dedication to nurturing young artists. Their commitment to supporting emerging artist through various initiatives such as art sales, exhibitions, and curatorial programs is truly commendable.

Having had the opportunity to curate a show within their space was a transformative experience for me. It allowed me to bring together incredible artists, creating a captivating exhibition that resonated deeply with our audience. This opportunity has been invaluable to my growth as a curator and artist, and I am truly thankful for the platform the Bowery Art Collective provided me at this pivotal point in my career.”

-Sandra Kyeraa

Mason Gross School of The Arts MFA, First Emerging Curator fellow 2024