The Drawing Center

Visited The Drawing Center for the Frank Walter to Capture a Soul Exhibit. As you enter into the space you arrive in a small reception/ gift shop from there you enter into the gallery which is surprisingly spacious and the exhibit was full of thought provoking pieces. Really well put together. Sadly, I tried for several weeks to get in touch with the curator of the exhibit and was unable to get a return call.

The Drawing Center was on my hit list for this trip to New York. Founded in 1977 by Martha Beck, @drawingcenter is an exhibition space in downtown Manhattan’s SoHo neighbourhood. The Center explores various drawing mediums both past and present. The current exhibition is free to visit. Two artists were featured on my visit: Frank Walter: To Capture a Soul and Josh Smith: Life Drawing . Frank Walter is an Antiguan artist (1926-2009) and a prolific producer of art, music, diaries, family trees (he was obsessed with his connection to British royalty. Known as a polymath, he had an amazing thirst for knowledge and self improvement. Smart, savvy and able to work across a variety of mediums, his body of work is exceptional and I found it breathtaking to absorb everything that was exhibited. “During his lifetime Walter produced over 5,000 paintings, 1,000 drawings, 600 sculptures, 2,000 photographs, 468 hours of recordings, and a 50,000-page archive.” (The Drawing Center website). Josh Smith, also a feature of this exhibition, shows his alignment with Frank Walter’s style. It’s Smith’s first exhibition of drawings. Spent over an hour exploring the entire collection, soaking up Walter’s work first which set the groundwork for Smith’s work. Admired Walter’s volume of art and diversity of the mediums. His autobiography contained 6824 sheets of typed content. Phew! (See photo) Also appreciated the colour and somewhat abstract paintings of Smith. So much so I was tempted to buy a print from the well stocked merchandise space. If I was staying longer, I’d definitely return for the next exhibition. Thank you to the team who presented all the works with care and compassion. #thewanderingreviewer #frankwalter #frankwalterantigua #frankwalterart #joshsmithartist #joshuasmithart #joshsmith #thedrawingcenter #newyork2024 #thedrawingcenternyc #thedrawingcenternewyork

A surprising amount of artworks from the 1960s. The collection is well maintained and has many people collaborating across the two floors.

Came here on a field trip with my students on a Monday. We had the entire gallery to ourselves! Truly one of the best experiences and fun for everyone! Ms. Good was so kind and insightful and facilitated great conversation with my students. I am coming back with another group as soon as possible! Do yourself a favor and stop by when they’re open to the public.

I loved the art. It’s free guys don’t be afraid to go in

Lovely museum all about different pieces of drawn art. Not a huge museum but had 3 exhibits highlighting different artists all with very different styles each unique and special in their own way. Easily spend 1-2 hours strolling around. FREE admission! Clean spacious bathrooms.

The Drawing Center always has interesting and thought-provoking exhibitions. I particularly enjoyed the exhibition "Xiyadie: Queer Cut Utopias" with elaborate and highly decorative paper cuts focusing on queer desire. And the current show on Stephane Mandelbaum is breathtaking.

While known as a venue for exhibiting drawings, The Drawing Center serves secondarily as a space for greater learning and education. The interior itself is warm and welcoming, and at the time of my visit, was hosting a workshop while featuring an exhibit that communicates current social issues and community outreach. Check out the website for program schedule, and come in for momentary respite!

Was Tribeca May 26-30th tried twice on two different days to visit, both days closed, no explanation on door and no reply order message! I have been on two other visits and loved the museum but thought a bit sloppy to close without explanation!

Overall it is a small museum, with some cool art. It is in SoHo and worth checking out if you're in the area. Less than 30 mins to see the whole thing and its currently free

The Drawing Center will reopen on October 7, by appointment only. All visitors will need to make a (free) timed-entry reservation ahead of their visit. The number of visitors will be limited, visits will be limited to one hour, and visitors will be required to wear masks & practice social distancing. Also, sanitizing stations and new signage have been installed. The modified hours will be 12-6 p.m. on Wednesday-Sunday, and there won't be any group bookings available. Visitors are asked to use hand sanitizer upon entry (it will be provided). There won't be a coat check, nor can any items be stored for visitors. The bookstore will remain closed, therefore all book purchases must be made online.

Beautiful gallery space, timed entry so you should book online in advance. Gallery entrance is free admission. David Hammons show was excellent. Really appreciated his selected prints. Well worth the trip. Ebecho Muslimova exhibit was fun, seemed like she could've occupied more space. Sublevel gallery space was quite small for her work.

Small but very nice and beautiful studio, $3 with student ID. If you just enjoy the art basis and on looking you will enjoy this museum.

A small museum that offers one artist per exhibition. So you get to know the artist's work and inner workings by seeing a variety of their and only their work.

SMALL gallery that i visited to see the Ferran Adria exhibit! there's one gallery room & space downstairs for movies to play on a screen if you aren't a member of the gallery, expect to pay $3 if you have a student ID or $5 if you aren't a student.. ALTHOUGH it's free on thursdays from 6-8pm i'd come back if there was another exhibit i was interested in seeing, but otherwise i'm not sure i'd make the trek out of curiosity since the center is so small

Nice spot. 1) If art is really your thing, you will like it. 2) The place is small. 3) Come during Thursday's from 6-8pm, it is free.

One of my favorite art galleries, the Drawing Center, a not-for-profit space, continues to show innovative art in Soho, long after most galleries have left the neighborhood. The Drawing Center showcases art by artists working in the medium of drawing only. But the work on exhibit represents an amazing range of styles and strategies, expanding the idea of drawing way beyond what you expect it to be. Smart, creative work and very well curated. They also have a great ongoing serie of artists' talks and authors' readings.

I Love all Non-profit Art galleries With great programming and intriguing shows.

Since my review are typically about as useful, and since Justin L. set the precedent nearly three years ago, and since this place has 2 freakin' reviews in 6+ years, I'll just say that you should drop in Thursdays from 6-8 before they dismantle the kinda-unimpressive Adria exhibit, 'cause IDK what goes on here otherwise if Yelpers haven't been.