Brooklyn has more to offer than plaid and hipsters

In the borough of dirty pretension—Brooklyn—art is a thing both public and private, found both on alley walls and gallery walls. But all these spaces, in typical Brooklyn fashion, are not as formulaic as their Manhattan counterparts. Rather, they tend to support up-and-coming artists as well as encourage younger, more frugal buyers to claim their stake of the art world. And because the borough is already a seemingly far trip from the Upper West Side, here are three galleries all within walking distance of each other, located within the hip confines of Williamsburg.

Pierogi 2000
In an inconspicuous brick building, Pierogi is the definition of the Brooklyn art scene. The artist-run gallery aims to support both the established and emerging of the art world, and is internationally known for its buyer-friendly “Flat Files,” which contain the work of over 700 artists. These files are housed in Brooklyn but travel the world, giving global exposure to their creators by offering original pieces at more affordable prices. Pierogi also has a project space titled The Boiler, housed in an industrial space in Williamsburg.
Pierogi is located at 77 North Ninth St. in Brooklyn. The next show, featuring artist Ryan Mrozowski, opens today from 7-9 p.m.

Cinders Gallery
This space is an aptly named home for the DIY art set, whose founders experienced a devastating house fire during their search for the proper gallery location. Born out of a reaction to the often stifling and cold world of contemporary art, Cinders encourages creative expression as well as community togetherness. The pieces are often in the modern-folk mindset, and many sell for truly affordable prices, low enough for students to purchase. Along with monthly art shows, the gallery also has a book and magazine collection and a small retail section. Cinders’ community outlook is also developed through public events, including readings, performances, and live music.
Cinders Gallery is located at 103 Havemeyer St. in Brooklyn. Artist Monica Canilao exhibits in the next show, titled “We are dust,” opening on April 30.

Causey Contemporary
The gallery was recently renamed to commemorate its move into an expansive space on Wythe Avenue. This new location, which welcomes contemporary art’s oft-sizable pieces, is fronted by floor-to-ceiling industrial windows. While the space feels more like a classic gallery, it nonetheless has been a Williamsburg mainstay since its inception at its former location in 1999.
Causey Contemporary is located at 92 Wythe Ave. in Brooklyn. The gallery is currently showing “Run from View,” an exhibition of photographs by Chuck Kelton, as well as “Day for Night,” with pieces by Shelton Walsmith. Both exhibitions run through May 17.